When the news that the Starfall Pavilion, Alchemists Tower, Blossom Sect, and Ember Flame Valley—the four dominating powers—had united and declared the foundation of a so-called Alliance of Aeturia rippled across Central Jing, the land was rocked like fire exploding skyward, erupting with uproar. Each of the four factions commands renown throughout Central Jing so immense and authoritative that even one, alone, would qualify as a formidable powerhouse. Especially Alchemists Tower—a force not narrowly confined by mere labels—it holds sway terrifying in scale over all other organizations. Despite seeming quiet in recent years, none but fools fail to recognize that dreadful force beneath the guise of tranquility coiled like a dragon resting, concealed but omnipotent in potential.
An alliance of such calibres, with sheer authority unimaginably overshadowing even the previously dominant Nether River Alliance, made the latter little more than shrimps compared to this newborn Aeturian might, whose every presence might crush them under one finger. Everyone fully realized how immeasurably their combined force could swell, powerful enough to stand boldly confronting the sinister Hall of Souls without a trace of hesitance. At last—a burgeoning superpower, equalling the Hall of Souls, now emerged upon Central Jing! As the entire land simmered over this shocking development, thoughts stirred elsewhere amongst other minor sects and orders.
Here, as everywhere else throughout human worlds, all hope for shelter beneath protective, bough-heavy trees prevails; so prodigious was Aeturia’s rising reputation—terrifying in dominance—the number of forces capable of rivaling them would dwindle to mere fingers. Thus access to their protection could prove a boon for all sects, and indeed for any.
So was it three days after the announcement, when Starfall Pavillion grew suddenly alive—lords of myriad sects traveling from the distant edges just to apply for membership. Yet neither药师 or箫炎 admitted the requests wholesale. This league forms the very key against the enigmatic Souls Hall, and so was treated with utmost caution. More than half of such applicants could be swayed as readily as reeds bending in the wind, opportunists now joining due to its strength that will scatter like birds in storm the instant of decline and weakness, dragging morale down like lead weight. Such unwelcome opportunism would bring ruin rather than gain—it would never do to let the rats infest a noble hall.
The burden of handling these influx appeals fell not onto箫炎however, for with事务ss growing heavy,药师 urgently summoned back Feng至尊, long stationed overseas managing other affairs outside the main domain. In the passing many years Feng至尊 together with药师 formed an ideal division of responsibilities—outward and inward—their union having steered the Pavilion along a course skyward. While his reputation and powers might fall short against药师, his abilities within governance exceeded those of the elder pharmacist manifold. With the founding of Aeturia,药师immediately rearranged duties for the other sages to replace whatever oversight Feng至尊had previously maintained, calling him quickly home to address these sudden troubles.
His mastery of these matters proved unimpeachable. Scarcely within few days after returning and already he was sifting diligently through an endless storm of requests, vast affairs now streamlined and handled with seamless calm, all in contrast prompting even箫炎and药师into sheepish appreciation of his superior competence.
Eventually and in following of strict vetting, those worthy factions found acceptance by Aeturian decree—greatly reinforcing Aeturia’s authority with its expanding coalition, progressing along a steady upward spiral toward immense growth in the assistance of the alchemical masters.
Moreover, within these weeks the four factions established spatial pathways, allowing swelteringly fast travel amongst themselves, the essential mark of the defensive alliance. Yet amidst the hectic organization of forming this new power was a growing oddity: throughout thus far and until now the Hall of Souls remained silent as stillness incarnate—an odd display indeed, as if unmoved by a challenge capable of threatening their dominion.
However, unresponsive or not,箫炎and the allies resolved upon forming dedicated intelligence cells: to uncover every Hall branch hidden across Central Jing and, beyond them, the Hall’s main base as well—with strategy built not upon instinct but information, the greatest enemy demands absolute awareness of every outpost and strategy they maintain, enabling precise timing in decisive strikes.
Though in their pursuit minor losses arose amongst operatives and informants in these early weeks, their intelligence bore substantial reward already, two outpost locations discovered and revealed in half a fortnight’s time. With blood in thought and vengeance on impulse,箫炎almost longed personally storming the sites himself. Yet he restrained himself. For however mighty Aeturia might now stand against such foes, should full-fledged warfare commence this very moment against the Soulers it shall end in mutual annihilation. Such an outcome holds no delight for箫炎, who well understood that shadowing behind this Hall lay even a darker enigma—the ancient Soul Ancestor Clan itself. While the Alliance may oppose the Hall of Souls as weapon forged, so it stands as the shield for warding away ancestral darkness. Thus the necessity to remain prepared with power, lest we face the same tragic end as the revered萧玄before—an end marked in solitude and final defeat upon achieving even what should’ve been insuperate triumph.
