427-436

Chapter 427 - A Courtyard Tragedy

[Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method]

As the name implied, it was a body forging method relating to the Dragon God. The seven volumes contained detailed information regarding the first two realms of Body Cultivation: The Body Tempering Realm and the Body Transformation Realm.

The first two volumes focus on two areas within the Body Tempering Realm: The viscera containing the five major organs and the meridians.

The last five volumes of the Body Transformation Realm focus on the five major organs of the body; the heart, spleen, lung, kidney, and liver. Each volume was dedicated solely to one of these five organs.

Leon found with surprise that there was also detailed anatomy and diagram of the dragon body.

The most surprising part was the dragon body closely resembled humans. Apart from the outer appearance being humanoid with dragon features, the inner body was almost identical.

Even so, the dragons that existed during the primordial era possessed two forms. One was the humanoid form shown in the anatomy diagram, and the other was the true dragon form.

'It seems that even dating back to the primordial era, the human form is still the most popular among the diverse races. I wonder why this is so?' Leon pondered.

Is it because the human form is considered the peak form of evolution? Or because the True Creator that he does not know even exists was a human?

Nevertheless, Leon did not dwell on the topic and continue reading through the [Dragon God Consolidating Method].

If the human body and dragon body was truly similar, as shown, then it should be possible for humans to practice dragon methods. Alas, it was only similar and not identical in the end.

The Body Tempering Realm can be achieved, but the Body Transformation Realm required dragon bloodline to practice.

Leon wrinkled his brows and moved onto the other two methods: The Star God Consolidating Viscera Method and the Moon God Consolidating Viscera Method.

Like the Dragon God Consolidating Method, the seven volumes were divided into two volumes for the Body Tempering Realm and five volumes for the Body Transformation Realm.

The Star God Consolidating Method and the Moon God Consolidating Method were both methods for human practices. However, the Body Transformation Realm also required Star God Bloodline and Moon God Bloodline.

Leon wanted to cough up blood when he read to this point.

The Star Gods and Moon Gods were both human gods, but he still needed their unique bloodlines to consolidate his viscera to the Body Transformation Realm? What kind of logic was that?

'Whether it is the Dragon God Consolidating Method, Star God Consolidating Method, or Moon God Consolidating Method, these are all methods made for offspring and descendants of the Dragon God, Star God, and Moon God. Not just anyone can practice it.'

Leon scratched his head with distress. After a moment, he began to quietly ponder deeply in thought.

'No matter which method I choose, I can only consolidate my viscera and meridians to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. However, I do not need to be fixated on a single method. If I find a better method for the Body Transformation Realm, I can just switch over after I completely consolidate my viscera to the peak of Body Tempering Realm.'

The solution was not a good one, but it was a solution, nonetheless.

Leon recalled how Rogue Cultivators back in the Divine Realm would find a new cultivation method to practice each time they broke through to a higher new realm.

Rogue Cultivators were lone cultivators who are not affiliated to any sects or powers. As such, they do not have the resources nor the higher-level, complete cultivation methods that the sects and strong powers do.

They scavenge for their own resources and techniques to cultivate.

Usually, this would create an unstable cultivation base, but there were also methods to fix it. As such, the numbers of Rogue Cultivators in the Divine Realm were not small. In fact, the number of Rogue Cultivators exceeds the number of Cultivators belonging to sects and kingdoms.

There were numerous Divine Kings among the Rogue Cultivator group, but whether they could reach the peak of the Divine King Realm was an entirely different matter.

'Considering the presence of strong dragon heritage, there's a possibility that I might not need to switch methods. If I can find some dragon blood to refine, it will be possible to continue practice the last five volumes.'

Leon silently mused.

At least for the [Dragon God Consolidating Method], it was more straightforward in needing dragon blood to cultivate; the higher the dragon blood quality, the better—With the blood of the Dragon God being the most ideal for practice.

But what would happen if he practiced without dragon blood anyway? The core of the [Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method] still relied on Grandmist Energy.

'It seems I will only find out once I start practicing.'

Leon made his decision.

The Star God and Moon God methods lacked information on their bloodline requirement. It only mentioned that the Star God Bloodline was called Divine Starlight Blood, and Moon God Bloodline was similarly called Divine Moonlight Blood.

After deciding on the [Dragon God Consolidating Method], Leon began pondering other issues.

He found quite a few suitable methods for people around him, but without Grandmist Energy, no one would be able to practice the techniques.

The methods relating to the Ice Phoenix were both suitable for Aria and Lynne.

There was a method called the [Ice Phoenix Frozen Calamity]. It was an energy cultivation method with great insights into the Ice Law that could aid their law comprehension and boost their awakening cultivation subsequently.

Unfortunately, the method was incomplete.

The Void God methods were suitable for Darlene and other Void Bodies, but it was also incomplete.

If there is a chance, he will look for the following missing volumes when he can.

After a moment of rumination, Leon began copying the words in the [Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method] onto a blank piece of paper.

He wrote down the translated version of the first volume, the volume he was assigned to translate by the other Venerable Shamans. It was best to get it out of the way so he does not have to worry about it later.

Sometime later, Leon finished written down the first volume. Afterward, he compiled the papers together and stored them safely in the Worldspace.

Lumi continued to lay unconscious on an ice bed within the small Yin-biome in the herb garden. Leon checked on her condition for a short while before finally returning to reality.

The moment he returned, all sorts of cries could be heard in the courtyard. Leon furrowed his brows and shot to his feet immediately before heading out to check.

Three female servants were tied to stakes while the other three threw rocks at them from a distance.

Naturally, they did not have the same precision nor strength as Leon.

The three servants tied to the stakes were stuck in various places by rocks several times. Their face was also swollen in a few areas like eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

"Boohoo… I don't want to do this anymore… it hurts."

"Aiyo~ Let me off, please. I cannot endure it anymore."

"Wuwuwu… this is so painful. It's not working at all!"

While the three tied servants were crying, the other three female servants hesitated to continue throwing rocks at them.

However, Darlene, as the big sister, was relentless and said, "Keep throwing! If you don't want to get hit, you have to focus hard and use your ability to curve the rocks!"

This was called tough love!

"Yes!"

The three servants holding rocks immediately steeled their hearts and tossed them. Another round of cries was heard shortly after.

Smack! Smack!

"Ahh—! Stop, I cannot do it!"

"It's not working! Spare me!"

Leon quickly spotted Darlene standing nearby with her arms crossed, supervising the group's 'training' activity.

"What's going on? Did your sisters commit some sort of mistake? Why are you punishing them like this?" Leon asked.

"Ah, hubby. You're here. I am not punishing them. I am teaching them how to use their spatial abilities like me."

"You…"

After Leon heard Darlene's explanation, he could not help but facepalm and rub his forehead with distress and speechlessness.

"Eh? What's wrong, hubby? Did I do something wrong? Wasn't this how you taught me?" Darlene asked with doubt.

Leon's lips twitched before he said, "Yeah, but your ability was already awakened before that while your sisters have not awakened their abilities."

"Ah?! So then, this training is useless for them right now?!" Darlene exclaimed loudly with surprise.

Leon nodded.

When the three tied servants heard this, they started to wail louder with grievances. So, all their efforts were made in vain? They endured the suffering of the training for nothing?

"Boohoo… It hurts…"

"Why did we do this to ourselves…?"

"Wuwu… I think my forehead is bleeding…"

These female servants were Tia, Chana, and Nora.

After receiving her hubby's confirmation, Darlene felt so embarrassed she wanted to find a hole to crawl in.

She could feel the betrayed looks of the other three sisters staring at her back as if saying, 'What a horrible thing you made us do…'

"Ahem, please untie our sisters," Darlene said to them with a flushed face.

After a moment, she turned back to Leon with puppy eyes, begging him for an answer.

She was confused about how she became awakened while her sisters were not. What was different between her sisters and her? When did she awaken her ability?

Leon issued a dry and cough and whispered, "It's because we've done 'it' before the training.. You should have already realized this, but my body is unique."

Chapter 428 - Stop Pushing

After hearing Leon's explanation, Darlene gaped in surprise.

"Don't tell anyone about this. We wouldn't want anyone to know about—Not unless you want to sell your hubby off to become a stallion that sleeps with other women all day and night." Leon said with a bit of mild teasing.

Darlene immediately nodded obediently like a pecking duck. She immediately made a mental note in her heart. If others learn about it, she will have less intimate time with her hubby.

'I cannot let another soul learn of this secret!' Darlene silently vowed.

Although she knew she cannot monopolize Leon for herself, it did not stop her from trying while she still has him for herself.

After the female servant Tia, Chana, and Nora was untied, Leon walked over and handed them each a Tier 1 Healing Pill—A Tier 1 Healing Pill was enough to help them recover their light injuries.

"Swallow this."

Tia, Chana, and Nora were simultaneously surprised when they received the small brown pellets each. They studied it for a moment before Tia asked, "What is this, Young Master?"

"Just swallow it, and you will know," Leon said bluntly without further explanation. Letting them experience the pill's effect themselves was the best explanation.

The three of them glanced at the pill suspiciously. After a moment, Tia, Chana, and Nora all popped the pill in their mouths decisively.

They had not done anything that would warrant the Young Master to harm. The Young Master was also hailed as a Divine Doctor, so it might be something good.

The pleasant medicinal scent softly emitted from the pill was a testimony of this. Furthermore, they cannot reject the Young Master's orders either way.

Shortly after the Tier 1 Healing Pill was swallowed into their bodies, the pill immediately began working its magic. A pleasant feeling flowed through their bodies and soothed away their soreness.

Within several breathes, the pain in their bodies eased away, the swollen parts disappeared, and the light cuts and scratches recovered without any scars left behind.

"Wow, Tia! Your bruises and cuts are all gone!" Chana exclaimed with eyes while gazing at Tia.

Tia was startled and glanced back at Chana before her expression was also colored with surprises.

"Wow! You too, Chana! Your injuries are all gone!"

"What kind of medicine is this? It's so effective—it's almost miraculous!" Nora said while feeling her cheeks and previously sore body parts. All the pain had vanished without a trace.

"Young Master, this is too amazing! You are too amazing!"

"Young Master is a Divine Doctor, after all!"

