Chapter 489: Chapter 114: Larthas’s Awakening_1
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Xuan Yue smiled and said, "I’ve known you for so long and only now do I know your exact age. Turns out you’re two years older than me! So you’re older than Olivia too, he should call you ’big brother’ like I do. From now on, let’s call each other brothers, it feels much closer. Elder Feng Zhi, could you please get us something to eat? We haven’t eaten anything for the past few days, our stomachs are empty."
Feng Zhi smiled and said, "That can be arranged. I’ll go right now. Vila, you stay here and keep your two brothers company."
Olivia nodded, a bit awkwardly he said "Ah Dai, big, big brother, I’ll follow and learn from you guys in the future."
Ah Dai laughed and said, "When did I become the eldest brother? Brother Olivia, you don’t have to be so modest. Your wind magic cultivation is profound, we learn from each other. Your magic level is indeed stronger than me, I just have better martial arts. If you want to learn any magic skills, you should go to brother Xuan Re."
Xuan Yue said with a laugh, "Don’t be so polite to each other. From now on, we’re partners. Brother Olivia, after we’ve eaten, we’ll leave here. If there’s anything you need to take with you, go pack it up now. Don’t worry, we won’t leave without you."
Olivia, embarrassed that Xuan Yue saw through his concerns, hastily said, "Then, then I’ll go. I’ll be back soon." And with that, he ran out quickly, as if afraid that Ah Dai and Xuan Yue would leave without him.
Watching Olivia leave, Ah Dai murmured, "Brother, will it be too dangerous for him to follow us? After all, we don’t know what exactly the situation is like in the Death Mountain Range!"
Xuan Yue smiled and said, "There won’t be any danger. His magic potential is very good, on the road, his level will certainly improve. And we have you, a martial arts expert, to protect us. What’s there to fear?"
Hasty footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door, and Elder Feng Zhi rushed in with an anxious look on his face.
Xuan Yue asked, "Elder, what happened? Is something wrong?"
Feng Zhi took a moment to catch his breath. Despite his powerful magic abilities, his physical condition wasn’t the best. Running a few steps had already left him winded. He said with gravity, "Larthas is here, and also Gorisong. They have asked to see Elder Ah Dai by name."
Upon hearing the name Gorisong, Ah Dai shivered. "Ah, how could I have forgotten about him!" He quickly said, "Elder, I will go with you."
Feng Zhi nodded and said, "Elder Ah Dai, it’s best not to conflict with Larthas here in the guild. This is the Yajin Tribe’s territory, unlike in Bilu Canyon. We can’t alert the Yajin Tribe officials."
Ah Dai said, "Elder Feng Zhi, don’t worry, I won’t conflict with him."
Xuan Yue, who knew about Ah Dai and Gorisong’s relationship, said, "Big brother, let’s go. They probably won’t have any ill intent." In her quick mind, she thought: Although Larthas is powerful, he wouldn’t rashly come here to trouble Ah Dai. His coming to find Ah Dai is probably related to Ah Dai’s mentor. They quickly followed Elder Feng Zhi out of the room, crossing the corridor under his lead to the hall of the Mage Guild of the mainland.
Larthas and Gorisong stood arrogantly in the middle of the hall, dressed exactly as they were at Bilu Canyon. They stood with their hands behind their backs, waiting quietly. Yu Yuan and Gu Tian led a dozen magicians with not weak magical abilities standing guard on the side. Although they also knew that Larthas wouldn’t dare to act rashly here, his powerful display of abilities in the canyon made them cautious. When they saw Ah Dai and Xuan Yue come out, the hearts of the magicians were relieved. Ah Dai and Xuan Yue’s previous performance had already won their hearts.
Larthas stared at Ah Dai, a hint of red flashing in his eyes. Ah Dai, however, seemed to ignore him, focusing all his attention on Gorisong. Gorisong’s eyes blazed with light, "Kid, you finally came out. I came to see you with State Preceptor Larthas because we wanted to ask you about my elder brother. Let’s find a quiet place to talk."
Hearing him mention Goris, Ah Dai felt a pain in his heart and quietly nodded, saying, "Alright."
Feeling a sudden rush of anxiety, Feng Zhi whispered, "Ah Dai, you can’t go with them."
Gorisong, who had sharp ears, said disdainfully, "What? Afraid we’re going to eat him?"
Ah Dai said to Feng Zhi, "Elder, don’t worry, I’ll be fine."
Elder Feng Zhi shook his head, "No, they came here suddenly, who knows what their intentions are. There are peaceful places here as well, let’s talk here."
Gorisong was about to lose his temper, but Larthas stopped him, he calmly said: "Okay, let’s do it here. Elder Feng Zhi, could you find us a place?"
Xuan Yue said, "No need to look, let’s just use Ah Dai’s room." She finished speaking, grabbed Ah Dai’s sleeve, and turned back the way they came.
Gorisong and Larthas followed Ah Dai and Xuan Yue to their room, flanked by many magicians.
Ah Dai didn’t want the others to know about Goris, so he said to Elder Feng Zhi, "Elder, please wait outside."
Elder Feng Zhi nodded and gave Larthas a wary look. "Ah Dai, be cautious. Don’t be deceived by his words."
Ah Dai smiled gently, nodded, and closed the door.
Larthas waved his hand, and without uttering a spell, faint red magic energy scattered around them, and a low-level fire system barrier enveloped the four of them.
Ah Dai and Xuan Yue recognized it as a sound isolation magic. Larthas obviously didn’t want Feng Zhi and the others to hear their conversation. In this simple barrier, even if someone outside used probing magic, they wouldn’t be able to hear any sound. Xuan Yue said, "Now you can say whatever you want."
Gorisong frowned and said, "We want Ah Dai, not you. You can leave."
Before Xuan Yue could speak, Ah Dai said quickly, "No need, he’s my best brother. He knows everything about me."
Gorisong said: "Fine, then I’ll ask you. Are you my big brother Goris’s apprentice? We should have met in the Illusive Forest."
Ah Dai nodded, "Yes, I am Ah Dai, the apprentice of Master Goris. He has officially taken me as a disciple."
Gorisong sighed and his face softened. "How is my big brother doing? There’s too much going on in the guild, and I’ve put most of my energy into training. I haven’t seen him for many years. I wonder, why are you still alive? Did he give up on his dream?"
Upon hearing Gorisong’s mention of Goris’s aspirations, Ah Dai’s tears welled up, and he shook his head vigorously. "No, he didn’t give up on his dream. He is the greatest alchemist on the mainland. He succeeded, he successfully created a divine artifact."
The eyes of Gorisong and Larthas shone brightly, Gorisong exclaimed excitedly, "He succeeded, he really succeeded! Big brother, you’re so powerful!" A shiver of cold light flashed in his eyes, and he stared intensely at Ah Dai, "Since he succeeded, then why are you unharmed?"
Having read Goris’s will, Ah Dai naturally understood what he meant and choked up, "Because, because he fulfilled his wish using his own body. He exchanged his life and soul for the success of the divine artifact."
Gorisong shook violently, grabbed Ah Dai’s shoulders, cried out, "What did you say? My big brother, he’s dead?"
Ah Dai nodded in agony, "Yes, Master, he is dead."
The light in Gorisong’s eyes vanished. His frail body swayed nearly falling over. He staggered backwards and with Larthas’s help, he was able to steady himself. "No, no, it’s impossible. How could my big brother use his own body to create the divine artifact? He wouldn’t be that foolish. Kid, are you lying to me? Did you kill my big brother?" Gorisong yelled in a fit of madness, while the purple flames rose high, ready to pounce.
Ah Dai screamed in desperation, "No, not me, not me. How could I ever harm Master Goris? I wished that he had used me to make the divine artifact! I would rather die myself than see the Master give up his life."
Larthas grabbed Gorisong’s shoulder, suppressing his purple flames, calmly saying, "Brother, calm down. Let him finish. Kid, what happened to Goris exactly?"
Xuan Yue quietly chanted, her hands shimmering with a white glow. The Light of Tranquility was divided into two streams, infused into Ah Dai and Gorisong, calming their heightened emotions.
Ah Dai took a deep breath, trying to sort through his painful memories. Looking at Gorisong, who bore a striking resemblance to Goris, he sadly recounted the contents of Goris’s will, omitting only the part about being taken away by the "Hades" Owen. He simply said that he was forcibly taken away from the Illusive Forest by a skilled martial artist.
As Ah Dai spoke, Gorisong’s face changed repeatedly. Being an old and worldly-wise man, he understood from Ah Dai’s sincere expression that he was not lying.
"Master Goris went away, and to honor his achievements, I named this divine artifact ’Goris’s Wish.’ His handwriting should be familiar. I left the notes in the Illusive Forest. If you get a chance, you can take a look and see that I’m not lying." As Ah Dai spoke, he was already choked with tears, and his inner sorrow ran rampant, plunging him into a deep sadness.
Gorisong let out a sigh, tears streaming down his elderly face. He only had one relative, Goris. Hearing of his brother’s death had left a void in his heart. He was filled with a kind of pain he hadn’t experienced in years. He felt a hot, stifling sensation in his chest. He murmured, "Oldest brother, why did you have to go so soon? Was it worth it to sacrifice your life to create a divine artifact? Was it worth it?"
Larthas patted Gorisong on the shoulder and comforted him saying, "Brother, don’t be sad. Your brother died an honorable death. Although he is gone now, he fulfilled his final wish with his very life. I believe he must be relieved. Sigh...My pursuit is different from your brother’s. My goal is to cast forbidden curses with my own power, but despite decades of effort, I still can’t do it. Your brother was much stronger than me in that regard. To him, nothing was more important than creating divine artifacts. I believe he would have thought it was worth it. We’re both getting old. Why should we cling so desperately to life? Maybe, in time, we’ll get to meet your brother in Heaven." After learning about Goris’s cause of death, Larthas had many thoughts. In that moment, it seemed he lost his previously relentless competitiveness. He thought to himself, he was already over ninety. What had he gained from decades of conflict with the Mage Guild of the Continent? In Tian Jing Empire, his power had already reached it’s peak. But what did that mean? Was he really happy? Life is but a fleeting moment, he didn’t have many years left to live. What was the point of being obsessed with such thought?
Originally Larthas had two purposes for accompanying Gorisong to find Ah Dai. One was to inquire whether Goris had successfully created the divine artifact, for he had coveted the artifact ever since hearing about its conception years ago. The other was to have Gorisong recruit Ah Dai and Xuan Yue to join the Tian Jing Mage Guild. But his enthusiasm had faded. The words he intended to speak could no longer be voiced, and he simply silently comforted the grieving Gorisong.
Xuan Yue held Ah Dai’s hand, feeling his trembling body. She softly said, "Big brother, don’t be like this. Master Goris would be sad to see you like this. Don’t you still have Goris’s Wish? Your teacher is always with you, watching over you."
Ah Dai wiped away his teardrops and lifted his magical robe from his arm, revealing the black patterns on the part of Goris’s Wish which was exposed outside the Giant Spirit Snake Armor. A warm energy was emitted from Goris’s Wish, comforting his grief. Ah Dai felt warmth in his heart and said in a daze, "Teacher, are you alright? Look, your brother is right here! Teacher, I really miss you."
Gorisong moved slowly towards Ah Dai, sighed and said, "Child, I misunderstood you. Can I see the divine artifact left by my brother?"