So young yet in growth the Aeturia now may remain, and in years yet time its potential may summon forth sages who’d remained hidden for an age. The authority of Alchemists holds sway still. Who knows whose attention might turn at hearing their names—semi-saint sages who have long wandered or even dragon-like elders long dormant as titans. Their entrance alone could mark not a victory merely against enemies—but against fate herself. Aeturia should then walk with caution and pride suppressed while the tides rush. Only when its strength lies hidden, thick with readiness—and only when at that moment all strikes, sudden and unified, could it hope for triumph.
Strike through ambush, rise in might only then at their time when fate’s tides call.
Meanwhile, while spies pursued the Hall’s every known outpost across regions of Central Jing, defensive contingents were assembled across domains of Aeturia. Gathering together warriors whose mastery ran deep, each was tasked with forming mobile rapid-response parties, swift wings to answer distress calls the moment they echoed beyond borders. Such dedicated guardians lifted great relief across the alchemists of Alchemists Tower. Those previously reluctant or resentful over abandoning their neutral stance now warmed gradually towards acceptance and the protection afforded under banner Aeturian. Amidst this tide rising with such momentum passed yet one month unnoticed. Silence grew in a solitary yard, nestled deep within Starfall Pavilion; where gathered箫炎,药师, Cai Lin, Xiao Yi Immortal alongside others, rare moments of rest in a long stretch of duties so arduous their meetings scarce since.
“Hall of Souls still shows no sign. But should I guess aright—they might await the nine months remaining ’til release of Demon Lotus Ember.” said药师 gently sipping teaware: his voice steady and calm.
“But how could they have discovered its release?!” replied箫炎, brow knitting, “It was my task—long, hard years tracing and collecting maps, all merely reaching this point of truth. That these Soul-people even share such knowledge…?”
“The information held within Shadows’ Temple transcends the grasp even of you,” 药师 chuckled quietly at this exasperation, “and Demon Ember descending is no stranger tale within their bloodlines. Legends long known by them, inscribed deep within their annals for generations past.”
箫然默然无语, stroking his head absently in thought; had that mysterious orb swirling in his mind remained dormant—never manifesting in purpose—he might well have spent every day pursuing it all in vain.
“Nine mouths until Lotus Ember emerges—you need also make more thorough preparations. This conflict shall summon true champions from the Hall and possibly its forebears beyond,” 药师 mused onward, peering at彩灵’s silent presence as well, “…the Demon Serpent, though born rare in form and formidably powerful already, may ascend through absorption of raw energy. Attuning quickly to semi-Saint mastery. With her physical body already formidable—she might even hold her own against true Saint warriors. Elevating彩灵to that level should bring immense advantage to our cause.”
“A word also to your young flame at Gu Clan… they said her secluded practice continued long after withdrawal from Wastes. Emerging later after cultivation completes, if tales bear truth in her divine lineage capabilities—a gift perhaps even granting emergence of a great warrior at her rank to the Gu Clan—should you bring her to the field alongside彩灵, it could prove no small windfall.”
箫炎 sighed weakly hearing such words. With both彩灵 and Yarn exceptional born, the Serpent possessing a body rivaling beasts rarer than Void Elder Dragon itself—Yarn blessed again by a legacy Divine Lineage long fabled as legendary, progress flowing like rivers beneath them. Against their might, even if formidable still,箫炎 could scarce but feel ordinary—nature’s cruel inequality reappearing in every breath; yet it precisely because of his refusal to surrender before such inequality did he attain what he has today.
“True enough—that with pure energy alone彩灵 may climb in strength. Yet the volume necessary for reaching semi-Saint mastery remains unfathomably titanic, where might we locate even such concentrated and rich source?”
“A certain location,” 教师 replied, a subtle twist of his lips, peering into the air, “if for彩灵it might become her forge of ascendant trials and refinement—her body holding the elusive Primordial Ore Stone within the Nine-color spectrum, should opportunity arrive she may evolve from Demon devouring serpent to become the very fabled Nine-Color Sky Devouring Wyrmlord, rivaling even the Ancient Sky Snake Sovereigns long spoken in legends.”
“Where might this secret location be?” the entire assemblage gazed in earnest, their eyes now fastening upon药师with bated breath.
“To the Nenrealms,” he murmured, “in lands known as Yellow Spring of the Nine Hells—Domain of幽冥九幽Maws.”
“And if you seek mastery with Demon Lotus Ember,” he then regarded箫炎 directly and with knowing gaze: “you too must walk this road to the Nine Hells… it is inevitable your feet should tread in those lands.”
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