Chapter 70: Chapter 70
Elder Ashen descended gracefully, landing just beneath the towering gates of Azure Sky Peak. His steps were steady, deliberate, and his gaze swept across the kneeling disciples who instantly saluted him, their reverence unmistakable.
Yet, Ashen’s eyes did not linger on the salutes; instead, they traveled beyond to the edge of the courtyard where a lone figure stood apart.
There, amidst the bustling disciples clad in Azure Sky robes, stood a young man—simple, unassuming, dressed plainly, lacking the marks of a direct disciple. Ashen’s eyes fixed on him with a trace of uncertainty.
That had to be Ethan.
But an inexplicable hesitation gnawed at Ashen. Despite the commotion, no spiritual power radiated from Ethan. No aura shimmered with the slightest hint of cultivation. To any ordinary observer, he was nothing more than a common man.
Yet Ashen was drawn to something else—a subtlety.
The young man’s features bore kindness; his calm expression held a refined grace. It was a strange, almost otherworldly temperament that set him apart.
It was faint—but distinctly different.
"Are you Ethan?" Ashen’s voice cut through the murmurs, calm but firm.
Ethan stepped forward, cupping his hands in respect as he replied, "Yes, I am disciple Ethan. I heard this token belongs to Azure Sky Peak. It is said that with it, one can become a direct disciple. Though I do not know if this is true."
He produced the Azure Sky Jade Pendant and extended it toward Ashen.
Curious whispers spiraled through the surrounding disciples who gathered, their voices a mix of fascination and skepticism.
"Who is that? He actually has an Azure Sky Jade Pendant?"
"I remember that pendant. It’s the token of direct disciples. Anyone who bears it should be welcomed as one!"
"Must have been found by one of our senior elders—a destined genius for sure."
"Elder Ashen called him Ethan just now. Didn’t the Punishment Hall release a list today? I think an Ethan was on it."
"That’s the list of those who were imprisoned in Serene Mirror Lake, right? None of our direct disciples have such a record."
"Then it must be a coincidence. After all, how could someone from Serene Mirror Lake hold a token from our peak’s seniors? Our elders aren’t blind."
Their murmurs bounced off the stone, a curious mix of dismissal and hope.
Ashen’s gaze sharpened as he scanned the crowd, then he asked seriously, "Why all this confidence about the upcoming competitions? Answers?"
The disciples exchanged uneasy glances, realizing Ashen’s mood was growing darker.
Without a word, they quickly dispersed—a silent retreat, their faces betraying the mild dread of angered authority.
Ashen shifted his attention back to Ethan, returning the jade pendant into his palm.
"The Azure Sky Jade Pendant is genuine. Come. I will bring you to meet the Peak Master."
Ethan nodded, a quiet blue light flickering in his eyes as he hastened to follow.
Upon confirmation of the pendant’s authenticity, the elders wasted no time. Without further inquiry into Ethan’s background or the origins of the pendant, they led him upward, toward the peak’s summit.
As they walked through winding stone paths draped in mist, Ashen broke the silence.
"Which senior gifted you this jade pendant?"
Ethan answered casually, "An old man named Adrian."
Recognition flickered in Ashen’s eyes at the name.
Adrian.
But Ashen cared little for the giver. His focus remained fixed on the mission.
’Wherever you got the pendant, it makes no difference. When the time comes, I will dispose of you quietly.’
Then, abruptly, Ashen said, "Reach out your hand."
Ethan complied, extending his palm willingly.
Ashen’s fingers brushed lightly, the faintest sweep of energy probing.
His frown deepened.
"No spiritual roots..." Ashen muttered, astonished. "Purely a physical cultivator?"
Ethan’s reply was taut, "Yes. And I am that Ethan from today’s Law Enforcement Hall reduction list."
Ashen chuckled darkly.
’So, you did cause a stir before. Your pendant must come from the Demon-Sealing Cave.’
Guardians of the Demon-Sealing Cave were ancient masters and peak elders, legendary figures from elder generations.
Considering the proximity of Serene Mirror Lake and the Demon-Sealing Cave, it was no surprise Ethan’s token originated there.
Yet Ashen’s gaze held pity.
’Your cultivation is too shallow, just an insignificant ant before the ancestor’s might.’
No trace of spiritual essence flickered within Ethan; he was bare, open, ordinary.
Ethan withdrew his hand slowly, eyes narrowing as a flash of intelligence sparked.
Ashen noticed, asking, "Is something wrong?"
"Nah, nothing important. Elder Ashen, you look strangely familiar—as if we’ve met before."
Ashen gave a small nod, "It’s normal. We are both from Azure Origin Dao Sect, just in different stations. It’s possible."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully, a sudden clarity in his gaze.
Soon, they reached the summit where the grand Azure Sky Hall awaited.
Big Bold golden characters shimmered above its entrance: "Azure Sky Hall."
"I have informed the Peak Master via jade slip. He and the other four elders are assembled. You may enter with me," Ashen announced.
Ethan’s eyes gleamed, a streak of blue flashing with keen insight.
He noticed a faint spiritual barrier enveloping Ashen—subtle but unmistakable, hindering detailed scrutiny.
Curious, Ethan’s spiritual sea surged.
With a quiet breath, he invoked his Heaven-Piercing Mind Eyes, piercing through Ashen’s spiritual concealment with ease.
A trace of demonic aura, faint and carefully hidden, rippled beneath the surface of Ashen’s presence.
Ethan’s lips curled into a cold sneer.
"What a surprise," he thought darkly, "A demon clan disciple hidden as a powerful elder here?"
Ashen’s spiritual weapon concealed much of his true nature, but not from Heaven-Piercing Mind Eyes.
Ethan’s expression hardened.
"To have a demon infiltrate so deeply into Azure Origin Dao Sect—and hold immense power openly—it’s fascinating."
Composed once again, Ethan silently matched Ashen’s steps, entering the Sky Hall—ready to face what awaited inside.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
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200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
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