Chapter 68: Chapter 68
"This Ethan has a character that’s neither arrogant nor impetuous," Elder Adrian mused, swirling a cup of the delicate Peach Blossom wine between his fingers. The aroma rose sweet and faintly floral, a touch of earthy softness that contrasted oddly with his grizzled visage.
"He’s not dazzled by his sudden rise in status. His mind is calm—he’s truly a talent."
He took a delicate sip, a faint smile softening the creases around his eyes. "Good wine, indeed. No wonder Supreme Elder Burn spoke highly of it."
His eyes flashed keenly beneath thick brows, threading together thoughts only years of experience could knit.
"He is a physical cultivator," Adrian reasoned. "While I can’t discern his true power, his ability to wield the eighteenth floor for so long means he’s no mere prodigy. His strength must tower over every geniuse."
"If he competes in the upcoming martial arts tournament of the Four Peaks, he could humble many disciples. It might be just what these youths need—a lesson that the world extends beyond their ego’s blink, that the heavens are outside the sect."
A faint chuckle escaped him.
"For Ethan, the tournament won’t be a trial. But for the Four Peaks’ disciples, it will be a memory to temper their arrogance."
The next morning, a notice was issued by the Law Enforcement Hall.
The parchment held a list of successors—fifteen formerly punished disciples who had earned early release through commendable conduct.
Among them, Ethan’s name stood prominent.
Despite the gravity, little ripple spread through the Azure Origin Dao Sect.
More than ten years had passed since the events that led to his imprisonment in the Serene Mirror lake. Most had forgotten or had only dim memories. The new disciples could scarcely grasp that Chapter of history.
Ethan stepped from the cool shade of his courtyard into the sunlight.
A large group of punished disciples who were being released greeted him, their faces alight with the return of freedom.
The boys who once chased shadows of wind now carried renewed gleam in their eyes.
"Senior Brother Ethan, will you join us?" one asked eagerly.
Ethan’s status in the Serene Mirror Lake, though mysterious to many, earned him both respect and wariness. His might had been carved not by birthright but by sweat and steel.
"Come, Senior Brother Ethan," said a boy whose youthful face belied the wisdom in his eyes. "Finally, we walk free."
Ethan smiled warmly. "You will lead the way. But which path will I take. Where can I go now?"
The question lingered with a bitter edge—when Ethan entered the inner sect, the Serene Mirror Lake had been his prison. He had not earned the right to worship at any peak nor claim the privileges of the inner sect disciples.
His freedom was bounded, his return limited to the outer sect.
Discomfort mingled in the assembly; the hesitation was palpable. No one knew quite what to say.
"Everyone, you’re free now," Ethan said with a wave.
"Go back with joy. Don’t worry about me."
The disciples exchanged glances and lifted their hands in salute.
"We thank Senior Brother Ethan. You cared for us in those years. Should you need anything, find me at the peak."
One by one, they departed down the mountain, leaving the yard quiet.
Ethan gazed into the emptiness, a strange loneliness twisting in his chest.
It was a feeling born of the path of the strong—the long solitude that accompanied those destined to stand alone.
Shaking his head, his expression settled into familiar calm.
His steps carried him towards Azure Sky Peak, token in hand from Elder Adrian.
.....
Azure Sky Peak lay cradled among mountain forests and mist. Courtyards dotted the sprawling estate like ink blots across vibrant green canvas.
Near the cliffside stood the elders’ residences—stately and serene.
Lower, near the mountain walls, were the simple homes of disciples.
A young man in plain blue cloth moved steadily among the trees, bearing a long sword wrapped in cloth, expression unreadable.
Eight characters stamped upon his back: "No strangers allowed."
Suddenly, a sharp force struck him—the elder Ashen materialized before him, steady and imposing.
"I’ve met Elder Ashen," he said respectfully, refusing to show pain beneath the powerful blow.
Ashen smiled despite the stumble. He was distracted and knocked down a disciple.
"You’re Noah, right? I recall your performance in the martial arts competition. Place in the top ten, and you’ll be my direct disciple."
"Thank you, Elder Ashen. I see you in a hurry—is there urgency?"
"Just dwelling on cultivation matters." Ashen gave no more explanation.
Noah bowed and departed.
Ashen watched him go, eyes piercing like a sword unsheathed.
Back at his home, Ashen sealed his chambers in spiritual barriers, confirming solitude from prying eyes.
Peace returned.
He exhaled, fingers spreading wide as a black jade pendant materialized.
"Fifty years... fifty long years," Ashen whispered.
He bit his finger, allowing a droplet of blood to fall on the pendant.
A black mist flowed out, coalescing into ethereal words on the chamber wall—secrets written in demonic script.
Home.
Ashen was a scout, secretly trained by the Black Demon Sect more than half a century ago.
Sent to blend among sects, disguised, he and his fellows formed a vast intelligence network spanning half the Skyreach Territory. The vast intelligence network they had formed covered almost half of the Skyreach territory.
While their reach was immense, the network was imperfect.
Azure Origin Dao Sect, a vast fortress with its inner and outer sects, numerous peaks from Holy Peak to the sixteen other peaks, naturally resisted total surveillance.
Ashen had spent decades as one of the twelve elders of Azure Sky Peak including the peak master—one of the six true rulers of that place.
Every three years, he gathered intelligence on the sect’s movements and sent coded reports to the Black Demon Sect.
Yet no reply had ever come.
For years, Ashen feared that the sect had abandoned him.
A/N:
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