Their group was led by her and Uncle Edwin. She had set off the very next day after Ethan left the sect, and after half a month of travel across mountain passes and ancient roads, Seraphina finally arrived at the transit city—Sun Moon City.
"I heard the Sun Moon Lake near here is magical, said to aid cultivators in breaking realms. I wonder if it’s true?" Seraphina asked, standing at the edge of the city’s outline, her gaze steady.
"It’s true," replied Gale Reed, Peak Master of Serpentwind Peak. "I’ve been here before."
"Peak Master Gale, would you explain in detail?" Seraphina asked.
"Sun Moon Lake is controlled by three aristocratic families," Gale Reed began.
"It opens once every three years and remains open for half a month. Only ten cultivation slots are available per opening. The three families control seven of them, while the remaining three are open to those with the ability to seize them."
He continued, "Sun Moon Lake has absorbed the essence of the sun and moon for countless years, condensing into two wondrous forces. Its spiritual energy is rich and pure. For consolidating and breaking through realms, its effects are miraculous, especially for those beneath the Tribulation Transcendence realm."
"What about for the Tribulation Transcendence realm?" Seraphina asked, touching her chin thoughtfully. She had just entered Tribulation Transcendence and had yet to adapt fully; Sun Moon Lake sounded like a chance worth taking.
"It still has effect," Gale Reed admitted, "but its greatest benefits favor those beneath Tribulation Transcendence. The higher one’s realm, the lesser the effect."
"There’s still time before the Treasure Appraisal Conference," Seraphina decided. "We’ll settle here in Sun Moon City first. Since there are three free places, I plan to compete."
"Good," Edwin nodded. Official source ıs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
"There are three open slots," Seraphina continued. "If I take one, that leaves two. Which senior wishes to join me?"
Gale Reed shook his head. "Sun Moon Lake is only open to the younger generation. Over sixty cannot participate. Your Highness should fight for it; the elders will stand guard."
"That requirement is... interesting," Seraphina murmured.
She turned to the young man behind her. "Senior Brother Ryan. Come with me."
Ryan was her last remaining protector. During the Spiritual Path Trial, three had perished; only he remained. Slightly older than Seraphina, he had already reached the peak of the Body Integration Realm. Not as gifted as Seraphina, perhaps—but still a true genius.
"Alright," Ryan said, handsome in his white Taoist robes, his gaze steady.
"We’re here," Edwin announced as their colossal flying mount descended in sweeping arcs.
"Everyone dismount. Riding spirit beasts in the city draws attention. Best to keep a low profile."
They agreed, leaping down one by one. Edwin stroked the iron-winged eagle’s head. "You’ve worked hard."
The great bird nuzzled against his palm, then shrank, feathers folding inwards until it became a palm-sized avian perched neatly on Edwin’s shoulder.
Though not an ancient spiritual beast, the iron-winged eagle was far stronger than common monsters—a reliable companion worthy of respect.
Seraphina’s group passed through the city gates into Sun Moon City and, following their plan, went first to gather information. It was better to be prepared than to stumble blindly. There were still two days left before the arena challenge that would decide the remaining three slots for Sun Moon Lake.
"Let’s find a place to stay," Edwin suggested.
They soon found lodging at an inn with a simple plaque: Peace Inn.
The day of the arena challenge was at hand.
Ethan awoke before dawn and refined his breath, stillness coiling in his chest like a spring of steel. He manifested the mask, its sleek black sheen covering his features, then left his room.
Downstairs, the hall bustled with early patrons. Conversations drifted like fog.
"Sun Moon Lake’s slot challenge begins today."
"They say the Elders will suppress their realms."
"Only those who last until half the incense burns out earn a place."
Ethan passed quietly through the murmur, and then paused.
Near the doorway were three tables.
At them sat familiar figures.
"Seraphina?" he thought, eye narrowing faintly.
This world was small indeed. To find her here, at this time.
Edwin was present, too—accompanied by four Mahayana realm experts in discreet garb. A sizeable force. Clearly the sect was moving with purpose.
"Are they headed for the Treasure Appraisal Conference?" Ethan guessed.
He allowed his gaze to brush across them once—no more. Today, he was not Ethan. He was Aether.
Beneath the breath-concealing technique and Onyx Orchid’s mask, even if Lyralei herself stood before him, she would not recognize him.
It wasn’t fear that kept him silent—it was preference.
He had no wish to entangle himself in old threads. Words with the narrow-minded were like needles—irritating, unnecessary.
Half of them were fools anyway.
Exposing himself would only invite trouble.
With hands tucked behind his back, he walked past their tables, each step even and—and as steady as stone in a stream.
"Hm?" Seraphina’s eyes lifted, her gaze catching on his masked profile for a heartbeat.
Something about him tugged at her memory.
A shadow of familiarity. A flicker behind the eyes.
But when she looked closely, it dissolved like mist. The more she focused, the more foreign he seemed.
"This person... is strange," she thought, frowning. She set her teacup down and let a thin veil of spiritual energy unfurl, casting a net toward the masked stranger.
His aura felt ordinary—too ordinary.
What was she sensing?
"Your Highness? What is it?" Edwin asked softly, catching her expression.
"It’s nothing," Seraphina replied, brows knit in thought.
"I simply felt that masked cultivator looked familiar for a moment."
"Familiar..." Edwin followed her gaze, but by then, the masked man had already stepped out through Peace Inn’s doors, leaving only a silent back view.
Edwin released a tendril of spiritual sense—subtle, restrained—seeking the truth of the figure.
"Seems like an ordinary person," Edwin said.
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters