C21 Return!!

In the early morning, as the sun rose, it seemed like an ordinary day. However, Maeander's potent Illusion Magic had left Clements, Zopyrus, and Kallisto oblivious to the events of the previous day.

"Whoosh!"

While the trio was enjoying breakfast, a small sword sped toward them from the direction of Thvelond. It moved with lightning speed, arriving above the courtyard in an instant before exploding with a thunderous boom.

"Sound Transmission Sword!" Zopyrus exclaimed, his mouth agape in astonishment.

Such a rare artifact, typically crafted only by the Lord of Heaven and the Supreme, was not something one would expect to see flying around without purpose.

As the Sound Transmission Sword shattered into glittering fragments that vanished without a trace, Zopyrus was left bewildered by the absence of any message.

"He's back!" Clements suddenly turned his head, his gaze fixed on the foothills of Thvelond. In that moment, his cloudy eyes shone with an intense brilliance.

"Old man, who's back?" Zopyrus inquired, puzzled by Clements's intense gaze.

"Kid, he's back. Today is the day you decide your fate!" Clements said gravely, locking eyes with Zopyrus.

"I understand," Zopyrus replied, his face set with a serious nod.

"Kallisto, stay here. I'm taking Zopyrus to the front mountain!" Before Kallisto could respond, Clements had already seized Zopyrus by the shoulder. In a flash, they both soared into the sky and vanished from Kallisto's sight.

"Zopyrus!" Outside the courtyard, Kallisto stood, staring after the departing figures, her crescent-shaped eyes filled with deep confusion.

She sensed something amiss. Zopyrus's voice and actions, from yesterday to today, seemed hollow and dispirited. A subtle ache tugged at her heart, as if she were about to lose something dear to her.

She could tell that Zopyrus had been feigning cheerfulness for the past couple of days.

At the White Jade Plaza, in front of Sablewings—the premier sect of the Nine Continents on Thvelond Mount—a sea of people had gathered.

The crowd was a tapestry of light blue, with men and women mingling together.

Handsome men and elegant women stood in small groups, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

Bucolus and Hephaistos stood silently with their hands clasped behind their backs before the assembled crowd.

A sound pierced the air, and a rainbow streaked down from the sky, prompting everyone to look up.

As the light of the rainbow dissipated, an elderly man and a young man came into view.

It was Clements who had arrived. He touched down with a grave look on his face and, without uttering a word, positioned himself next to Bucolus. Like Bucolus, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

Zopyrus remained silent as well, standing behind Clements, head bowed, indifferent to the myriad expressions of the disciples around him.

"Who is this important person making such a grand entrance?" a disciple on the White Jade Plaza inquired, turning to his more experienced senior brothers.

"I am the Lord of Thvelond, Kenway!" one senior brother replied with a smile, though his demeanor was one of reverence.

"It is indeed him!" Zopyrus exclaimed internally, his emotions churning, unable to find peace.

Kenway was a figure from hundreds of thousands of years ago; at the dawn of creation, when life first emerged, various ancient orthodoxies vied for dominance and glory across the nine continents.

Prodigies emerged, dukes clashed for power; some even ventured into the forbidden zone, engaging in epic battles.

Young supremes traversed the nine continents, daring to enter the forbidden zone and the uninhabited regions to prove their might.

None of the young supremes who ventured into the uninhabited regions returned alive, yet their audacity and strength were legendary, unmatched across the nine continents. They sought to validate their power in these desolate places.

Among the first generation of prodigies, only a handful shone as brightly as the sun.

Everett was among these luminaries.

In an age where the whole world was a battlefield, Everett founded Thvelond on his own, fought across the nine continents, delved into the forbidden zone, and even ventured into the uninhabited regions.

Though few returned alive from these desolate lands, there were indeed survivors.

And according to ancient texts, Everett was the first to return alive from the uninhabited regions.

His strength was the stuff of legends in that era, and his feats made even the most exceptional prodigies look up to him with admiration.

Everett, the progeny of Kenway, embodied the adage that a tiger does not father a dog. The formidable Everett bequeathed to Kenway the purest lineage and the most domineering cultivation techniques.

Sensing something amiss before his disappearance, Everett sealed Kenway within the Divine Rock, where he remained until this era.

Ten thousand years have passed, and three thousand years ago, Kenway shattered the Divine Rock, leading the Thvelond Sect on an unprecedented journey to glory.

In bygone days, the Thvelond Sect faced the threat of extinction. By chance, Kenway was in pursuit of his nemesis, Trent, when the sect was attacked, resulting in a night of bloodshed and a sky littered with the fallen.

