Chapter 206 The Reveal and Offer
Chapter 206 The Reveal and Offer
In the wake of the intense battle, Arthur found himself back in the grand hall, facing the solemn Guardian.
The Guardian's eyes, usually obscured by his hood, held an unusual glint.
Arthur looked at the guardian and said, "I guess this is the part where you tell me a story of old, right?"
*Sigh*
The guardian let out a breath and began to speak, "Mortal Emperor Realm you know today almost faced destruction a hundred thousand years ago,"
His tone carrying the weight of ancient memories. "But the Reason was because of the Red Sky Sect."
"The Red Sky Sect?"
"Yes, indeed, as it was the Red Sky Sect that dared to defy fate for the sake of one person."
The atmosphere in the hall shifted as the Guardian recounted a tale of rebellion against destiny.
The Red Sky Sect, in their bid to save a young girl from an inevitable fate, had triggered a cataclysm.
The sect was nearly obliterated, and the Mortal Emperor World bore the scars of their defiance.
"Although we somewhat succeeded in altering the girl's fate, the consequences were severe."
"The Red Sky Sect, once esteemed, was now branded as the sinners of the realm," the Guardian continued, his voice echoing through the vast hall.
"While still licking our wounds and trying to recover, we were hunted down and annihilate by other powers."
"Although we were once powerful, after that ordeal, we didn't have much of our strength left."
Arthur listened intently, his curiosity piqued.
The Guardian's revelations hinted at a complex history, a tapestry woven with threads of rebellion and sacrifice.
But the Guardian had more to reveal.
He gestured, and the grand hall transformed into a mysterious realm. In the center of this ethereal space, a chamber floated.
In that chamber, a young girl with pure white hair lay suspended in the air, her form serene as though she slept on an invisible bed surrounded by runes.
Arthur raised his eyebrows in surprise as he senses something familiar.
The girl's state was reminiscent of Suo Hao's son, and a sense of recognition dawned upon him.
"This girl carries the true legacy of the Red Sky Sect," the Guardian explained. "We have preserved the sects treasures and secrets in this hidden realm."
"Our only request to you is to protect her," The Guardian bowed as he spoke.
But Arthur remained silent for a while before slowly speaking, "What dangers are there?"
The Guardian eyes twitched, 'I knew this guy never had the heart of a hero saving a damsel in distress!'
*Cough!* *Cough!*
"Um...actually, the only real danger will come if she is discovered by our enemies."
"There are certain people who seek to acquire her for their own evil plots due to a secret she carries."
"A secret that is enough to shake the three thousand great realms if it is exposed."
"But there is a seal that will keep her hidden as long as she isn't in a dire situation where she has to use the power locked away in her."
"I see, well..."
The guardian remained tensed as he waited for Arthur to finish his words.
"... I decline your offer then."
"What?! Why?!"
"The risks outweighs the gains, and I am a sophisticated investor," Arthur spoke calmly.
"A sophisticated investor? What does that even mean. Anyway you can't decline, you are the only hope we have now."
"No, I can decline and I don't care what happens to your sect."
"Fine! State your price!" The guardian gritted his teeth and gave in as he cursed Arthur in his heart.
'Black hearted bastard!'
Only he had no idea that Arthur sensed his emotions.
"I want to be know wha kind of power lies within her and also...give me the last trace of spiritual essence of yourself and the others."
The guardian frowned and was silent for a while.
"The second request can be granted but the first is a no. I can't trust you like that."
"If you can't trust me with just this bit of information, then how come you can trust me with the life and status of this girl?"
"This...argh! Fine, you win little brat!"
Arthur shrugged at the man's words.
The man then explained what sort of power the girl held.
"I see. That's wasn't so hard now was it?"
"Tch!"
"Come with me," the guardian led Arthur elsewhere.
With a solemn expression, the Guardian took Arthur to a collection of statues.
Among them was one bearing a striking resemblance to the half-elf girl Arthur had battled before.
"These statues represent those who defied the Heavenly Dao and ascended to the upper realms."
"I want you to protect this girl until the time comes for her to ascend. In the upper realms, the figure of the young Spirit Empress you faced lords over a mighty territory."
"She will receive her from you, and in doing so, she will reward you and help you establish yourself in the upper realms," the Guardian revealed.
"This could be another benefit if you like," the guardian added.
Arthur contemplated the task set before him.
Protecting a girl with ties to the defiant Red Sky Sect, ensuring her safe passage to the upper realms—it was a mission fraught with some significance.
"I accept," Arthur replied.
Although there was another reason, 'She is just like me. An enemy of the heavens.'
'It feels like I found a fellow criminal, hahaha!' Arthur jokingly thought.
As the Guardian finished his revelation, he activated a mechanism, and a golden light descended from the void onto the statue of the Spirit Empress.
The statue, once lifeless, stirred with newfound energy. Its eyes opened, revealing an otherworldly glow, and a grand, feminine voice resonated through the chamber.
"So it's finally that time," it said as the eyes fell upon Arthur and the Guardian and then it looked at the void for a while.
"I shall place a mark on her. When the time comes for your ascension, it will aid you in locating my people in the upper realms," the statue declared, its voice carrying the weight of age and wisdom. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
It was much different from the slightly mischievous girl Arthur met at the trial.
"I told you we will meet again soon," the voice said as the gaze of the statue focused on Arthur.