Tia and Chana began chirping around Leon, singing praises, and hugging onto his arms each. Shortly after, Nora also joined them.

The other three female servants, Tess, Zoe, and Kiara, were also considering whether to join them or not. They stood on the spot with hesitation.

Darlene glanced at them unbelievably.

Were these still the same sisters who unwilling to serve her hubby? They look like they are trying to fawn over him now.

Their attitudes changed too quickly!

However, after a moment, Darlene started to become suspicious. They were getting too close and touchy with her hubby! No, they were not fawning! They were seducing him to earn his affections with hidden intentions!

Where was their dignity—their chaste maiden attitudes? Was it so easily thrown aside for the chance to cultivate?

'These vixens!'

Darlene gritted her teeth and immediately stormed over, pulling Leon away from the female servants.

"Hubby, how about we retire to the bedroom for the day?" Darlene suggested while hugging Leon's left arm.

She threw a glance back at her sisters as if warning them not to thinking about it. It was like her silent message was saying, 'You all didn't like the idea of serving Young Master Leonhardt at first, so don't think about trying to seduce him! He is mine!'

The three female servants Tia, Chana, and Nora, immediately understood the underlying message and immediately puckered their lips in protest.

'You can't do that! You cannot have the Young Master to yourself! You still owe us an explanation for the suffering we underwent in vain!'

Nevertheless, they can only glare back in silence. They did not have the courage to voice their demands in front of Darlene.

Invisible fiery sparks clashed between their gazes, but that was it. The female servants were passive because they were the newcomers.

Shortly after, they could only watch as the Young Master nodded and pulled away to the bedroom by their sister Darlene.

"Let us get familiar with the area first. This place could use some tidying and clean up after." Chana sighed. Cleaning was what they do as servants.

The other five servants quickly agreed.

Inside the bedroom, Leon glanced at Darlene, who stuck close to him. He studied her slight blush and asked, "Are you in heat again?"

Darlene glanced up into Leon's eyes with a passionate gaze and wrapped her arms around his neck slowly.

"I still haven't expressed my gratitude and how grateful I am for the clothes you bought for me. It must have cost a lot of Dark Crystals, right?" Darlene asked.

Leon shook his head before he said, "The cost is nothing—so long as you are happy."

"I am very happy! Say—How should I thank you?" Darlene said coquettishly while licking her lips.

Leon's lips curved slightly before he said, "There's no need for such things as thank you between us… But it seems like you already know how you want to thank me, so I will just be taking you up on your offer."

Darlene giggled and willingly let Leon pick her up like a princess and carry her to their bed to make love. Their clothes were slowly undressed… the following details will be omitted.

…

Several hours later, Darlene laid on top of Leon's bare chest, exhausted with a content look.

The moans in the room have stopped, and the sweats from their steamy session of passionate lovemaking could be seen on her lustrous, smooth body.

"Hubby, I think I seemed to have grown stronger again…" Darlene said with doubt in Leon's embrace, feeling the changes in her body. This time, she did not fall asleep.

Leon inspected her body before he stated, "Un, you've just broken through to 2-Stars Ranked Awakener Realm.

"Will this continue to happen everything time we copulate?" Darlene asked with a pleasant surprise.

'Was it actually so easy for her to become stronger without cultivating? Wasn't this too amazing?' She thought.

However, Leon shook his head and said, "No, not every time. That would be too heaven-defying. You still need to cultivate to make the most out of it."

"Oh…"

Darlene was a little disappointed. Even so, her resolve and determination to cultivate harder were strengthened.

"Do you still remember the circulation route and element gathering process I taught you last time?" Leon asked.

"Mm!"

"That's good. Next, I will teach you a simple breathing technique to help you gather these elements more quickly. Come follow these steps…" Leon began to instruct her on the rhythmic breathing exercise.

The simple breathing technique was to gather the elements through her mouth and lungs. After teaching her the simple breathing technique, Leon mentioned that the ultimate goal was to achieve the advanced breathing technique.

The advanced breathing technique was to breathe through one's pores and gather the elements into the energy center directly, which was the Black Hole in her case—the Spatial Seed.

Darlene took in all his words seriously despite being glued together. It was quickly memorized in her heart after a few rounds.

"Alright, let us get dressed and practice outside," Leon said.

Darlene immediately tightened her arms around Leon. She was a bit reluctant to part from her comfortable position.

Nevertheless, the determination to cultivate overcame her.

"Alright."

After rubbing her cheeks on Leon's chest like a purring cat for a moment, she finally agreed and got up groggily.

Leon got up and went for a quick bath. After he was done, he got dressed and refilled the bathtub with fresh, clean water for Darlene to use next.

"You'll feel more rejuvenated after a cold bath and meditated cultivation later. I'll wait for you outside."

"Mm."

After Darlene nodded, Leon made his way over to open the doors and head out.

"Shh, stop pushing—!"

"Shh, I can't hear anything."

Muffled whispers could be heard outside. The moment Leon pulled open the doors, Tia and Chana fell forward into his chest, followed by the rest of the female servants behind them.

Leon glanced down and questioned them, "What are you all doing?"

"Y-Young Master!"

Tia and Chana immediately retreated with blushes while female servants immediately scurried back to their feet with taut backs and panicky expressions.

"What were you all doing, lurking outside the room?" Darlene scowled from the bed while covering herself with the fur blanket.

"W-We were…"

They did not know how to explain.

Leon waved them off with a soft sigh and said, "There's no need to explain. Just don't do it next time."

"Y-Yes, Young Master!"

The female servants shortly made way for Leon to step outside. As he walked out, his gaze landed on the neat and tidy courtyard.

The entrance was missing, and holes were still present in the walls; however, the ground was swept clean. All the peddles and rock were moved to one side while the small logs and broken wood moved to another.

"Oh? You girls did a pretty good job."

"Thank you for your praise, Young Master."

The female servants curtsied with their heads slightly lowered. Leon pulled them up and glanced at them for a moment.

"Join me in the courtyard. I will teach you all how to cultivate."

"Yes, Young Master!"

The female servants were immediately overjoyed after hearing Leon's words.

Leon will teach them what they need to know, but it will depend on how quickly they will awaken after his teachings.

Chapter 429 - Exposed

Within the Barrenrock Courtyard, the six female servants, Tia, Chana, Nora, Tess, Zoe, and Kiara, were seated in meditation on the floor.

After Leon taught them the basics, he left them to comprehend and awaken at their own pace and headed to the rocky plateau with Darlene.

At the edges of the top of the rocky plateau, where the breeze was good, and the altitude was high, Leon chose the spot for Darlene to cultivate with him.

The higher they were, the more spatial elements were present. Spatial elements existed everywhere, but they were sparse on the ground level due to the abundance of other existing elements in the surrounding.

While Darlene cultivated her spatial ability, Leon practiced the [Hegemon of Primal Chaos] to refine more Great pseudo-Grandmist Energy for his Body Cultivation.

Spatial Energy and Temporal Energy gathered towards them in steady streams as they cultivated in silence beside each other.

An unknown period of time passed before footsteps were heard nearby.

Leon slowly opened his eyes and ended his cultivation session right there, while Darlene remained deep in meditation, oblivious to her surroundings.

"Did I interrupt your cultivation session?" Chief Valencia asked wryly.

Leon shook his head and said, "It's fine. Let us talk somewhere else."

"Alright."

Leon and Chief Valencia moved some distance away for their discussion in case they disturb Darlene's cultivation.

"Do you need me for something, chief?"

"I'm about to head to depart for the Black Swamp. I wonder if Little Nephew Leonhardt will be interested in joining this expedition and chatting with Aunty Valencia along the way." Chief Valencia said.

"Aunty Valencia, huh? Sure." Leon said with a raised eyebrow.

Suddenly, he had become a generation younger than the chief. Considering the chief was around the same age as his parents, it would have been normal for the chief to address him as 'Little Nephew.'

However, he was used to the chief addressing him as 'Little Brother Leonhardt.'

Nevertheless, she changed to addressing him as 'Little Nephew Leonhardt' implies that she had understood the relationship he shares with Helen, his adoptive mother, and learned of his true identity.

"That's great. Little Nephew Leonhardt sure hid it well—or should I call you the Crown Prince Leon? Who knew that we were all family after all this time? You should have told me. I would have treated you more warmly."

"It's fine. They're all just names. You can call me whatever you want, chief. I had my misgivings. I hope that you understand." Leon said wryly.

What a joke.

If he did not forge friendly relationships with the tribesmen and earned himself such an excellent reputation within the tribe, showcasing his importance, he would have been treated like a spy and have all his deepest secrets interrogated out of him by now.

Although it seemed Chief Valencia and his mother Helen had gotten close like sisters, he still felt like it was a superficial relationship even if they were now working towards a common goal.

He understood this after considering the difference in the chief's treatment of his mother and other regular servants.

The chief was good at using people.

Perhaps all leaders inherently possess this skill or developed it during their career when they step into a position of power over others.

"Then I will continue to call you Little Nephew Leonhardt." Chief Valencia nodded.

"You're not going to treat me differently after learning that I am someone from the Human Domain, right?" Leon asked.

Chief Valencia smiled wryly and said, "Of course not! The tribe still needs to rely on you. Besides, you are a part of the tribe now. We are family."

"I see, in that case, I should give you this."

Leon nodded and took out a stack of papers before passing it over to Chief Valencia. After she glanced at it, she asked, "This is…?"

"The Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method, the first volume translated in its entirety," Leon stated calmly and watched the chief's eyes slowly widened in shock and alarm.

Chief Valencia skimmed through the translated text before she stared at Leon dumbfoundedly. After a moment, she inquired, "You managed to translate the whole volume in such a short time?"

"Yes."

Leon shamelessly admitted.

"Impress. Haiz, Little Nephew Leonhardt never ceases to amaze. Your talent is envious." Chief Valencia praised with an emotional sigh.

Comparing one's own talents to someone like Leon would just make them depressed.

"Right, I've been away from the Human Domain for some time now. Thus, I plan to return to check on the situation halfway through the expedition if Aunt Valencia doesn't mind." Leon mentioned.

Chief Valencia was rather startled and asked, "How long will you be gone?"

"Perhaps for a few days if nothing unexpected happens. I plan to return to attend the summit at the very least." Leon answered.

