Her strength will take a terrifying leap in an extremely short period of time.

Ethan knew this very clearly.

According to ancient legends recorded, each of the Eight Strange and Ferocious Beasts possessed the potential to grow into a Demon Emperor—as long as they did not fall midway.

Not maybe.

But inevitably.

Once Lunara's bloodline suppression was lifted and the blood contract removed, her true Black Phoenix blood would awaken completely. At that time, her cultivation speed would no longer be shackled, and her combat power would skyrocket beyond common logic.

Such an existence was not merely a helper.

She was a strategic pillar.

Ethan's gaze was never limited to the small Oceanreach Continent.

Nor was it confined to the Demon Territory or Skyreach Territory.

His true target was the entire Six Continents.

When that time came, he would not have the patience to personally deal with countless trivial matters. He needed reliable powerhouses—existences capable of suppressing a region on their own.

Lunara was exactly such a piece.

Even if she did not follow him everywhere, staying behind in Skyreach Territory to guard his foundations would already be more than enough.

"For your use…"

Lunara repeated the words softly, her brows knitting together.

At first glance, her situation seemed unchanged.

She had merely replaced one master with another.

The difference was that Ethan was nothing like Valerius—that disgusting, insatiable old dog.

Still, doubt surfaced.

"Then what's the difference between this and becoming your spiritual pet?" Lunara asked, her voice calm but probing.

Ethan looked at her steadily.

"If you see me as your master, then you are a slave."

"But if you see me as your friend, then you are not bound—you are complete."

"I will not sign a contract with you. I will not brand your soul. I will not treat you as a furnace, nor as a tool."

"I give you a choice."

"Your destiny will remain in your hands."

"It is up to you whether you take this path or not."

His tone was light, but the weight behind his words was heavy.

This was not temptation.

It was sincerity.

Silence filled the room.

Lunara lowered her head, her thoughts tangled.

But then—Valerius's face surfaced in her mind again.

That twisted smile.

That greedy gaze.

That suffocating control.

Her hesitation shattered instantly.

"Okay."

She raised her head, her eyes firm.

"I promise."

"You help me break the blood contract."

"And from that day on, I will obey your orders."

Her voice was steady, resolute.

She did not say forever.

She said from that day on.

That was enough.

Ethan smiled.

"You are smart."

The candlelight flickered softly.

"It's late," Ethan said. "Go back. We'll meet again when the Training Trial Secret Realm opens."

He paused, then added casually, "Before you leave—give me a drop of blood."

Lunara frowned slightly.

"What do you want my blood for?"

"Something very useful."

She did not hesitate.

"Alright."

She raised her hand, condensed a drop of blood essence, and flicked it toward Ethan.

The instant it left her body, her aura weakened slightly, and a trace of paleness appeared on her face.

"I'm leaving," she said.

"Go."

She turned, opened the window, and leapt out into the night.

Midway, she paused and glanced back.

"Thank you."

Then she disappeared completely, swallowed by the darkness.

Ethan stood quietly for a long time.

Violence could solve many problems.

But it was rarely the optimal solution.

What he needed was not a puppet tied by fear.

But a follower bound by will.

With his thoughts settled, Ethan withdrew his focus and took out the Map of the Eight Wonders.

The ancient map unfolded slowly in his hands, its surface shimmering like brocade, mountains and seas flowing as if alive.

He flicked Lunara's drop of blood onto it.

The moment the blood touched the map—

Blood-red light surged through the Eight Strange Mountains and Seas.

The streams of light converged toward the center.

A phoenix outline gradually emerged.

As the blood fully merged, the image sharpened.

A Black Phoenix spread its wings within the map.

"Ouuuu—!"

A violent, ancient roar exploded inside Ethan's mind.

A terrifying wave of pressure burst outward, sending his hair flying.

The window blasted open.

Flowerpots, teacups, and furnishings shot into the air.

Ethan's eyes sharpened.

He stomped lightly.

The window slammed shut.

Blue mental energy flooded the room, suspending every object in midair, sealing the space completely.

"Is that… the cry of the Black Phoenix?"

Ethan stared at the map, his expression solemn.

Yet aside from the illuminated Black Phoenix pattern, the Map of the Eight Wonders showed no further change.

The seals remained.

"The blood essence of one Eight Strange and Ferocious Beast wasn't enough…"

Realization dawned.

"To fully unlock this map, it requires the blood essence of all eight."

Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

To confirm, he immediately contacted Alicia.

"Alicia, how do I open the seal on the Map of the Eight Wonders?" Ethan asked.

[Information retrieval in progress…]

[Retrieval successful.]

[To open the seal of the Map of the Eight Wonders, the blood essence of all eight Eight Strange and Ferocious Beasts is required. Activate all eight patterns to unlock the legendary secrets contained within.]

"So that's how it is."

"All eight…"

Ethan exhaled softly.

No wonder this map was still sealed after countless ages.

The requirements were absurdly cruel.

He put the map away calmly.

Some things were not meant to be rushed.

Once the blood essence was gathered, the truth would reveal itself naturally.

There was no need to overthink it now.

At that moment, Alicia's voice echoed again.

[The rewards for completing the fishing mission have been distributed. Please check.]

"Alright," Ethan nodded.

[Reward obtained: Fishing Value +50.]

[Reward obtained: Repair Machine.]

"Repair machine?"

Ethan frowned.

A new option had appeared on his panel.

He clicked it.

[Repair Machine: Capable of repairing damaged spiritual tools and weapons. Requires Fishing Value.]

[The required Fishing Value will be determined autonomously by the system.]

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.

A tool capable of repairing artifacts?

This is what he wanted.

"Alicia, how much fishing value is needed to repair the Sky-Suppressing Turtle Shell?" Ethan asked.

A/N:

Sorry guys only 2 chapters today.

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

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.