Seeing Ethan firmly express his stance, Edwin found no words to argue.

After all, Ethan owed nothing to the Azure Origin Dao Sect; on the contrary, the sect owed him much.

But Edwin was but an old retired peak master among the sixteen peaks of the Dao Sect—his influence limited.

He pondered bitterly—if he were the sect master, how could he allow this to happen?

"I understand your feelings, but I'm not asking you to return to the sect tonight," Edwin said gently.

"What then?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"I only came to ask for a favor," Edwin said again.

"A favor?" Ethan echoed thoughtfully.

"What trouble did you encounter, Uncle Edwin?" Ethan inquired.

Edwin sighed deeply. "Remember Bram? We were targeted by him."

"Bram…" Ethan frowned. The name was toxic.

Bram was a man who would surely retaliate relentlessly.

With Bram's eyes set on Edwin and his team, without powerful aid, they stood no chance.

"Three nights ago, a group of us intended to visit Myriad Treasures Pavilion, but Bram and his men stopped us."

"Without timely assistance from experts, disaster would have been inevitable," Edwin added grimly.

"Experts?"

"Yes, the Ashenvale family—one of the five great families of the Holy Land—came to our rescue," Edwin replied.

"The Ashenvale family?" Ethan queried sharply.

"Why would the Holy Land intervene for the Azure Origin Dao Sect? There must be some hidden motive."

Ethan's suspicion flared.

He doubted there existed kindness in the world for free.

He suspected the Holy Land's aid had a purpose beneath the surface.

"I don't know for sure, but it's likely Cain Ashenvale came for the saint. She's a rare talent and stunningly beautiful; it's only natural to attract such interest."

"The one who took action that night was Cain Ashenvale, young master of the Ashenvale family. He ranks third in the Heaven's Prodigy List across Skyreach Region, and is a contender to become the future Holy Lord of the Holy Land."

Edwin's voice faltered. "I often feel uneasy about all this."

Despite his experience and self-awareness, Edwin reckoned even Seraphina might not fully captivate Cain's heart.

Appearance alone rarely claimed the attention of such a genius.

Therefore, Edwin believed Cain likely had ulterior motives or was merely toying with Seraphina.

"Cain Ashenvale."

"That's an interesting twist," Ethan observed calmly.

He had seen the Prodigy List within the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets before.

However, Ethan cared little about Seraphina's fate.

He even thirsted to cleave Seraphina down in vengeance.

Yet to permit her death without retribution would be a cheap fate for her transgressions.

He wanted the master-disciple pair to endure true punishment, to know pain and despair.

"Since the Ashenvale family is backing you, why fear Bram?"

Ethan's tone was deadly flat.

"Though Cain Ashenvale is powerful, something about him unsettles my instincts. That's why I invited you here tonight—to beg for your assistance," Edwin's voice lowered and his fists clenched with helplessness.

This time, he discarded all pride and approached Ethan shyly, desperate to save their lives.

"Please help us escape Bram's clutches."

"Only you command the strength to do so."

"You are our last hope."

Edwin gritted his teeth, humbling himself to an extent unseen before.

Yet survival was at stake, and there was no alternative.

"Uncle Ethan!" Ethan's voice suddenly sharpened, seriousness overtaking his features.

"I can save you—but not Seraphina."

"I am only here for you."

"Three days from now, after the treasure appraisal conference ends, you are to leave Seraphina behind. Then come to the Blood Tavern. I will escort you safely away from Noble Sun City back to Azure Origin Dao Sect."

Of course, Ethan intended more than just to send Edwin back.

He planned to return to Azure Origin Dao Sect himself eventually.

To confront the lingering grievances of past wounds.

That… Edwin was unprepared to hear.

After a brief silence, Edwin looked stunned.

"Uncle Edwin, do not act hastily."

"Never risk your life for others."

"If you perish, what will happen to Junior Sister Liana?"

Ethan's voice grew deep as he searched Edwin's gaze.

Liana's face flickered in Edwin's mind's eye.

"Uncle Edwin, you have two and a half minutes to decide. If you fail to answer, I won't save anyone."

Ethan took up his tea again, drinking thoughtfully.

Silence filled the space.

At last, the sect's loftier ideals faltered beneath his selfish instincts.

Ethan was right.

Could the saint's life outweigh that of one's own daughter?

"Your Highness the Saint, forgive me."

Edwin sighed heavily within.

He had endured Seraphina's harshness and done his best.

Yet neither she nor the sect owed him anything.

"All right…"

Edwin's resignation hung in the air.

Suddenly, a commotion outside drew their attention.

The door curtain parted, revealing a familiar figure.

"Seraphina?!" Ethan frowned.

"Uncle Edwin, what are you doing?" Seraphina demanded sharply.

"Is it not improper for the saint to barge into my room?" Edwin retorted.

His patience spent, he regarded Seraphina coldly.

"Uncle Edwin, the situation is urgent. I know it better than you."

"As a saint of the Dao Sect, I have devised a solution."

"Why seek a sect traitor for help?"

"Haha, why should a junior lecture me on my actions?"

Edwin snorted contemptuously.

Seraphina's eyes narrowed.

She clenched her fists tightly, her gaze freezing.

Uncle Edwin had become unrecognizable.

It must be the effect of Ethan—some intoxicating influence had corrupted Edwin.

She couldn't fathom the spell Ethan had cast.

Yet she knew she stood powerless before him.

So instead, she lashed out at Edwin, pointing accusing fingers.

"Hmph, Uncle Edwin, you ignore the sect's laws and collude with traitors. What punishment do you deserve?"

Edwin burst into cruel laughter.

"Seraphina, you are a saint within the sect. But outside it, you are but a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator. How dare you judge me?"

"Is Lyralei here to defend you?"

Edwin's voice dripped with venom, eyes cold as ice.

His anger was absolute.

This Seraphina was too self-righteous, arrogant, unreasonable—and ignorant of the true ways of life and death!

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: @Sheng_Mei

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