After a moment, he suggests, "If we can bring back the Teleportation Array, it would not be a problem for the tribesmen to visit between the Dark Continent and Human Domain freely."

"A few days is alright."

Chief Valencia nodded before she noticed something and said, "So there's a Teleportation Array within the Black Swamp after all. It was strange that paled skin people made their appearance there one day, unexpectedly."

"Speaking pale skin… Little Nephew Leonhardt, your skin is…" Chief Valencia turned her attention on Leon's tanned complexion.

"Oh, this? Just some skin color changing cream I concocted and applied to blend in with the natives of this land." Leon explained with a light smile. "You won't blame me for deceiving everyone like this, right?"

"No, but I should blame you for starting the Bone Calamity, shouldn't I?" Chief Valencia narrowed her eyes, causing Leon to freeze.

Afterward, Chief Valencia slyly added, "However, if you are willing to teach my tribesmen the awakening cultivation methods, I can overlook this matter."

Leon mildly studied the chief's expression before he rubbed his forehead wryly. It seems the chief did not plan to pursue the matter despite him being the culprit that caused the deaths of many tribesmen during the Bone Calamity.

Everything paled in comparison to the benefits he could bring to Darkmoon Tribe.

Leon thought he knew his worth, but it seems like he still underestimated himself.

At least, Chief Valencia was someone who knew his worth and saw the bigger picture. She would not harm him and would go all out to protect him.

"I can agree to this," Leon said.

"That's great."

Leon took out some leftover spare paper and ink brush from the Worldspace and began writing down the methods.

After he was done, he passed it over to Chief Valencia to peruse. Offering up the awakening cultivation methods Leon knew was a small price to pay for his mistake.

"With this, the debt is cleared, right?" Leon asked.

Chief Valencia skimmed through the awakening cultivation method and nodded. It was similar to the Illusory Butterfly Technique, but there was also a significant difference between them.

"That's good," Leon said after receiving Chief Valencia's confirmation.

Nevertheless, he could no longer use the awakening cultivation methods as a bargaining chip to buy the runic mining technology from Chief Valencia.

He would have to use alternative bargaining chips to purchase it. Alas, he just so happens to know what exactly Chief Valencia would find equally attractive as the awakening cultivation method.

It was something the Infertile Plains lacked—Spirit herbs! It was definitely something he can provide, and even better after they are refined into high-quality healing medicine!

"Aunty Valencia, what do you think of this?" Leon suddenly asked, grabbing Chief Valencia's attention.

"Hm?"

In the next moment, Chief Valencia saw Leon summoning the Tier 4 Bone Spear and slicing his own hand with its incredibly sharp spearhead. With his 500-thousand jin fleshly defense, the Tier 3 Black Spear would not be able to reproduce the same result.

"What are you doing!" Chief Valencia immediately cried with surprise. "I'm not blaming you for the Bone Calamity. There's no need for you to punish yourself like this!"

Leonhardt's body was practically a treasure. How could she bear for any harm to come to him?! She needed his help if she ever contracts the Demon Possession disease.

"It's not like that." Leon shook his head and said, "Watch this."

Leon took out a bottle of Tier 3 Golden Ointment and began pouring some of its contents on his flesh wound. Shortly after, the bleeding stopped, and the wounded closed up at a naked rate.

Within dozens of breaths, the wound disappeared with a single trace of scarring left behind.

"What kind of medicine is this?!" Chief Valencia inquired with shock.

"This is called the Tier 3 Golden Ointment. What do you think about its healing effect? It should work on all Great Warriors. As for Battle Masters, the effect should be weaker."

After Leon explained, Chief Valencia's eye continued to be glued onto the pill bottle in his hand with glittering eyes like she had just found a treasure.

"Can I test its effectiveness?"

"Of course! Take it."

Leon handed the bottle of Tier 3 Golden Ointment over to Chief Valencia. She did not do anything crazy, like using her own Soul Weapon to cut her flesh.

Her flesh was not as tough as Leon, nor does she realize the toughness of Leon's fleshly defense. This was why she was considerably startled by his actions, which was crazy in her eyes.

Chief Valencia simply exerted a decent amount of force and sliced her flesh with her nails. The wound began to bleed immediately.

After she dabbed the Golden Ointment onto her wound, it began closing even quicker than Leon's cut.. Either way, it was much more effective than Old Baba's medicine.

Chapter 430 - Laying Out The Cards

"This Golden Ointment seems to be even more effective on me than it was on you. Why's that?" Chief Valencia questioned Leon with a look of doubt.

"Err…"

Leon was speechless for a moment before he said, "Never mind that. What do you think of this medicine? Do you wish to purchase it?"

Chief Valencia carefully studied Leon's expression for a moment, as if trying to gauge his secrets. Unfortunately, she was unable to discover anything unless Leon was willing to explain.

"I doubt you brought this medicine out just to sell it for some Dark Crystals. What is it that you want in exchange—?"

"Chief, the team is ready to set out for the expedition! We are just waiting for you, chief!" A warrior reported clearly upon arrival.

Chief Valencia furrowed her brows slightly before she said, "Let us continue to talk along the way."

"Alright. Let me go call Darlene."

Leon nodded.

Shortly after, he returned to Darlene's side, who was still cultivating with deep focus. Seeing her like this, Leon did not interrupt her immediately.

He watched the spatial elements gather towards her at a consistent rate, neither fast nor too slow. While the gathering speed was steady, the refining speed was on a whole different level.

After entering Darlene's body, it was like the spatial elements were pulled into a region of strong gravitational force. It revolved through the circulation route at an accelerated rate before rushing into the Spatial Seed.

'This is should be part of the benefits of having the Void Soul Constitution…' Leon pondered silently.

The body was like a bottomless rift that swallowed everything without changes. The gathering speed was simply unable to keep up with the refining speed for Darlene to cultivate effectively.

'She could be cultivating much faster.' Leon concluded.

He briefly turned to Chief Valencia and said, "You won't mind waiting a bit, will you?"

"Not at all. The others can wait." Chief Valencia responded nonchalantly.

Even if the other warriors waiting on them were not happy, they could continue waiting for all she cares. She was much more interested in what Leonhardt was planning to do.

"Thanks."

Leon quickly took off and flew into the sky above Darlene.

The rocky plateau was already roughly 200ft high. However, Leon flew higher than 300ft above the plateau and still failed to sense the sky's suppressive force.

He knew that the sky's suppressive force in the Dark Continent was much weaker, but he did not know to what extent.

He thought it had something to do with the crack in the sky in the Land of Darkness, but it was actually due to the encompassing dark clouds covering the sky that lifted the suppressive force like the World Tree's cover, perhaps?

Nevertheless, Leon did not fly higher than 300ft above Darlene. The spatial element at this altitude was already much richer than the surface level.

Leon spread out his senses and began gathering the spatial elements towards him with Divine Will. He used his strong mental strength to gather them like a tempest.

However, he did not absorb them for himself but funnel them straight down to Darlene below him.

While Darlene was in the middle of her cultivation, her mental state was very serene, like she was a leaf floating on a body of water without any ripples—When suddenly, a torrential amount of spatial elements rained down on her.

Her body crazily devoured the spatial elements and transformed them into Spatial Energy before being similarly consumed by the Spatial Seed and stored.

Darlene's cultivation rose quickly and nearly broke through to 3-Stars Ranked Awakener Realm in a single leap. However, the burst only lasted a moment before losing all its momentum.

She opened her eyes shortly after with a sigh of disappointment. After a moment, she recovered and began to look around with confusion, wondering where the burst of spatial elements came from.

Leon slowly descended in front of her, causing her to be mildly surprised before she got up and approached him.

"Hubby, did you do something just now?" Darlene asked with doubts and uncertainty.

Leon quickly admitted with a smile, "That's right. Did you like the gift?"

Darlene quickly nodded.

She wanted to continue asking further about it, but Leon suddenly patted her butt and said, "Alright, put on the Enchanted Equipment I bought you. We are heading outside the tribe with Chief Valencia and some other warriors. Let's not keep them waiting."

"Where are we going?" She asked with surprise. She was taken aback and caught off guard by the sudden news.

Nevertheless, she still did as she was told and took out the Tier 2 Enchant Equipment from her Interspatial Pouch and equipped it over her current clothes.

"The Black Swamp. We are joining Chief Valencia on her expedition. However, we will also be parting from the group midway. I will be taking the Teleportation Array to return to my homeland. You will soon learn about who I truly am—that is unless you do not wish to follow me and stay back in the tribe."

When Leon finished saying this, Darlene quickly shook her vigorously and said resolutely, "No! Wherever you go, I want to go with you! I want to know more about you!"

"Then, we are all good then."

"Are we done now?" Said Chief Valencia after choosing an appropriate timing to walk over and ask them.

Leon nodded.

"Great! Let us head off!"

Shortly after, Leon and Darlene followed Chief Valencia to meet up with the rest of the expedition group waiting outside the tribe's southern entrance.

There were a few senior warriors in their 70's at the Early-rank Battle Master Realm, among dozens of middle-aged warriors in the Great Warrior Realm. No one was below Great Warrior Realm within the group.

After meeting this group, Darlene spotted someone and went silent. Considering she was speaking, to begin with, Leon did not notice her change.

Chief Valencia glanced at the group and studied everyone's preparation. They were all geared and ready to set off at any time.

After a moment, she nodded and thundered, "Let us set off!"

"Yes, chief!"

Everyone shouted in unison. They grabbed their Soul Weapons and double-checked their Interspatial Pouches before chasing after Chief Valencia, who took the lead to rush ahead.

The pace was not too fast, but it was not slow either. The Great Warriors were able to keep up with this speed, but Darlene was unable to. She was carried on Leon's back as he ran alongside the chief.

Chief Valencia glanced to her side and said with consideration, "Feel free to let me know if you get tired or if I am moving too quickly. We can stop for breaks."

"No need. This is nothing. You do not need to worry about me. I will be able to keep up." Leon said casually, not breaking a sweat while carrying Darlene on his back.

Chief Valencia smiled and did not comment.

She thought Leon was just trying to act tough in front of his women. He would have to cave in and request for a break at some point.

"About what we were discussing earlier…" Chief Valencia began bringing up the topic of Leon's medicine.

