Yi Yueluoxi ascended the steps, passing through a familiar place she had not visited for several months.
She arrived before the quiet room where her grandmother, the First Tower Master, had long been in seclusion, feeling a touch of trepidation.
She was aware of her grandmother's condition. Even while in Ranhuo Merchant City, she kept close tabs on her hometown and maintained correspondence with her grandmother, a fact unknown to the other Tower Masters.
Since the engagement of the two top mercenary groups, the crisis facing the Blackrock Alliance had been resolved. Her grandmother, the First Tower Master, no longer had to be on the front lines.
Thus, although her grandmother's condition was not optimistic, it was not as dire as it had been before taking the Longevity Fruit last year.
What made her apprehensive was whether she could persuade her grandmother.
Though she had used her talent to split herself into three and work three jobs, earning a considerable number of contribution points to exchange for precious treasures such as the 'Longevity Fruit,' 'Pure Heart Tea,' and 'Water of Life,' she knew these treasures were insufficient to cure her grandmother.
No treasure could eradicate the erosion of severe pollution.
The second use of the Longevity Fruit was far less effective than the first.
Unless...
She pushed open the door.
...
Although the Blackrock Alliance was a Great Oasis-class settlement, it had only been in operation for a few decades, and its advancement to Great Oasis-class was even more recent. The architectural style of the entire oasis was simple and unadorned, with a predominantly black color scheme. The First High Tower was no exception.
The entire tower resembled one built from colossal black stones, with few open windows. The interior was dim and gloomy. Ms. Ailukesi, the First Tower Master who wielded the Heart of the Oasis, was currently hiding in this dim and gloomy environment.
She had grown accustomed to such surroundings. Darkness made it easier to block out external distractions and focus on the task at hand. As her own pollution erosion worsened, Tower Master Ailukesi found that she had developed a symptom of photophobia, clearly a side effect of the pollution's encroachment.
She thus spent more time in this secluded, dim, and enclosed room.
However, compared to the worry she felt a year ago when her lifespan was nearing its end, the First Tower Master was not despairing. This was because she had a remarkably outstanding granddaughter who not only sought aid in a time of crisis, saving the Blackrock Alliance from ruin, but had also, by facing death, advanced to the Six Senses!
Her granddaughter, Yi Yueluoxi, was now among the top mortals, capable of firmly holding the position of First Tower Master and leading the Blackrock Alliance forward. In this regard, even if she were to decay and die immediately, she would have no regrets.
"You're back."
The aged First Tower Master revealed a smile that, while benevolent to her, appeared terrifyingly ferocious to outsiders. The door was now open, allowing slivers of light to penetrate. Ms. Ailukesi, seated, had half her body concealed in darkness and the other half illuminated by the faint light, resembling a ghoul emerging from the abyss. The wrinkled skin of her face, with its pulsating veins and bursting scarlet scars, was clearly visible.
Seeing her granddaughter retrieve one precious treasure after another from a storage spatial artifact, each emanating a faint halo of light, the old woman appeared astonished. She recognized the 'Longevity Fruit,' 'Pure Heart Tea,' and other treasures, and while she was inwardly shocked, she was also worried.
She recalled her granddaughter mentioning working in Ranhuo Merchant City to purchase some medicine. She had never imagined these medicines would be treasures comparable to legendary materials in value.
The combined value of all the high-tier treasures in the Blackrock Alliance might not equal the value of these few treasures!
This...
In just three to four months, her granddaughter had earned enough to buy so many treasures. What kind of work was she doing?
The old woman hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, opening her mouth before finally letting out a sigh of resignation.
She shook her head. "I know my body's condition. Don't waste these treasures. Exchange them for resources the Alliance needs more."
"These treasures can't cure it, but... there are things that can... it's just..."
Yi Yueluoxi also hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, her words catching in her throat.
It wasn't that she didn't want to speak, but that she couldn't.
The contract clearly stipulated that related secrets could not be revealed to anyone outside the organization. 'Hearth,' 'mentor,' 'awakening,' 'eradication of pollution' – these were all high-level secrets.
There was a way, but she simply couldn't state it directly. She could only hint at it to her grandmother indirectly, making Yi Yueluoxi stomp her feet in frustration, almost to the point of smoke rising from her head.
"Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural order of things. Grandmother has lived a remarkably full life. Now, with the Blackrock Alliance handed over to you, she has no regrets."