Ah Dai extended his right arm, lifting the Giant Spirit Snake Armor to reveal his right forearm which turned black due to the fusion with Goris’s Wish. The Wish of Goris radiated a glow, and the energy fluctuated strongly, as if it was narrating something. Feeling the energy embodied by Goris’s Wish, Larthas was surprised and said, "What? Have you fused with the divine artifact too?"
Ah Dai shook his head, sadly said, "No. I didn’t fuse with the artifact, I fused with Master Goris’s soul. The teacher resides within me through this divine artifact, watching over me all the time."
Gorisong gazed at the black energy. He could distinctly feel a soft familiar sense. He stretched out his skinny hand, reaching out to touch ’Goris’s Wish’ on Ah Dai’s right arm.
Ah Dai looked at his hand that was as slim as Goris’, his eyes moistening once more, and Gorisong’s hand drawing closer and closer. Finally, his slightly shriveled fingers touched the black lines of Goris’ Wish.
Time seemed to stop at that moment, and both Ah Dai and Gorisong trembled as a strong black light burst from Goris’ Wish. This black energy, unlike that from any magic, swirled around the room, giving an inexplicable odd feeling as if there was another person in the room. No, to be precise, it seemed like there was another soul in the room - the soul of the divine artifact.
Xuan Yue and Larthas merely watched the spectacle in surprise, while Ah Dai and Gorisong trembled continuously as the black light rising from Goris’ Wish seemed to whisper something to them. The black energy swirled gently, comforting their grieving hearts with the familiar feeling and soothing waves it emitted.
Larthas said with a moved expression, "An artifact with a soul! That’s the base requirement for a top grade artifact!" To classify artifacts, it’s not just about the energy they can exhibit, but the presence of a soul is also a crucial factor. Generally, top-grade artifacts possess a soul of their own, giving them a subconscious instinct that makes them more agile and powerful. All top-grade artifacts have souls, but not all artifacts with souls are top grade. Goris’ Wish, for instance, has Goris’ soul, but its potential is only equivalent to that of a lower-grade artifact. However, any artifact with a soul has the potential to evolve under certain conditions, even into top-grade ones, which is why Larthas was surprised. Ah Dai’s Dragon’s Blood and Xuan Yue’s Phoenix’s Blood also each have a Divine Dragon and a Phoenix’s soul, which elevated them to the realm of top-grade artifacts when they activated their artifacts.
The black energy of Goris’ Wish slowly descended, encircling Ah Dai and Gorisong once before merging back with Goris’ Wish. The room returned to its previous tranquility, but Ah Dai and Gorisong could not calm their surging emotions for a long time. They realized that it was Goris who was comforting them. Gorisong said with a sorrowful expression, "Brother, you may rest in peace. Maybe we’ll meet again in another world soon." He lifted his head, looked into Ah Dai’s teary eyes and said softly, "Child, you must protect this artifact well. It embodies brother’s life’s work and expectations of you. He must be praying for you silently in another world, so don’t disappoint him."
Ah Dai nodded and said, "I will. Unless I die, I will never be separated from teacher’s soul, not for a second."
Gorisong took a deep breath to steady his emotions and turned to Larthas, asking, "State Preceptor, do you have anything else to say?"
Larthas shook his head and said, "Let everything take its course. Perhaps, establishing the Empire of Tian Jing Mage Guild was a mistake. I need to return to the Empire of Tian Jing. My wounds have not yet healed, and I need to seclude myself for treatment."
Ah Dai was slightly taken aback by Larthas’ words. Could it be that he no longer wanted to struggle against the Continental Mage Guild?
As if understanding Ah Dai’s doubt, Larthas smiled lightly and said, "I’ve come to terms with it. Power is like a passing cloud, and life is but a hundred years. I’ve been bound by fame and gain all my life, and it’s been exhausting. Once my wounds have healed, I may use the remaining time to travel around, there are still many places on the mainland I have yet to visit. Gorisong, come back to the Empire with me. You can take care of the guild’s affairs for now. As for here, if the Continental Mage Guild truly cannot tolerate our existence, then let Bu Tian take our people and withdraw."
