For Amelia, Kent presented the ‘Twin Blade Ascendant Arts.’
“This is a Dual sword Tyrant manual. It combines swordsmanship with powerful magical spells.”
Amelia’s breath hitched as she accepted the manual.
When he reached Lana, Kent handed her the ‘Celestial Aura Purification Manual.’
“This will help you cultivate at a much faster rate. It’s designed to purify your aura, allowing for rapid growth. With this, you’ll be able to reach the peak of cultivation far sooner than most.” He said.
Lana’s eyes filled with gratitude, though she remained silent. She knew what this meant—Kent was giving her the tools to stand by his side.
Then, Kent approached Maya, handing her the ‘Mystic Poison Arts of the Darkness.’
“Be careful. The power of poison is dangerous, and it can consume you if you aren’t careful.”
Maya’s fingers brushed over the scroll with a mix of reverence and fear. She had already begun her journey with poison arts, but this… this was a step into a darker, more powerful world.
Finally, Kent turned to Mia. “For you,” he said, handing her the ‘Elegant Wind Dance Technique.’ “This manual focuses on speed, agility, and grace. It will allow you to move like the wind itself, making you nearly untouchable in battle.”
Mia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she took the manual.
Kent stepped back, watching as each of the women held their manuals, their eyes filled with determination. “I hope you will master them before I come back.” Kent said in a serious tone.
The room was silent, but the air buzzed with the weight of his words. Each of them understood what was at stake now. This was not just about standing by Kent’s side—it was about forging their own paths to greatness.
After a moment, Kent added, “We’ll be leaving for the Heavenly Abode in a few hours. Get ready. Gather whatever you need.
“Sophia, go and say goodbye to your father. You don’t have much time.” He said, turning to her.
Sophia nodded, her face softening with emotion.
As the others began to move, preparing for the journey ahead, Kent sat back in his seat, allowing himself a rare moment of relaxation. His mind was already on the tasks that awaited him beyond the Blue Planet.
But before he left, there was still a task to do. And the clock was ticking.
–
Later that night, the cold winds howled softly over the Rising Sun Peak as Kent waited outside his residence.
He knew that helping the Phoenix would not be easy, but it was something he had to do.
Suddenly, a ripple of energy signaled the arrival of the old patriarch. Kent turned toward the approaching figure, his aura calm but ready. Without hesitation, Kent flew up to meet him. The old patriarch, dressed in simple yet regal robes, descended from the night sky with a warm smile.
“Ah, Kent,” the old patriarch greeted as he landed softly.
“Patriarch, Thank you for coming. Have you spoken to the Phoenix?” Kent asked directly.
The old patriarch’s eyes twinkled with pride as he stepped closer to Kent. “Yes, the Phoenix has agreed to your request. It told me to bring you as soon as possible.” He paused, looking at Kent thoughtfully. “But there’s no need to thank me. In truth, I owe much to you and your family.
Because of your aunt’s assistance, I obtained many rare resources that allowed me to break through to the Supreme Magus stage.”
Kent shook his head with a humble smile. “Still, Patriarch, your support has been invaluable.”
The old patriarch waved off Kent’s words with a chuckle. “Whatever you say, I’m more indebted to you and your family than you realize.”
With their pleasantries exchanged, the patriarch motioned for Kent to follow him. Together, they ascended into the sky once again, heading toward the abandoned forest deep within the Eternal Sun Sect grounds.
The journey was silent, save for the rustle of wind through the trees and the distant cry of nocturnal creatures. As they flew over mountains and valleys, the air grew colder and the land beneath more desolate.
After a time, they reached a secluded mountain covered in dense fog. The patriarch and Kent landed quietly, their feet crunching on the frost-kissed leaves as they walked toward the hidden entrance to the Phoenix’s resting place.
The patriarch led Kent through a narrow path that twisted and turned for what seemed like miles. Finally, after passing through a small gate made of rusted iron grills, they came to a stop by a quiet pond resting between cliffs. The water shimmered faintly, reflecting the moonlight like a mirror.
“This is where we part,” the old patriarch said, his voice hushed. “Beyond this point is where the Phoenix resides. I wish you success, Kent. May the ancestors guide you.” He gave Kent a final nod before turning to leave, his figure soon disappearing into the mist.
Kent steeled himself and pushed forward, following the narrow path that led further into the heart of the mountain. After a few moments, he reached a secluded cavern, its entrance glowing faintly with Nirvanic Flames.
At the center of the cavern, lying on a bed of glowing embers, was the old Phoenix. Its once-vibrant feathers were dull, its wings trembling with weakness. The majestic creature that had once soared through the skies now lay on the verge of death, its golden eyes dim but filled with wisdom.
As Kent approached, the Phoenix slowly raised its head, its voice rasping but filled with pride. “You’ve come, Kent. I have heard much about your rise to power. Congratulations on reaching the Supreme Magus stage in such a short time.”
Kent bowed deeply. “Thank you, old one. You helped me when I needed it most. I won’t forget your favor.”
The Phoenix let out a soft, wheezing laugh. “Help? What I gave you was nothing more than a promise I made to the old patriarch. But you… you proved yourself worthy before the ancestor Phoenix. That was why I allowed you to receive my Nirvanic flame.” The Phoenix paused, its eyes narrowing. “But enough pleasantries.
You claim you can help me… can you really?”
Kent didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he summoned his Lion-Dragon Bow. The weapon hummed with power as he held it, and with a swift pull of the bowstring, a radiant green arrow materialized—its head shaped like a Phoenix, glowing with vibrant life force.
“This is one of the healing astras bestowed upon me by the ancestor Phoenix spirit. It has the power to heal and restore life.”
The Phoenix’s eyes widened as it recognized the energy radiating from the arrow. “The ancestor’s blessing…”
Without another word, Kent released the arrow. It shot forward, enveloping the Phoenix in a swirl of glowing green smoke. The smoke wrapped around the Phoenix like a cocoon, seeping into its feathers, bones, and core. As the smoke settled, the Phoenix’s trembling began to subside, its breathing becoming less labored.
For the next hour, Kent worked carefully, adjusting the flow of energy from the healing astra. But it wasn’t enough. Though the Phoenix’s injuries were healing, it lacked the strength to complete its evolution. It needed more—something beyond the power of the astras.
Kent hesitated for only a moment before making his decision. With a deep breath, he bit down on his thumb, drawing out a drop of his own blood essence. His blood shimmered with a crimson hue, infused with the power of his legacy. He walked over to the Phoenix and placed the drop of blood essence on its head.
The moment the blood touched the Phoenix’s skin, a surge of energy exploded through the cavern. The ancient creature let out a cry—a sound that shook the very foundations of the mountain.
Its body glowed with an intense light, its form beginning to change. Feathers that were once dull now burned with fiery brilliance, and its wings stretched wide, pulsing with newfound vitality.
–
Thank-you “@Justin_holley” @aaaninja @Daoist92VPav