Kara raised her head and looked out the window.

Ethan was already standing outside, one foot on the eaves, robes fluttering faintly in the night wind. Moonlight outlined his silhouette like a blade drawn halfway from its sheath—calm, sharp, and impossible to ignore.

"Sister," his voice came softly, yet carried absolute certainty, "I can come and go freely in your room. I can detoxify you. I can transmit messages to you right under Luca's nose."

His gaze met hers through the window lattice.

"You should trust me."

Before Kara could respond, his figure dissolved into the darkness like smoke in water. Only his words lingered, echoing faintly in her ears.

"… "

Kara stood there for a long time.

Her fingers tightened slowly at her side, then relaxed. For the first time in years, her heart—always steady, always guarded—wavered ever so slightly.

Three months passed in silence.

...

Hidden Wind Cave.

A cold wind roared through the depths of the cavern, carrying faint traces of demonic energy. The formations sealing the cave trembled, then slowly receded like retreating tides.

Lunara opened her eyes.

She was dressed in a long black dress that clung tightly to her figure. Her dark pupils were like flawless obsidian, deep and clear, reflecting neither fear nor hesitation. Yet within those eyes, a black flame still burned quietly—restrained, but never extinguished.

She exhaled slowly.

Three months of seclusion had sharpened her aura. The resentment, the unwillingness, the hatred—none of it had vanished. It had only been compressed, refined into something colder and more dangerous.

She rose to her feet and packed her belongings.

At the same moment, the seal of Hidden Wind Cave was lifted completely.

A towering golden figure appeared at the cave entrance.

"Master," Lunara said, cupping her hands. Her tone was respectful, flawless.

Her heart, however, churned with disgust.

Since that night—since meeting Aether—she had been imprisoned here by Valerius. Three full months without seeing the sky, without stepping beyond the cave. Cultivation, reflection, endurance. Nothing more.

Valerius looked at her indifferently.

"Remember what I told you," he said coldly.

"After returning from the Training Trial Secret Realm, I will give you three years."

"If you fail to reach the Ultimate Demon Lord Realm within those three years," his eyes narrowed slightly, "then don't blame me for what happens next."

Lunara's fingers twitched.

Valerius continued, his voice casual, almost amused.

"I know everything you've done over the years. I know who you've met."

"You once saved a little female wolf, didn't you?" he said lightly.

"She lives in a tribe beneath the Heavenly Water Mountains now."

"You visit her every year."

"…?!"

Lunara's pupils contracted sharply.

Her nails dug into her palms, blood seeping silently between her fingers.

"I understand," she said, lowering her head, teeth biting into her lower lip until crimson bloomed.

"This disciple will do everything possible to obtain a great inheritance in the Training Trial Secret Realm and step into the Ultimate Supreme in one leap."

"I hope you won't disappoint me," Valerius replied flatly.

"Today is the day the Training Trial Secret Realm opens," he continued.

"You will go with Ember and the Sixth Commander. Assist them in locating the Emperor Sage's legendary secret treasure."

"Yes, Master."

Valerius nodded once.

"Go to Blue-Wave Tower. The Sixth Commander is already waiting. I'll head to the Heavenly Water Mountains with the others to determine the precise entrance location."

With that, he turned into a streak of golden light and vanished into the heavens.

Lunara stood where she was, staring at the empty sky.

Her fists clenched violently.

"…Aether."

A jade pendant appeared in her hand—the one Ethan had given her long ago.

She had once believed he was dead. Killed by Valerius's hand.

But not long ago, the pendant had responded.

A faint pulse. A familiar resonance.

Aether was alive.

Not only alive—he was in Blue-Wave City.

Which meant Valerius had failed that night.

Lunara left the Golden Phoenix Clan and arrived before Blue-Wave Tower.

The jade pendant trembled violently in her grasp.

She poured her mental energy into it.

A familiar voice echoed within her consciousness.

"Miss Lunara, I've obtained a Sage Token. We'll meet in the Training Trial Secret Realm."

Her eyes brightened instantly.

The weight pressing on her heart for months finally lifted.

As long as that voice still existed, everything was still possible.

In the air before Blue-Wave Tower, dozens of figures hovered silently.

They wore robes of differing styles, yet all bore the same emblem upon their backs—the totem of the Palace of the Four Cycles.

At the forefront stood figures in golden robes.

The Sixth Commander—broad-shouldered, blond-haired, face concealed beneath a mask—stood with arms crossed, eyes closed, aura unfathomable.

Beside him was Ember.

Tall, elegant, her thigh-split dress revealing flawless legs. Her oval face was breathtaking, her temperament noble and distant, like a sculpture crafted by the heavens themselves.

Valerius's beloved daughter.

"Sixth Commander. Miss Ember."

Lunara descended before them.

Ember merely glanced at her, offering no response.

"I've met Her Majesty the Saintess," the members of the other palaces said respectfully, bowing.

"No need for formalities," Lunara replied calmly.

"Since everyone is present, we depart for the Heavenly Water Mountains."

In the next instant, the group transformed into streams of light and vanished beyond the horizon.

On a distant street below, Ethan raised his head, watching the streaks of light fade into the sky.

A faint smile curved his lips.

Since Lunara was safe, there was nothing left to delay.

"Brother Ethan! I finally found you!"

A familiar voice rang out.

Ethan turned.

Damon stood there, slightly out of breath. Elara was beside him.

"Mr. Ethan," Elara said softly, her posture deferential.

"Today is the opening of the Training Trial Secret Realm. It's getting late. You can come with us."

"Heavenly Water Mountains?" Ethan replied calmly.

"I know the way."

"We'll meet inside the secret realm."

Before either of them could respond, he leapt into the air, transforming into a streak of golden lightning that vanished into the clouds.

"Snort!"

Elara stomped her foot angrily.

This man—why was he always like this?

She had come personally to invite him, yet he left without hesitation.

"Third sister," Damon sighed, shaking his head, "let's leave quickly."

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.