In fact, Paggie didn't seem to be looking at Aria. Instead, she saw the future they had fought so hard to have through her. With a spirit in harmony with Heaven and Earth, all of the soldiers endeavored to improve the lives of all, preserving the wisdom of their elders and bringing forth an age of lasting peace and prosperity. As long as the new Farshya was not formed, Paggie wouldn't give up.Paggie had previously felt a bit disappointed, but not because the younger generations had forgotten them. Instead, she was concerned that their future generations, for whom the mentors had great expectations, might have grown self-satisfied and dependent on others.Were all of them like this in the future? Were they still being bullied in the future?The thought made Paggie feel uneasy until she met Aria. By then, she understood that their future generations were doing well. Their future generations were more cultured and talented, knowing more than them. Plus, they had endless confidence
"Shut up." Evander was still thinking about the tools he needed to start a fire.Benedict was still in pain but continued, "I don't mean evil. Don't you remember how afraid we were when we traveled back? It was barely an hour ago. They asked us so many questions and almost thought we were spies."She just came here and doesn't look a bit afraid, nor is she concerned about whether she can head back. She's going to pick herbs in the mountains and even ordered you guys around. Dude, can you wake up? This is a war, a part of history."It's not like we can change history. Why are we making such a huge deal out of it? It's nothing we need to care about. There is something wrong about that woman!"Evander couldn't take it anymore. He threw down what he was holding. "You're the one who has a few screws loose. Don't you think you look like a spy? I feel embarrassed enough not to be able to answer the questions just now."Dude, you're also a man. If you don't have the guts, then shut up. I
Astrid giggled. "Right. I also think you have quite a refined temperament. Miss, it was just a misunderstanding. There are only a few of us that came, but we'll do whatever you tell us to do."Aria glanced at her. "I told you to shut up and stop talking." Immediately, Astrid went silent.Aria's tactics could control those who were fearful of their own lives. She passed the knife in her hand to Evander. "Heat the blade until it turns red. Until I come back, you can help Ingrid.""Okay!" Evander didn't understand why he chose to follow her words despite her being younger than them. Aria then turned to Ingrid. "Believe in yourself. You can do it."Ingrid was not confident about her professional abilities. After all, she was still a student. Although she learned some clinical knowledge, she wasn't even placed on an internship yet. That was why she claimed she was a nursing student. However, Ingrid wanted to give it a try right now. What if she could save one martyr?Seeing Aria wa
Aria clenched the newspaper with a dark look. Barron had something he wanted to give her.When she entered the manifestation last time, she had mentioned to Barron she was from the future. Thus, the thing he referred to was most likely in the present world.However, Aria was puzzled why Warren didn't tell her that Barron left something for her. Although Warren had shown her some family heirlooms that included Barron's belongings, none of them were to be specifically handed to her.A thought suddenly popped up in Aria's mind. The Earthbound Manifestation might be related to Barron. Every item in the manifestation was there for a reason. Plus, the entrance of the Earthbound Manifestation was placed near Ian's villa. Ian had been under the ancestral's protection too.When she thought of that, she carefully put the newspaper away. Although the others didn't understand why she cherished a newspaper so much, they didn't dare to ask and continued on their work.Although there was no si
The strangest thing about Grief Peak was that one couldn't hear another's shout from the other end. The mountain only had electricity in 2017, yet some professional adventurers remained fearful of challenging it.Plus, the woods were filled with poisonous snakes, insects, leeches, black bears, and a persistent miasma that wouldn't fade. Thus, despite the numerous stories about Grief Peak, people were kept from going inside.The most famous tale about it was the Everett family's treasures. It was rumored that countless treasures of gold and silver were hidden underground in their house.There were even some weird-looking patterns in their courtyard, which might be the map to start the treasure hunt.However, none of these tales had been verified. The historical records were more credible, and archaeological findings suggested that this area was once home to a multi-ethnic kingdom known as the ancient Grief Kingdom. However, due to the terrain, it had been extremely difficult for a
When Landon entered the spot with the most spiritual energy, the crow perched on a branch and cawed twice.Their calls pierced through the mist and rang through the entire Grief Peak. It was as if telling all the unborn spirits that their true owner was back.The "king" that the evil beings referred to was pacing around anxiously."He's back? Is he really back? Did he say why he's back? Go and send him the wild yarrows in the mountain. Wait. I think he doesn't like yarrows…"The evil being who came to report saw through its king's panic and tried guessing, "Perhaps he just came back to take a look. Chaos is also here. You should know him."Of course, he knew Chaos! The latter almost devoured him back then!"Chaos likes to eat staghorns. Go and send everything we have to him. We can't let him go hungry."Although the king's requests were reasonable, none of the evil beings wanted to be in charge of sending it.A while later, another evil being came to report, "The lord seems to
Aria knew the situation was more complicated than it seemed. If Simon felt uneasy, it surely signified something bad. Although Aria didn't insist on going alone, someone had to send the herbs back.There were many injured soldiers waiting for the antibiotics, and some injuries couldn't afford to be delayed treatment. Plus, Aria couldn't disguise herself with all the herbs she had.After thinking for a moment, she took out her amethyst pendant.The twins immediately appeared. Angie still looked a bit scary despite her soft and respectful tone. "Ms. Carver, do you need our assistance?"After filling them in about the delivery of medicine, Abbie ducked behind Angie timidly. "Ms. Carver, I'm afraid we might not succeed. What if they're afraid of us?"Aria pinched their faces. "Go and find Xander. Tell him you're with me. Don't worry. A soldier like him wouldn't be afraid of you all. Didn't you say only those who did bad things would be afraid of you all?"Abbie clutched the package
Looking at Angie's disheveled spirit, Aria reached out to ruffle her hair. "I'll find him. Go with Abbie to deliver the herbs first."Although this is just an Earthbound Manifestation, everyone here is a heroic spirit. I'm sure you and Abbie want them to not have any regrets. Leave the rest to me. I'll find out who he is and bring him to you all."Angie's soul had been soothed. Although there was still resentment in her, the twins would listen to Aria unconditionally and treat it as the most important task. This was usually how spirit vassals reacted. While other souls might not be willing to be controlled, the twins allowed it as Aria had been taking care of them.If the twins couldn't do something as simple as delivering herbs, they would be useless to Aria. Thus, the twins exchanged glances and nodded obediently. In their true spirit form, they didn't have much strength, so they would often use their resentment to help.Albeit their obedient appearances, the twins were famou
Although the crow was unsure of its owner's thoughts, it was indeed afraid of the dagger made out of Oracle bones.In fact, it wasn't made of ordinary animal bones. It was from the Oracle, one of the Four Perils. Most importantly, it carried spiritual energy from heaven and earth.Back then, the crow didn't expect the insignificant sect, which was consistently at the bottom of each tournament, to have the purest spiritual energy. Plus, all of their members were not to be underestimated. The crow would have never believed it if it hadn't come to live in the mountains with Landon. After all, Landon was bewitched to become the woman's boy toy. He stayed behind only because he liked the sect's spiritual energy. At that, the crow shifted its body and didn't continue to disturb Landon. Since Landon mentioned he needed the knife sheath, the crow would go and get it. Apart from the curved dagger in the wooden box, there was also a somewhat inconspicuous emerald and a turtle shell-lik
The box included a protective membrane. Carrying bones around would raise questions in modern days. Even Aria worried about inspections. Sometimes, Tobias acted just like those arcane seekers from Mount Dracotigris. When her fingertips touched it, heat surged through her bloodline. The blade felt like it belonged in her hands; even its tassel was exquisitely crafted. But she remembered something when she entered the manifestation and got the Soul-Summoning Plaque. She had been an arcane seeker in her past life, hadn't she? Could an arcane seeker use a blade? She had mostly seen them wielding swords, just like those TV shows with flying swordsmen. Perhaps she had to use a blade because she came from a smaller guild. As Aria traced the bone blade, her initial attraction grew into fascination. Tobias wouldn't leave her just any blade. Since she'd encountered it in the manifestation, it must be connected to her. "Do you like it?" Suddenly, Landon's voice came close. It was low,
Breaking the Eight Trigrams Manifestation required precision instead of force. The path led from the East Gate of Life through the Southwest Gate of Rest, finally striking through the North Gate of Opening. But this was not just about breaking a manifestation. The lock had eight marks—Life, Rest, Harm, Block, Vision, Death, Awakening, and Opening. These were the eight gates within the manifestation. As Aria studied the corresponding numbers, she was suddenly struck with inspiration. Following the sequence, she pressed them. The lock then opened with a click. She raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar combination. "0715, my birthday." Aria casually opened the box. "Typical of Mr. Revelare to choose that date." She knew she was born on Twilight Hallows, a day when parents would urge children home early. Owen had always believed Aria's birth signs were not the best, and he thought this was likely because of this day. People considered it the Day of Spirits. On this day, a
