As a physical cultivator, Luke had dedicated nearly his entire life to mastering his body and strength. His resources were vast, his training meticulous, and his achievements significant—but none of it could hold a candle to a little-known youth standing before him.

The bitter truth stung like a blade. Shame—plain and simple disgrace—washed over Luke with ruthless clarity.

Anger welled fiercely within him, and with a violent gasp, blood erupted from his mouth and nose. He clutched his chest, knees buckling, forcing himself into a half-kneeling posture. Support came only from the sword held tightly in his grasp, a fragile lifeline amidst the overwhelming defeat.

His martial pride and heart, once steadfast and proud, was almost shattered by the cold grip of merciless reality.

"Trash!" Oswin's roar broke through, harsh and unyielding.

"Get out of here!" His command rang through the arena like thunder. The energy dissipated gradually, the stone platform settling into an uneasy quiet.

Seraphina and the others stood stunned, their faces dull and paling in disbelief.

"What level of strength is this?" Seraphina finally breathed, voice tinged with awe and fear.

"That was a battle between Mahayana realm experts, above the fifth turn," Edwin responded gravely. "Even at full strength, I'd be hard-pressed to resist that overwhelming power."

Seraphina's breath caught—a mix of wonder and disbelief shading her features.

"This Aether... his talent, his understanding—he far surpasses Ethan and even the Sixth Prince of the Vernal Dawn. Can his bone age really be less than fifty?"

The collision they had witnessed was a cataclysm, capable of ending a life with terrifying ease. And the opponent responsible showed the chilling might of the Eighth Turn Mahayana realm.

Even her own master had only reached the peak of the sixth turn—soon to break into the seventh, yes—but against Oswin of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, even that was no assurance of victory.

"Your Highness, perhaps we should forget the challenge you proposed earlier," Edwin reminded cautiously.

Seraphina nodded, her resolve quietly setting.

"This man's experience must be extraordinary," she murmured thoughtfully. "If we could ally with someone of his caliber, it would be a boon for the sect."

To win the favor of such a cultivator was a prize many would seek.

Oswin's expression cleared back to his usual calm, though a fierce intensity lay beneath. Sheathing his sword, he transmitted a message to Ethan.

"We have borne the cost of our past errors. It is time for you to stop."

Ethan only sneered coldly, silence his reply—an unmistakable acquiescence.

Reason dictated that Oswin, at the Eighth turn Mahayana realm, held an insurmountable advantage over Ethan.

But defeat was defeat. It could be reclaimed, if one had the will.

"My name is Oswin," he introduced himself formally, voice steady but questioning. "I oversee the Sun Moon City branch of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. With your formidable talents, surely you are no mere wandering unknown?"

"I am but a wandering cultivator," Ethan said calmly. "Drifting through the world, pausing where I will."

Oswin examined him intently. "I see. With your strength, Sun Moon Lake itself holds no sway over you. Why then seek to secure a position here?"

His question was a probe, a test.

Oswin's mind raced. Was Aether drawn by the secret buried beneath the lake? If that was the case, If Aether was here for the treasure and mystery which was buried below the Sun Moon Lak, then he would stop caring. Even if Aether had the support of a super giant behind him as his backer, he will keep him here at all costs.

"If I told you I came just to fish in Sun Moon Lake, would you believe me?"

Ethan's tone was light, almost teasing.

"Fishing? Am I a child to be fooled with such a tale?" Oswin's displeasure showed plainly.

"That you do not believe, and there is little I can do to change that."

Ethan smiled softly, then turned away from Oswin, walking off the platform without another word.

Oswin frowned, watching him go. Without making further attempts to detain him, Oswin also strode away, his displeasure undisguised. Before leaving, he sent a final, stern message.

"Your Excellency, do not think your strength makes you untouchable here in Sun Moon City. Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets seeks no enemies needlessly. I hope you will act wisely, lest... hmph."

Ethan responded only with a cold smile.

Oswin cast a glance at the head of the Emberveil family before departing with his Pavilion entourage.

The head of the Emberveil family, understanding the precarious balance of power, stood and proclaimed loudly.

"The Emberveil family's quota has been reserved by Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. Is there anyone present her who objects.

Surprise flickered through the crowd, quickly turning into embarrassment. Muted curses targeted the Emberveil family's arrogance—yet no one dared voice opposition.

Only scattered boos rippled faintly across the gathering before quiet returned.

Ethan approached the area near the house of Stormjade, where Eunice awaited.

Her joy blossomed at the sight of him, a bright smile lighting her features.

But Ethan's next words chilled the moment.

"When will Sun Moon Lake open?" he asked bluntly.

Only then did Eunice realize his visit was not to see her, but to inquire about the lake's schedule.

"Young friend Aether," the head of the Stormjade family stood with a respectful nod. "So young, yet rivaling Mahayana realm strength. You will be formidable indeed."

Fresh from battle victories, the Stormjade family head now counted Ethan among those worthy of respect—not wanting to offend either the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets or the promising youth, he chose cautious diplomacy.

"That's kind of ridiculous," Ethan replied plainly.

"Sun Moon Lake will open in three days. You can arrive then to practice alongside the youth from the three families of the Sun Moon city." The family head's smile widened.

"Okay." Ethan nodded, acceptance clear in his tone.

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

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