Chapter 128: Chapter 128
The second elder of Voidshade Peak fell silent, stepping aside without a word, the weight of Ethan’s presence too imposing to challenge further.
The hall seemed to hold its breath as Lyralei broke the silence, her gaze steady and unwavering. "When do you intend to go?" she asked.
"Tomorrow," Ethan responded calmly, his voice free of hesitation.
"Good." Lyralei nodded, a hint of approval flickering across her serene expression.
Then, with quiet authority, she added, "One more matter — Ethan is a disciple of the Supreme Elder and also my junior disciple. Now, do any of you oppose him becoming the deputy sect leader of our Azure Origin Dao Sect?"
Murmurs spread among the elders, but Ethan arced a faint smile before interrupting.
"Thank you for the offer, Sect Master, but the title of deputy sect leader does not interest me. I will take my leave."
A shadow crossed Lyralei’s face at Ethan’s refusal — his dismissal of her honor. Yet, all she could do was frown slightly; she weighed her options and understood that she could not compel him otherwise.
At that moment, Althea raised her hand as well. "This matter is settled. I wish to continue my cultivation, so I will take my leave," she declared.
The two descended the mountain together, walking side by side along the stone path that wound through the sect’s serene gardens. Their conversation was quiet but laden with unspoken concerns.
"Junior Brother Ethan," Althea began, her eyes reflecting both admiration and caution, "though we repelled the enemy today, a shadow has been cast. With your talent, you must not venture beyond these sect walls. Bram will surely seek revenge when the time comes."
Ethan’s gaze met hers, steady and assured. "Senior Sister, your concern is appreciated, but you need not worry for me. I am no hero; I only value my life. Should I decide to leave, I will prepare accordingly to face even those strong in the Mahayana realm."
Their exchange was interrupted as Seraphina, the Azure Origin Dao Sect’s saintess, appeared behind Althea. "I will wait for you at the front," Althea said, quickening her pace.
Ethan slowed to a measured stride and addressed Seraphina with calm composure. "Saintess, you have something to say?"
Seraphina stiffened, surprised to be seen through so easily.
"How did you know I wished to speak?"
"If you have nothing, I will take my leave." With that, Ethan shook his head, resuming his walk.
"Wait!" Seraphina’s voice rang out, laced with hesitation. "I do have something to say."
"Say it, then. And if you do not, spare us the pretense," Ethan replied, his patience measured but thin.
Seraphina faltered for a moment before quietly stating, "I... thank you for what happened today."
Ethan’s laughter, dry and cutting, broke the silence. "Thank you? You think I came here to save you?"
"Saintess, don’t overestimate your worth," he sneered. "If Bram had not crossed me and targeted Senior Sister Althea, who would have cared for your survival?"
Turning abruptly, Ethan strode away, following Althea without another word.
Seraphina looked down, the crushing weight of pride shattered by the reality before her.
The winding stone path stretched before her, fading into the distance as Ethan and Althea disappeared beyond her sight.
Shadows lengthened with the setting sun, mirroring the dark truths she wrestled within her heart.
Her once proud demeanor fractured into quiet resignation.
The former saintess, talented and fair, had stepped down in the wake of Ethan’s rise.
Now, she lacked both the courage to face him and the strength to match him in battle.
Ethan carried the Purple Dragon Order, a symbol of high sanction and power within the sect. As the junior disciple of her master and connected by a web of lineage and honor, the gulf between them was vast and unbridgeable.
A heavy sigh escaped Seraphina’s lips as she turned away, her retreat marked by a solemn solitude that seemed to swallow all warmth from her figure.
Descending the mountain alone, Ethan parted ways with Althea, returning to the quiet sanctity of his residence. He settled cross-legged, eyes closed, turning inward to cultivate his breath and stabilize his turbulent energy.
When he finally opened his eyes, the night had fully embraced the sect, wrapping it in cloaks of shadow and silence.
A voice broke the stillness. "Ethan, are you there?"
Ethan responded promptly as the gates of his courtyard swung open — Elder Azel’s familiar presence filled the threshold, accompanied by five others: four esteemed elders of the Demon Sealing Cave, their faces etched with experience, and the stoic figure of Mr. Stone, the legendary sleeping monk of the sect’s library.
Surprised, Ethan invited them in with a respectful gesture. "Seniors, please be seated."
"Why is it that you live in such humble quarters, kid?" Elder Athen’s gruff voice broke the calm. "What has the sect been doing, not giving you better accommodations?"
Ethan merely smiled. "I’m used to it. It’s clean, and that’s enough for me."
The elders settled around the stone table with a weighty purpose.
"Why this unexpected meeting?" he inquired.
Mr. Stone’s expression turned grave as he spoke, "We have learned all about your exploits in the Holy Hall today. You single-handedly defeated the Sixth Prince of the Vernal Dawn royal family. That feat will shake the entire Skyreach Territory."
"They say fame can be a curse. Many fear it more than death," Mr. Stone mused.
"But the truth is, strength commands respect. You should prepare; Bram will not accept defeat quietly. He’s surely plotting his revenge."
Ethan’s features hardened, the fleeting coldness settling deep within. "I appreciate your concern, but I am not without means."
Old Stone nodded approvingly. "Don’t worry, young one, we old immortals are no fools. Should Bram bring reinforcements, even a seventh-turn Mahayana expert, we will stand by your side till the end."
"Exactly," Old Ghost Athen snorted, "despite my brief time in Mahayana, I’m not afraid of that lively Mr. Willow. If Bram dares return, I’ll blow up the place and take him with me!"
Ethan blinked, the blunt honesty and raw determination of these elders causing a faint smile to tug at his lips.
"Elder, you’re reckless," Azel scolded. "Better to hold back than burn out."
"In your face, coward!" Old Ghost Athen shouted, unrepentant.
Mr. Stone chuckled amid the squabble. "Perhaps you old timers’ bickering will earn the young ones’ amusement."
Ethan’s smile lingered, appreciating the unusual yet genuine camaraderie among these aged cultivators.
Straightening his posture, he addressed them earnestly. "Seniors, there is no need to worry about this."
A/N:
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