Though the moment was filled with a savage unease, Ethan kept his calm, casting a measured glance with his peripheral vision toward the figure beside him.
The man was an elder, cloaked in black robes that seemed to drink up the lingering light of the mist. His hair and beard had long since turned silver-white with age, yet his face remained sharp and angular, carved with the harsh edges of a hard life and the dignity of a hero.
One could imagine the striking courage and handsomeness he must have possessed in his youth.
The sheer fact that this old man could appear behind Ethan without him noticing spoke volumes about his terrifying power. He was undoubtedly among the mightiest cultivators in the Azure Origin Dao Sect, but he remained an enigma—unknown to most.
Compelled by curiosity, Ethan silently opened his Heaven-Piercing Mind Eye.
To his surprise, nothing abnormal manifested upon the elder’s body. No spiritual aura radiated from him; he appeared, at least outwardly, entirely ordinary.
"What? The Heaven-Piercing Mind Eye has failed?" Ethan’s mind tensed as he tried to reconcile the contradiction.
"This individual’s power far exceeds the maximum range my current Heaven-Piercing Mind Eye can perceive," he concluded. Indeed, the true Heaven-Piercing Mind Eye in its fully awakened form would be far more powerful than its present state. Ethan’s own mental strength was comparable to—or beyond—the Void Amalgamation Realm and even rivals many in the Body Integration Realm.
Supported by such monumental mental power, the effective limit of Ethan’s Heaven-Piercing Mind Eye was about the mid-stage of the Tribulation Transcendence realm. Clearly, this elder’s cultivation exceeded even that.
In the hierarchy of the Azure Origin Dao Sect, disciples strong in the Soul Formation Realm could rise to be deacons, while those in the Void Amalgamation and Body Integration Realms were among the highest elders. Those who reached the Tribulation Transcendence Realm were the top masters of their peaks—the sect’s elite fighters.
Beyond even them stood the Mahayana Realm cultivators—legendary beings capable of moving mountains, redirecting seas, and tearing rifts in the void.
Among the Azure Origin Dao Sect, only the Empress and a handful of peak masters were known to have ascended to such heights, although countless hidden masters in retreat might also have approached or surpassed these limits. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel✶fire.net
Ethan’s breath steadied. Without alarming the elder, he slowly turned around and casually assumed the demeanor of an ordinary disciple.
"Where did you come from...?" he asked, curiosity softening his voice.
The elder smiled gently and took a seat beside Ethan.
"I just arrived," he said, eyeing the wine gourd longingly.
"Your peach blossom wine—may I have a sip?"
Ethan readily passed the gourd, not a hint of hesitation in his gestures.
The elder tipped his head back and took a hearty draught, slowly lowering the gourd as he smacked his lips in delight. His eyes closed as savoring warmth flooded him.
"Marvelous, marvelous! What is this wine, and where did you find it?" The elder’s tone was like a discoverer unearthing some precious artifact.
"I brewed it myself—it’s called Peach Blossom Wine," Ethan replied with modesty.
"Peach Blossom Wine indeed!" the elder exclaimed, delight evident.
"It lives up to its name—sweet fragrance of early blossoms and a gentle, mellow taste. Truly exceptional. I would have never guessed such craftsmanship could come from disciples of the sect."
Ethan chuckled lightly.
"You flatter me too much. It’s merely the art of brewing."
Curiosity finally overcame formality, and the elder extended a hand.
"And what shall I call you, Senior brother.... or?"
"Haha, senior brother?"
The elder laughed a deep, hearty laugh.
"I am surely old enough to be your great...grandfather’s grandfather’s grandfather, and beyond—though I’ve long since lost count."
Ethan’s heart sank ever so slightly, realizing he was indeed in the presence of a venerable senior, likely one of the peak masters or close to it. The weight of centuries hung in the elder’s gesture, a reminder of the vast gulf still between them.
"It’s a great honor," Ethan said, bowing respectfully.
"I am Ethan. I am glad to meet you here."
"My surname is Burn. Call me Mr. Burn," the elder replied with a warm smile.
A moment passed as the elder’s gaze softened, then he sighed.
"This peach blossom wine sweetens my old bones far more than expected. I must admit, finding a junior capable of such both physical prowess and artistry is rare."
"You must have much experience," Ethan said humbly.
Mr. Burn waved a hand dismissively.
"Experience teaches many things, but I’m here today because your record intrigued me. To think—a pure physical cultivator, without spiritual roots, reaching such heights. You’ve carved a path that many—including myself—could not."
"It has been hard years of practice, but I am lucky to have found a way that suits me."
Mr. Burn’s eyes gleamed faintly with approval.
"Locking you away here at Serene Mirror Lake... it was a waste of potential. The sect might find new leaders from your strength and perseverance."
"From what I see, you should be an upright and kind person. How can you be punished?" the old man asked.
"Because of some misunderstanding."
"It’s unreasonable to lock you up here for fifty years just because of some misunderstanding. I’ll have to go to the Law Enforcement Hall later and talk to them."
"It’s the order of the Saint and the Empress."
"Hmm...?" The old man touched his chin and fell into thinking.
"It’s just a small thing. I’m used to staying here
Ethan smiled faintly, shaking his head. "It’s a small prison if one accepts fate."
Burn gave a rare laugh.
"A good attitude for long service. I remember my own days in this Serene Mirror Lake. My duty included daily sweeps through the Ancestral Tomb. The cold there is merciless. Slowly it bites at the Qi and body, wearing down cultivators—even the strongest."
He placed a patient palm on Ethan’s shoulder, feeling the steadiness beneath. Ethan felt the scrutiny but gave nothing away.
"Your body is strong—not just strong, but terrifyingly resilient. The Qi and blood within you surge in formidable fashion. You are well prepared to withstand the tomb’s relentless cold. I’d say you are a monster wrapped in mortal flesh."
"That’s more than I deserve," Ethan said, "but thank you for the praise."
Mr. Burn regarded him thoughtfully.
"Talent and strength like yours do not come often. Who knows what heights you might reach if freed—and given all the resources the sect can provide?"
They shared a quiet moment, watching the first stars prick the darkening sky above the lake.
"All the same," Mr. Burn added, "I suspect you have many obstacles ahead. The sect’s politics and old grudges are deep wounds. Trust must be earned, and enemies made with caution."
"That I have learned well. It’s just good luck." Ethan said modestly.