"The Infertile Plains lack the proper environment to grow precious herbs and medicine. However, the same cannot be said for the Human Domain. I am willing to supply the Darkmoon Tribe with a large number of precious herbs and medicine. Also, water can be resolved if we set up a proper channel is set up. What does Aunty Valencia think of entering a long-term trade and alliance with the Crawford Kingdom?"

Chief Valencia's eyes flickered for a moment before she furrowed her brows in deep thoughts. What Leon said was very lucrative, but she could not agree so quickly until she figures out how this would benefit Leonhardt's side.

There was no such thing as a free lunch in the world.

"You mentioned some tempting offers, but what would the Crawford Kingdom gain out of this deal? What can the Darkmoon Tribe possibly offer you in return? Don't tell me that this is all for just the runic mining technology?" Chief Valencia asked.

"Well, there's that. The runic mining technology will greatly help the kingdom develop and all, but more importantly, we want your friendship. With the Human Domain occupying only one corner of the Desolate Continent, humanity's fate does not look too bright. This is especially so when humans are fighting amongst ourselves. Having one more friend is better than one more enemy, don't you think?"

"One more friend is better than one more enemy. Hahaha! Little Nephew Leonhardt speaks some wise words! Let us continue to discuss in detail." Chief Valencia said light-heartedly.

In truth, when the matter of Celestial Water Spark drying up, she did think about invading the prosperous lands of the Human Domain.

Nevertheless, she did have her misgivings towards an unknown land filled with people practicing a different type of cultivation system.

However, if a stable supply of water can really be established between their two sides, that would be for the best.

She was much more interested in the Wildlands than the Human Domain itself. After all, the Darkmoon Tribe was full of meat lovers who also enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

While Leon and Chief Valencia were discussing, the Great Warriors and Battle Masters following in the back were utterly lost due to being ill-informed.

Darlene remained silent throughout the journey as she hugged Leon's neck and buried her head.

At this point, Leon finally felt something off. He figured that Darlene would be curiously asking him questions by now, but that was not the case.

"What's wrong, Darlene? You're awfully quiet."

At the same time, an Extremity-rank Great Warrior in his 60's turned his head in surprise and asked, "Did you say, Darlene?"

"Darlene? Is that you?" The Extremity-rank Great Warrior continued to ask after his eyes fell on the person being carried by Leon.

Darlene hugged Leon's neck more firmly when she heard all this, causing Leon to be more surprised. Why did she seem so frail?

Chapter 431 - The Dar Family

At roughly halfway through the journey to the Black Swamp, the Extremity-rank Great Warrior said, "Chief, I would like to request that we stop for a break."

"Alright. Everyone, let us stop for a quick break." Chief Valencia said after some thoughts.

After giving Leon a quick glance, she was surprised that he had not broken a sweat. He was still fit to keep going despite carrying Darlene the entire time. He was not joking when he said that she did not have to worry about him.

On the other hand, the two senior warriors at the Battle Master Realm were puffing from exhaustion. They were getting old, and their organs were not performing like they used to.

"Thanks for the consideration." One of them said to the Extremity-rank Great Warrior.

The Extremity-rank Great Warrior smiled lightly. He did not request a break for the senior warriors. Instead, it was because of another reason.

He made his way over and gazed at the person on Leon's back. After a moment, the aged Extremity-rank Great Warrior spoke, "Darlene? It's your father."

Leon could feel Darlene's body tremble for a moment after hearing the Extremity-rank Great Warrior speak. However, it was only for a moment. After that, her body started shivering—shivering with anger, that is.

Darlene looked up with red eyes and glared at the person hatefully.

"You're not my father!"

The Extremity-rank Great Warrior was not offended. He simply smiled it off and said, "How can you talk to your father like that? No matter, my blood runs in your veins.

After hearing this, Darlene's mind became even more unstable. Her eyes became dark and ominous, and her aura became wrathful and malevolent.

"So, what if I have your dirty blood? Did you forget how you disowned me and toss me aside when you found I was useless?! Do you think you still have the right to be called my father?!" Darlene barked with baleful eyes.

The surrounding space began to twist and distort out of form due to her heightened emotion that transformed her anger into power.

The Extremity-rank Great Warrior's eyes lit up after seeing Darlene's display of power. He confirmed that the rumors he heard were right, and his lips curved into a bigger smile.

"Whether you like it or not, I am still your father.��

"Go away! You're not worthy of being my father!"

Darlene shouted threateningly when she saw the Extremity-rank Great Warrior take a step closer, causing the person's smile to become noticeably forced.

No matter what, he was a proud Extremity-rank Great Warrior. There was a limit to his tolerance when he is being disrespected by others.

At the same time, Leon lowered Darlene down from his back and soothed her with a backrub. The unstable spatial distortion was affecting him. However, it was like a soft pinch—thanks to his insanely high fleshly defense.

He did not blame Darlene for this, but the person that made her become like this. He glanced back at the Extremity-rank Great Warrior and impassively said, "You should do as she says."

"Divine Doctor, I would be most grateful if you do not interfere in our family matters." The Extremity-rank Great Warrior said respectfully after turning to Leon.

The Extremity-rank Great Warrior's name was Darren. He was from the Dar family, which had a long-standing history within the Darkmoon Tribe that was only inferior to the Golden family.

At this moment, Chief Valencia and the others have already moved some distance away from them. They were not interested in involving themselves in Darren's family matters.

But while they were not interested, Leon was.

"I don't know what family matters you are talking about. I only know that she's my woman, and she does not welcome your presence, so step back." Leon spoke with a bit of warning in his tone.

Darren's expression became glum when his respect was not reciprocated. Nevertheless, he knew what to do and not to do. Chief Valencia was watching.

"We'll talk another time," Darren said to Darlene before turning around and walked away, finding a boulder some distance away to sit on.

Leon turned to Darlene and consoled her with gentle words and a backrub, "It's fine now. He's gone."

Darlene dove into Leon's arms and buried her face in his chest wordlessly. Leon did not expect a response from her and continued to hold her in silence until she calmed down.

Everyone had their weakness.

It became apparent to Leon that the event had left quite an emotional scar on Darlene's heart when she was abandoned by her own family.

Leon narrowed his eyes when he watched the person claiming to be Darlene's father leave. He did not sense any deep emotion from the person like one would expect between a father and daughter reunion. What he saw were only fake smiles.

The only real emotion he saw from the person was the flicker of excitement when Darlene displayed her power and when the person spoke respectfully to him.

The person wanted to patch up their father-daughter relationship after finding out that his daughter was no longer useless? Or did the person wanted to get closer to him after learning how close the relationship they shared?

'An opportunist.'

Leon concluded the person to be.

After resting some time, Chief Valencia stood up and announced with her clear and powerful voice, "Let us continue the journey!"

"Yes, chief!"

The expedition group shortly gathered before they continued their journey to the Black Swamp. Leon carefully picked Darlene up and place her on his back. She seemed to have fallen asleep.

A few hours later, they finally stopped running after arriving at the perimeters of the Black Swamp's outer region.

"Wow, the Black Swamp really disappeared. There is nothing left here. All the lost treasures can be easily seen now!" An Early-rank Great Warrior exclaimed, feeling excited.

"Can the Black Swamp still be called the Black Swamp without its black swamp?"

"There's no black water left here, but the same cannot be said that the inner region. So, I would say, yes?"

"Chief, can we start scavenging for treasures?" Another Early-rank Great Warrior inquired the chief with two hands rubbing each other, failing to suppress his eagerness.

Chief Valencia nodded, "Go! Take what you want, but don't touch what you shouldn't!"

The expedition group immediately praised the chief before rushing into the Black Swamp's outer region ahead to scavenge, leaving just Chief Valencia, Leon, and Darlene on his back behind.

Chief Valencia mildly shook her head at her tribesmen's enthusiasm before turning to Leon at her side.

"Do you remember the location of the Teleportation Array, Little Nephew Leonhardt?"

"It should be roughly a dozen miles to the left from here, closer to the Weeping Forest," Leon answered after a brief observation of the area.

"Then we shall head in that direction."

"Thanks."

"It's nothing. If this Teleportation Array can be moved, we must back it back to the tribe and not let it fall in the hands of the others." Chief Valencia said.

Leon nodded.

He had overlooked this matter.

He should have stored the Teleportation Array into his Worldspace upon his arrival. It was his only opportunity before the Bone Calamity struck and forced him to steer clear of the place.

"Ahh! What the hell is this?!"

"What happened? What is it?"

An Early-rank Great Warrior suddenly cried with alarm, causing the others to glance in his direction and immediately question him.

"I don't know! Something suddenly grabbed my leg, but there's nothing when I looked!" The Early-rank Great Warrior explained.

Chief Valencia furrowed her brows and said to Leon, "Let's go take a look."

"Alright."

Leon nodded.

Shortly after, he shook Darlene on his back, awake.

"Wake up."

"Uuu…"

Darlene gave a groan before waking up groggily. After her mind regained clarity of the situation, she immediately blushed and asked, "I've shown you something unseemly today. What's happening?"

"Don't overthink it. It's nothing." Leon smiled before explaining, "There seems to be something happening in the Black Swamp. We are going to check it out now, so I need you to be awake in case something happens."

Darlene's grew more solemn before she nodded in understanding.

"I understand. I'll try not to get in hubby's way."

"That's not it. I'm telling you this so you can watch out for yourself in case I fail to protect you." Leon corrected her.

"Oh."

Darlene responded with a sweet smile and hugged Leon's neck firmly with affection. It appeared that she misunderstood him.

Leon continued to carry Darlene on his back and followed the chief shortly after. When they arrived at the area where the Early-rank Great Warrior made the startled cry, they found nothing after listening to the warrior's recount.

Chief Valencia noticed a hole in the wet ground and said with a frown, "Dig this spot."

"Yes, chief!"

At the same time, Leon casually sent his divine sense into the ground to inspect before he was suddenly given a scare and barked, "Don't do it!"

The High-rank Great Warrior holding his Soul Weapon in a shoveling stance froze at once.

Shortly after, Chief Valencia turned to Leon and asked, "What is it, Little Nephew Leonhardt? Did you notice something serious?"