"No... but, there still is..."
Yi Yueluoxi frantically scratched her scalp, messing up her beautiful silver hair. She paced back and forth a few times before finally giving up.
"Grandmother, here is a contract. I cannot say anything more, only that signing this contract will be greatly beneficial to you... I truly cannot explain more, awoo!"
Yi Yueluoxi's bright eyes fixed on her grandmother.
She felt a bit anxious. Older people like her grandmother were often very stubborn. But she couldn't think of a better way.
Of course, it wasn't entirely impossible. If she waited until she advanced to the Mythic realm, her persuasiveness would increase significantly, and it would be much easier to convince her grandmother. However, she had only advanced to Six Senses three months ago and wouldn't be able to undergo Mythic awakening anytime soon. She didn't want to delay any longer!
After speaking, much to Yi Yueluoxi's surprise, her grandmother, without even looking at the contract, bit her thumb and pressed a bloody fingerprint onto it.
Yi Yueluoxi: "???"
"Grandmother has weathered far greater storms in her life. Moreover, now that Grandmother doesn't fear death, why would she fear a contract document given by her granddaughter?"
The old woman bared a smile that was benevolent yet eerily grim.
She felt that her granddaughter must have paid a great price for these treasures. If signing the contract could alleviate some of that price, it would be worth it. At this point, even selling her soul would be something the old woman wouldn't fear.
Tower Master Ailukesi smiled and was about to say something.
Suddenly, a stream of information flooded her mind. The old woman, her face wrinkled, froze. Her clouded eyes widened instantly.
"This...!!!"
This was not a contract for selling her soul, but a proper, solemn entry credential.
A credential to join the 'Hearth' organization!
And the name 'Hearth' was not unfamiliar to Tower Master Ailukesi. She had heard it mentioned many times by her granddaughter. Her own Blackrock Alliance had a relatively in-depth cooperation with the Blue Star Alliance, which was led by Hearth.
An organization that had risen from the extraterrestrial world of Blue Star, could it produce such a high-level contract document?
As she fell into thought, Yi Yueluoxi began to explain.
No longer stammering or pausing halfway, Tower Master Ailukesi heard about a 'new version' of Hearth from her granddaughter.
It was even more legendary, more mythical, than the Blue Star version of the Hearth organization!
"The Ranhuo Merchant Guild is actually a subordinate force founded by the Hearth organization?"
"You were performing tasks for Hearth before, which is why you were able to earn enough money to buy multiple rare treasures in just a few months?"
"Not only that, but you also have the opportunity to cleanse pollution and even advance to the Mythic realm?"
Watching her granddaughter nod repeatedly, Tower Master Ailukesi recovered from her shock. She began to ponder, thought for a long time, and then shook her head.
Yi Yueluoxi: "?"
As she was wondering, she heard her grandmother say, "Granddaughter, you are too naive, or rather, your understanding is still too limited."
"The Ranhuo Merchant Guild may indeed be a newly founded force by the Hearth organization, but Hearth... could not have originated on Blue Star. What you have seen is clearly just the tip of the iceberg of Hearth."
Tower Master Ailukesi, who had personally founded the Blackrock Alliance and weathered many storms, had seen much. Even though her own strength was insufficient to enter higher circles, she understood what the conveniences provided by the Hearth organization meant.
It meant mystery!
It meant great power!
It meant unfathomable depth!
Clearly, Hearth was a mysterious organization that spanned the entire bizarre realm, possessing countless powerful individuals and unfathomable might! She even speculated that only Mythic existences would have some say within the organization. Pushing further from her own identity, she wondered if many leaders of Great Oases, and even Super Oases, were secretly members of the Hearth organization.
Thinking of this, Tower Master Ailukesi gasped.
She seemed to see a colossal hand, casting its pieces across various parts of the bizarre realm, eventually forming an immeasurable and indescribable chessboard. She was both terrified and awestruck.
Furthermore, considering the Hearth organization's purpose – to eradicate disaster and fight against evil gods – she became even more certain of her conjecture.
After all, how could a great, mysterious organization that dared to confront the unspeakable evil gods have only sprouted in the Blue Star world a few years ago?
Without thinking, it was obvious this was impossible.
Blue Star was merely one of Hearth's deployments, but it might be a very important link.