Gorisong looked at the enlightened Larthas, his heart stirring. Since he had known Larthas for many years, this was the first time he had felt a state of desirelessness from him. Was this still the Continent’s top attack magician who shook the world? He asked with concern, "State Preceptor, are you okay?"
Larthas smiled faintly and said, "I’m fine, I’m better than I’ve ever been before. My pursuits haven’t changed, on the contrary, I’ll have more time to pursue my goals in the future. One day, like Goris, I will achieve my wish and cultivate the Flame Dragon to its highest realm." He looked at Ah Dai and asked, "By the way, Ah Dai, did you really summon that dragon?"
Ah Dai seemed at a loss for a moment, not knowing how to respond. Sheng Xie was perhaps his greatest secret. In front of him, Larthas had seemingly transitioned into a kind elderly man. He didn’t want to deceive him, but equally he didn’t want to reveal anything about Sheng Xie. He found himself helplessly looking towards Xuan Yue for support. But before she could step in, Larthas said, "No need to worry. If this is your secret, keep it within your heart. However, that dragon is indeed very powerful. Although I don’t know what method you used, you were able to stalemate with my eighth-turn Flame Dragon. Your abilities greatly surpass my imagination."
Ah Dai sighed, "Actually, during the match that day, I lost. I channelled my True Qi into the dragon’s body to withstand your attack. How could my magic cultivation ever compare with yours? You are one of the most powerful magicians I have ever seen."
Larthas didn’t mind the part about him being one of many. With his hands behind his back, he smiled and said, "The future of the continent belongs to you young ones. Previously, I thought my disciple Kino was amongst the best of the younger generation. But compared to you, he falls short. If there’s a chance, I hope you can give him some guidance. You’re from the church, aren’t you? How did you get involved with the Mage Guild on the continent?" His final question was directed at Xuan Yue. In the competition held at the Bilu Gorge, the entire Empire of Tian Jing Mage Guild was mobilised, intent on winning. But when victory was within reach, it was crushed by Ah Dai and Xuan Yue.
Xuan Yue nodded and said, "Yes, I’m a priest in the church. I joined the Continental Mage Guild simply out of interest. If your guild wasn’t so domineering, we wouldn’t have intervened. We are all magicians, why bother distinguishing between us and them? As one of the three great magus of the continent, you must have heard of the Thousand Year Cataclysm! If we ignore our personal animosities, maybe when disaster strikes..."
Astonished, Larthas interrupted Xuan Yue, "What? Is there really a Thousand Year Cataclysm? I thought it was just a myth." He would have dismissed this as nonsense if it came from anyone else but Xuan Yue – a Magus from the church – made him believe.
Xuan Yue said seriously, "Of course the Thousand Year Cataclysm is real. You should remember the Blood Sun and Blood Rain that occurred in the 989th year of the Holy Calendar. The disaster was supposed to strike then, but it was postponed by the Pope, along with thousands of priests, at the last second. However, the Pope has predicted that when the holy calendar reaches one thousand years, the Cataclysm will strike again. This time, it may not be as easily resisted. As a great magician, you should contribute your efforts for the survival of the continent."
A complex light flickered in Larthas’s eyes, and his brows furrowed. He had never believed in the existence of such a disaster before. But after hearing Xuan Yue’s words, he was greatly shaken. After a long pause, he finally asked, "So, when the Cataclysm strikes, there is a possibility that mankind might perish? What exactly will the Cataclysm entail? Even the church, with all its power, can’t prevent it?"