"I did, but let us get away from here first!" Leon's lips twitched as he responded urgently. He silently swore he had just seen the ugliest thing he had ever in existence.

Chief Valencia nodded and quickly urged everyone to move. After they returned to solid land outside the Black Swamp, she queried, "What did you discover?"

"An abomination."

Leon answered flatly.. He felt it suited the ghastly thing hidden underneath the Black Swamp quite crisply.

Chapter 432 - Where's Your Chief?

"An abomination? What kind of abomination? I've never heard of such a thing." Chief Valencia furrowed her brows, unable to recall anything being called an Abomination.

Leon shook his head and said, "It's not a name, but what I am calling it. That thing is very huge, ugly, grotesque, fleshly, and slimly with a lot of tentacles."

"I'm guessing that it was one of its tentacles that touched you, right? Was it cold, fleshly, slimy, or gross?" Leon asked the Early-rank Great Warrior, who previously cried in alarm.

The Early-rank Great Warrior immediately widened his eyes in shock, not comprehending how Leonhardt knew when he did not even see a trace of what it was. However, the description was stated precisely.

"Yes, that was exactly what I felt!"

"A fleshly giant with many tentacles? Can anyone think of anything by this description?" Chief Valencia asked the crowd, only to receive shaking heads.

She turned to Leon and asked, "How did you find out there's such thing underneath the Black Swamp, Little Nephew Leonhardt?"

"It's another ability of mine, something I was born with. I call it Divine Sense. This ability grants me something akin to the omnipotent vision of my surroundings." Leon came clean and explained his ability.

"Something you were born with? A bloodline ability?" Chief Valencia started to feel a little dizzy, considering how many abilities Leon had revealed. "Are you the son of heaven? How can you have such an envious ability?"

Leon smiled without commenting.

He did not know how to answer that question.

But if he thinks about it, with the advantages he had coming to this world, in addition to his heaven-defying luck and fortuitous encounters, he might as well be the son of heaven.

Meanwhile, Darlene unknowingly smiled with glee. The more amazing Leon was, the happier and luckier she felt.

"Is it strong?" Chief Valencia asked.

"I'm not sure. I cannot tell just by looking at it, but my instinct tells me that we best leave it alone and not provoke it."

Leon shook his head.

He had only managed to catch a glimpse of its entire being. However, it was enough to shivers down his spine. He had simply never seen such a grisly thing. Even demons look pretty compared to this thing.

"Of all the past Bone Calamities, no one had ever come this close to ever explore the Black Swamp during its eruption. There is a lot of secrets and history buried here…" Chief Valencia mentioned.

There was a part of history that seemed to have been erased or best forgotten.

At the very least, the ancestors had never mentioned how the Black Swamp came to be when humans first migrated to the Infertile Plains from the cold north.

Leon furrowed slightly.

The area he scanned around here was different from the spot he checked when he first arrived in the Black Swamp.

Over there, the soil underneath was more solid without bones. Only some occasion spots would have bones buried slightly deeper with the earth.

However, over here, there were still numerous bones of various races buried and intermixed with the wet soil, even all the way down to the 80ft range where he spotted the huge abomination.

It was like a giant pit that had been patched up with countless corpses and soil.

Rather than an ancient battlefield, it was more like a burial ground!

"What's the history of this place? Do you know about it?" Leon asked.

Chief Valencia shook her head and said, "I'm not clear. I only know that a great battle once happened here, whether humans were fighting the demonic beasts, the demons, or something else. Only the ancestors know the exact details that transpired during that time."

"Apparently, there was a time when the Seven Tribe Alliance boasted the most Battle Kings and lead all the human tribes of the plains… However, this is only hearsay. No can confirm it. Never mind. Let us move on."

After Chief Valencia spoke, Leon and the group nodded.

Shortly after, the group began heading towards the location of the Teleportation Array. Along the way, Leon continued to send out his divine sense to sweep the area underneath.

As he suspected, the area underneath the soil was different. Some places were just filled with wet dirt, while some contained bones as far as 30ft underground, but nothing as deep as 80ft.

Leon was unsure whether they were just lucky or unlucky that they discovered such an abomination deep under the Black Swamp upon their arrival in that area.

Even so, this was only the very perimeters of the Black Swamp's outer region.

If more bones were revealed to be buried deeper, the further they venture into the Black Swamp, the estimated total bone count would reach an astronomical number compared to what Leon previously predicted.

It would at least be in the billions!

That equates to billions of lives, regardless of race! All were buried in one place, the Black Swamp. How big would the pit in the central region have been if all these buried bones and corpses were removed? Was it truly a battle of enormous proportion? Or did something else killed them all?

The thought chilled Leon's heart.

Nevertheless, he was filled with a curiosity towards the Black Swamp's inner region that was still veiled in darkness.

What sort of secrets lies within?

He did not know the answer to this question, but one thing for sure; it is a dangerous place.

The most dangerous places in the Divine Realm were not referred to as Perilous Lands like the Human Domain—No, they were called the Burial Grounds.

It was because despite knowing full well of the extreme danger that lies within, Divine Practitioners still venture into these Burial Grounds to seek its fortunes.

If Leon recalled, the mortality rate of the Burial Grounds was 95%. Only 5% make it out alive, and only because they explore the outermost parts of the Burial Grounds.

"What are you thinking?" Darlene asked curiously.

Leon smiled lightly and casually said, "It's nothing much. I was just wondering what lies within the Black Swamp's central region."

He was not sure whether the Black Swamp's danger could be classified as a Burial Ground, but the death count in this place had indeed reached the threshold of one.

Sometime later, the group arrived not too far from where Leon last remembered the location of the Teleportation Array.

However, at that moment, Leon, who was walking in the lead with Chief Valencia, suddenly halted his steps.

"Why did you stop?" Chief Valencia asked.

Leon furrowed his brows and activated [Spirit Eyes] to gaze into the distance with a sharp look. After a moment, he said, "There seem to be some people hanging around the Teleportation Array."

"Oh? Must be people from the Clearwater Tribe. How many people are there?"

Chief Valencia narrowed her eyes.

She could vaguely see people in the distance, but she could not guess their exact numbers. Once more, she was surprised by Leon's abilities. It was like he had no weakness.

"Not many. Only 10 people near the Teleportation Array. There doesn't seem to be anyone else nearby either." Leon answered calmly after surveying the surrounding area ahead.

Darlene was surprised.

She strained her eyes to peer into the distance, but she failed to determine anything from that distance and pouted silently.

"Is that so?" Chief Valence glanced back at their group of 50 people before she said, "Let's go and greet them."

"What if they don't let us take away the Teleportation Array?"

"Then we will take it by force." Chief Valencia answered the question straightforwardly.

"Even if they are allies?"

"Even if they are allies."

Leon curved his lips into a smile and nodded, "Understood."

Shortly after, they traversed a few miles through the muddy Black Swamp and confronted the Clearwater Tribe's people guarding the Teleportation Array.

"Stop! What are you people doing here?"

The Clearwater Tribesmen were alarmed by their presence.

"Oh?"

Chief Valencia wrinkled her brows.

When was the last time someone dared to yell at her like this?

Still, she put on a devious smile after a moment and said, "I could be asking you the same thing. Move aside before someone gets hurt!"

The Clearwater Tribesmen immediately drew their Soul Weapons after seeing Chief Valencia continue to approach them.

"Do you know who we are?! You don't want to mess with us!"

"No, you don't want to mess with US!"

Chief Valencia talked back, drawing her Soul Weapon and letting her vigorous Mid-rank Battle Master aura billowed outwards with an awe-inspiring flair.

'A Battle Master!'

The Clearwater Tribesmen were immediately deterred as they retreated several steps while staring at Chief Valencia in shock.

Who was this person? How could there be such a strong Battle Master this young? Was this person a chief from one of the tribes? They are not that unlucky, are they?

"Well, are you all reasonable people are, after all?" Chief Valencia said, sheathing her Soul Weapon back in the Interspatial Pouch before walking over.

Shortly after, she glanced down at the thick stone slab filled with runic carvings and crystallized energy circuits before crouching over to pick it up with one hand.

The Clearwater Tribesmen simply watch her do as she pleases with helpless expressions filled with indecisiveness. The strongest of them were only High-rank Great Warriors.

They were clearly outmatched.

"Oh, right.. Where is the rest of your tribe? Where's your chief?" Chief Valencia casually asked like she was just having a chat with her neighbor despite robbing them.

Chapter 433 - Crimsonfog's Arrival

"Where and what the chief is doing is none of your business! Since you dare take things from us, do you dare to leave your name and affiliation?" A Clearwater Tribesman barked with some courage.

However, immediately after, another Clearwater Tribesman anxiously said, "Stop it! We are not their match. Do you want to get us killed?"

"Just because we cannot beat them, it does not mean we have to please them! Do not bring dishonor to our tribe!" The Clearwater Tribesman talked back.

"That's right!"

The other Clearwater Tribesmen also chimed in.

While they were deterred by Chief Valencia's powerful strength and knew that it was futile to fight, it did not stop them from openly showing their dislike. Only a few within the group were timid.

After listening to the Clearwater Tribesmen barked at her, Chief Valencia smiled and said, "Sure, why not? The name is Valencia Dark, from the Darkmoon Tribe. If you have a problem with us taking this Teleportation Array from you, then tell your chief to come to the Darkmoon Tribe and openly challenge me for it back!"

As she said this, Chief Valencia exuded great confidence—the confidence of a Mid-rank Battle Master.

She was unsure if the Clearwater Tribe's chief had also reached the Mid-rank Battle Master Realm during the Bone Calamity, but she was not afraid.

She had never lost a battle.

"Valencia Dark of the Darkmoon Tribe? Why does this name sound so familiar?" A Clearwater Tribeman comment.

"Idiot, it's the name of the Darkmoon Tribe's chief! Why wouldn't it be?!"

"The Darkmoon Tribe's chief? No wonder she is so strong!"

After learning that the Darkmoon Tribe's chief was standing before them, the Clearwater Tribesmen immediately fixed their attitude.

"Ahem, so it is Chief Valencia. We apologize for our rudeness. You may take away the Teleportation Array—but please be assured that we will report to our chief exactly what happened here." A Clearwater Tribesmen said.

