She stretched out her slender palms, her fingers as white as jade, perfectly manicured nails catching the dim firelight. She gently placed her palms near the flames, admiring the flickering orange glow with a faint, calculating smile.

"Although there is no news about Ethan, it would be wise to eliminate Althea. After all, she was once a saint of the Azure Origin Dao Sect and known as the number one powerhouse under Lyralei. Yet, I remain uncertain how she measures up against me here. What do you think?" she asked softly.

Leaning against the rough stone wall, the third commander of the Dark Devil Secret Guard spoke with a cold confidence. "The saint's talent and strength are undefeated beneath the Mahayana realm. Though Althea was born with the famed Natural Sword Body, I fear she still falls short of Her Highness."

The four men standing in the shadowed room were the commanders of the Dark Devil Secret Guards, all formidable cultivators within the Mahayana realm.

"Circulate the news about an ancient ruin in the city. We must ensure Althea doesn't grow suspicious," another commander ordered sharply.

"Understood!" the Dark Devil Secret Guards accepted the command without question and withdrew silently into the night.

"Is everyone ready?" the Saint of the Black Demon Sect asked, her voice low and filled with steely resolve.

"Your Highness, everything is in place. Once Althea steps into Black Forest Mountain, there will be no escape for her," the third commander replied, his icy gaze unwavering.

"Excellent. Then we merely await our prey to come to the trap," the Black Demon Sect Saint chuckled darkly, the sound echoing ominously through the chamber.

.....

The following morning, Althea awoke from her meditation, her mind and body perfectly aligned and calm. Today would be another day to seek information in the city. If any traces of the ancient ruins surfaced, she would venture into Black Forest Mountain to investigate.

If nothing came of it, then surely the rumors were false and the elder from Sword Peak who fed her this news was hiding something.

She rose smoothly, picked up her long sword, and descended to the first floor. Sitting by the window, she ordered a simple breakfast, chicken soup with beans, and listened carefully to the chatter around her.

"Are the ruins in the Black Forest Mountain real or just a myth? Has anyone dared to explore?" one patron asked.

"I don't know for sure. I heard it's a secret realm left behind by a powerful Mahayana realm cultivator. Ordinary cultivators wouldn't dare go that deep," came the cautious reply.

"Why don't we try our luck over there?" said another.

"Are you crazy? Venturing into Black Forest Mountain's depths as a bunch of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators? We'd be dead for sure," a wary voice warned.

"What do you know? If you're lucky, you might find great rewards," countered the first speaker.

"But would you really stay in this small Black Mountain city as a Nascent Soul cultivator forever?" another questioned.

"Of course not," they all agreed in unison.

"So why hesitate? Let's go, the risk might just pay off," said one, and the others nodded.

Althea's ears caught every word of the conversation regarding the ruins. There seemed to be a shred of truth in the rumors after all.

She paused to finish her soup in a single gulp before rising to prepare for the day's exploration. But just as she stood, a figure in a black robe and bamboo hat sat down opposite her, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"Wait a moment," the man said, his voice rough with age.

Althea hesitated but then sat back down, recognition dawning.

This was none other than the Mahayana Realm expert from the Azure Origin Dao Sect who had followed her—a suspected senior from the Sword Peak.

Removing his bamboo hat, the man revealed his aged face, weathered but dignified. A glowing purple sword talisman appeared in his hand, unmistakably the unique mark of Sword Peak.

Its significance was immense—it bore the authority of a peak master, if not the first among them.

"I am the Elder of the Demon Sealing Cave, the thirty-third generation peak master of Sword Peak," he introduced himself solemnly.

Althea's eyes widened. She was of the thirty-sixth generation; her master the thirty-fifth. This elder was her master's master's master—a lineage steeped deeply in history and power.

"I would like to examine your sword talisman," Althea said cautiously.

"Quite prudent. Here," he replied, handing it over.

The talisman was unique, forged only through the sword art inherited by the Sword Peak's peak masters. Possession confirmed authenticity—this was no imposter.

"It matches," said Althea, speaking in the secret message code of their sect. "Disciple Althea, thirty-sixth master of Sword Peak, greets the elder."

"No need for formality. The Sword Peak elders are aware you plan to seek opportunities outside. I was sent through Demon Sealing Cave last night to accompany and protect you," he explained.

"Yes, the opportunity is this rumored Black Forest Mountain ruins," Althea confirmed.

"This supposed ancient ruin left behind by a powerful Mahayana Realm cultivator should have attracted a vast number of Tribulation Transcendence and Mahayana Realm cultivators. Yet, strangely, the city is silent," Marlon said, having overheard the tavern talk.

Althea pondered. "Yesterday, I wandered the city without venturing far, resting early at the inn. But Elder's visit to Black Mountain City was different. Quite deliberate."

"Indeed," Marlon agreed. "Let us wait a few more days. If the source is false, the truth will surface."

Althea nodded. "Then Master, I will accompany you around the city."

"Please, call me Mr. Marlon," the elder smiled faintly.

.....

Five days slipped by.

Late at night in the cave beneath Black Forest Mountain, Morwen, the saint of the Black Demon Sect, paced restlessly. The passage of five days, and yet Althea remained in the city, her intentions unclear.

"What kind of plan is she unfolding?" Morwen muttered, unable to contain her agitation.

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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