Junior Brother Ethan was so outstanding that it was normal for him to attract the admiration of other won. His talent, temperant, strength, and mystery drew attention wherever he walked. If soone wanted him, they simply needed to step forward and seize him.
And Althea was not soone who hesitated.
"It just so happens that I need to stay for a while in Noble Sun City. The Treasure Appraisal Conference is famous, so I will join in the fun today." Althea said with a gentle smile.
Without warning, she gracefully stepped closer and hooked her arm around Ethan’s. Her movents were natural, elegant, and full of affection. She tilted her head slightly, gazing at Ethan’s profile with a bright, warm smile that could lt early spring frost.
"(•́へ•́╬)!"
Rain saw the scene from just a few steps ahead and almost burst into flas on the spot. Her red lips tightened, teeth clenching as jealousy surged like a volcano ready to erupt.
"Let’s go, Junior Brother Ethan," Althea said softly.
"Daddy, I want it too!" Solara chirped, imdiately hugging Ethan’s other arm.
Thus, the three left the Blood Tavern together—Ethan in the middle, with two beauties on each side, one pure as snow, one fiery like the sun, and a little phoenix hanging onto him like precious treasure.
The setting sun stretched their shadows across the street, gilding the trio in molten gold. Pedestrians paused to stare. So sighed in admiration. So whispered. So clenched their fists, wishing they were in Ethan’s place.
Ethan pretended calmness, but his expression was subtly complicated.
"Senior sister, why didn’t you co with Uncle Edwin and the others?" Ethan asked.
Althea paused, then blinked. "Uncle Edwin... wait, have you seen them?"
"I saw him... is there a problem?" Ethan replied, noticing her sudden seriousness.
Althea exhaled slowly. "Edwin and his party ca to attend the Treasure Appraisal Conference. But their true purpose was to find you and retrieve the inheritance of the Azure Origin Dao Sect."
"And that Lyralei..."
Althea explained everything—how she had been spoken down to, how they believed Ethan unworthy, how they now sought what he earned.
Ethan’s eyes darkened, a sharp chill seeping from his voice.
"The two master and disciple treated like that before, and now they want to take the inheritance I obtained..."
"However, Uncle Edwin’s group split apart due to so matters. Edwin is with now, but Seraphina and the others are missing. They’ve offended many, and I fear she may not return to the Dao Sect alive."
"And that Lyralei—when I return to the Dao Sect, I will deal with her."
Cold killing intent flickered in Ethan’s eyes like a blade under moonlight.
Althea imdiately tightened her hold on his arm, her expression softening. "Ignore them. As long as you are safe, Junior Brother."
At that mont, Althea leaning against Ethan’s arm looked nothing like the renowned sword prodigy of the sect nor the aloof natural sword body. Instead, she looked like a girl next door who finally reunited with soone dear.
"By the way, since senior sister has left the Azure Origin Dao Sect, where will you go in the future?"
"Why don’t you follow —"
Before Ethan finished, Althea smiled and replied, "I ca from the far White North of Sunpetal Reach, and now it’s ti to return to my family."
"But I’m really happy that I found my Junior Brother before returning."
The warmth in her voice was unmistakable.
"Sunpetal Reach..." Ethan murmured, brows lowering slightly. So her origins were deeper than he thought.
She even had a Blood Tavern invitation—sothing only high-status mbers possessed.
Her identity was anything but simple.
"Junior Brother, what are you thinking about? You can’t look troubled when you’re with senior sister." Althea suddenly held his cheeks and forced a smile onto his face.
Ethan let out a helpless laugh. "Alright, I won’t think about it anymore."
The two continued chatting, voices low and full of familiarity.
Rain, who had been walking ahead, heard soft laughter behind her. She glanced back once—and her heart twisted.
They were smiling.
They were whispering.
They were enjoying themselves.
Rain’s pace quickened, her fists clenched.
"Hateful!"
She marched faster and faster until she disappeared from sight entirely.
Out of sight, out of rage.
Not long after, Ethan and the two arrived at the Treasure Appraisal Conference venue.
The center of Noble Sun City had been transford into a grand temporary auction house. Its circular structure resembled a stadium from Ethan’s previous life, though smaller in scale.
Even so, it was packed with tens of thousands of cultivators, rchants, nobles, and experts. Excited voices layered into a thunderous roar.
Ethan queued near the entrance.
Lana stood before the doorway, dressed in a flowing purple gown, arms crossed. Upon seeing Ethan, her usually cold and refined expression softened into a rare smile.
Then she saw Althea.
A flicker of shock flashed in Lana’s eyes—but it vanished as quickly as it ca.
"Brother Ethan, who is this...?" Lana asked.
"This is my senior sister." Ethan answered.
Lana needed no further explanation. Their closeness alone told her everything. Most likely Dao companions—or soon to be.
She studied Althea discreetly and sensed a towering sword intent, sharp and terrifying.
A natural sword body? she thought silently.
Althea cupped her hands gracefully. "I am Althea. You must be the Manager of Myriad Treasures Pavilion in Skyreach Territory. Thank you for receiving us."
Lana smiled lightly.
"So it is the Elder of Azure Origin Dao Sect’s Sword Peak. I have heard of Miss Althea—born with the natural sword body, unparalleled talent. Seeing you today proves the rumors true."
"I’m Lana, Manager of Myriad Treasures Pavilion. If you don’t mind, you may call Sister Lana."
"Hello Aunt Lana," Solara waved cheerfully.
Lana laughed softly, rubbing Solara’s cheek. This little girl was adorable, clever—and a Divine Beast Phoenix. If only she could be her daughter...
"Co. Take Mr. Ethan and Miss Althea to the first-class box."
A maid bowed. "Mr. Ethan, Miss Althea, please follow ."
The three entered a refined room filled with light fragrance. Elegant seating surrounded a central table adorned with precious spiritual fruits and steaming spiritual tea.
The maid poured three cups, bowed, and retreated. "If you need anything, simply call."
Althea plucked a grape and slipped it into her mouth. Then she rested her chin in her palm, eyes drifting to Ethan.
"Junior Brother cos to Noble Sun City and makes many friends—and all of them are first-class beauties."
"Uh... just friends," Ethan scratched his head.
Althea looked at Ethan’s embarrassed look, nodded and chuckled.
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
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