Chief Valencia grinned at them before passing the big stone disk over to a fellow tribesman behind her.

"Hold onto this for me. Be careful with it, though. You do not want to break it." She warned.

"Don't worry, chief. Just leave it to me."

After the Peak-rank Great Warrior spoke, Chief Valencia nodded. Shortly after, she returned her attention to the Clearwater Tribesman.

"Well, it's time you guys answer my question, though. In case you have forgotten, I will ask again. Where is your chief? What is he planning by mobilizing such a large force to the Black Swamp?" Chief Valencia questioned while cracking her knuckles, implying that she would beat them if they did not comply with her demands.

The Clearwater Tribesmen glanced at each other with the same dilemma shown in their expressions.

After a moment, one of them sighed and explained, "The chief is investigating the changes to the Black Swamp. After all, this is the first time the Black Swamp's outer region has been revealed to the world so clearly. The chief… he should be somewhere closer to the inner region over there."

The Clearwater Tribesman did not want to get beaten for nothing.

Chief Valencia, Leon, and the other tribesmen all followed the Clearwater Tribesman's pointed finger's trajectory and gazed into the distance.

Looming dark clouds and black mist covered the distant region down south. Although they could see it, walking there would take at least half a day to a day's worth of trekking through the soggy ground to get there.

"Investigating the Black Swamp, huh?" Chief Valencia mused.

At the same time, Leon inspected the Teleportation Array for damages while the Peak-rank Great Warrior held it up sideways.

The stone disk was very huge and thick. It was roughly 30ft long in diameter and 3ft in thickness, filled with runic carvings.

If the Peak-rank Great Warrior was not holding the big stone disk firmly, it looked like it would roll down a slope and disappear from their sight.

After Leon finished with his inspection, he patted it with a satisfied look. The Teleportation Array was still in good condition. It was just missing the Demon Cores that were supposed to be in the empty sockets.

Leon had previous taken them away when he left the Black Swamp.

Suddenly, he realized that he would have to delay his return to the Human Domain for a bit longer. If something were to happen to the Teleportation Array, he would not be able to make the trip back to the Dark Continent later.

It was best if he could build another Teleportation Array in a secure location as backup in case something happens to the Teleportation Array in front of him.

"What will you do now, Aunty Valencia?" Leon asked.

Chief Valencia rubbed her chin and said, "That is a good question. I wish to continue exploring the Black Swamp and see what the Clearwater Tribe's chief is investigating outside the inner region. However, it's inconvenient to carry this Teleportation Array—"

"If it is inconvenient, then just give it back to us." A Clearwater Tribesman interrupted.

After Chief Valencia swept the person a glance, the Clearwater Tribesman's courage deflated like a balloon and lowered his head in apology, "Sorry… please continue."

"Will Little Nephew Leonhardt be returning to the Human Domain now?" Chief Valencia asked.

"No, not yet." Leon shook his head and said, "I've decided to postpone it until we return to the tribe."

He recalled the abomination lurking beneath the Black Swamp and felt unsettled in his heart. It did not look like it was alive, but its numerous feeler tentacles were moving back then. Thus, it could have been in a semi-slumbering state.

"Oh? That is great. In that case—hm?"

Chief Valencia suddenly paused mid-sentence with a frown and took out a glowing long-range voice transmission stone.

"What is it?" She answered the voice transmission call.

After listening to what the other side had to say, Chief Valencia was taken aback by surprise before she said, "Alright, I understand. Request the Venerable Shamans to accommodate them as best they can. Do not let them view us like bad hosts. I will return as quickly as I can."

Chief Valencia stored away the voice-transmission stone with an inexplicable frown shortly after. When she looked up, Leon and the others were looking back at her with questioning looks.

"There's been a change of plans. We will be splitting into two groups. Darren—you and the seniors, will lead the others and continue exploring the Black Swamp. I will be returning to the tribe with a few others." Chief Valencia stated.

Everyone was immediately taken aback. It has only been a few hours since they arrived, and yet, the chief was now heading back to the tribe?

"I understand, but… what happened back at the tribe?" Darren asked, confused like everyone else in the group.

"The Crimsonfog Tribe's chief arrived rather early, ahead of time for the summit. I will have to return to accommodate them in case something goes wrong." Chief Valencia explained, feeling rather strange inside. Was Chief Baskara so free these days?

"Little Nephew Leonhardt will be following me, yes?"

"Of course."

Leon answered.

Chief Valencia did not bother asking Darlene. This girl would naturally follow whether Leonhardt goes.

After speaking a few departing words, the expedition group separated from Chief Valencia and continued to investigate the Black Swamp while collecting treasures at the same time.

…

Darkmoon Tribe.

At this moment, a few Great Warriors were leading the group of Crimsonfog Tribesmen headed by the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman and Chief Blacktooth into the Darkmoon Tribe.

The Venerable Shamans were quickly notified by the scouts via voice-transmission stones, but only Master Woodrow and Old Tailor volunteered to receive the guests.

"Welcome to Darkmoon Tribe, One-Eyed Venerable Shaman. It's been a while since we last meet." Master Woodrow greeted while offering a handshake.

The One-Eye Venerable Shaman accepted the handshake with a firm grip and smiled, "It has indeed been a while, Venerable Shaman Woodrow. It's a pleasant surprise to see you are doing well—and you too, Venerable Shaman Hardfist."

Hardfist was the name of Old Tailor.

Old Tailor also greeted the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman with a handshake and smile before he swept his gaze through the group of Crimsonfog Tribesmen.

After failing to find a specific person, Old Tailor asked, "Where your tribe's chief? Did that kid Baskara not come with you?"

"Ahem!"

The One-Eyed Venerable Shaman straightened his back and cleared his throat before introducing the person beside him, "Baskara did not come. The new Crimsonfog Tribe's chief stands before you, right here."

"Huh?"

Old Tailor and Master Woodrow both had a stunned expression as their gazes slowly fell on the Extremity-rank Great Warrior with a severely swollen face.

"Who the heck is this pig?"

"You must be joking, right?"

Two Venerable Shamans exclaimed with different responses simultaneously. However, the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman gave them a look that he was serious.

Chief Blacktooth's face twitched profusely.

He knew that he would not be taken seriously before reaching the Battle Master Realm, but he did not expect to be disregarded this badly.

Nevertheless, he had to behave courteously to the elders.

"Hello, Venerable Shamans. I am the new Crimsonfog Tribe's chief, Blacktooth?" Chief Blacktooth greeted with a smile that looked worse than crying due to his swollen face.

"Blacktooth? Are you sure it's not Blackface instead?" Old Tailor raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"That's enough, Old Tailor." Master Woodrow nudged Old Tailor with a reprimanding gaze before returning shortly returning his attention to Chief Blacktooth.

"Welcome to the Darkmoon Tribe."

Chapter 434 - Silent West

Crawford Kingdom, Western Frontier.

Some several miles away from the Great Wall, an airship was seen sailing through the skies, 600ft above ground.

The Elven Supreme Elder Haldir and Princess Faelyn could be seen standing on the ship's deck, gazing in the distance. The strong winds brushed against their face and made their silky golden hair flutter wildly.

"We'll be passing the Great Wall shortly, Marquis Haldir." A crewmate reported.

"I got it, thanks." The Elven Supreme Elder nodded and said, "I can see it from here."

The towering mountain range and massive black walls could be seen ahead, while the sizeable military city was just at the foot of it.

While the airship flew 600ft high into the skies, it still could not be compared to the high mountain range surrounding the Human Domain, which threatens to pierce the heavens.

"You look a little reluctant to leave, Faelyn." The Elven Supreme Elder said, noticing Princess Faelyn���s distant and lost look.

Princess Faelyn smiled wryly and nodded.

"There were many interesting things to be found within the Human Domain that we would not normally find back in the tribe. Also, the air around the World Tree is very pleasant to breathe in. If we did not need to leave, I would not want to leave that place." Faelyn said.

"True. That place is simply thriving with life. It is suitable for the cultivation of plants and crops—but also Wood Cultivation." The Elven Supreme Elder nodded in agreement.

Shortly after, he added, "It should have taken you another 3 months to breakthrough to 9-Star Ranked Awakener, but managed to achieve it after staying there for a few days. When we get back to the tribe, you should go into seclude training in the heart of the Elder Tree and focus on achieving your Transcendence."

"Yes, Supreme Elder. I will follow your advice." Princess Faelyn said with a little curtsy.

"Alas, I don't know how much time we have left until the next coming of the Cataclysm. I can sense this ill-feeling growing inside me by the day, but I do not know when it will erupt." Supreme Elder Haldir sighed with a worrisome look.

"Maybe you are just overthinking it, Supreme Elder. Maybe things are not as bad as you are imagining. It's been over 500 years since the Cataclysm happened, but no one knows exactly why it even happened." Faelyn said with a slightly wrinkled expression.

During their stay in the Grassland Region by the World Tree, they learned a bit of history about the Nova Empire that once existed over 10 thousand years ago.

"That is exactly why it concerns me even more! You should know that my hunches have never been wrong. Wood-type Transcendents share a closer affinity to the world than any other elements. We can sense when something is wrong with the world. This foreboding feeling I sense doesn't just stem from nothing."

The Supreme Elder furrowed his brows as he explained.

Wood Transcendents had a strong affinity with plants. They do not just have control over them; the plants can also transmit what they are feeling back to them.

"It's too weird that a single solar flare from the sun was enough to wipe out an entire civilization in their most prosperous era. There must be more details that have been omitted from history. It was said that the sun also emitted a strong solar flare during the Cataclysm over 500 years ago. However, this only brought great changes to the world, not destroy it like during the Nova Era."

Listening to this point, Princess Faelyn could not help but agree with a nod. The Supreme Elder had made an excellent point.

Suddenly, Princess Faelyn picked up a stale scent in the air, causing her expression to wrinkle slightly with discomfort.

"Do you smell that, Supreme Elder? She asked.

Supreme Elder Haldir nodded, "I do!"

As the airship steadily flew closer to the Great Wall, the Supreme Elder and Princess Faelyn both frowned. The crewmate aboard the airship also felt off about the area.

"Something is wrong! This place wasn't like this when we last came here!" Princess Faelyn as she gazed down at the military city below.