Looking at her granddaughter, who was still somewhat bewildered, Tower Master Ailukesi sighed, but a will to live rekindled within her. Her granddaughter still needed more tempering. Seeing the profound and mighty power of Hearth, she realized she also had a chance to live and go further.
She said, "You must understand, the organization is unfathomable, but since the organization has not explicitly told you, we need not speculate wildly. Just do your part."
The old woman smiled again. "Thinking about it now, granddaughter, you are indeed very fortunate to have discovered Blue Star early and established a connection with it. Now, to be chosen by the Hearth organization is like a revelation from destiny; you are a favored daughter of heaven."
"Grandmother will not give up her will to survive, but in the future, it will still be your world."
Yi Yueluoxi scratched her head, catching a crucial point. "Revelation from destiny?"
"Your talent is extremely high. According to Hearth's description, you have a natural legendary-level talent, a daughter of destiny. Not only that, but some extraordinary events occurred when you were born."
Tower Master Ailukesi recounted the story.
Yi Yueluoxi was born in the dead of night. When she was born, pure moonlight, as if celebrating or baptizing, fell from the sky into the entire bedroom, enveloping her small figure.
Moreover, on the newborn Yi Yueluoxi, a crescent moon-shaped stone shockingly appeared.
Thinking back, Yi Yueluoxi truly seemed to be heaven-blessed.
"Grandmother, are you talking about the Yue Stone I've always worn around my neck?"
Yi Yueluoxi reached into her collar and pulled out a crescent moon-shaped necklace. She thought for a moment and then tucked it back in.
Whatever the case, she decided to continue working and getting stronger.
...
...
In another part of the Falling Star Domain, in the Great Oasis of Sword Flower City, a similar scene was unfolding as in the Blackrock Alliance.
In the Sword Academy's conference room, most of the high-ranking officials within the oasis who had awakened to the Fifth or Sixth Sense were present, each taking their seats.
Time had passed, and Meidisha, who had advanced to the Six Senses several months ago, was now the second-in-command of the Rose Academy and had been granted the honorary title of Dean of the Rose Academy.
In this conference hall, Meidisha's seat was quite prominent, second only to the three deans.
However, she was unaware of her status and still saw herself as a junior. Sitting in a prominent position made her feel uneasy. She looked around, and then the elder of the Sword Academy, seated at the head of the table, began to speak.
"Today's meeting has two main topics."
"First, the development plan for Sword Flower City in the next few years."
"Second, concerning the Starfall City's hosting of the Great Domain Summit."
"The two matters are, in fact, one. Everyone is welcome to speak freely."
After the Dean of Sword spoke, a Vice Dean in charge of managing the affairs of the Great Oasis spoke.
"Regarding the recent catastrophe of the evil tide, according to statistics, we have suffered the following losses in terms of property and personnel: ... In addition, there were significant expenditures for hiring the Long Tao Mercenary Group. For the next decade or so, the financial situation of our Sword Flower City will not be optimistic."
However, compared to the previously gloomy Blackrock Alliance, Sword Flower City's losses, while not small, were still within their means.
After all, Sword Flower City had already possessed six individuals who had awakened to the Sixth Sense prior to this, and its defensive facilities and the oasis's foundational strength were far more robust than the Blackrock Alliance's.
Even so, the thought of having to pay a large hiring fee for over ten years caused the high-ranking officials present to frown.
Many areas of the oasis needed rebuilding, the city walls required repair, and now there were considerable expenses. For a long time to come, they would be quite strapped for resources.
Of course, defaulting on their debt was out of the question. They had already signed a contract with the Long Tao Mercenary Group, and moreover, the Ranhuo Merchant Guild was supervising this transaction. Such thoughts would not arise, nor would they dare to entertain them.
"For the next period, the salaries of oasis officials will be reduced by 30%. We hope everyone will understand."
The Dean of Sword surveyed the room. Seeing many frowning and looking distressed, but no one raising any objections, he nodded and continued. "Of course, given our current situation, merely cutting expenses is not enough. We must find ways to increase revenue, otherwise, our oasis will gradually decline."
In Sword Flower City's situation, if they only aimed to meet basic 'living conditions,' it would naturally be more than sufficient.
However, without sufficient resources to cultivate the next generation, Sword Flower City's overall combat strength could very well decline instead of rise. The overall environment of the bizarre realm was so dangerous, and a decline in overall combat strength meant weakened resistance to risk, something no farsighted individual could tolerate.
