Chapter 120: Chapter 120 (Inspiration capsule Extra Chapter)
"Bram, the sixth prince of the Vernal Dawn Dynasty... why did he appear in the Azure Origin Dao Sect?" Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he pondered the scene he’d just witnessed.
Althea had talked of the Vernal Dawn royal family some time ago, but he hadn’t expected to meet such a figure in person—let alone in the Azure Origin Dao Sect.
"Senior Brother Ethan, thank you so much..." Liana whispered, pain still lingering in her voice.
"There’s no need for gratitude. Come, rest in my courtyard," Ethan said quietly, supporting Liana as they returned to his peaceful home at the foot of the mountain.
Before long, Althea strode in, her sword gleaming faintly, her face both concerned and determined.
"Senior Sister Althea," Ethan greeted, sensing urgency.
"Junior Brother Ethan, the Empress has summoned us. Come to the Hall. We must not waste time," Althea said, voice clipped and direct. She glanced with concern at Liana reclining, eyes closed, still pale.
"Junior Sister Liana, have you been injured?" Althea’s voice softened slightly.
"Yes, by that sixth prince of the Vernal Dawn royal family," Ethan answered, his own voice clouding.
At Bram’s name, Althea’s gaze sharpened.
"Why did Liana even cross paths with Bram?" she asked. Ethan briefly summarized the earlier altercation—the arrogance, the provocation, the open murder.
Althea’s fists tightened, anger flickering deep in her usually calm eyes. "This Bram, so certain in his status, dares to trespass on our soil, insult the sect, and slay disciples? Truly outrageous..."
She added fiercely, "If Bram truly means harm, I promise to personally make him regret it."
Ethan smiled, his eyes glinting. "Thank you, Senior Sister. But I can deal with Bram easily."
Althea nodded curtly. "The Empress summoned us about Bram; he arrived declaring ’important matters’ and demanded a council. All the peak masters and elders are gathering at the Holy Hall."
"I understand. Go ahead, senior sister. I’ll follow you momentarily," Ethan replied, watching her swift departure.
He paced back and forth in the quiet yard, thoughts turning over the possible outcomes.
The Vernal Dawn Dynasty was an immense superpower, bordering on empire—its royal family home to far more Mahayana realm experts than all four major first class sects of Skyreach Territory combined.
Yet Ethan’s heart was calm.
Not even the Tribulation Transcendence Realm could threaten him now. With the Chaos Clock on hand, he was confident, even facing a Mahayana cultivator. Still, he reminded himself: caution and prudence above all.
If Bram, or even his Mahayana realm protector, made trouble, this was still Azure Origin Dao Sect territory—Lyralei’s domain.
She would never allow outsiders to humiliate her. Her reputation and the sect’s standing in Skyreach Territory depended on a firm response.
"Liana, recover here in peace. I’ll head to the Hall," Ethan said softly, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Be careful, Senior Brother. If that Bram tries anything, my father will help you. You must not be reckless," she replied, concern clouding her voice.
Ethan just nodded and left, a blue jade bottle clutched in his hand. It was filled with his own condensed blood essence—a preparation begun after his battle with Ashen.
Having a reserve of blood essence meant he could activate the Chaos Clock at a moment’s notice, without depleting himself in the heat of battle.
With a single thought, a spectral blue wing unfurled from his back. Pushing off the ground, Ethan soared skyward, turning into a streak of light that arrowed toward Holy Peak.
Inside the cavernous Holy Hall, the atmosphere was tense.
On one side, the four elders and peak masters took their seats, their faces solemn. Near the Empress, two commanders of the Black Oath—Lilith Dawn and Lyra Bloom—were present.
Seraphina had emerged from seclusion. Even now, her features held that familiar frost, eyes sharp and remote as she sat beside Lyralei.
On the opposite side, Bram lounged with careless confidence.
Mr. Willow stood like a silent shadow at his side.
Bram sipped tea, lips curling upward in obvious disdain. "Who would have thought the Azure Origin Dao Sect would serve such fine tea," he mocked, tone light but unmistakably arrogant.
No one retorted. The weight of Bram’s lineage—and his own terrifying inheritance from the Spiritual Path Trial—weighed heavy on everyone’s minds.
Lyralei broke the uneasy silence.
"Sixth Prince, after the Spiritual Path Trial, you suddenly appeared at the Azure Origin Dao Sect—without word or warning. What is your purpose?" Her voice was light, masking iron beneath courtesy.
Bram placed his cup down and gave a hearty laugh.
"Why did I come here? Because before I left Sunpetal Reach, I heard endless tales: ’Lyralei, the Empress—talented, peerless in beauty, unrivaled in cultivation...’"
He flashed another rakish smile. "The rumors spoke truly. When I first met the Empress at the trial, I saw the proof. And now, seeing her again, how could I not be pleased?"
Lyralei’s smile was polite, but frozen. "Sixth Prince, there is no need for pleasantries. If you wish, let us come to the point."
"Just as you wish, Empress." Bram’s voice lowered, the smile never quite leaving his lips.
"In the Spiritual Road Trial, I met your Saint, Seraphina, for the first time. Her poise and power captivated me. Thus, I have come with only one purpose: I wish to propose marriage. Let the Empress grant her hand to me."
The words dropped like stones into a still pond, leaving everyone speechless.
Even Lyralei’s composure cracked; her brows knitted tight with surprise.
No one responded at first. In the silence, Bram continued coolly.
"The Azure Origin Dao Sect’s fortunes have faltered in recent years. The Spiritual Road Trial brought little reward. But if I—Bram, Sixth Prince of Vernal Dawn—wed your Saint, then our two factions ally. Azure Origin Dao Sect will share the might of my dynasty. Skyreach Territory itself may well become yours."
He turned to Seraphina, his eyes glinting. "Miss Seraphina, is this not a win-win? What do you think?"
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
....
Thanks for the Inspiration capsule: @Orlando_whaanga