The woman was Umbra.Even if she turned to ashes, Gideon would still recognize her.There was no helping it. After treating Umbra yesterday, he had gotten more than familiar with her. If he closed his eyes, every inch of her body was still vividly imprinted in his mind.Standing before Umbra now, Gideon felt a little awkward.As for Umbra, she was wearing a veil, making it impossible to read her expression. But her eyes gleamed brilliantly, filled with light."Gideon Snow at your service, Ms. Crescent.""Mr. Snow, there's no need for such formality." Umbra descended the steps, a faint fragrance drifting in the air. It was light and refreshing, like a spring breeze.She truly seemed like a goddess descending from heaven.Her beautiful eyes shimmered as she spoke with gratitude, "Mr. Snow, thank you for saving my life. I won't say empty words of thanks. Starting today, you are the most honored guest of Naesbrey Fortress. If there's anything you need, I will not refuse as long as
"This is bad!" The woman's face changed drastically.However, there was nowhere to escape. A powerful palm strike came crashing down. No matter how she tried to block it, she was still sent flying.Her injuries were severe, with blood spraying wildly."Why?"Only that one word was heard, filled with anger and regret.Luna appeared with a group of Naesbrey Fortress' elite warriors, staring down at the surrounded middle-aged woman. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, "Why must it be you? Why did you betray Naesbrey Fortress?"Why did you poison Umbra? Do you even realize what you've done? You've committed an unforgivable crime!"The woman, Nancy Goodyear, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, let out a bitter laugh, and struggled to her feet. "Luna, don't you understand? Kamaria brutally executed my husband, his body completely destroyed. And Umbra killed my daughter."And you! You stripped me of my power. I have nothing left! What else could I do? I want Umbra dead! I want
"Kill!" Luna ordered.At her command, all the warriors immediately formed a battle array, their forces combining as one.Seeing their stance, the man was both shocked and enraged. He had no choice but to back away. But just as Luna had said, the plan to poison Umbra and overthrow Naesbrey Fortress was Brightbane Sect's doing.Now that it had been exposed, there was only one solution—eliminate all witnesses. Otherwise, this matter would bring enormous trouble."Die!" the man roared furiously. He slammed his fist onto the ground.Luna's expression changed. She noticed that something was wrong. However, it was too late.A terrifying force shot up from beneath the earth, instantly blasting Nancy into a bloody pulp."Bastard!" Luna was livid.However, the man only laughed. "Luna, I just did you a favor in cleaning up your own mess. No need to thank me. Until next time!"With that, the Brightbane Sect's forces swiftly retreated.Luna led her people in pursuit but stopped at the bor
"By the way, Mr. Bane, there's one more thing." Arlo suddenly remembered something. His expression turned grim, rage filling his eyes.Draven frowned in confusion. "What is it?""It's…" Arlo hesitated."Spit it out! Stop beating around the bush like some old hag!" Draven exploded."Mr. Bane, Francis and Giles… have been killed." Arlo gritted his teeth.Draven trembled.Then, his voice dropped in disbelief. "What nonsense are you spouting? Who would dare kill Francis and Giles?"Arlo's voice was heavy with grief. "We don't know yet. The killer hasn't been identified. We're still investigating. But Francis and Giles are indeed dead. They were beheaded. A group of rogue cultivators stumbled upon their bodies and brought them back."Draven staggered.Then, under Arlo's lead, he entered a secret chamber where the headless corpses of Francis and Giles lay before him."Who did this?"In an instant, an earth-shattering killing intent erupted from Draven. His fury knew no bounds.Ev
"It would be best if we could eliminate Draven and Arlo. That would bring Brightbane Sect to its knees!"Luna raised a hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.She said, "To avoid causing panic, I had kept something hidden from you all. But now that Umbra has awakened, I will be upfront about it."Although Brightbane Sect is indeed detestable and loathsome, we should avoid direct conflict with them at this time."Umbra is poisoned. Right now, Mr. Snow is helping suppress it, but it's still affecting her. If a battle breaks out between us and Brightbane Sect, I fear Umbra won't be able to match Draven."The room stirred with murmurs.Luna tapped her fingers against the table. The crisp sound spread across the hall, restoring order."However, don't forget that we have Mr. Snow. Mr. Snow's strength is unfathomable. He is our honored guest. If Brightbane Sect is foolish enough to start a war, I doubt Mr. Snow will stand idly by."There's no need to panic. Carry on with your duties a
As soon as Gideon and Umbra stepped out of the grand hall, Eve came running toward them. "Ms. Crescent, you're finally out of seclusion!""What's wrong?""Ms. Crescent, you might not know yet, but Brightbane Sect is likely preparing for war against us. Ms. Lumen has assembled an army of 300,000 stationed at the front lines."Not only that, many factions are watching in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. Naesbrey Fortress is in an extremely dangerous position at the moment."Umbra narrowed her eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. "Brightbane Sect… Draven… He's digging his own grave.""Ms. Crescent, it's great that you're awake. Please head to the front lines at once and take command.""There's no need. Tell Aunt Luna that if Brightbane Sect's forces dare to step into Naesbrey Fortress' territory, show no mercy. Start the war immediately. There's no need to hold back."Eve felt her heart tighten.Meanwhile, Umbra and Gideon had already walked away."This is going to b
The process of awakening pure-essence physique could still be carried out even through clothing, but it was far less effective than direct contact.Umbra's delicate body trembled slightly.…Back in Brightbane Sect, loud voices could be heard."It's been three days, and still no leads? What did you promise me three days ago?" Draven's voice was sharp and furious in the grand hall.Arlo was drenched in sweat. "Mr. Bane, we have a lead.""Oh?""The battle took place at the border of the eastern plains and the vast mountain range. That area is completely uninhabited, so finding eyewitnesses was nearly impossible. So, I changed my approach and led a team into the mountains to gather information from the beasts."Turns out, my guess was right. At the time, Francis and Giles fought fiercely against the killer, causing a huge commotion that attracted several beast kings. After extensive analysis, we finally managed to confirm some of the killer's traits."Arlo took out a document and
"There's no need to start a war. There's no reason to drag all of Naesbrey Fortress into this. The two of us will go to Brightbane Sect. Do you think we can make it out unscathed?" Gideon asked."Not easily." Umbra's expression was serious.She said, "You're an outsider. You don't understand the six top powers of the eastern plains. Each of them has their own hidden trump cards and deep foundations. The two of us alone can't stand against the entire Brightbane Sect."He frowned. "So, do we really have to go to war? You'd better think this through."Umbra was conflicted as well.Dragging all of Naesbrey Fortress into this recklessly could be a disaster. After all, there were other factions waiting to pounce at any moment."Report!"Just then, a scout arrived with news. "Ms. Crescent, Brightbane Sect's grand elder, Arlo Watson, has appeared at the front lines with three seniors. He claims to be here for peace talks and wishes to speak with you in person."Umbra's heart stirred.
"This is the place." Umbra gazed ahead.It was an unremarkable mountain.Gideon was puzzled. Umbra had insisted on traveling with him to Brightbane Sect despite Luna and the others strongly opposing it. Yet now, she had brought him here instead."This is your trump card?"That's right." She smiled.She looked around and, with a mysterious tone, said, "I stumbled upon this place by chance three years ago. Beneath this mountain, there's an Earthcore Flame.""Earthcore Flame?""Yes." She nodded seriously. "You should know what an Earthcore Flame is, right?"Gideon clicked his tongue. "Of course I do! Earthcore Flames are rare treasures with all sorts of incredible uses. But what does bringing me here have to do with going to Brightbane Sect?"Umbra said, "I suspect that deep beneath this mountain, there's an entire Earthcore Flame Vein.""An Earthcore Flame Vein?" Gideon was shocked.Just a single Earthcore Flame was already incredibly valuable.Back when he trained under Titu
In the end, Arlo couldn't hold on any longer.With a heavy thud, he collapsed into a pool of blood, pleading in terror, "Ms. Crescent, spare me! I was wrong! I won't dare do it again! I was only following orders from Mr. Bane. I had no choice! Please, have mercy and spare my pathetic life! I'm willing to serve you however you want!"Alas, Arlo had fallen to such a miserable state, utterly powerless before Umbra. This greatly boosted the morale of the students of Naesbrey Fortress and the hundreds of thousands of troops."Incredible!" Even Gideon clicked his tongue in awe.Umbra's strength had exceeded his expectations. Her moves seemed simple, but each strike was extraordinary. A pure-essence physique was truly terrifying!"Take him."At Umbra's command, Luna subdued Arlo."Mr. Snow, what's our next move? Should we take him to Brightbane Sect? I don't think that's a good idea. Arlo alone isn't enough to threaten Draven. That guy is ruthless. He wouldn't care if a grand elder die
"There's no need to start a war. There's no reason to drag all of Naesbrey Fortress into this. The two of us will go to Brightbane Sect. Do you think we can make it out unscathed?" Gideon asked."Not easily." Umbra's expression was serious.She said, "You're an outsider. You don't understand the six top powers of the eastern plains. Each of them has their own hidden trump cards and deep foundations. The two of us alone can't stand against the entire Brightbane Sect."He frowned. "So, do we really have to go to war? You'd better think this through."Umbra was conflicted as well.Dragging all of Naesbrey Fortress into this recklessly could be a disaster. After all, there were other factions waiting to pounce at any moment."Report!"Just then, a scout arrived with news. "Ms. Crescent, Brightbane Sect's grand elder, Arlo Watson, has appeared at the front lines with three seniors. He claims to be here for peace talks and wishes to speak with you in person."Umbra's heart stirred.
