"And your Sky family has gone there every time. You should already have reached this place, right?"

Ethan's tone was calm, but his words cut straight to the core.

Bella did not avoid his gaze. She shook her head slowly, a trace of helplessness flashing across her eyes.

"To be honest, every time our Sky family enters the Training Trial Secret Realm, we follow the route recorded on the map."

"But in the end, the results are always the same."

"Either we fall into an illusion and completely lose our direction, wandering until the trial ends, or we find what seems to be the entrance… yet are unable to step into it."

She paused briefly, then sighed.

"Our Sky family has tried countless times over the years. Apart from our founding ancestor, no one has ever truly stepped into that treasure land."

"I see." Ethan nodded slightly and rolled the scroll up before putting it away.

His expression did not change much, but inwardly he had already made a judgment.

This was not a simple treasure land.

Illusions, rejection, and selective access—this place clearly tested more than strength. Talent, destiny, perception, perhaps even temperament and killing intent, all might be part of the criteria.

It was no wonder the Sky family had failed repeatedly.

"I don't know," Max said cautiously, "how confident is Mr. Ethan that he can enter this treasure land?"

"If the map is genuine and the treasure land truly exists," Ethan replied calmly, "then I am ninety percent sure."

"Ninety percent?!"

Damon froze, his eyes widening. He nearly cursed out loud.

That was not confidence—this was bordering on arrogance.

Yet when the words came from Ethan's mouth, no one felt they were exaggerated.

Max inhaled sharply, then cupped his hands.

"In that case, the safety of my Sky family's younger generation during this Training Trial will be entrusted to Mr. Ethan."

"As long as I am present," Ethan said evenly, "no one will be able to harm the Sky family's junior."

"With those words, I am relieved," Uncle Ghost chuckled, stroking his beard.

At that moment, Bella looked directly at Ethan, her expression turning serious.

"According to our previous agreement, our Sky family will take ten percent of the gains from the secret realm. I hope Mr. Ethan will honor this promise."

Ten percent.

It was pitifully small, yet Bella still emphasized it.

She was afraid.

Afraid that Ethan, with his terrifying strength, might simply take everything and leave them with nothing.

If that happened, the Sky family would have no means to resist.

Ethan laughed softly when he heard her concern.

"Seeing how sincere your Sky family has been, it wouldn't be right for me to take too much."

"Let's revise the agreement."

"I will take seventy percent. Your Sky family will take thirty percent."

"How about that?"

The air froze.

Bella, Max, Uncle Ghost, and the Great Elder all stared at Ethan in disbelief.

For a moment, they thought they had misheard.

"Seventy… thirty?" Bella asked instinctively.

"Of course," Ethan replied with a faint smile.

Joy arrived too suddenly.

Max burst into laughter, his voice resonating through the valley.

"Mr. Ethan is indeed a man of great character!"

Uncle Ghost's eyes shone brightly. Even the usually reserved Great Elder revealed an unmistakable look of excitement.

Bella exhaled deeply, her heart finally settling.

"With this agreement, the cooperation between our Sky family and Mr. Ethan is officially established."

"It's getting late. I will have someone arrange a residence for Mr. Ethan. You may stay in our Sky family until the Training Trial Secret Realm opens."

"No need," Ethan said, already rising into the air.

"I still have matters to attend to. I won't be staying here for long."

"I'm currently lodging at the Peaceful Haven Inn in the city. If anything happens, Master Max can come find me directly."

"Mr. Ethan, wait!" Bella suddenly called out.

Ethan stopped midair and looked down at her.

"What is it, Madam?"

"Are you worried," Ethan said lightly, "that I might run away with the Sage Token and your Sky family's secrets?"

"Rest assured. I am not someone who breaks my word."

Bella opened her mouth, then closed it again, finally nodding.

"Then… Mr. Ethan, walk safely."

"When you decide who will accompany me into the Training Trial Secret Realm," Ethan added, "send someone to inform me."

With that, his figure blurred and vanished into the horizon.

The Sky family elders stood in silence, watching the direction where Ethan disappeared.

Worry lingered, but there was nothing they could do.

Trust was their only option.

"I hope that kid keeps his promise," Uncle Ghost sighed.

"At this point, belief is all we have," Max replied, turning back toward the family hall.

"Father, don't worry," Damon said confidently.

"My intuition tells me Mr. Ethan is someone who keeps his word."

"If he wanted to leave, he wouldn't have spent so much effort negotiating with us."

Bella nodded lightly.

"Elara, when you have time, visit the Peaceful Haven Inn more often."

"I understand, Mother," Elara replied softly.

She lowered her eyes, a quiet determination flickering within them.

She did not believe that she, Elara of the Sky family, could not move Ethan's heart.

Three days later, the Training Trial selection would begin.

And the fate of many would change.

.....

Night fell.

Ethan returned to the Peaceful Haven Inn.

Standing at the entrance, he turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping across rooftops, alleys, and shadowed corners.

Hidden figures retreated instinctively under that gaze.

"Palace of the Four Cycles…" Ethan sneered softly.

"So quick to keep an eye on me."

He stepped into the inn and closed the door behind him.

His perception expanded instantly, covering every corner of the building.

Kara and the others were still inside. Nothing had changed.

Another seemingly peaceful night.

Just as Ethan was about to enter meditation, a familiar aura surfaced within the inn.

"This demonic energy…"

"The Holy Son of the Heavenly Demon Sect, Luca."

Ethan chuckled quietly.

"Truly persistent."

Luca was clearly here for Kara.

As for what schemes he intended to play this time—Ethan was mildly curious.

.....

Kara and Morwen closed their eyes and rested in the room.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

...

Thanks for the Magic Castle: @Zunsin

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.