Atlas Ashmount hesitated for only a breath before forcing a smile.

"Heavenly Lake belongs to the Blood Tavern," he said slowly, choosing his words with care, "but I hope the Blood Tavern can reserve some cultivation spots for disciples of the Endless Mountains Holy Land."

The Blood Marquis laughed heartily and raised both hands, spreading his fingers.

"Don't worry. How about ten spots every year?"

"Okay." Atlas Ashmount nodded immediately. Ten places were already generous—far more than he had expected. He did not dare to ask for more.

At that moment, Ethan had already disappeared into the night sky with Solara and Alix.

Not long after, Ethan arrived at the western outskirts of Noble Sun City.

Several massive teleportation arrays still stood intact, ancient formations engraved deep into the stone. Though battered by earlier shockwaves, their cores remained undamaged.

Ethan landed calmly in the center of one array. He stretched out his palm, and dozens of pieces of spiritual marrow shot forward like meteors, embedding themselves precisely into the formation's nodes.

Buzz—!

Spiritual light surged violently.

Driven by the pure energy of the spiritual marrow, the formation awakened with a low roar.

Ethan's mind stirred. White divine power spread outward, wrapping Solara, Alix, Shia, and Houda within it.

As the array rotated, a towering curtain of light rose into the air.

The next instant, the five figures vanished.

.....

Sun and Moon City.

Lanterns glowed like constellations fallen to the mortal world. Streets bustled with cultivators, laughter echoing beneath the night sky.

Peaceful.

No one yet knew that Noble Sun City had already become a battlefield stained with Supreme blood.

No one knew that the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets had suffered a devastating blow.

Tonight, Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets closed its doors early.

This caused a stir.

Many cultivators who intended to trade frowned in confusion, murmuring among themselves. Yet no one dared voice dissatisfaction.

After all, Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets was the strongest force in Sun and Moon City. It could open or close whenever it wished.

Especially in recent years, the Pavilion had nearly monopolized all major transactions. The three great families were suppressed until they could barely breathe.

Before long, they would have only one choice left—hand over their family secrets and become vassals, surrendering everything.

Top floor of Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

A cool, elegant girl in a blue dress paced back and forth, her footsteps light yet restless.

Moments later, an old man in white robes appeared behind her like a drifting ghost.

"Ava," he asked calmly, "why are you so anxious?"

"There was news from Noble Sun City," Ava replied without stopping.

"The branch planned to clear out Noble Sun City tonight and take down the Blood Tavern and the Myriad Treasure Pavilion."

Her brows knitted tightly.

"But it's been hours. There's still no news."

The girl who once stood behind the counter had long since grown into a striking beauty. Now, she was the spokesperson of Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets in Sun and Moon City—and a first turn Mahayana cultivator.

The man behind her was Oswin.

More than ten years had passed. He had broken through from the Eighth Turn Mahayana to the peak of the Ninth Turn, his aura now deep and unfathomable.

"Girl," Oswin said gently, stroking his beard, "you are already the branch spokesperson. You must learn patience."

"Both the Blood Tavern and Myriad Treasure Pavilion are not simple forces. It's normal for things to take time."

Ava finally stopped and stood by the window, gazing in the direction of Noble Sun City.

"Once the news arrives," she said coldly, "we move immediately."

She turned sharply.

"We've shown the three major families enough mercy. They still refuse to hand over their inheritance and even dare to unite against us."

"Come here!"

A masked guard emerged silently from the shadows.

"Here."

"Deliver an ultimatum," Ava ordered, her voice icy.

"If they do not surrender their family secrets by noon tomorrow and swear loyalty to Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets—then tonight will be their extermination."

"Understood."

The guard vanished.

Oswin exhaled slowly. "That's rather forceful."

Then his gaze shifted to the wall.

A portrait hung there.

A wanted poster.

A man wearing a black mask—eyes cold, presence sharp.

Aether.

Ten years ago, Oswin had personally hunted him down… and failed.

It was a stain he never forgot.

Now, he had reached the Ninth Turn Mahayana. If he met that arrogant youth again, he would crush him without mercy.

"Ava," Oswin said quietly, "do you still remember that man? Aether."

Ava glanced at the portrait indifferently.

"It's been ten years," she replied calmly. "No news at all. He probably died somewhere unknown."

Oswin's eyes darkened.

At that very moment—

The teleportation array in the eastern district of Sun and Moon City suddenly lit up.

The stationed guards froze.

This was not a scheduled activation.

Light surged violently.

"What's going on?!" someone shouted.

Dozens of guards rushed forward, weapons raised, surrounding the formation.

The light curtain rose—then fell.

Five figures stepped out.

"Who is it?" the guard captain barked, gripping his spear tightly, eyes wary.

"You dare speak so impudently to Mr. Ethan? Courting death!"

Before Ethan could even open his mouth, Alix roared and struck.

Boom—!

Spiritual energy exploded outward.

Though his cultivation had only recovered to half, Void Amalgamation guards were ants before him.

In mere breaths, dozens of guards collapsed unconscious.

Ethan watched quietly.

Not bad.

He lifted his gaze toward the tallest building in the city—the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Oswin had chased him back then.

Now that he had returned, it was only right to pay a visit.

Ethan's thoughts stirred.

The Onyx mask appeared in his hand.

He put it on.

Aether returned.

"Daddy!" Solara exclaimed excitedly.

"That mask is so cool! I want one too!"

Ethan chuckled and took out a smaller replica, gently placing it on her face.

Alix and the others stared eagerly.

"Put them on."

Ethan waved his hand. Three ghost masks fell into their palms.

They donned them without hesitation.

Moments later, the masked group stood before the gates of Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Alix stepped forward and knocked loudly.

"Who is it?!" a sharp voice called from inside.

Solara put her hands on her waist and shouted crisply, "Open the door! Checking the water meter!"

"Checking the water meter?"

The guards in Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets frowned.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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