Chapter 129: Chapter 129
"If Bram and the Mahayana masters beside him were really confident, they wouldn’t have suffered a loss and left in despair," Ethan stated with calm certainty as the elders gathered around him lingered in thoughtful silence.
"Do you truly believe you can handle any future attack from Bram alone?" one elder asked, an amused smile playing on his lips.
Ethan nodded, voice steady and resolute. "If Bram dares return, I won’t need all the elders to fight for me. I can handle it myself." His confidence was unwavering, his presence radiating the unwavering force of one who had faced overwhelming odds and emerged victorious.
"Oh? Confidence and madness walk a fine line," an elder remarked with a wry grin.
"Those who waste their youth in frivolity will never achieve greatness. But I like your madness, boy!" Old Ghost Athen laughed heartily, his rough voice echoing warmly in the courtyard.
Elder Stone, the wise and unyielding, held up his hand and addressed Ethan with solemn purpose. "The key lies in swiftly improving your strength. That’s why we’ve come tonight—to give you something to speed your cultivation."
On cue, Azel and the other elders each produced objects they held in their palms. Ethan peered closely to find they were no ordinary stones, but bone fragments intricately marked with dense lines, pulsing faintly with a powerful energy of essence and blood.
"What are these?" Ethan asked in awe, never before having seen treasures imbued with such potent forces. Even after thousands of fishing missions, this was an unprecedented reward.
A contemplative smile softened Mr. Stone’s features. "Many years ago, I took several from the ruins we explored. These bone fragments, when joined together, form a complete sternum. It holds an ancient, powerful essence and blood energy we could neither refine nor risk using recklessly. Now, I entrust them to you."
The six bone fragments floated before Ethan. He carefully gathered them, fitting the pieces together until they formed a perfect sternum.
The energy radiating was overwhelming — essence and blood surged within him, causing the blood pills in his body to tremble and pulse with renewed vigor.
"This energy... it affects my blood pills? The force of essence and blood inside is immense," Ethan whispered, astonished.
"What creature does this come from?" he pondered, curiosity ignited. "An ancient ferocious beast, or a mighty body cultivator from long ago?"
The elders watched expectantly.
"I’ve never encountered such power before," Ethan admitted.
Mr. Stone chuckled. "Neither have we. We hope it aids your cultivation as much as possible."
Gratefully, Ethan cupped his hands. "Thank you, seniors, for this gift."
The old castle-like courtyard rippled with a wave of amused chuckles, Old Ghost Athen hoisted his hand. "Enough about formalities—make us a jar of good wine, boy!"
Ethan laughed, waving his hand. Six jars of fine wine appeared on the table.
Old Ghost Athen sniffed, already tipsy, "As praised by Mr. Burn himself—this wine’s aroma is perfect." Cradling two jars, he bounded away joyously.
"Old Ghost Athen! That’s my jar you’re taking!" Azel shouted, scrambling after him.
"I’m done patrolling Demon Sealing Cave. This one’s mine!" the old man called back, transforming into a streak of light.
Azel chased after him, shouting, "You still have duties! Stop that nonsense!"
The laughter of these ancient friends mingled in the chilly night air, Mr. Stone shaking his head with a wry smile. "You two are over a hundred and still arguing like old children."
He rolled the remaining four jars of wine into his storage ring as Leo and the other elders frowned in confusion.
Mr. Stone said lightly, "Enough drinking—you have the Demon Sealing Cave to guard. I’m the one who should be tasting the wine."
No one dared to argue; Mr. Stone’s reputation and strength far outclassed the others. After all, he and Mr. Burn were brothers by bond and power.
With a nod, Leo and the group took their leave, bowing respectfully.
"Senior, may your path be steady." Ethan said.
"No need to see us off," Leo waved casually, and they vanished toward the Demon Sealing Cave.
Only Mr. Stone remained beneath the silver glow of the high moon and glittering stars.
He gazed upward reflectively. "In truth, this Azure Origin Dao Sect cannot hold you—it never could. Your strength and talent foretell that you will soon leave to wander across the vast worlds."
"But no one shall hinder your path. Just remember the elders of this sect in your heart. Should danger ever threaten them, I don’t ask you to save the sect—only to protect those who care for you, like these old fools," he said sincerely.
Ethan bowed with utmost respect, "Do not worry, I will act when the time comes."
Mr. Stone smiled warmly. "That is all I could hope for. By the way, I heard you will enter the inheritance place tomorrow."
Ethan’s brows furrowed thoughtfully.
"The inheritance place safeguards the greatest legacies of Azure Origin Dao Sect—but it is also perilous. Thousands have taken its trial; none have yet gained the ultimate inheritance from the Blue Void Ancestor. May you succeed and restore glory to the sect’s inheritance!" Mr. Stone said earnestly.
"It grows late; I must return to the library," he added, and with a final nod, flew away into the night.
Ethan closed his door and windows behind him and sat quietly, pondering the challenge ahead.
The ultimate inheritance of the Blue Void Ancestor was an epic prize. Blue Void was the sect’s founder, a supreme being in the Supreme Realm. Yet six millennia after its founding, no one had claimed his ultimate inheritance—not even Empress Lyralei.
Frowning, Ethan understood the test would be daunting.
Nevertheless, his top goal in entering the inheritance place remained the innate spiritual fire.
The ultimate inheritance was enticing—but a matter of fate.
If unattainable, no force should compel pursuit.
Tomorrow would reveal the inheritance’s truths.
Placing the assembled bones upon the table, Ethan began to study them in quiet contemplation.
"Alicia, open the world map," he said softly.
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