Earlier, Aria had really wanted to keep some family ties for Georgina. After all, Georgina had given Aria all the love meant for her granddaughter, Lily. When the Kents drove her out, Aria had seen Georgina staring at a pair of handmade baby booties. She had made them herself and wanted to give them to Lily. But Karen had scorned them and did not even allow her to see the child. Aria knew Georgina still yearned to see Lily. Blood ties were different. Aria could approach everything else with logic, but not Georgina. When everyone else abandoned her, Georgina stayed. She always said, "We can't let Aria go hungry. Of course, she needs school. Whatever Aria wants, we'll save up for it. The same goes for Sam." Everyone had their weak spots, and for those they loved, anyone would surely lower their defenses. After all, they still held on to hope. Though Georgina never said it, Aria understood she'd held hope for Lily. That was why Aria had not been harsh enough with Lily. But tha
Lily definitely had not learned her mistake—there must be more to it. Though Aria had investigated, nothing turned up. Now she understood why Lily kept coming here. Aside from using Georgina's connections, she was after what was in the box. "Grandma, the first layer wasn't locked. Do you know what was inside?" Of course Georgina knew. "When the old priest gave me the box, he said anyone could read the books about medicine and the arcane in the first layer, especially you. They were all rare copies." Everything suddenly connected in Aria's mind. No wonder Lily's skills seemed endless; this explained it. Aria turned to Georgina. She preferred to be direct, so she said, "Grandma, I think I know who took them. Recently, a few people visited your place, but there was one you knew well—Lily. She's been using these medical texts to treat people. "Her medical skills are fine, but I worry she's misusing the arcane books for personal gain." Georgina swayed slightly at these words. Li
"Christian was your whole world back then, so it wasn't strange you wanted to give him gifts." Though Georgina preferred not to mention him, this particular item must have been precious for Aria to consider giving it away. After explaining, her mood lightened. "I'm glad you realized what you wanted and didn't let the Kent family engagement bind you. I planned to give this to you on your first day of university since that's what the priest requested. But I feel now's the right time." Georgina had wanted to mention this during their last meeting. But Aria had looked so exhausted then, so she'd wanted to let Aria rest. By morning, Aria had already left. With Aria's upcoming trip to Ludwiten and not knowing when they would meet again, Georgina's main concern was returning these items. Aria was really curious about what they might be. Since Georgina said it was left by the old priest who used to visit her, Aria was sure it was from Tobias. She never knew he had left anything for her
"Seeing Aria like this brings me so much joy." Georgina set down her fan and took a pill, her breathing gradually steadying. Landon observed her condition without surprise. He certainly saw more than Aria did. But fate's secrets were not meant to be revealed; everyone had their own path. All he could do was ask, "Should we tell her about your condition?" "And have her worrying about me while handling everything else?" As she spoke, Georgina waved dismissively. "Managing the Carver Group means there are countless employees depending on her. "Last time I saw her, she was falling asleep sitting up. She already worries too much about me, and I know why. It's because of my granddaughter Lily." Georgina lowered her gaze, smiling. "You know the situation with the Kents. I couldn't survive in Southbury then with everyone pointing fingers and calling me a wicked mother-in-law. They said I had blood on my hands. "But Aria stood by me without judgment. Only then could I come to Janovi
No one really knew how pitiful Sam had been back then. Nobody would have connected that filthy, weak, and skinny child to Chaos. Even now, only the skillful arcane seekers could recognize Sam as Chaos. That's because he had not fully awakened yet. Besides, his round, childish face showed no hint of threat. When Georgina first found him, it was raining. He looked less like a child and more like a stray cat, huddled miserably in a corner. He did seem fierce since he was watching everyone with dark, suspicious eyes. Some even suspected he was mentally ill and called the police. The police confirmed he was an orphan, with no records in any database. They planned to handle it as a case of missing a child since no orphanage would take him. Sam hadn't always been like this. He appeared quite dangerous and could not speak a word. He would stare people down intensely, so it was understandable that people would be afraid of him. He even bit the police officer who tried to take him. If
Aria glanced at Landon, impressed. His lie was far more polished than hers would have been. His face alone made the story believable, and she noticed how he showed no signs of deception at all. He even gave her a casual glance, showing how he was totally at ease. Sure enough, Georgina believed it. "I've heard of Mr. Bond. Sam is so lucky! Tell him to study well up there. I'll visit him in a few days!" "Of course. I'll go with you later." Aria did not want to upset Georgina. With her upcoming trip to Ludwiten, Aria insisted on having a meal at the mansion. She only provided occasional guidance on the clinic's direction now. She had left daily operations to professional managers. Even when she had lost her senses, Georgina had never given up on her. Even when she had not been herself, Georgina had not abandoned her. Aria knew the Kent family wouldn't change, especially Marshall, with his greed. She just wanted to ensure Georgina's twilight years weren't spent worrying about unw