The Shadow Palace

"Father," Maria raised her voice. Boris turned his attention to her.

"Yes, Maria? What is it?"

Maria glanced at Ashan before looking back at Boris.

"Like the 1st Lord's son, Nathaniel, our son now has a mentor as well."

Boris's interest was piqued. He focused on Maria's words.

"Who is he?"

"He is Archmage Solomon. He has taken our son as his disciple," Maria said, her voice overflowing with joy.

Boris's eyes widened in shock.

"Did I hear that correctly? Archmage Solomon?"

"Yes, Father, you heard right. He is indeed Archmage Solomon," Leone confirmed with a proud smile.

For a moment, Boris remained silent, then he broke into a pleased smile. His gaze landed on Ashan, filled with pride.

"So, my grandson has caught a big fish, huh? Who would have thought that the one and only Solomon would take on a disciple? From what I recall, he always refused, saying it was a burden. He was the only Archmage without a disciple."

"Indeed, Father. In fact, our son is his first and only disciple. That is another reason we are so happy," Leone added.

"Not only that, but it will bring Ashan great prestige. Becoming an Archmage's disciple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But I must ask—how did this happen?"

At that moment, both Maria and Leone froze, the memory of that fateful night resurfacing. Leone quickly composed himself, masking his emotions.

"It happened during our wedding anniversary," he began. "Solomon attended our celebration as a guest and decided to stay the night. Before he left, he expressed his desire to take our son as his disciple."

Boris listened intently. His sharp instincts immediately sensed something was off. He shifted his gaze slightly to Maria, catching the flicker of unease in her expression.

Turning back to Leone, he asked, "Is that all? You're not leaving something out, are you?"

"No, Father, that's all. It is a bit surprising, isn't it?"

Boris shook his head.

"Son, you should know better than to try and hide things from me. I will uncover the truth one way or another. So, save us both the trouble and tell me everything now."

Leone rubbed his temple before exchanging a glance with Maria. She hesitated for a moment before giving him a weak nod.

With a sigh, Leone relented. "Alright, Father. I had hoped to keep this from you, but considering how many people witnessed it, there's no point in hiding it anymore. I will tell you what truly happened."

He then recounted the terrifying events of that night—Karayan's sudden appearance, the fierce battle between him and Solomon, the curse Karayan left behind, and the miraculous survival of their family.

Crack.

The armrest of Boris's chair snapped under the force of his grip. His teeth clenched in fury, his aura flaring uncontrollably.

Ashan observed him with quiet understanding.

He's furious… of course he is. To learn that an enemy nearly destroyed his family in his absence—he must be feeling guilty for not being there to protect us.

"That human scum…" Boris growled through gritted teeth. "He dared to lay a hand on my family while I was away? If I ever see him, I swear, even if it costs me my life, I will break his limbs before I let him escape again."

"Please, Father, don't push yourself," Maria said gently. "What's done is done. Most importantly, we are safe. And from what we know, Karayan was severely injured in that battle. After that night, he disappeared."

Boris exhaled sharply, but his rage did not dissipate entirely.

"He can't hide forever," he muttered. "I won't forget this."

A long silence settled between them before Boris finally calmed himself.

"Don't worry. I'm here now. I won't let anything like that happen again."

"We know, Father," Leone said. "But we want you to live your life as you see fit. Please allow us to handle our own struggles."

Boris smirked. "Are you saying I'm too old to solve my family's problems?"

"No, that's not what I mean," Leone chuckled. "I'm saying that you have already done enough for us. It's time for you to think about yourself."

Boris crossed his arms. "I understand… but a father must take responsibility for his family until his last breath. Let me do as I please, son."

Leone sighed, shaking his head with a knowing smile.

"You're as stubborn as ever. Alright. But on one condition—before taking action, you must inform me first."

"Haha… sure, 3rd Lord," Boris teased. Father and son shared a rare moment of laughter.

Maria then asked, "So, Father, what have you been doing in Shenzurai? We're curious."

Boris leaned back, recalling his experiences.

"As I mentioned before I left, I stayed with my friend Shen in Shenzurai for two years. He lives alone, studying medicine, so he was glad to have my company. During that time, I also learned medicine from him. One day, Shen introduced me to a renowned temple known as The Shadow Palace."

"Oh, I've heard of that place, Father," Leone said. "It started gaining fame around four years ago. I heard their warriors use unusual but highly effective martial techniques. Recently, they were recognized as one of Shenzurai's Five Great Martial Sects."

"You're right," Boris confirmed. "My friend's brother, Shayan, is a mentor there. Thanks to that connection, I had the chance to visit for the first time. The temple is located near the Naraga River, a peaceful place in perfect harmony with nature. Shayan welcomed us warmly, and when I shared my reason for coming to Shenzurai, he invited me to stay."

"What?" Leone exclaimed. "He invited you to stay? But aren't they strict about outsiders?"

"They are. But since I was Shen's friend, they made an exception. At the time, I was weary of studying medicine, so I accepted his offer. Afterward, he introduced me to their sect leader."

Boris's eyes lighten with thought. An unfamiliar smile appeared on his face. Leone noticed the shift in his expression.

"What is it, Father? You seem… intrigued."

Boris nodded.

"When I went to meet the sect leader, we were led to a small, well-kept garden. In the center stood a large wooden house. We waited on a nearby bench while Shayan went to inform the leader. Moments later, the door opened, and when I laid eyes on him, I was utterly shocked."

"What kind of person was he?" Leone asked, leaning forward.

"He was a young man, no older than twenty. He was tall—over six feet—with long white hair and striking features. He wore a white robe, exuding an aura of authority and tranquility."

"No way. The leader of The Shadow Palace is that young? I've never heard anything about that," Leone said in disbelief.

"No wonder," Boris replied. "His identity is a closely guarded secret within the sect."

He paused, his gaze shifting to Ashan. Then, suddenly, he laughed.

Ashan was puzzled. 

Why is he laughing after looking at me? What's so amusing?

Maria and Leone exchanged confused glances.

"Is something wrong, Father?" Maria asked.

Boris shook his head, still smiling. "No, nothing. I just remembered something. Don't pay any attention to it."

He quickly returned to his story.

"The sect leader sat with us, and we spoke for a long time. His voice was deep and commanding yet strangely soothing. As we talked, we gradually came to understand each other. At one point, I asked him about his age."

Boris smirked. "That was a moment I'll never forget."

Maria thought for a moment before guessing, "Twenty-five?"

Boris shook his head. "Wrong."

Leone furrowed his brows. "Then how old was he?"

Boris looked at them intently before revealing,

"At that time, he had just completed his seventieth year. He was a seventy-year-old man."

To be continued…