Thankfully, Old Golden Roc emerged, his roar slaying thirteen Wing Commander-level demons and quelling the turmoil.

Upon Kenway's return, his rage was palpable as he traversed the void to the Fell Lands. In a single night, he vanquished 100,000 demons, including three Wing Commander-level foes, showcasing his unimaginable might.

A century ago, the formidable Trent infiltrated the Thvelond Sect and absconded with the Everflame Lotus, the treasure of the Sovereign Herb.

Enraged, Kenway set off in pursuit the following day, and a hundred years passed.

Just yesterday, Kenway's message arrived via the Sound Transmission Sword, announcing his return to the Thvelond Sect today.

Boom!

Lost in thought, Zopyrus was jolted back to reality by a thunderous boom from the distant sky that reverberated through the heavens and earth.

A colossal Void Gate, impossibly vast, materialized silently in the void, towering a hundred feet high as if it contained a world within.

Intricate glyphs adorned the gate, emanating the formidable power of the void and captivating the soul with its terror.

"The Void Gate has descended. The Lord is returning!" a disciple shouted, his voice tinged with excitement, underscoring Kenway's unparalleled status within the sect.

Boom!

Another resounding crash heralded the Void Gate's doors swinging open amidst the thunderous noise.

A figure, terrifying as a Demon God, came into view for all to see.

Zopyrus gaped in awe, sensing a subtle tremor ripple through the world at the appearance of this formidable presence.

The heavens and earth seemed to bow before the figure that was akin to a Demon God.

The Void Gate loomed large, towering a hundred feet high, its massive doors flung open to reveal a formidable figure standing between heaven and earth.

He had the appearance of a middle-aged man, his long blood-red hair billowing wildly, exuding an untamed arrogance.

Clad in blood-red armor that gleamed with a metallic sheen, it radiated an icy ferocity. On his back, he carried a spear adorned with intricate glyphs, pulsating with an overwhelming aura of battle and bloodlust.

His features were unremarkable, yet his deep-set eyes bore the marks of time's passage; his blood-red hair streamed behind him like rivulets of blood.

His stature was imposing, reminiscent of a Demon God, emanating a daunting and fierce presence; his body shimmered with a bloody glow, with faint patterns of the Ultimate Reality etched upon his skin, exuding divine sanctity.

He resembled a devil born from hell itself, intent on conquering the nine continents, unrivaled under the heavens.

"Children, I have returned!" Kenway's voice boomed, rich and profound, carrying the sacred tones of the Ultimate Reality that filled the world.

Boom!

The crowd erupted into a frenzy, disciples flushed with excitement, surging forward to the front of the White Jade Plaza steps, eager to witness the grandeur of one of the mightiest figures across the nine continents.

Kenway strode across the void, as if a Demon God traversed the firmament, the Ultimate Reality harmonizing with his presence, hinting at a profound connection.

As he descended onto the plaza, beholding the disciples nearly moved to tears, a smile graced Kenway's lips.

"Mages, born at dawn and perishing at dusk; time is merciless, yet Thvelond is filled with love. Disciples, hasten back to your dwellings to practice. In three days, before the Sablewings, I shall personally expound the teachings and resolve your doubts!"

Kenway's smile broadened, his resonant voice echoing across the plaza.

The disciples, filled with elation, swiftly departed on the rainbow, eager to retreat and meditate on their techniques, preparing their questions for the Lord's guidance in three days' time.

A cacophony of sounds erupted as a throng of people gathered around the rainbows, departing in small groups. Atop Thvelond Mount, rainbows of every hue vied for attention, resembling a looming meteor shower.

Dukes proclaimed that such a grand temptation was irresistible, while sages offered guidance, noting that the path of cultivation was full of twists and turns.

A single enlightening word might rouse someone from their slumber, and within three days, it was possible that many would achieve breakthroughs.

Quietude descended upon White Jade Plaza as the crowd dispersed, leaving only Bucolus, Clements, Hephaistos, and Zopyrus behind.

"Kenway!" Clements greeted with a warm, sincere smile.

Clements, a generation younger than Kenway, received much care from him upon joining the sect. Their relationship was both mentorship and friendship.

"Twenty years have passed, and your cultivation has grown profoundly stronger. You're nearly catching up to me!" Kenway said, clapping Clements on the shoulder with a wistful expression.

"Greetings, Lord!" Bucolus greeted with a bow, his voice even-tempered.

