Dael tried to steady the Saint's trembling spirit with a calm voice, "It can only be said that this time we missed a move."

"The true combat power of a cultivator in the fifth-turn Mahayana Realm, according to reason, such ancient ruins left by Mahayana Realm cultivators shouldn't have caught her attention so easily."

Morwen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she analyzed. "Perhaps Althea suspected the rumors from the start and came to Black Forest Mountain to lure us out. Her pride made her think she could trap us here, but she never expected our Black Demon Sect would be so well prepared."

The third commander chimed in, "Are you considering the next move? The Azure Origin Dao Sect remains difficult to deal with, but this time we haven't gained nothing. At least we uncovered one of their trump cards."

Morwen let out a deep breath, trying to calm the chaotic demonic energy swirling inside her. She swallowed several healing pills, the elixir slowly knitting her wounds.

After regaining some composure, she shrugged disdainfully. "Wisteria Cloud Valley, the so-called strongest second-rate force in Skyreach, yet they cannot discern the true background of the Azure Origin Dao Sect. Pathetic."

"We must return to our sect quickly to report Althea's condition and that of the Wisteria Cloud Valley," Morwen said, voice sharp. "I will propose canceling our alliance with them."

"A wise choice," several commanders murmured in agreement.

Morwen coughed twice, settling cross-legged to mend her breath. The sword strike from Althea had left her seriously injured, forcing her to push through the day's retreat despite her wounds. Now, she was far from fully healed but could move again.

The second commander issued orders, "Dael, guard the Holy Lady. Korr and I will stay vigilant around the perimeter."

"Understood!" Dael and the others responded with cupped hands.

Half a day later, Morwen's injuries had somewhat receded, and her breathing steadied. Though not fully recovered, she was ready to move.

"It's time to return. Prepare to leave this area," Morwen announced, rising steadily.

The four commanders nodded and followed as she led them swiftly towards the Black Demon Sect deep in the Shiwanda Mountain.

Morwen glanced back once at the sprawling Skyreach Territory with clenched fists.

"Althea, remember this—I'll mark your death the next time we meet," she vowed with venom.

.....

Ten days passed.

At the Azure Origin Dao Sect's tranquil Serene Mirror Lake, Althea and Marlon landed gracefully on the shore.

Disciples nearby stirred in surprise and respect.

"Look! It's the Sword Peak Master!"

"The Sword Peak Master, known as the Sword Immortal, is a swordsman genius rarely seen once in a hundred years in the Azure Origin Dao Sect," one disciple whispered in awe.

"Back then, she was considered the foremost under the Empress!"

"She is the youngest peak master of the Sword Peak, born with the Natural Sword Body and stunning in beauty."

"Indeed, she lives up to the reputation!"

Whispers of admiration flowed.

"It is said Althea is nearly as strong as Elder Ethan."

A fervent fan of Ethan quickly retorted, "Don't listen to that nonsense! Master Ethan's talent eclipses even the princes of Vernal Dawn's royal bloodline. No opponent below the Mahayana realm can challenge him. While Peak Master Althea is formidable, she doesn't quite match Elder Ethan's caliber."

Neither Althea nor Marlon let the disciples' chatter disturb them. Such words were familiar and minor.

Althea turned toward Marlon with sincere gratitude, "Thank you for your secret protection along the way. I truly appreciate your efforts."

Marlon stroked his graying beard warmly, "No need for thanks. Protecting you has been my honor. If it weren't for you, this old man would have been having tea with the Blue Void Ancestor in the heavens instead."

His smile was gentle yet proud.

He regarded Althea not just as a prodigy but as a beacon for the Azure Origin Dao Sect's future.

Now under the guidance of Empress Lyralei and Saint Seraphina, with talents like Ethan and Althea rising, the sect's glory was poised to return.

Perhaps soon distinct from a lesser power, it may even rival the Holy Land of Endless Mountains—the formidable giant of Skyreach Territory.

"I'm old and can't keep up with you young prodigies," Marlon chuckled. "The Dao Sect's future lies in your hands now."

Althea returned his smile softly, "Mr. Marlon, you are the foundation of our sect, not old."

"Haha, don't be so humble young one. With your talents, a bit of arrogance is deserved."

"As you've safely returned, I will take my leave and return to the Demon Sealing Cave to resume my duties," Marlon said as he turned.

"If you ever need me, come find me there."

Althea nodded respectfully, watching as he disappeared into the forest near the lake.

Her gaze drifted upward to the mountains overhead—toward Junior Brother Ethan's residence.

But before she sought him out, an important matter awaited.

With steely resolve, Althea transformed into a stream of white light, flying toward Sword Peak.

.....

At Sword Peak's courtyard, Daniel, the elder, practiced his swordsmanship, placing his weapon down to rest.

He stood contemplative, gazing toward the heavens.

"Ethan left the Dao Sect some time ago," he mused inwardly. "The Black Demon Sect must have been informed by the intelligence I fed back."

Daniel sneered, "Ethan is young and reckless. What use is defeating Ashen? It's only the Tribulation Transcendence realm."

"If you do not enter the Mahayana realm, you are nothing but ants. Without Azure Origin Dao Sect's protection, our Black Demon Sect needs only to deploy a few Mahayana Realm Secret Demon Commanders to eliminate him and prevent future troubles."

"And Althea? She must have been cut down in the ambush at Black Forest Mountain—"

A shadow of excitement crossed his face.

"This time, the Azure Origin Dao Sect suffered heavy losses. Soon, our Black Demon Sect will regroup and rise again. When that time comes, my return to Blackspire Mountain will be assured!"

Lurking within the Dao Sect for nearly a century, Daniel could scarcely contain his anticipation for going back home.

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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