The whole place was devoid of soldiers—or any people for that matter. Buildings were damaged, and military vehicles were parked messily on the roads, some of which were crashed into buildings.

Boxes of military supplies, rations, and miscellaneous equipment and weaponry were spilled over, littering the streets. Bloodstains were seen, but not a single body was found.

Nothing was tidy nor orderly. Everything was a mess.

On the outer perimeters of the city, barbed wires and barricades formed a defensive line. However, rather than preventing people from entering the city, it was closer to stopping them from getting out.

"What on earth happened here? It looks like a battlefield! Where are all the people?" Princess Faelyn exclaimed with shock.

The closer they were, the clearer the scenic view below them.

Countless bullet shells were scattered, littering the streets in thousands. Buildings and crates were punctured full of holes, tires were flat, and the bloodstained were smudged like the bodies were dragged, disappearing into the darkness of building entrances.

The Supreme Elder furrowed his brows and pulled over a crewmate to ask, "Do you know what is going on here?"

"I-I don't know, Marquis Haldir… It's the first time I've seen the Wester Frontier in such a terrible state…" The crewmate said slowly with a look of sheer shock.

"Was the Great Wall breached by a beast invasion?"

"No, that would make no sense. The Great Wall still looks fine, and there are no corpses or carcasses of beasts to be seen anywhere."

"That's true… but what else could have happened then? Everything is a mess… like a great battle had been fought inside the city…"

"I wouldn't say great, but definitely chaotic and desperate."

A few crewmates began to discuss among themselves as their gaze over the airship's edge and observed the situation below.

"Right now, the captain is in the communication room, trying to contact the Great Wall. Regardless of what has happened here, we will have an answer soon."

"What if no one from the Great Wall responds?"

"This…"

The crewmate was stumped for answers.

The place below was like a ghost town.

There were ten thousands of people living here, but now there was not a single person in sight. He was not confident whether the situation on the Great Wall would be the same.

"If no one on the Great Wall responds, then…" The crewmember shortly turned towards Marquis Haldir for an answer.

Ideally, a sense of responsibility compelled him to suggest that they immediately return to the Capital to report the Western Frontier's situation. It was too eerie that no news of the Western Frontier's situation had made it out of this place.

However, they were also tasked to deliver Marquis Haldir and Princess Faelyn back to the Elven Tribe.

"We will investigate and figure out the situation here before deciding what to do further." The Supreme Elder said.

"Understood, Marquis."

Shortly after, the airship captain walked out of the communication room with a shake of his head and said, "No one is responding to the call.

The Supreme Elder frowned.

The skies gradually darkened as the sun began setting on the western horizon, causing the towering Great Wall to cast a looming shadow over the military city below and plunge it into darkness.

The red sky gave the Supreme Elder an ominous feeling as the nearby grassland and plants on the surface vaguely transmitted their unease to Haldir.

"Begin preparing for our descent on the Great Wall, captain." The Supreme Elder said, seeing that they were gradually approaching the black metal wall.

As they grew closer to the Great Wall, the foot of the wall on the Wildlands' side began to unravel.

Piles upon piles of charred-black bodies were soon revealed. They stacked like mountains and formed a staircase that nearly reached the top of the wall.

"What in the world…"

Everyone on the deck of the airship gradually widened their eyes with shock and severity. Things seemed to have gotten serious.

"So, there was a beast invasion? But why wasn't any news sent back to the Capital?! Where's the General Marquis!? What exactly happened! Where are all the soldiers?!" A crewmate spoke with a blaming tone, feeling that the General Marquis had failed to live up to his expectations.

"Look carefully! Those charred-black bodies aren't the carcasses of beasts! They are the corpses of humans!" Supreme Elder Haldir stated after he confirmed the origins of the scorched bodies.

"What?!"

The crew exclaimed in disbelief while Princess Faelyn softly gasped in horror.

For the bodies to piles like mountains—to the point that it would nearly reach the top of the Great Wall, it would take at least several hundred thousands of human bodies!

However, the Western Frontier did not have this kind of population guarding the Great Wall against the beast invasions from the west!

"There must be countless beast carcasses littered underneath!" A crewmate concluded.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure shot from the Great Wall towards their airship! However, due to miscalculation, the shadowy figure drew an arc over the deck and shooting past the airship.

"Raoooo—!!!"

The creature cried as it was passing, before making its plunge into the darkness of the military city below!

"What the f*ck was that?!" A crewmate exclaimed with shock. The shadowy creature flew past too quickly for him to discern what it was.

At the same time, Princess Faelyn turned to the Supreme Elder unconfidently for confirmation, "Did you see what that was, Supreme Elder? It looked like a…"

"Un, it was a Wingrat."

The Supreme Elder nodded.

Chapter 435 - Berserk Humans

"Wingrat? What's a Wingrat?" A crewmate overheard Supreme Elder Haldir's words and asked.

"Exactly what it sounds like. It is a rat with—Err, maybe not exactly. It's a rat with impressive leaping strength that it can almost be seen as flying." Princess Faelyn answered for in the Supreme Elder's stead.

The crewmate was taken aback.

"What kind of fat rat is that?" He asked.

However, he shook his head after a moment and said, "No, that is not important. Rats usually follow in large groups like a plague. If that was a rat, then beneath those mountains of corpses are…"

"The carcasses of numerous Wingrats, most likely."

"Right."

Shortly after, the Wingrat disappeared into the darkness of the city below; its screeching cries could be heard amidst the growls of other creatures or things as they were thrown into a violent struggle.

However, a few breathes later that; the ground became silent once more.

The crew felt a chill in their hearts.

"I thought there were no living beings down below. Where did all those growling come from?"

"The buildings? They were hiding in the buildings!"

Princess Faelyn creased her brows and said, "Those growling isn't the kind of noises a normal human would make when they are fighting beasts, right?"

The entire crew immediately frowned.

That was definitely not what normal humans would sound like. However, it did not change the fact that what they heard also sounded like the voices of humans.

What the f*ck was going on?

"Are we still descending, Sir Marquis Haldir?" The captain asked behind the wheel. Faced with the unknown danger, he could not help but doublecheck with the Elven Supreme Elder.

"Descend!"

Supreme Elder Haldir spoke one word.

"However, do not make a full descent. Everyone will stay on the ship. It is enough for me, alone to go investigate." He added.

No one argued with the Supreme Elder.

None of them were combat orientated, nor were they high-level Awakeners. They have only made some minor accomplishments in the Body Tempering Realm. Neither of them was above the 4th Layer of Body Tempering Realm.

"As you wish, Marquis Haldir." The captain nodded.

Shortly after, the captain began barking orders at the crew, and the group got busy throughout the airship. Gears were turned, propelling speeds were reduced, and the levitation device's power was lowered.

The airship soon started to descend at a slow but steady rate.

"That's enough. This height will do." Supreme Elder Haldir jumped off the airship at an altitude of 100ft above the Great Wall.

The Supreme Elder landed with a heavy thud on the Great Wall.

Moments later, it was like a hornet's nest being stirred as fragments of small objects, and random pebbles on the wall began to clatter from the distinct vibrations of nearby movements.

The movements soon turned into rumbles as a few towering mountains of bodies collapsed, and numerous Wingrats poured out from the crevices and cracks in between the scorched bodies.

"Rats! This place is still swarming with rats!" A crewmate cried out at the appearance of Wingrats pouring from underneath in droves.

"Be careful, Marquis Haldir!"

"No, YOU be careful. Worry about yourselves!" The Supreme Elder barked back while reaching his hand into his leather pouch of magic seeds.

The captain immediately realized the dangerous situation they were in and immediately thundered at the crew, "Quickly get to work! Take up back up!"

The numerous black Wingrats shortly squeaked madly, rushing up the mountain of scorched bodies and threw themselves at the Supreme Elder fearlessly with red eyes.

At the same time, Haldir had infused his power into the magic seeds and tossed them out! They grew into countless thorny vines and lashed out at the Wingrats in a frenzy.

The Wingrats were not strong!

Their greatest strengths were not their defense! It was their speed and numbers! Nevertheless, they were not faster than the vines whips protecting the Supreme Elder!

Dozens of Wingrats were shredded into pieces within half a breath's time. In the next half, the numbers spiked to the hundreds. And by the end of the second breath, it had already soared to thousands!

Despite being killed en masse, the Wingrats were not deterred! They continue to throw themselves at the Supreme Elder and get slaughtered in large numbers!

They were frenzied, they were berserk—like they are being influenced by something to behave as such beyond their control!

In a matter of several breaths, the kill count had already soared into the tens of thousands!

Even so, the Wingrats did not show any signs of reducing. Instead, it continued to increase. Their numbers can only be described with one word—Terrifying!

The airship managed to return to an altitude of 600fts above the ground level and slipped out of immediate danger.

Although the Wingrats could scale this distance in a single leap, they were fixated on the target closest to them—the one in front of him.

None could slip past the Supreme Elder's defense. All that tried and continued to try were diced into numerous pieces.

In a short time, the Great Wall was littered with the severed parts of Wingrats, piling like small mountains while their blood splattered, spilled, and trickled down the walls like flowing rivers and pouring rain.

The pungent stench of blood soon pervaded the surrounding area and descended to the ground level like the cascading moonlight coming out at night.

Roar!

The smell immediately provoked a response from the city below in the sound of growling that grew increasingly larger in numbers very quickly!

Shortly after, their thundering footsteps could be heard as the earth rumbled and the buildings shook in tandem with their massive movements!

"What is going on now?!"

"Something is coming from the city!"

Princess Faelyn could only watch in silence with a worrisome expression while the crew exclaimed with shock and surprises at each and every change that took place below in a short time.

It only took moments before the owners of the growls and heavy footsteps were revealed to them as their figures could be barely seen pouring out of buildings in the city, en masse!

They were humans! But at the same time, they did not behave like humans! They had undergone drastic and eerie changes!

Their damaged skins were paled due to a lack of blood and looked like they had been scratched and clawed countlessly without a spot left unchecked.

However, the most distinguishing points were their red eyes that glowed demonically! They were under the same berserk state as the Wingrats!

After these demonic-like humans rushed out of hiding, they took a brief moment to gaze up towards the top of the wall.