But, how to increase revenue?
Having just experienced the catastrophe of the evil tide, many of Sword Flower City's strong individuals were injured. It had become difficult to venture out and explore for resources. Daily income had already decreased, so how could they increase their revenue?
"It's not impossible. The reason why Starfall City is suddenly hosting a summit, its purpose... we can roughly guess. In addition, there is the Ranhuo Merchant Guild. There may be some opportunities there as well. If we can seize the opportune moment, Sword Flower City may not only recover its losses but even advance further."
As he spoke, the high-ranking officials looked towards the Dean of Sword.
Sword Flower City had three deans, but this one was the strongest of the Sword Flower faction, the leader of the Sword Flower Great Oasis.
However, the Dean of Sword was clearly undecided at this moment. His gaze swept across the room, finally settling on... Meidisha.
"Little Meidisha, what are your thoughts?"
"Huh???"
...
Meidisha did not express any opinions at the meeting, but the Dean of Roses noticed her student's hesitation.
Later, when the two were sitting together, the graceful and elegant Dean of Roses said, "You are now a peak Six Senses expert. You should carry yourself like an expert and be confident. You are completely qualified to offer suggestions."
Although the Dean said so...
Meidisha still lacked the demeanor of an expert. Why? Six Senses was not really a strong level! In the Hearth organization, Six Senses individuals were ubiquitous, or close to it.
She still preferred to be a foot soldier, following orders from her superiors.
However, seeing her Dean's encouragement, and being in private now, she carefully considered and said, "Dean, is Starfall City currently in a secret conflict with the Ranhuo Merchant Guild? If we have to choose a side, then I... I suggest siding with the Ranhuo Merchant Guild."
"Oh? Elaborate."
"Specifically..." She scratched her ear, finding it difficult to explain. She could only say what was permissible. "A while ago, I stayed in Ranhuo Merchant City for a period. I found the Ranhuo Merchant Guild to be very extraordinary, and... and the Ranhuo Merchant Guild is more friendly to external forces, offering us more opportunities."
The Dean of Roses pondered for a moment. "It's fine, you can be more direct. I've known for a while that your relationship with the Ranhuo Merchant Guild is unusual... *chuckles* Don't be nervous. Everyone has their leanings. It's normal, just like Old Man Sword tends to lean towards Starfall City."
"In fact, for Great Oases like ours, it's not shameful to submit to a Super Oasis if the conditions are right; it can even be considered normal."
"Because by submitting to a Super Oasis, the Super Oasis has a responsibility to provide protection... and in the bizarre realm, nothing is more important than safety."
"Starfall City has two Duke-level nobles within it. They were the two Great Oasis factions that aligned themselves with Starfall City in the past."
What the Dean of Roses didn't say was that their Sword Flower City had initially wanted to submit to Starfall City, but they had been rejected.
Of course, time had passed. Starfall City's position was now challenged, and their Sword Flower City was much stronger than in its early days. If they were to submit to Starfall City, they could use this as leverage to secure considerable benefits for themselves while retaining significant autonomy.
This could be seen by analogy with the Shattered Sea, where Super powers submitted to the Four Hegemons.
"So, Old Man Sword is deliberating whether the oasis should remain as it is, align with Starfall City, align with the Ranhuo Merchant Guild, or formally submit."
"Because this recent catastrophe has frightened many people, there are quite a few voices within the city supporting alignment, but also many opposing it."
Meidisha fell into thought.
She stated that she needed time to consider. Half an hour later, Meidisha requested a 'contract document' and, holding this document, found her Dean, briefly explaining the situation.
Soon, the three deans reconvened.
Looking at the 'vaguely worded' document in the Dean of Roses' hand, which 'only revealed specific content through the contractual process,' Dean of War Song frowned.
But before he could speak, the Dean of Sword said, "This contract contains very mysterious and profound rules. And since it comes from the Ranhuo Merchant Guild, I believe we can take a gamble."
If they won the gamble, everything would be joyous.
If they lost, it would only be...
The Dean of Roses was also a decisive individual. She examined the visible parts of the contract text on the document and then looked at Meidisha for a while.
She reached out and pressed down heavily.
Instantly, the noblewoman's eyes widened, and a new world opened before her.