At the Soul Demon Sect, things had shifted considerably: Faiyar had become dual cultivation partners with Serena, and together they now managed most of the sect’s affairs.
With Faiyar and Serena handling the daily responsibilities, Trystan had found himself with ample free time, dedicating it solely to his solitary training. His days were now spent refining his skills in isolation.
“Ms. Pruitt, a few cultivators are outside requesting an audience,” a disciple announced as he entered the grand hall, addressing Serena with a respectful bow.
“They’re probably here for body restoration,” Serena replied, her tone calm but authoritative. “Let them in.”
The Soul Demon Sect was famous across the realm for their mastery in physical body restoration. Many prestigious families and powerful clans that had disciples whose body had been destroyed, would bring the remnants of their soul here, hoping for a chance at rebuilding their physical form.
Moments later, a red-haired elder entered, followed by several disciples. However, with just a glance, Faiyar could tell these visitors weren’t here for restoration. They carried no soul remnants. Having once existed as a mere soul remnant himself for so long, Faiyar had developed a keen sensitivity to such things. He could immediately discern whether or not someone carried the fragments of a soul.
Serena frowned, sensing something unusual about the group. “Have you come to restore your physical bodies?”
The red-haired elder let out a soft chuckle. “Serena, it seems time has erased me from your memory. I can’t blame you, though. When I left, you were just a baby.”
Serena looked at the elder with confusion. “You are…”
“My name is Cassius Dykes, your father’s junior apprentice. Your father and I studied together under the same master. Hasn’t he ever spoken of me?” said the elder, Cassius Dykes.
Serena’s face instantly darkened. However, she quickly regained her composure and shook her head. “I’m sorry, my father never mentioned you to me. However, since you’re my father’s junior, please wait for a moment. My father is currently in seclusion. Allow me to wake him up and catch up with you.”
“Hahaha! Who would have thought that after all these years, Trystan is still so diligent? I guess I’ll wait for him!” Cassius laughed.
“Bring Mr. Dykes to rest and make sure he is well taken care of!” Serena ordered a disciple.
After Cassius and his companions were led away to rest, Serena collapsed into her chair, her body trembling and drenched in sweat. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with unmistakable panic.
“Serena, what happened?” Faiyar asked, rushing over in concern.
Serena’s voice wavered as she looked up at him, her hands trembling. “That man is my father’s junior. He’s the one my father warned me about. He’s ruthless and dangerous… Не practices a twisted form of cultivation using human bones. I think he even established the Blood Bone Sect. They consume human blood and bones as part of their rituals. My father founded the Soul Demon Sect to use his knowledge to help people, to restore their bodies, and, yes, to secure resources-but he always stayed far from his junior due to their completely different beliefs. Cassius, though… he has no such morals. I never imagined he’d come to our sect, especially while my father is in seclusion.”
Her voice dropped to a near whisper, filled with dread. “I don’t know what his true intentions are, but I fear we’re not prepared to deal with him on our own. If he’s here to cause trouble, we may be in serious danger.”
After listening to Serena’s explanation, Faiyar was taken aback.
Just moments ago, Faiyar had sensed the overwhelming power radiating from Cassius- an Ultimate Realm expert. Facing someone of his caliber was far beyond their current abilities. Even if Trystan were to join the fray, and with the full strength of the Soul Demon Sect’s disciples, defeating Cassius and his companions would be a near-impossible task.
“We can’t handle him alone,” Serena murmured, her voice tinged with anxiety. “I think it’s time we wake Father. His seclusion can’t continue. If the Soul Demon Sect falls, all his efforts will have been in vain.”
Faiyar nodded in agreement. Their first step was clear: wake Trystan and strategize before it was too late.
Since Faiyar had become Serena’s dual cultivation partner, the way he addressed her father, Trystan, had naturally shifted as well.
“All right, let’s wake Father and hear what plans he might have,” Faiyar said.
Serena nodded and followed Faiyar to where Trystan underwent his cultivation.
