"Now that the crisis in the Demon Sealing Cave has been eliminated, those disciples who died innocently because of the demons can finally rest in peace."

Old Ghost Athen lowered his head as he spoke. For once, his voice carried no ridicule or impatience—only rare solemnity.

The night wind brushed past Serene Mirror Lake.

The faces of the elders and disciples were filled with relief and excitement, yet beneath it lay heavy emotion.

Over the years, flowers bloomed and withered, fortunes rose and fell. Azure Origin Dao Sect had staggered on the brink of collapse countless times.

And yet, at last—

It had seen a turning point.

"Don't celebrate too early," a hoarse voice suddenly said.

"Have you all forgotten what Ethan went through?"

"If there wasn't someone in this sect he still cared about, it's hard to say whether he would've come back at all."

Mr. Stone descended from the sky and landed behind Old Ghost Athen and the others.

His back was still bent, his figure still thin, yet when he looked at Ethan—now standing as a Supreme powerhouse—his eyes were filled with complicated sighs.

His words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's heads.

The smiles slowly faded.

"Mr. Stone," the elders cupped their hands in greeting.

"How's the situation in the sect?" Elder Azel asked.

"The crisis is resolved," Mr. Stone replied coldly.

"But one-third of the disciples are gone."

"They fled when the sect was in danger. Betrayed it and ran."

"They chose to leave at that time. Their life and death have nothing to do with Azure Origin Dao Sect anymore."

His tone was sharp, anger still lingering from earlier events.

"It's good that there was no greater loss," someone muttered.

"What you meant just now…" another elder hesitated, "was about the conflict between Ethan and the Sect Master… and the saint?"

"Of course," Mr. Stone said bluntly.

"Lyralei and Seraphina, master and disciple, acted willfully. Treating Ethan that way—how could it not break one's heart?"

"But what's done is done. If you ask me, remove them both and let Ethan become sect leader."

"Sect leader?" Mr. Stone shook his head slowly.

"This small Dao Sect can't hold him."

"He seeks immortality and invincibility. This place is only a stop along the way."

"Enough discussion," Mr. Stone said again.

"We'll talk after Mr. Burn comes out of seclusion."

At that moment, Ethan descended from the night sky and landed beside them.

"Daddy!"

"Senior Brother Ethan!"

Solara and Liana called out at the same time.

"Ethan," Mr. Stone asked quietly, "how long are you staying this time?"

"Until Master leaves seclusion," Ethan replied calmly.

"What happened back then should finally have its consequences."

Mr. Stone paused, then sighed. "Just… do whatever you think is right."

Ethan did not respond.

He simply looked toward the east.

Moments later, Lyralei and Seraphina arrived, flying down from the Holy Peak.

"Mr. Stone. Elders." Lyralei forced a composed expression.

"How is the situation?"

Her gaze swept toward Ethan.

The coldness in his eyes made her scalp tingle, guilt creeping up uncontrollably.

"Lyralei. Seraphina."

Ethan spoke flatly.

"What happened back then should finally have its consequences."

"What do you want?" Lyralei asked, her voice tense.

"It seems," Ethan said with a faint laugh, "that after all these years, Sect Leader Lyralei still hasn't reflected on herself."

"Still arrogant. Still unwilling to admit fault."

His smile faded.

Pressure exploded outward.

In an instant, the surrounding air froze.

Mr. Stone and the elders' expressions changed drastically.

Before anyone could speak, they were forced back by an overwhelming wave of pressure.

Seraphina cried out and collapsed to the ground.

She clutched her chest, face pale, her breathing ragged as suffocation crushed her lungs. Her sea of consciousness throbbed violently, pain splitting her head.

Lyralei bit her red lips hard.

Her snow-white calves trembled uncontrollably.

Even after exerting all her strength, she could not withstand Ethan's pressure.

Plop.

She dropped to one knee.

Raising her head, she stared at Ethan, resentment burning in her eyes as she gasped for breath.

"Ethan—what do you want?!" she demanded.

"Sect Leader Lyralei," Ethan replied calmly, "you're no longer a child."

"When you do something wrong, you should know what to do afterward."

"Uncle Ethan…"

Seraphina, hair disheveled and face ashen, struggled to kneel.

"It was all my fault back then. I was willful. I confused right and wrong. I insulted your innocence."

"I deserve death. Punish me instead."

"Please don't embarrass my master. It has nothing to do with her."

The saint—once aloof and proud—was now trembling, begging with no trace of dignity left.

"If you knew this," Ethan sneered, "why did you do it in the first place?"

"Uncle Ethan…" Seraphina lowered her head, tears dripping onto the stone.

"Punish me however you want. I just hope you leave my master a way out."

"She's the sect leader. She's devoted her life to the sect."

She had seen Ethan's strength.

To him, she and her master were nothing more than ants.

Killing them would take only a thought.

"Her attitude is barely acceptable," Ethan said coldly.

"But what about you?"

"As sect leader, you imprisoned me in Serene Mirror Lake for fifty years without investigating the truth."

"Do you really think you did nothing wrong?"

"…."

Lyralei's teeth nearly shattered.

She looked around.

The elders of the Demon Sealing Cave were present.

Peak masters and elders from every peak stood watching.

If she admitted fault now—if she begged—

Where would her dignity go?

"Ethan," Lyralei said stiffly, "this is a critical moment for the sect's revival."

"Can we talk about this… in private?"

"Hahaha."

Ethan laughed openly.

Then he raised his hand.

Dragon-shaped chains materialized instantly, binding both master and disciple.

The Prisoner Dragon Lock sealed them completely.

Private talk?

Impossible.

"After Master and Ashira leave seclusion," Ethan said coldly, hands behind his back, "everyone in the Azure Origin Dao Sect must be present in the Holy Hall."

"I will reorganize the sect."

His voice spread across the entire Dao Sect.

Then he turned back to Lyralei.

"Holy Hall."

"I'll give you a chance."

"You are the sect leader."

"You may choose—life or death."

"You—!" Lyralei's fists clenched violently.

Before she could speak, Seraphina grabbed her sleeve.

"Master… don't."

Seraphina shook her head, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Solara," Ethan said calmly, "keep an eye on these two."

With a wave of his hand, majestic divine power surged forth, completely sealing the cultivation of the two.

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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