Click! Click! Click!
Just as the man spoke, the three chests by the wall unlocked and opened. Each chest shone with gold light as Fate Stones almost spilled from the inside. Aside from the stones, there were three more objects laying on the top of each chest.
A compass, a Storage Ring, and a rolled parchment with a seal protecting it.
Just the Fate Stones alone were a nice complementary reward while the other three could make the whole climb worth it. Just as Xuefeng planned to approach and check the contents of the Storage Ring, the man spoke again.
"Now that you signed the Blood Pact, let me get straight to the point. I am Bard, the main Architect behind the Ancient Realm project and the creator of Dragon Tower which I created as a backup plan in case something went wrong. If you are listening to this recording, it means the project really failed as I predicted and we are in desperate need of your help," Bard introduced himself, causing Ming's eyes to widen.
"I think I know this man…" Ming muttered but Bard continued right away.
"When I discovered the potential dangers of the Ancient Realm being unstable, I reported it to the Leaders but they still insisted on proceeding forward. Since that decision didn't belong to me, I could only prepare a backup plan that could save us all from doom. You are my backup plan," Bard announced.
"Does that mean Ancient Race is still alive?" Xuefeng wondered out loud and Bard provided answers.
"The truth is, our Race is still alive and I want you to travel to the Ancient Realm to rescue us. I created Dragon Tower with the sole purpose of finding the right person who can achieve that and you are our chosen one. There is only one problem you need to solve before you can set off."
Bard paused before revealing.
"The Cube you are already familiar with should be empty after you came back from the Fate Kingdom. The energy required for such multi-realm travel is enormous and the Fate Stones in my possession are not enough. You will have to find a new source of Fate Stones inside the Heaven Realm and my Inheritance will help you with that. Once you fill it back up and arrive in the Ancient Realm, follow the instructions you find in my Storage Ring. It will lead you to our location."
"Oh, and one more thing—"
Bard's voice turned silent mid-sentence as the Communication Crystal lost its luster and suddenly cracked.
"It seems like it has been far too long and the Qi inside of it leaked. We won't be able to recover the last part of the message," Ling reported as she approached the stand. "Let's hope it wasn't anything important."
Xuefeng rubbed his forehead as if he knew something bad like this would happen. "Knowing my luck, it definitely was. Ming, did you say you know this guy?"
"Yes and I think we can trust him," Ming nodded. "I met him a long time ago as he was one of the people responsible for negotiations between our races. He actually liked the idea of joining the reincarnation cycle but unfortunately, the Ancient Race leaders didn't want to accept being controlled."
"I see," Xuefeng muttered as they approached the three chests.
Xuefeng picked up the compass and the needle inside immediately started spinning. Curious, he took a few steps back, and the needle straightened, pointing with its thinner tip at the chests.
"It seems like Bard was talking about this Artefact. It helps you to find big sources of Qi," Xuefeng figured out.
"The Storage Ring is full of raw ore and various materials. If I'm correct, the Parchment should contain the secrets to his Artefact Crafting," Ming explained as she passed him the other two items. "You can't imagine how many people would kill to have this."
Xuefeng only smirked when he collected them into his ring. "Imagine how mad they would be if they knew I'm not even gonna study it right away. Crafting takes so much time which we don't have. Right now we have to find a way to charge this Cube and it just happens I know a good place for that."
Xuefeng and his wives exchanged glances.
"Hell Hole." They called out at the same time.
"We should get out of here," Xuefeng proposed but then his eyes fell on Sena.
"Let me stay with you, please. I will not cause problems," Sena pleaded immediately while showing puppy eyes.
„Don't worry, I didn't take you here only to send you back. Was just wondering how to smuggle you out of here. It is better if the crowd outside doesn't see you else there would be unnecessary questions," Xuefeng explained as he gave Ming a wink. "How about you stay with your mother for the time being? You two can catch up on what you missed."
Sena momentarily brightened while Ming squinted her eyes at him.
"Yes, please!" Sena called out happily and turned to Ming who switched to a gentle smile.
"Sure, come with me."
Ming embraced Sena and they both disappeared inside his necklace. Ling's world was made out of Fate Qi and since Sena was a Fate Spirit, she shouldn't have problems staying there for as long as she wanted.
Mhmm…
Just as Xuefeng turned to Ling, she was already pulling down on his shirt while claiming his lips. He thought she missed physical touch so he embraced her body but it was something else.
"Please be careful around Sena," Ling pleaded.
"Why? What happened?" Xuefeng questioned confused.
"She is smart and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. Even though she is innocent, it is only temporary. When she learns we are your Fate Spirits, she will try to get close to you to stay with us forever. She will not hesitate to do anything," Ling explained carefully before kissing him again. "Just be aware of that."
"Don't worry. I can keep myself in contro—"
Xuefeng tried to assure her but seeing her look, even he doubted his words. Ling didn't comment and entered her world, leaving him alone with his demons.
"One smart woman is scarier than thousand warriors…"