Once they located the source of fresh blood and flesh, they immediately stampeded to the foot of the wall and piled up like mountains, climbing over each other blindly to reach the top!

Gulp!

A crew felt a bit dry in his throats while looking at this scene and immediately swallowed his saliva.

"What happened to these people? They are behaving the same way as the rats! However, their intelligence has degraded! They're not even using the stairs and lifts!"

"Holy crap, I don't even know what is going on anymore. Are we experiencing another Cataclysm?! But where is the solar flare that marks the beginning of the Cataclysm as recorded in history?!"

"More importantly, take a look at them! Are humans being affected like the beasts now!?"

"What does it look like to you!? Shit, what's going to happen to us?"

The crewmates panicked with fear.

At the same time, Faelyn's expression became more creased with worry.

The situation on the Western Frontier was already like this. What about the situation at her tribe, which was located deeper in the Wildlands without the protection of high walls?

Suddenly, the sound of something being shot erupted in the far northern parts of the Great Wall. In a short instance, an object whisked its way through the air at great speed, smashing into the rising mountain of berserk humans.

Boom!

The object exploded into a fiery blaze, blowing the bodies of berserk humans apart! The rising mountain collapsed instantly!

Their angry roars and rage could be heard and felt at the bottom of the Great Wall as they suffered a setback in reaching their goals.

Shortly after, they began forming a new human mountain to try again.

At the same time, the people on the airship shot their glances to the northern wall with surprise. Someone was helping them!

It was not hard to guess what this meant. There were still other people around! Sane people that is!

"Over here!"

A person from the north barked at them, urging them to come over.

"Supreme Elder!" Faelyn immediately called out.

"You all leave first! I will follow later!" Supreme Elder Haldir shouted while focusing wholeheartedly on his defense.

"But…"

"Leave!"

He thundered.

The Wingrats continued to assault him from the front, and the berserk humans quickly close in from behind.

Although everything was minced and diced to pieces by the thorny vines, the Supreme Elder could not move from his spot.

"Princess Faelyn?" In the sky, the captain asked, awaiting her answer.

Faelyn creased her brows while watching the Supreme Elder massacre the Wingrats below.

Although the Supreme Elder was pinned to his current spot and appeared to be in a seemingly precarious situation, he was not in any real danger. It was just that the Wingrat's onslaught gave him no chance to retreat.

"Let us go." She sighed.

After receiving Princess Faelyn's permission, the captain nodded and returned to take the helm, barking out instructions to the crew.

Shortly after, the stilled airship hovering in the sky began moving once more, swerving right and heading in the direction further north along the Great Wall.

Chapter 436 - Observers In The World

Crawford Kingdom, the Capital.

The sun was setting, but the looming dark clouds continued to swirl in the skies above the Royal Palace with Aria seated at its center, eyes closed.

Many hours have passed, but the process of Transcendence did not seem like it would end any time soon.

Clouds gathered, and white lightning crackled with streaks of blue and purple. The power accumulated in the clouds was ever-rising, but without its descent, Aria cannot be baptized and complete her Transcendence.

Heinrich and Elizabeth shortly returned after tending to matters in the east, helping with the railway construction that would connect the Capital to the World Tree—only to be surprised by the scene before them.

"How much time has elapsed since Aria started sitting here? Her Transcendence hasn't ended yet?" Elizabeth said, taken aback before her brows creased with worry.

Heinrich frowned.

"We were gone from a whole day, but Aria has still been sitting here. This is probably the longest Transcendence in history. There won't be any problem, would there?"

"Why are you asking me? I should be asking you!"

"How would I know? I don't know everything." Heinrich responded dumbfoundedly.

Shortly after, Elizabeth pulled over a palace guard and queried, "Anything happened while we were gone?"

"None, Your Majesty." The palace guard answered, honestly.

Heinrich and Elizabeth fell into silence.

After a moment, Heinrich softly said, "Well, let us hope nothing goes awry. This Transcendent Phenomenon is rather different from previous ones, after all. Perhaps, it has something to do with Aria's unique attributes. Maybe something good will come out of it."

"Un, maybe you are right. We can only hope and pray that things go well." Elizabeth nodded, but she cannot hide the concerns in her heart.

They both gazed into the whirlpool of dark clouds in the sky worriedly.

Suddenly, the whirlpool of dark clouds began to spin with increasing velocity, forming a clear eye at its center.

The entire sky was blotted out by the clouds. But at this moment, a clear glimpse into the void was projected through the eye. However, this void did not seem to come from their world.

The starry eyes depicted was different. It did not match the same constellation they usually see in the sky at night. It was as if the eye was a portal, leading to a different world.

It was not long before a few sprinkles of soft glittering light particles fell from the eye of heaven like falling stardust. They landed gently on Aria's head before disappearing like melting snow.

Deep in her consciousness, Aria fell into a dream. The dark depths of her sea of consciousness fade as she was pulled into another world—a world of snow.

'This place…'

'I've seen this place before…'

'In my dream.'

Aria gazed at the distant yet familiar surroundings. She was on a snowy mountain peak, where a large palace was built.

Below was the kingdom belonging to the said palace, flourishing in the grassland with fresh air, which was contrary to the coldness of the tall mountain peak.

A plethora of herbs could be seen in every household, some of which were built grand and impressively, only slightly inferior to the palace on the snowy mountain peak.

She glanced down at her own hands and feet, waving them in doubt before her eyes gradually widened with please surprise.

'I can move on my own this time.'

Aria concluded.

She resumed observing the world in her surroundings.

It was beautiful beyond belief, thriving with life and fantastical elements she had not seen in the Human Domain.

Distant mountain peaks surrounded the kingdom, and floating islands could be seen high in the skies amongst the clouds while flowing water poured down from them ceaselessly like waterfalls.

Rivers of clear water ran through the heart of the kingdom and spread to every direction. These clear waters seemed to possess magical properties that nourish the plants and herbs it touches, allowing them to proliferate and bloom with wonders.

Beyond the sky, was the heavens.

It was filled with large celestial bodies, both close and far like distant stars. However, the close ones were bigger and brighter than the moons in her memory.

They appeared so closely; it gave her the illusion that they were only a short flight away as long as she could have the ability to traverse amongst the stars.

Walking around, her feet were bare. The snow was soft and cold, but not to the point of freezing. Instead, it was cool and refreshing, like the ocean breeze in spring.

Even so, her footsteps in the soft patches of snow left no footprints. When she reached for a few glacial flowers growing in the snow, her hands phased through it like trying to touch an illusion.

However, she knew that the world was not an illusion. Rather, she was the illusion in this unknown world.

'How did I come here?'

'Why am I brought here?'

'What purposes does my presence serve here?'

Aria was puzzled by these questions.

The prosperous kingdom below was thriving with people and activities, while the palace felt detached and lonely.

At that moment, she heard some voices nearby.

It came from the courtyard ahead of her. She made her way over to the entrance without stopping and did not bother to reach out for the door handles.

Her body quickly phased through the doors at the moment of contact, just like the glacial flower she tried to touch before.

She was not a person of this world—only a silent observer. The people in this world did not know she existed while she was quietly watching them.

Inside the courtyard, her eyes soon fell on two young men. One was seated on a stone bench, hunched over with a depressed look while the other person tried to cheer him up.

The depressed person resembled Leon.

However, this person appeared younger and naïve, but also more handsome, except not by much. He simply had fairer skin.

Aria had seen this person in her dream fragments before.

His name was Leon Escladus, the Crown Prince of the Divine Pill Kingdom, and son of Heinrich Escladus, the Divine Medicine King.

The other person was his best friend, Judas Gahfrit, a young master from the Gahfrit family, a Great Family residing within the Divine Pill Kingdom.

"What is the matter with you, man? How can you expect that person to know how you feel if you do not tell her how you feel about her? What is the point of being depressed over doing nothing? If doing nothing is making you depressed, then do something about it! Some things won't happen unless you say it." Judas Gahfrit said.

"I'm not confident that she will reciprocate my feelings due to the relationship we share. After all, we've been close like real brothers and sisters." Leon Escladus sighed.

"Hmm… is that so?"

Judas Gahfrit's eyes flickered with deep thoughts before he said, "If you believe you are lacking confidence, then come with me to the Red District! I know just the place that will help you build up your confidence!"

"There's a place that can do that within the kingdom?" Leon Escladus naively asked with doubt and anticipation.

Judas Gahfrit nodded.

"Of course! Once you experience it, you'll be overflowing with confidence like me!" Judas Gahfrit claimed while secretly snickering inside his heart, 'Not only is there a place like that in the kingdom, but it can also be found in almost every city!'

After getting the affirmation from his best friend, Leon Escladus looked up at Judas Gahfrit, who seemed to be the personification of confidence.

"What are we waiting for then? Let us go right now!" Leon Escladus immediately urged with eagerness. Once he has his confidence, he will be sure to confess his love.

His best friend had made a point. If he does not even confess, then nothing will change.

"Alright!"

Aria watched everything unfolded and felt that something was not right about this situation.

"Wait! Don't go!"

She tried to stop them, but it was no use. Her hands simply phased through their bodies, and her voice could not be heard.

Shortly after, the two left the courtyard and flew down the snowy mountain on their summoned Spirit Artifact.

"Dammit!"

Aria hit the ground with a clenched fist, feeling helpless and useless for not being able to change anything. She did not know why she was even trying to change anything.

Subconsciously, she was treating Leon Escladus and Leon Crawford as the same person.

There were fragment dreams that depicted scenes when Leon Escladus fell into the quagmire of lust and depravity. This event might have been the impetus that led towards it.

Suddenly, there was a soft but distant sigh.

Aria was surprised that were was still someone else nearby. She quickly turned towards the source, which seemed to have come from the sky, and found a person—No, a goddess floating in the air.

It was the goddess in her fragmented dream who shared a similar appearance to her, except this person radiated with a fairy-like beauty and etherealness, making the person feel much beautiful.

"If you were me. What would you have done differently?" The person asked.

Aria was startled.

She did not expect that this person could see her, believing that no one in this world could see her. With doubts in her heart, she pointed at herself and asked, "Are you asking me?"

"That is correct."

The person shortly nodded with a slight but forlorn chuckled, asking, "If not you, then who else could I be asking around here? We are the only two observers here."