The so-called Holy Son was the designated candidate for the Holy Lord.
Every two hundred years, the reigning Holy Lord would be succeeded directly by the Holy Son.
Cain Ashenvale, the young master of the Ashenvale family, was a genius of unparalleled talent in the Holy Land of Endless Mountains.
Naturally, he was a prime contender to inherit the mantle of Holy Lord one day.
Even if Cain Ashenvale showed an interest in Seraphina, would his family truly consent?
His gaze lingered on her great looks and rare talents—it was clear his intentions were more toying and fleeting than sincere.
Men understand men best.
Bram was certain: Cain Ashenvale merely wanted to enjoy himself.
Unless Cain wielded the same furnace technique as Bram—a rare skill preserved since antiquity—it was unlikely he sought more.
Such refined techniques were unique heirlooms handed down through generations.
"Seraphina," Bram sneered, voice tinged with warning as he turned away, "don't let Cain fool you. I still need your body to craft my greatest cauldrons."
In that moment, Seraphina came back to herself.
A slight flush lingered upon her cheeks.
Yet Cain Ashenvale's presence offered her some comfort.
Especially after learning his true identity, excitement prickled her heart.
The young master of Ashenvale family was a super-genius, ranked third on the Heaven's Prodigy List!
He hailed from the Holy Land, a place of immense status and respect.
Though he was close to her age, Cain had risen to the third level of the Mahayana realm.
Moreover, among geniuses of such caliber, realm rank didn't fully reflect true combat strength.
His actual power could well rival fifth or even sixth-turn Mahayana cultivators.
Cain Ashenvale's heroic rescue of a beauty left an excellent impression on Seraphina.
Water naturally flows downward, and people ascend to greater heights.
Seraphina entertained the notion of forging a friendship—or even a Dao companion—with Cain.
Still, she harbored concerns.
Talented cultivators like Cain Ashenvale often bore arrogance deep within their nature.
Would he truly regard her with genuine regard?
Yet Cain's sincere praise of her appearance gave her a flicker of hope.
"Aether, the one I met in Sun Moon City before, is now ranked fifth on the Heaven's prodigy list. I wonder who is stronger between Cain Ashenvale and Aether?"
"Well, Bram is insignificant compared to the two of them. I look forward to that showdown," Seraphina sighed quietly.
Reality's unrelenting truths had battered down much of her youthful confidence.
"Ethan, Ethan, you are nothing like these others. Perhaps I was too ambitious competing with you."
"You may be slightly stronger than me. But compared to geniuses like Aether and Cain Ashenvale, you are still far behind."
Her thoughts drifted to the Ethan she had encountered before, and she murmured inwardly.
Although Ethan held an invitation letter from the Blood Tavern—
A genius of Cain Ashenvale's stature didn't even bother to join.
This young master would in the future surely compete for the Holy Son title.
Cain Ashenvale cared little for tavern invitations.
"Girl, are you alright?" Cain Ashenvale looked at Seraphina intently.
He admired the exquisite beauty, a rarity even within the storied Holy Land.
"Father was right. The outside world is vibrant and exciting—you should explore more."
"Completing the cultivation of the Four Spirit Holy Body will not be possible by staying confined to the Holy Land."
"Thank you for saving me, sir. May I know your name?"
Seraphina cupped her hands respectfully, her previous arrogance entirely gone.
"I am Cain Ashenvale of the Ashenvale family in the Holy Land of Endless Mountains," he introduced.
"My name is Seraphina, a saint… disciple of the Azure Origin Dao Sect," she replied.
She intended to emphasize her status as a saint.
But reflecting on Cain's lofty identity, she thought better of it.
"Thank you, Mr. Cain, and thanks also to the seniors from the Holy Land. On behalf of Azure Origin Dao Sect, I, Edwin, express my deepest gratitude."
Edwin stepped forward, saluting with reverence.
"It's nothing. Azure Origin Dao Sect is among the four major sects in Skyreach Territory. As members of the Holy Land, we cannot stand idly by."
However, the middle-aged woman who accompanied Cain shook her head with a tinge of disappointment.
"I did not expect your sect had degenerated so much in these years. A grand occasion such as the Treasure Appraisal Conference only warranted you sending a handful of low-ranking Mahayana cultivators to lead."
"At minimum, two fifth-turn Mahayana cultivators should accompany you, ensuring safety."
Edwin and others exchanged uncomfortable glances.
The woman's words were harsh but irrefutable.
"What the senior says is indeed truthful, but this time our sect made a grave mistake," Edwin admitted with a sigh.
The middle-aged woman trailed off, stepping behind Cain Ashenvale.
Edwin inhaled deeply, thoughts turning grim.
If not for the Holy Land's timely intervention, escaping Bram's clutches would have been near impossible.
But Cain Ashenvale's presence was beyond their reach.
The help felt more like a stroke of luck than dependable aid.
What if Bram's menace visited them again?
If one's strength could not measure, misfortune was inevitable.
Edwin realized he had no choice but to seek Ethan's aid.
Yet knowing Ethan's strained relations with the Saint, inviting him would prove difficult.
Still, in this foreign land, only Ethan could be trusted.
No matter what, it was a possibility they had to try.
Otherwise, safe way back to the sect after the conference would be perilous.
Cain Ashenvale perked up when Seraphina's name was mentioned.
"You are the saint of Azure Origin Dao Sect? I have heard much about you, but now that I see you, you truly possess the talent and beauty spoken of."
Seraphina's heart fluttered with happiness.
To be recognized by the young master of the Ashenvale family—a top three genius in the Heaven's Prodigy List—was a great honor.
"You are too kind, Young Master Cain. Compared to you, I am far behind."
"Haha, not a compliment. It's remarkable for Miss Seraphina to achieve such honor in such a small place."
Edwin winced at that phrase "small place."
But he knew better than to argue.
He had no choice but to accept it.
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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