Elias slashed out with his sword.

The blade traced a perfect arc through the air, like a full moon rising suddenly from the horizon. Sword intent surged upward, sharp and fierce, tearing through the night sky.

"Huh?"

Elias withdrew his sword and frowned faintly.

Someone was behind him.

He turned around.

Ethan stood there with his hands behind his back, calm and steady, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

"Master!"

Elias's eyes lit up instantly. He hurried forward and cupped his hands in salute, his expression filled with genuine joy.

"The sword technique is decent," Ethan said slowly, his gaze sweeping over Elias.

"But your breath is unstable."

"Are you troubled?"

"…."

Elias lowered his head.

As expected.

No matter how much he tried to hide it, Master could see through him at a glance.

"You might as well say it," Ethan continued.

"Keeping it bottled up won't help."

Elias hesitated for a moment, then spoke honestly.

"It's nothing major. I just feel… my cultivation is too slow."

"Especially after seeing Master's realm. I don't know how long it'll take before I can reach even one-tenth of your strength."

"If that day doesn't come, how will I help Master?"

Ethan laughed.

"Hahaha, you brat. Master doesn't need your help."

"In just ten years, you've cultivated to this level. That alone already makes you a genius."

"And you're walking the path of physical cultivation—a road far more difficult than ordinary spiritual cultivation."

"Across the entire Skyreach Territory, you can still be called outstanding."

Ethan reached out and patted Elias's shoulder.

"Really, Master?" Elias's eyes widened, pure and sincere.

"Of course," Ethan replied calmly.

"Why would I lie to my own disciple?"

He paused, then continued.

"Cultivation isn't only about tempering the body. It's more important to temper the heart."

"Don't obsess over gains and losses. Don't compare yourself to others."

"Just keep walking toward your goal."

"You have talent and potential. I'm very optimistic about you."

"But remember—never grow arrogant. A true master always carries the heart of a disciple."

Elias straightened and bowed deeply.

"Master's words, this disciple will remember."

Ethan nodded.

"You must always remember—cultivation is for yourself. Not for anyone else."

"You still have a long road ahead of you. The outside world is far more exciting than you imagine."

"Work hard."

As he finished speaking, a storage ring appeared in Ethan's hand.

"This contains my cultivation insights and some resources."

"Take it."

Elias accepted the ring, stunned for a brief moment.

Then he asked quietly, "Master… are you leaving again?"

"Yes."

Ethan raised his head and looked toward the west.

The setting sun dyed the clouds gold. Mountains and rivers were bathed in warm light, as if cast from molten metal.

"Your master also has something he pursues."

"Continue practicing your sword," Ethan said.

"I want to see how far your sword intent can go."

"Good!"

Elias nodded heavily and resumed his practice.

Sword light flashed.

Intent surged.

When Elias turned around again—

There was no one behind him.

"Master…"

He whispered softly.

On the stone table in the courtyard lay a round jade pendant.

Elias hurried over and picked it up carefully.

At that moment, a voice echoed gently in his ears.

"When you're at your wit's end, open this."

"Master…"

Elias clenched the jade pendant in his palm and raised his hands toward the sky.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself.

Separation—

He had long grown used to it.

Huh—!

His eyes sharpened once more.

The sword danced in his hand, sword intent roaring like a beast awakening. The entire courtyard trembled faintly under the pressure.

—

Late night.

The Peak.

Dong—dong—dong.

Liana heard the knocking and hurried to open the door.

Squeak.

The door opened.

A familiar figure stood outside.

"Senior Brother Ethan!"

Liana's small face lit up instantly, surprise and joy overflowing.

"Junior Sister Liana," Ethan asked with a smile, "have you eaten today?"

"No," Liana replied honestly.

"I hasn't had much appetite since Senior Brother Ethan left."

"Then tonight," Ethan said gently, "come eat and drink with me."

He lifted his hands.

In his left was a jug of Wine.

In his right was a food box filled with steaming dishes.

"Yes." Liana nodded.

.....

Verdant Lantern Empire.

The Imperial Capital, The Everlasting City.

Late at night, the imperial capital was ablaze with lights. Pavilions stretched endlessly, prosperity flooding every street.

In the southern district, a towering pavilion stood proudly.

Though it could not rival the imperial palace, its presence was unmistakable.

This was the Main Pavilion of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets—with branches spread across the entire Oceanreach continent.

The pavilion consisted of vast structures above ground, while its true core lay entirely underground.

On the ground, eight floors in total.

The lower seven floors glowed with light.

Only the top floor remained shrouded in darkness, silent and forbidding.

On the seventh floor—

Crash!

In an antique-styled room, a furious roar erupted.

A mature woman in white robes swept her arm across the table, sending everything flying.

Jade pen holders, inkstones, teapots, teacups—shattered to pieces.

She stood with one hand on her waist, anger written plainly across her face, yet her mature elegance could not be concealed.

Long hair cascaded down her back.

Her oval face was refined, nearly flawless.

Behind gold-rimmed glasses, a pair of blue eyes shimmered like the sea beneath the sky.

Arrie.

Chief Elder of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

A holy-grade formation master, capable of constructing formations at the holy level.

She oversaw all affairs of the Pavilion's General Branch within the Verdant Lantern Empire's capital.

Her status was immense.

Within the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, only two stood above her—

The Pavilion Master.

And the mysterious old man who could deduce the Heavenly Secrets.

Below her were ten thousand others.

Including the Ten Guardians of the Pavilion.

Each Guardian was a Supreme-level powerhouse.

Two had even stepped into the Ultimate Supreme realm.

And now—

Three soul jades had shattered.

Three Guardians had fallen.

This was a catastrophic loss.

"Why?!"

Arrie's voice trembled with rage.

"Can someone tell me why?!"

"Why did the Sibling Guardians and the Sword Guardian fall?!"

Her face was pale as she stared at the three figures kneeling before her.

"Chief Elder," a core elder said cautiously, "we don't know the full details."

"We only know that the three Guardians went to Skyreach Territory not long ago."

"Skyreach Territory?" Arrie frowned.

"For that man named Ethan?"

"And the divine weapon in his hand?"

"Yes… yes." the core elder replied.

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

...

Thanks for the Luxury Car: @Sheng_Mei

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.