In addition to the Original Power, Ethan discerned a large amount of Earth Vein energy flowing faintly around the area, mingled with a subtle trace of Heaven Vein energy.

Combined, these energies formed a rich collection of pure, concentrated power—truly the distilled essence of a supreme life's cultivation.

"Obtaining the Supreme Heart is like holding the key to enter the Supreme Realm. After enduring nine tribulations of Nirvana, the one who possesses the Supreme Heart can easily survive the Supreme Tribulation and ascend to become a Supreme!" Onyx's voice carried weight.

"That's the kind of profit I like," Ethan chuckled. "I really made a fortune this time."

But the sounds outside the ruin grew more intense by the moment.

Ethan's sharp senses detected that all the formations he painstakingly erected had been breached.

"The eighth-turn Mahayana Realm cultivators are truly not to be trifled with," Ethan sneered.

Through his keen perception, he identified the powerful figures arrayed outside the stone gate—the combined forces of the three major aristocratic families along with the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

In mere minutes, the door to the ancient ruins would be flung wide open.

Time was running short. Ethan could no longer afford convoluted thoughts or hesitation.

A wave of his hand summoned all the treasures sited on the nearby stone pillars.

His senses flashed outward, sweeping over countless treasure chests scattered about.

Inside lay an abundance of spiritual crystals and precious essences.

Numerous elixirs and rare herbal spiritual plants filled some chests—but their value paled compared to the treasures housed within the twenty-six stone pillars.

Without a second glance, Ethan swiftly gathered all the riches into his bag.

The moment the bones of the corpse transformed into the Supreme Heart, the seal and restrictions within the ruins dissolved simultaneously.

Approaching Chrome Silkrain and the others, he waved his hand to summon several treasure boxes in front of them.

"I, Aether, keep my word. This is what I owe you," Ethan stated.

Of all the treasure chests, he retained but one—the very best spiritual essences among them.

The rest were barely treasures in his eyes.

"Take these. Use them well to fend off anyone who comes for trouble."

The three stood stunned, caught between disbelief and gratitude.

No one expected Aether to honor his words.

Though these boxes paled compared to the treasures atop the pillars, to them, they represented heaps of fortune.

Boom!

The ancient stone doors creaked and slowly parted from the middle.

Ethan vanished in a streak of light, reappearing close to the gaping entrance, moving fluidly with the door's motion.

At long last, the entrance fully opened.

Outward stood representatives from the three great families and the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Oswin and Michael's faces were grim as they surveyed the main hall.

No sign of Aether remained.

Only three young figures—Eunice and two others—remained.

Upon seeing this, they hastily concealed their treasure boxes.

"Bring out the goods!" Oswin commanded harshly.

Eunice and other two glanced sideways toward Ethan, who silently lingered just beyond the stone gate.

Though close, Oswin remained oblivious to his presence.

Of course, none dared defy Oswin; they complied, producing each treasure box carefully.

"Where is Aether?" Oswin demanded, spreading his refined senses throughout the hall.

But apart from the three juniors, he detected no trace of a fourth presence.

Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile. His cultivation of the Breath Technique had long reached mastery. Even a Mahayana cultivator at the peak of the ninth turn will not be able to notice Ethan's presence.

The three family heads exhaled in relief upon seeing their offspring alive and unscathed.

The treasure boxes at their sides were tangible proof—their descendants had returned with spoils. Of course, what exactly lay inside remained unknown.

"Your grandpa is here!" Ethan's voice rang out suddenly.

In the blink of an eye, a figure shot from behind the stone door.

Taking the form of a streaking light, he rushed swiftly toward the exit above.

Caught unaware, Oswin and his companions could only stare helplessly.

Though only a breath or two passed, Ethan was already far beyond view.

"Michael, guard this place. I will catch that brat, reclaim the treasure, and cripple him—make sure he knows the consequences of provoking the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets!"

Oswin barked orders, leapt into the air, transformed into streaks of light, and gave chase.

Ethan felt Oswin's pursuit closing steadily.

Within, a surge of water essence flowed freely through his veins.

With the blessing of the water element, his movements flowed smoothly and unpredictably.

His form became a fleeting wisp of mist. In a blink, he struck forth like a rising tide, bursting out from the very heart of the stone slab.

Yet Oswin pressed hard behind him.

"Aether! Surrender now, hand over the treasures you acquired below, so that the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets can forgive past offenses. If not, you will surely die!" Oswin thundered.

"Old dog, your opinion of me is too generous. I'm nowhere near capable enough to grab treasures from this ancient tomb."

"If you don't return to control the situation, the three great families will seize the treasures in the ruins!" Ethan said coolly.

"If you didn't obtain treasures, why run so fast? Do you take me for a child?" Oswin sneered, his speed increasing dramatically.

Ethan studied Oswin—a cultivator of the eighth-turn Mahayana Realm whose speed was indeed formidable.

"Five Elements Escape Technique, Wind Escape!"

He unfurled enormous wings, transforming into a gale on high.

His figure blurred like mist riding the breeze; his speed surged beyond before.

"So fast!"

"That's the ancient beast Phoenix's sacred wings you have. I underestimated you," Oswin hissed as he unleashed secret arts to match.

Sweeping faster, he closed the gap.

"Still chasing me? Are you not afraid the three great families could snatch the treasure from the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets?"

"Do you think the three families are fools who would risk stealing treasures from the Pavilion while I'm here?"

Oswin spat, accelerating further.

The distance between adversaries shrank quickly.

"The middle stage of the Dharma body is still not enough. Though I have many ways to escape, bridging the realm gap proves difficult."

Ethan's expression turned serious.

Producing a jade bottle, he uncorked it and absorbed the potent blood essence within.

The crimson energy vanished into the center of his eyebrows.

With a single thought, a red light emitted from his body.

Then, his speed surged again.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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