Chapter 117: Chapter 117 (Massage chair Extra Chapter)
"I see." Ethan touched his chin thoughtfully, contemplating the weight of the forces at play.
The Vernal Dawn Dynasty—an ancient and powerful super dynasty—loomed large in Skyreach Territory.
A Super gaint force, its royal family was a colossus of unparalleled strength and influence. Nestled in the heart of Sunpetal Reach, bordering Skyreach, it lay only a thousand kilometers from the Azure Origin Dao Sect.
This world was anything but closed. The Vernal Dawn Dynasty’s proximity meant frequent dealings, both open and covert, intertwined with the myriad interests among various factions in Skyreach Territory.
It was no surprise the Vernal Dawn prince had gained access to a high-level inheritance. A superpower such as theirs had the resources, clout, and ancient wisdom to seize such treasures.
"I don’t know how the Vernal Dawn Dynasty secured such a mysterious mark," Althea replied, her tone measured. "But their foundation is solid, so their success isn’t surprising."
Ethan nodded.
"If Junior Brother wishes to claim the innate spiritual fire, the only path is to pass the Holy Throne Challenge Trial—to become a Holy Son and gain entry to the place of inheritance."
"However," Althea added softly, "Seraphina has remained in seclusion since her return. The Challenge Trial might not begin for quite some time."
Ethan’s lips quirked in gratitude. "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your assistance."
He pushed a finely crafted brocade box toward Althea.
"What’s this?"
"Divine Turtle Pill," Ethan said simply.
Althea accepted the box with a warm smile. "Thank you."
"I have some matters to attend to now," she said, bowing respectfully. "I’ll visit when time allows."
Ethan nodded, watching her fading form.
Althea was sincere—a pure soul much like himself.
Her focus was cultivation above all else.
Had her master not gone into seclusion to break through to the Mahayana realm, she could not have become Sword Peak’s leader.
The Divine Turtle Pill was not a particularly high-grade elixir but very popular among female warriors.
It modestly boosted cultivation and, more importantly, enhanced aroma and beauty.
Cultivators led long lives, but even they could not defy time’s ravages of youth and appearance.
In the spirit world, such pills were precious.
Ethan admired Althea’s care for herself; he hoped his gift would assist her journey.
But the place of inheritance gnawed at his thoughts.
Seraphina’s recent behavior during the spiritual path trial suggested her spirit had fractured.
If she had gone into reclusion immediately after, she might be fleeing the pain of failure yet again.
Ten years of effort seemed to have changed little in her essence.
Teaching others proved easy, but teaching oneself was hard.
Despite the impressions made by teachers and events, Seraphina’s nature appeared stubbornly fixed.
Meanwhile, his innate spiritual fire had transformed him drastically.
Beyond learning the Divine Flame Bodybuilding Technique, the power of the spiritual flame alone was immense.
Such power could empower cross-realm battles.
Normally, one person might tame a single strange flame.
But Ethan was privileged with the Divine Flame Bodybuilding Technique, capable of infinite possibilities.
As a sudden hum vibrated in his storage ring, Ethan sensed something odd.
He withdrew a mysterious token—it bore Ashen’s mark, unmistakably from the Black Demon Sect.
"There is a message within," he murmured.
Ethan attempted to read it, but found it resistant.
"Ah... I see."
He summoned a tendril of black mist, weaving remnants of Ashen’s demonic energy into his mental power. With a flick, he swatted at the token.
The token shimmered, awakening.
A beam of light cast shapes onto the wall, revealing demonic glyphs.
"Demonic script, indeed," Ethan mused.
"Fortunately, I studied various languages before," he smiled wryly.
The message was brief:
"Ethan, did you kill him? Success?"
"Fortunate—I have fulfilled the Ancestor’s command. Ethan has been executed!"
Ethan allowed himself a satisfied smirk as he "typed" back.
Far away, deep in the Blackspire Mountains.
The Black Demon Hall sat in shadowy gloom, lit only by flickering blue flames from bronze lamps.
Seated upon a mighty throne was a woman adorned in flowing purple robes.
Her eyes gleamed like distant stars, pale skin flawless and smooth.
Though petite, her slender figure and elegant bearing radiated power.
She rose silently, donning a Yama mask and multiple headdresses with practiced grace, never seeming weighed down.
The mask concealed much, but none would doubt her peerless beauty.
As she moved, a burly middle-aged man with pale blue skin and intricate mid-blue runes approached.
His formidable bloodline and strength were clear.
"Sect Master, news from the Azure Origin Dao Sect’s secret agent," he reported on bended knee.
"What did they say?"
"Ethan is dead."
The woman’s eyes glittered coldly.
"Excellent. I will not disregard the sacrifice the Ancestor made to send this secret agent. His mission succeeded. He shall be richly rewarded when he returns to the sect."
She paused, turning her gaze toward the man.
"Activate other secret agents within the Azure Origin Dao Sect."
"Send forth the next assassination order. Target: Althea, new leader of Sword Peak."
"And Seraphina?"
"If she does not pass the Spiritual Path trial, she is but a failure, no longer a threat," she sneered.
"Yes, Mistress," the man replied, bowing.
Three days later, Ethan received a new token message.
"Your mission succeeded. Return to the sect. The Sect Leader will reward you generously."
"Are I heading back?"
Ethan stroked his chin, sending one last reply:
"This disciple has slumbered within the Azure Origin Dao Sect for nearly a hundred years. I cannot return so easily. Please continue to assign me tasks."
Two days passed until another token arrived:
"Stay where you are. Await further notification."
"It grows tedious," Ethan muttered, stowing the token away.
No truly useful information had come.
He closed his eyes, delving deeper into meditation, unraveling the secrets of the Divine Fire Realm within.
Late that night, within the quiet Empress Palace.
Althea appeared, sword in hand, standing before the palace’s gates.
A serene voice called from inside:
"Who approaches?"
"It is I," came Althea’s clear reply.
"Junior Sister Althea, enter."
The door creaked open, and Althea stepped inside, crossing the courtyard to the Empress’s chamber.
Bowing respectfully, she said, "Senior Sister."
Lyralei set aside a book, raising her hand gently.
"No need for formality."
"What brings you here so late?"
"There is something I do not fully understand."
"Then speak—though it matters little now."
Altheas voice dropped, "As decreed by the laws of the Azure Origin Dao Sect, every saint and saintess must undertake the Holy Throne Challenge Trial after the Spiritual Path Trial."
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 Massage chair: @Kaishepard28