"Are you sure you are okay with the news about you representing the Alchemy and Runesmith Association being kept under the wraps for now?" Rin asked.
Most youngsters would take advantage of this news to spread their name and boast to their friends about it. The fact that Kailen had simply just agreed to Old Ha's proposition—that they hide the fact that he'd be representing the Astral Empire during the upcoming conference till the time of the conference—left him slightly baffled.
He remembers how he personally boasted about it 200 years ago when he was told to represent the Runesmith Department as a youngster during that period, even to the point… huh… his cheeks flushed red inwardly in embarrassment… never mind.
Anyway, Kailen crossed his legs slightly, then nodded.
"I'm good. I suppose that could let the other empires have a false sense of security and confidence that we are not a threat. That way, they'd not think of developing any countermeasures against us before the competition."
Kailen added inwardly to himself.
"Though it won't change anything concerning the outcome. I'm sure I'll secure the wins easily. I'm more concerned about some sort of assassination ploy by some empire to eliminate me. Although I'm in the academy, there's nothing wrong in being too careful when it comes to these things. I already have enough on my plate right now that I'm focusing on."
After that, Rin thanked Kailen, took his contact, then saw him and Old Ha out of his office.
After the duo left, he called his assistant and told her to bring some champagne for celebration. The lady didn't know why he suddenly requested for champagne but figured it had to be good news.
Curiously, she asked.
"Sir, what is the occasion?"
He answered, beaming a smile.
"Hehe. You and I are celebrating for an obvious promotion!"
Old Ha and Kailen were currently in Kailen's building, which had been given to him by the Long Hai Training Hall. The duo were seated across one another in the large hall, engaged in heartfelt and easy-going conversations.
"So, have you heard from Jackson ever since he went to the front lines of the empire?" Kailen asked with a curious expression.
Old Ha sighed.
"Not really." He downed the glass of alcohol, then added. "Looks like I'm not the only one who has been trying to reach him."
Kailen nodded, confirming Old Ha's words.
"After several failed attempts in the real world, been trying to reach him for a while now through the virtual universe but he's not been responding, so I stopped." He scratched his chin slightly, plopped into the arm chair, and added in a worried tone. "I suppose I shouldn't be worried. He's fine, right?"
Old Ha smiled. This kid was really lucky to have found such a perfect disciple who cared about him.
He replied warmly.
"He's obviously fine. Didn't hear from him for who knows how long, but he turned out fine, right? And even brought me a grand disciple."
Kailen chuckled.
"Fair point."
Kailen dropped the subject of Jackson.
"Anyway, what's new in the empire?" Kailen asked. "Anything you higher ups know that's worth telling me?"
Old Ha nodded. Since Kailen was his grand disciple, it was understandable that he let him in on a few things that were not known to the general public.
"Francisca Harker's husband has gone missing for quite a while now. Several reports indicate him being spotted in the slums of the capital. However, they were roughly unconfirmed pieces of information. As for his current whereabouts, no one honestly knows." Old Ha sighed, bearing an expression of pity for Samaron. "The poor fellow has been living in the shadow of his wife all this while. The loss of both children just added more fuel to the fire."
Old Ha glanced at Kailen, quietly listening to him, before he added.
"I honestly don't have anything against what you did to the Harkers. After all, in the vast universe being merciful to those who threaten your life is akin to digging your own grave. But just be prepared. Cornered men can be the most desperate. I have a feeling that he will come for you, and he won't be weak when he comes."
Kailen nodded. He just had to keep growing stronger, and facing his enemies—even this Samaron included—won't be an issue. As always, strength was the ultimate solution to everything.
"Thanks, old man. I will have a package sent to your estate. Kindly check when you get back. It's just a token of appreciation for everything you've done for me."
Old Ha nodded with a pleased smile. This kid was really their lucky gem. He was not an ungrateful person to those who helped him.
"You are more sensible than that prodigal disciple of mine. Hehehe."
The duo laughed and shared some mundane conversations. Old Ha finally decided to leave.
However, before he left, Old Ha gave him one piece of advice—a shocking one.
"The attempted murder of your parents, and even the murder of your grandfather—I haven't been able to find out more about it, but there could be more than one party involved. Cyrus might not have been the only one responsible for it. There could have been someone else backing him."
Old Ha paused, letting what he just said to Kailen sink in before he furthered.
"Also, why would Vimodial Contractors destroy the Sword Tribunal Sect on the day of your father's memorial? Just because it was the perfect day to harvest a lot of life force, since all the sect members were present? That could be one of the reasons, but was it the only reason?"
At those words, Old Ha disappeared from the room, leaving Kailen alone to his thoughts.
Kailen thought more about Old Ha's words concerning the death. His eyes opened wide in shock as a sudden realization he had been previously blind to—one that had always been laid bare before him, but he had missed—dawned on him.
"Lian Yu mentioned that the Sword Tribunal Sect members fought with Cyrus Darkhaven that night. However, each party was equally matched in power, so each party retreated wisely.
However, on the memorial day of my father, the sect was destroyed…"