Iris

Xenon stepped into the cave his subordinates had prepared for him. He immediately ordered his Shadow Legion to gather wood for fire and light. He also instructed them to fetch water and hunt demonic beasts, especially furry ones like Tier 1 Dire Wolves, as he planned to use their pelts for sleeping mats and blankets.

While the Shadow Legion carried out his commands, Xenon opened the spatial pouches he had taken from Milton Patriarch and Custodian Ralton. He was eager to see what treasures they held, considering the two men were high-ranking figures, particularly Custodian Ralton.

As Xenon opened the pouches, a wealth of gold coins, herbs, and even some elixirs spilled out before his eyes. Excited, he examined the elixirs, only to find they were of low grade. Still, as a Martial Apprentice at Stage 3, even these would significantly aid his advancement.

He then counted the gold coins. Milton Patriarch's pouch contained only 2,800 gold coins, which made Xenon chuckle.

"So poor," he remarked with a smirk.

Next, he counted the coins from Custodian Ralton's pouch, which held a total of 31,000 gold coins. As the custodian of the Lotus Auction House in Stone City, this was expected. The income from the auction house was under his care before being sent to the Lotus Temple.

"The Lotus Temple must be furious right now," Xenon mused, smiling with pride at his accomplishment.

____

Stone City, Narhan Clan Manor.

Inside a dimly lit room illuminated by candlelight, a striking figure sat at a desk. The table was scattered with spiritual papers, some filled with elegant literary works, while others contained records of ancient histories unknown to most inhabitants of Low Peak Mountain.

The girl's violet eyes gazed at the moon through the window. Its soft light illuminated the darkness outside, and the trees swayed gently in the evening breeze. After a moment, she returned her attention to her work.

"Is there really a second mountain out there? One much higher than Low Peak Mountain?" she murmured to herself.

Though the name "Low Peak" suggested there might be higher peaks, historical records had been lost for hundreds of thousands of years. The people of Low Peak Mountain believed their home was the only place in the world.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Karina entered the room.

"How was the auction house, Karina?" Iris asked her cousin with curiosity.

"I lost the bid for the Oracle Pen, and the auction was a disaster!" Karina replied, frowning.

She proceeded to recount everything that had transpired at the auction, including Xenon's actions and the strange behavior of Milton Patriarch and Custodian Ralton at the end.

"It's fine. It's just one spiritual pen," Iris said calmly. "Besides, it's good you avoided Xenon. He's trouble. Men like him abuse their power for their own satisfaction, even killing innocents."

Iris sighed.

"This is how the world works—the strong rule as kings, and the weak become slaves. But I wish someone would show a little kindness."

"Let's not dwell on that man anymore, sister. The Lotus Temple is probably hunting him down as we speak. They have Martial Warrior fighters," Karina said reassuringly.

Iris returned to her seat and resumed reading her papers.

"When are you leaving for Tazar City, sister?" Karina asked.

"In about a week. I'm just waiting for Father's permission," Iris replied.

"Uncle will probably send some high-level talismans to ensure your safety. If I weren't heading to the Fire Sword Temple Entrance Exam, I would accompany you myself," Karina said.

Since Iris was not a martial practitioner, she required protection whenever she traveled. She smiled warmly at Karina. The two were exceptionally close, having grown up together since infancy.

Iris's father, Kaji, was a prominent figure in Low Peak Mountain, serving as the Imperial General of Blue Water Empire. When Iris was an infant, her mother was assassinated in the Imperial City due to Kaji's numerous enemies. To protect Iris, Kaji sent her to the Narhan Clan, where she grew up peacefully, hidden from his enemies.

In the Narhan Clan, Iris found a haven, and her father's foes never discovered her existence.