Xuan Yue shook her head, "Nobody can be sure if we can prevent it. God Feather, the first Pope of the church, the one who averted the catastrophe a thousand years ago, once said that the Cataclysm a thousand years later will be more terrifying than what he saved us from. Although the church has great strength now, whether it can deal with the Thousand Year Cataclysm is an unknown, much like the reason behind the Cataclysm. The Church has always been preparing and awaiting the arrival of the Cataclysm. If we can get support from all magicians or even all human elites, the probability of overcoming the Cataclysm will greatly increase."
A spark ignited in Larthas’s eyes, and he nodded, "I understand, thank you young ones for telling me all this. If the Cataclysm really descends, our Mage Guild will not stand idly by. Now, my friend, it’s time for us to leave."
Gorisong glanced deeply at Ah Dai and sighed, "Child, take care."
Larthas smiled and said, "You need not worry about them. These young people’s cultivation is rapidly catching up to ours. When the Cataclysm comes, they will undoubtedly be the primary forces of resistance. Oh right, let me give you these." He pulled out two golden magic cards from his robe and handed one to Ah Dai and one to Xuan Yue, "Initially, I came here with Gorisong hoping that you would join our guild. But now, I harbor no such illusions, these two cards represent the identity of an elder. Just like with the Continental Mage Guild. I am not asking you to join the Empire of Tian Jing Mage’s Guild, nor do I need you to do anything for me. With these cards, my magicians will heed your commands. This will aid you in your actions on the continent. Don’t reject me. I am no longer the Larthas of the past. In your presence, I am only a concerned elder who cares about your future and the future of mankind. Accept these, based on your capabilities, you definitely qualify to be honorary elders of our guild."
Holding the elder magic cards identical to those from the Continental Mage Guild, Ah Dai and Xuan Yue were both stunned. The drastic change in Larthas made them unprepared. Respect arose from the bottom of their hearts – facing such a significant issue, Larthas displayed the demeanor befitting one of the top figures on the continent.
Xuan Yue tucked the card into her bosom, solemnly saying, "Master Larthas, thank you. The Pope will be delighted with your support. I believe, with your current spiritual realm, casting a Forbidden Curse is only a matter of time."
Ah Dai’s gratitude surpassed Xuan Yue’s, not only because of Larthas’s change of attitude but also because he willingly defused the conflict between the two guilds. From now on, he would no longer be troubled by disputes among the mages. Perhaps, all the mages will unite soon, forming a powerful force that can influence the entire continent.
Larthas slightly smiled, walking towards the door with Gorisong. The pink barrier retracted. Ah Dai moved forward to open the door for them, respectfully saying, "Master Larthas, Teacher Gorisong, please take care. I will forever remember today’s event."
Larthas walked out with a calm smile. Outside, Elder Feng Zhi and two other Elders, Olivia, and dozens of anxious Mages had been waiting. Seeing Larthas, everyone became alert, watching his every move. Larthas paid no heed to their wariness, and with Gorisong, left the Continental Mage Guild under the respectful farewell of Ah Dai and Xuan Yue.
Elder Ah Dai, what did Larthas say to you?" Feng Zhi couldn’t hold back his curiosity and asked in a hurried manner.
Ah Dai sighed softly, saying, "Actually, he is a respectable elder. I believe the Tian Jing Mage Guild will no longer conflict with us in the future, Elder Feng Zhi, I have a request."
Feng Zhi was taken aback, saying, "Go ahead."
Ah Dai said, "Master Larthas just now mentioned that their guild will no longer provoke us. I hope you could also restrain our mages and not harbor any resentment towards them. Is that acceptable?"
Feng Zhi furrowed his eyebrows, looking at Ah Dai in doubt, "But, can you be sure he isn’t lying? The discord between the two guilds isn’t a matter of only a day or two. Perhaps, it’s just a stalling tactic because his powers haven’t fully recovered yet."
Xuan Yue frowned disapprovingly at Feng Zhi, arguing, "Elder, don’t forget, Larthas is a Magus. As a top magician, how could he lie?" She barely stopped short of accusing Feng Zhi of harboring petty suspicions.
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