The process of awakening pure-essence physique could still be carried out even through clothing, but it was far less effective than direct contact.Umbra's delicate body trembled slightly.…Back in Brightbane Sect, loud voices could be heard."It's been three days, and still no leads? What did you promise me three days ago?" Draven's voice was sharp and furious in the grand hall.Arlo was drenched in sweat. "Mr. Bane, we have a lead.""Oh?""The battle took place at the border of the eastern plains and the vast mountain range. That area is completely uninhabited, so finding eyewitnesses was nearly impossible. So, I changed my approach and led a team into the mountains to gather information from the beasts."Turns out, my guess was right. At the time, Francis and Giles fought fiercely against the killer, causing a huge commotion that attracted several beast kings. After extensive analysis, we finally managed to confirm some of the killer's traits."Arlo took out a document and
As soon as Gideon and Umbra stepped out of the grand hall, Eve came running toward them. "Ms. Crescent, you're finally out of seclusion!""What's wrong?""Ms. Crescent, you might not know yet, but Brightbane Sect is likely preparing for war against us. Ms. Lumen has assembled an army of 300,000 stationed at the front lines."Not only that, many factions are watching in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. Naesbrey Fortress is in an extremely dangerous position at the moment."Umbra narrowed her eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. "Brightbane Sect… Draven… He's digging his own grave.""Ms. Crescent, it's great that you're awake. Please head to the front lines at once and take command.""There's no need. Tell Aunt Luna that if Brightbane Sect's forces dare to step into Naesbrey Fortress' territory, show no mercy. Start the war immediately. There's no need to hold back."Eve felt her heart tighten.Meanwhile, Umbra and Gideon had already walked away."This is going to b
"It would be best if we could eliminate Draven and Arlo. That would bring Brightbane Sect to its knees!"Luna raised a hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.She said, "To avoid causing panic, I had kept something hidden from you all. But now that Umbra has awakened, I will be upfront about it."Although Brightbane Sect is indeed detestable and loathsome, we should avoid direct conflict with them at this time."Umbra is poisoned. Right now, Mr. Snow is helping suppress it, but it's still affecting her. If a battle breaks out between us and Brightbane Sect, I fear Umbra won't be able to match Draven."The room stirred with murmurs.Luna tapped her fingers against the table. The crisp sound spread across the hall, restoring order."However, don't forget that we have Mr. Snow. Mr. Snow's strength is unfathomable. He is our honored guest. If Brightbane Sect is foolish enough to start a war, I doubt Mr. Snow will stand idly by."There's no need to panic. Carry on with your duties a
"By the way, Mr. Bane, there's one more thing." Arlo suddenly remembered something. His expression turned grim, rage filling his eyes.Draven frowned in confusion. "What is it?""It's…" Arlo hesitated."Spit it out! Stop beating around the bush like some old hag!" Draven exploded."Mr. Bane, Francis and Giles… have been killed." Arlo gritted his teeth.Draven trembled.Then, his voice dropped in disbelief. "What nonsense are you spouting? Who would dare kill Francis and Giles?"Arlo's voice was heavy with grief. "We don't know yet. The killer hasn't been identified. We're still investigating. But Francis and Giles are indeed dead. They were beheaded. A group of rogue cultivators stumbled upon their bodies and brought them back."Draven staggered.Then, under Arlo's lead, he entered a secret chamber where the headless corpses of Francis and Giles lay before him."Who did this?"In an instant, an earth-shattering killing intent erupted from Draven. His fury knew no bounds.Ev
"Kill!" Luna ordered.At her command, all the warriors immediately formed a battle array, their forces combining as one.Seeing their stance, the man was both shocked and enraged. He had no choice but to back away. But just as Luna had said, the plan to poison Umbra and overthrow Naesbrey Fortress was Brightbane Sect's doing.Now that it had been exposed, there was only one solution—eliminate all witnesses. Otherwise, this matter would bring enormous trouble."Die!" the man roared furiously. He slammed his fist onto the ground.Luna's expression changed. She noticed that something was wrong. However, it was too late.A terrifying force shot up from beneath the earth, instantly blasting Nancy into a bloody pulp."Bastard!" Luna was livid.However, the man only laughed. "Luna, I just did you a favor in cleaning up your own mess. No need to thank me. Until next time!"With that, the Brightbane Sect's forces swiftly retreated.Luna led her people in pursuit but stopped at the bor
"This is bad!" The woman's face changed drastically.However, there was nowhere to escape. A powerful palm strike came crashing down. No matter how she tried to block it, she was still sent flying.Her injuries were severe, with blood spraying wildly."Why?"Only that one word was heard, filled with anger and regret.Luna appeared with a group of Naesbrey Fortress' elite warriors, staring down at the surrounded middle-aged woman. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, "Why must it be you? Why did you betray Naesbrey Fortress?"Why did you poison Umbra? Do you even realize what you've done? You've committed an unforgivable crime!"The woman, Nancy Goodyear, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, let out a bitter laugh, and struggled to her feet. "Luna, don't you understand? Kamaria brutally executed my husband, his body completely destroyed. And Umbra killed my daughter."And you! You stripped me of my power. I have nothing left! What else could I do? I want Umbra dead! I want