Chapter 80: Chapter 80
"Could it be that a sudden change occurred here?" Lyralei murmured, her gaze sharp and wary as she scanned the shattered lakeshore.
Clouds of rare energy still shimmered in the night, flowing through the broken bluestones and swirling across Echo Lake.
She shook off lingering uncertainty. To her, the energy of heaven and earth—especially the elusive earth vein qi—was a fortune too rare to ignore.
"No matter the cause, this is an opportunity. If I can absorb enough earth vein energy here, I might reach the threshold for seventh-turn Mahayana."
Just as she settled her thoughts, a streak of white light flashed overhead, and a familiar figure descended: Mr. Stone, the Grand Library’s famed elder.
"Girl Lyralei, is that you?" Mr. Stone called, landing lightly before her.
"I’ve met Mr. Stone," she replied. Calmly, she added, "This vision has nothing to do with me. I sensed it from a distance and came to investigate. Honestly, I thought it might be Master."
"Old Ghost Burn is in seclusion," Mr. Stone replied. His eyes narrowed as he considered the scene.
"Then who could have created such a disturbance?"
Lyralei shook her head. "No one was here when I arrived. And I couldn’t detect any spiritual fluctuations, but traces of a fierce battle linger. There are the currents of water power and a scythe intent—both at Tribulation Transcendence or even Mahayana level."
"Someone could be cultivating here?" Mr. Stone mused.
"That’s possible. But they seem to mean no harm." Lyralei considered the matter.
"It might even be an old sect senior. Some of our ancient monsters occasionally resurface, especially when advancing realms."
"True enough," Mr. Stone agreed.
She cupped her hands and called out respectfully, "I wonder which senior is cultivating here—would you grant us an audience?"
Silence stretched.
No reply came from the shadows or the night breeze.
Lyralei tried again, bowing to the lakeshore.
"Since senior is nearby and chooses not to appear, this junior thanks you for your generosity."
Mr. Stone peered into the gloom.
"Seems they’re gone. Best not waste the gift—quickly, absorb this earth vein energy before it vanishes."
Lyralei nodded. "There’s much here, Mr. Stone. Won’t you join me?"
He smiled gently.
"I’m old, and my chances of a breakthrough are slim. My talent isn’t what it was, but you are the Dao Sect’s leader—the future belongs to you. Don’t hesitate—begin."
Lyralei smiled, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Then I’ll trouble you to stand guard." She sat cross-legged on a thick stone and began absorbing the energy, simultaneously sending word to her trusted confidant, Lilith.
A quarter-hour later, six streaks of light pierced the night sky and landed one by one at the lakeside.
Two women and two men—masked, their auras sharp—were the commanders of Black Oath: Lilith Dawn, Lyra Bloom, Gale Thorn, and Jasper Vale, each radiating power.
With them came Flint Hollow, sword at his back—Ethan’s former library acquaintance.
And finally, the solemn Saintess Seraphina descended, emerald robes billowing against moonlit water, her presence as cold and distant as ever.
The group bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Empress. Greetings, Mr. Stone."
"Why did you summon us here so late, Master?" Seraphina asked, her voice clear but tinged with concern, gaze sweeping the lake’s fractured edge.
Mr. Stone regarded the assembly, and Lyralei explained,
"The energy of heaven and earth is extraordinarily precious and rare. Except for Seraphina, the five of you are but a step away from Mahayana. By letting you witness and absorb earth vein energy now, you’re certain to gain insights and benefits that will smooth the breakthrough when your time comes."
Mr. Stone’s lips twitched. "You girl..." he muttered, then silently turned to stare at the assembled cultivators.
"I needn’t lecture you on heaven and earth energy—you’ve all reached a level of understanding. There’s plenty here—absorb it while you can."
"Thank you, Empress." Five voices spoke together, before each sat and quietly cultivated, channeling the rare energy through their meridians.
Lyralei turned to Seraphina.
"Seraphina, do you remember what I once told you about this energy?"
Seraphina nodded. "Disciple remembers."
"Well," Lyralei continued, "though you aren’t in the realm for absorption yet, it’s worth trying to sense the energy now. If you succeed, your future breakthroughs to Mahayana will be far less difficult. The benefits are immense."
Seraphina said simply, "Understood," and sat to meditate, her figure quiet, ice aura encircling her.
Lyralei and Mr. Stone watched, waiting, observing the process.
"How potent is the energy of heaven and earth?" Mr. Stone asked finally.
Lyralei looked out over the gathering.
"Most of it is earth vein and mortal vein—this is a great opportunity for me. I plan to enter seclusion after the spiritual path trial and attempt a breakthrough, facing the seventh Mahayana Tribulation."
Stone’s expression grew serious.
"The Mahayana Tribulation only grows more terrifying with each stage. Failure before the sixth at least gives you a chance of surivial, but failing after the sixth turn means near-certain death. You must prepare yourself, Lyralei."
Lyralei’s eyes shone with resolve.
"Of all the sky-reaching powers in our territory, only Azure Origin Dao Sect has not produced a rank seven Mahayana cultivator from my generation. I can’t miss this chance—you know as well as I do, cultivation is the art of defying fate."
Stone smiled sadly. "Without courage, there’s no moving forward. But I advise caution. Wait until Seraphina...until this child grows fully into her role before risking everything."
"There’s no time." Lyralei glanced out at the lake.
"The demon clan in Blackspire Mountains tightens their hold on the southwest. The long peace is ending—war and chaos in Skyreach seem inevitable, and the demons covet our Dao Sect above all."
"I know, girl," Mr. Stone said quietly.
"My years have dulled my ambition, but I will help how I can. I’ll not stand in your way."
Lyralei nodded, calm and unyielding, as silence reunited the midnight cultivators. Above them, rare currents of energy drifted on the water.
A/N:
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