"There's no need for such formality, junior brother!" Kenway responded with a light laugh and a dismissive wave.

"Greetings, Father," Hephaistos said, his tone cool, showing no sign of excitement at his father's return.

"A century apart, yet your cultivation has not waned. Well done!" Kenway said, patting Hephaistos on the shoulder with an affectionate look.

"By the way, junior brother, where's Chase? I've brought back a good number of Solar Essence to fortify his body," Kenway asked, puzzled by the absence of his former beloved disciple.

Chase, Bucolus's son, was a legend within the sect.

Many disciples had never met him. Rumored to possess otherworldly talent, he was seen as a potential young Supreme.

"Since the Lord departed, Chase has been in seclusion, delving into the mysteries of Soulbinding. He's nearing the end of his retreat," Bucolus explained, his demeanor cool.

"Oh, I see. Having mastered the Soulbinding Seal for a century, Chase is indeed a prodigy!" Kenway exclaimed, his weathered face alight with satisfaction.

Zopyrus was taken aback. In all the nine continents, there were only ten types of panaceas; it was astounding that Kenway had managed to procure the Solar Essence.

The Solar Essence, according to legend, was crafted from an entire Sovereign Herb and eight Sacred Herbs, unified in a nine-to-one ratio, and refined with the highest divine flame.

The power of the Solar Essence was extraordinary, capable of nurturing one's physical body and advancing towards the legendary Emperor level stature, making it a treasure beyond the natural order.

Bucolus remained stoic, offering no comment.

Hephaistos was equally detached, his icy gaze suggesting that the man before him was not his father, but merely a relative in name only.

"Who is this young man?" Kenway inquired, his eyes betraying a flicker of surprise upon noticing Zopyrus.

"This is my disciple, Zopyrus!" Clements beamed, his eyes narrowing as his face lit up with joy.

"Disciple Zopyrus greets the Lord!" Zopyrus said, his complexion somewhat ashen. He bowed deeply to Kenway, his posture hinting at a deep reverence, aware that this man might very well determine his fate.

"Well done, young man, very good!" Kenway boomed with laughter, though his demeanor remained detached.

Zopyrus, still in his bow, looked up, his pallor worsening.

Kenway was leisurely walking across the White Jade Plaza, gazing at the former sect with a reflective air.

Zopyrus and the other three trailed behind him in silence, no one speaking a word.

"Bucolus!"

Suddenly, a thunderous shout startled everyone following him.

It was a cry laden with fury and murderous intent, causing Zopyrus's ears to buzz, nearly collapsing on the spot.

Hephaistos, Bucolus, Clements, and Zopyrus all turned to Kenway in astonishment.

Previously, Kenway, whether dealing with his disciples or Clements, always wore a smile, exuding the warmth of a benevolent father, and presenting an imposing figure.

But now, he had whirled around to glare at them, his blood-red hair moving as if alive, his eyes shot through with blood vessels, his face twisted into a snarl, his intense aura of malice unmistakable and alarming.

The killing intent was so intense it felt like it could shatter one's very being, and the drastic change was something people struggled to come to terms with.

"Bucolus, where's the Immortal Cauldron?!"

Kenway's face contorted in rage, his blood-red armor clanging ominously as he exuded a chilling murderous aura, ready to strike.

"Clements took the Immortal Cauldron!" Bucolus said, his face dark with foreboding.

"Where is the Immortal Cauldron? Tell me!" Kenway bellowed, his eyes nearly bursting from their sockets as his blood-colored hair whipped about, his armor ringing out, and a terrifying mist of blood swirled around him.

"I took the Immortal Cauldron; it was only to strengthen Zopyrus. There's no need for such fury!" Clements said, his mood clearly soured.

"Shh!"

Kenway took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his rage and managing a strained smile.

"I apologize, but the Immortal Cauldron is vital to Thvelond. We cannot afford to lose it!"

"The Divine Sense of the Golden Roc Ancestor has been bound to the Immortal Cauldron to prevent any mishaps and to guard against it being taken by outsiders!" Kenway explained, his fury subsiding as he once again donned a genial smile.

Upon hearing this, Hephaistos remained detached, Bucolus silent, Clements forced an awkward laugh, and Zopyrus narrowed his eyes.

'This man is terrifying. To be able to soothe his emotions in an instant, he truly is one of the most powerful individuals across the nine continents,' Zopyrus thought to himself, becoming warier.

"Come now, hand over the Immortal Cauldron!" Kenway said, his friendly smile returning, yet it was underpinned by a palpable threat that sent shivers down one's spine.