Chapter 67: Chapter 67 (Inspiration capsule Extra Chapter)
"Where are the fire-attribute treasures of heaven and earth? Show them to me," Ethan said casually, his eyes sharp with quiet appraisal.
Liana hesitated only a moment before responding, "Here, it’s all here."
She carefully laid out the spiritual herbs she had gathered. Yet as Ethan examined them, a flicker of disappointment masked his calm demeanor.
The quality of the herbs—while rare and valuable to most disciples—was not sufficient for his cultivation level. They were simply not high-grade enough for his demanding Celestial Jade Physique Scripture practice.
Still, he accepted Liana’s offering without hesitation. After all, she had painstakingly collected these treasures, and Ethan could not allow her efforts to go to waste.
Nor did he take things unearned; nearby lay piles of spiritual materials and spiritual stones, which he used to exchange for what she brought.
"Next, I’ll need wood, metal, and earth attribute heavenly materials, spiritual herbs or heavenly and earthly treasures," Ethan continued.
"Junior Sister Liana, I hope you can help me keep an eye out."
His eyes flickered with earnestness.
"The same as before—I’ll exchange with you at fair value through spiritual stones or equivalent goods."
Liana nodded. "I’ll keep watch, Senior Brother."
Ethan then offered warmly, "When you have time, please come to my place. I don’t have the grandest kitchen but promise delicious food and wine."
Liana’s eyes sparkled at the mention of food and drink. "Really?" she asked, visibly excited.
Ethan smiled silently, thinking, A woman of refined taste despite her youth. A foodie,
He wasn’t above self-praise when it came to cooking.
"Of course. Junior Sister’s coming is a treat."
"Then I’ll take you up on that," she said with a grin.
"I look forward to tasting your craftsmanship."
"Good," Ethan said, "I’ll be here."
"Alright then, I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, Senior Brother Ethan!" she said cheerfully.
Her spirits had lifted considerably. Despite the earlier tension with Allen, Ethan’s timely arrival had dispersed her bad mood. To her, he was like an old friend who offered an effortless companionship, naturally easing all worries.
If everyone in the world was as interesting as Senior Brother Ethan... she mused, a smile lingering on her lips.
As Ethan descended the mountain path, whispers followed in his wake.
"Who is that?" someone murmured.
"So handsome."
"No clue which peak’s disciple he is—his robes don’t show it."
"They were laughing together just moments ago. Their relationship must be special!"
"That’s it, junior sister Liana’s been swept off her feet by a pig!"
"Wake up! You can’t compare his ordinary looks and temper to a disciple rising in the inner sect."
"Yet he lacks spiritual energy—can he be a cultivator at all?"
"Physical cultivation is harder to grasp—it demands perfect conditions and raw strength. This boy might be handsome, but talent? Not one bit. Junior sister Liana is a celestial fairy. Her power rivals the saint herself."
Ethan heard it all, a faint smile curving his lips.
The noise of gossip was a world apart, irrelevant.
Returning not home but to the Demon Sealing Cave, Ethan paused outside.
"Elder Azel!" he called with reverence.
The formation melted away, letting Ethan step inside.
"Ethan, what brings you to the Demon Sealing Cave?" Azel’s voice echoed warmly.
"I wish to see Elder Adrian," Ethan replied.
He had heard Elder Adrian introduce himself as the former peak master of Azure Sky Peak, a presence of great respect and accomplishments.
"Elder Adrain, I have a favor to ask."
From a stone chamber on the seventeenth floor came a deep voice. "Come "
Ethan entered the spacious room, its walls bathed in soft light.
Before him sat a rugged man cross-legged, beard thick, hair wild and unkempt, sipping slowly from a porcelain cup.
"Sit," he beckoned.
"Thank you, Elder Adrian."
Adrian smiled, pushing the tea toward Ethan. "With your current status, what could possibly be beyond your reach in this sect to ask for me, young man?"
Ethan chuckled humbly.
"You praise me too highly. Master Burn’s favor is a fortunate coincidence. Power and status are empty without actual strength."
Adrian’s laugh rumbled like thunder. "I see you have insight. What might I do for you?"
"Just a small matter," Ethan said.
He steepled his fingers. "I’ve heard of the upcoming martial arts competition among the four peaks — Voidshade peak, Serpentwind peak, Fire Phoenix peak, and Azure Sky peak. It happens every five years, yes?"
Elder Adrian nodded. "Indeed. It’s a long tradition. The competition encourages exchange and rivalry among the juniors of the sect. Generous rewards are put forth to inspire excellence."
Ethan’s gaze hardened with resolve. "I hear there is a rare beast fire among the prizes. I want to join the competition as a disciple of Azure Sky Peak and try my chance to win it."
Adrian smiled warmly. "Beast fire? Child, once you show the Purple Dragon Order, the four peaks will yield before your might."
"But I must respect the sect’s laws, even as Master Burn’s disciple. This move is bold, and I’ve trained hard in the Serene Mirror Lake all these years. My strength is yet unknown."
"Yes. Competing will be a valuable experience."
"Good. Here’s a token," Adrian said, handing a small insignia.
"Show this at Azure Sky Peak, and you may attend as a direct disciple. But after the contest, you must leave Azure Sky Peak. Do not tell Master Burn—he’d think I’m overstepping in his absence and trying to kidnap his disciple."
Ethan accepted graciously. "Thank you, Elder Adrian."
Adrian waved, and two jars of peach blossom wine shimmered into view.
"This is a gift, brewed by my own techniques. For you, Elder Adrian."
Adrian sipped, eyes gleaming with approval. "Master Burn spoke fondly of your wine. By the way, apart from Mr. Burn, Mr. Azel and the others have never tasted it, right?"
"Not yet. Elder Adrian is the third person to taste the Peach Blossom wine after me and Mr. Burn."
"Good. You’re skilled at making connections."
"I will take my leave. If you need help, you need only ask."
Ethan bowed and departed from the Demon Sealing Cave.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
....
Thanks for the Inspiration capsule: @Achillios