Within the cage of absolute darkness, Aiden sat in silence, waiting patiently for Auslen to finish their fathers letter.
So, allow to get this straight, Auslen began as he folded up the letter, trying to comprehend what exactly was being asked of him. Youre unwell, but not in the physical sense?
Aiden nodded solemnly as he elaborated. Correct. In essence, its my soul that has t with an emotional blockage. There are other terms for this kind of ntal barrier, such as heart demon. But essentially, its a Soul Force affliction that can originate from the very mont that the cultivator builds their Profound Foundation.
So it is an illness, Auslen thought as he closed his eyes languidly.
Lashes rising after a deep breath, he took a mont to scan Aidens figure, but failed to perceive any signs of lingering malaise. And what are the symptoms?
Its nothing serious
Auslen promptly raised his hand to interrupt. This is not the ti for you to sugarcoat or dance around the issue. If Father felt the need to write a letter, then its certainly not a benign matter, nor is it sothing that you can palliate on your own. Explain to the symptoms.
Aiden sighed while placing his circlet back on his head, attempting to center himself amidst his younger brothers severe-toned interrogation.
Truthfully, its nothing serious. At least, not for now! Aiden hurriedly added the last bit once he detected the anger sparking in Auslens eyes.
I've only experienced so slight soul aggravation occasionally. However, if I stall for too long and fail to treat the ntal block at its source, my state could deteriorate sowhat. The most probable symptoms would be about as ta as emotional instability or a constant pain lingering in my Soul Force.
And what if the symptoms arent ta? Auslen asked insistently. With his experiences, he beca the type of individual that was only comfortable once he had taken the worst of possibilities into account.
Then, this ntal barrier would hinder my cultivation from advancing further. At worst, my Profound Qi could deviate at so point, causing my Profound Foundation to crumble. If I managed to survive, then this would lead to a regression in my realm, crippling my cultivation path permanently.
Seeing Aidens unfittingly calm appearance while describing the possibility of his untily death, Auslen could only let out a long exhale with a bit of helplessness. He then caressed the brilliant Space Concealing Mystic Artifact as he ruminated to himself in disquieted silence.
This is much more serious than I expected.
Enlightened from Cedricks letter and Aidens explanation, Auslen had gathered that insecurities, stress, fear, or any build-up of negative emotion could generate a heart demon within a Foundation Establishnt cultivator. But that knowledge alone didnt help to explain Auslens involvent in the creation of this ntal affliction, nor why his participation was needed to cure it. However, at this mont, Auslen could only take it one step at a ti.
Fathers words seed to insinuate that Im the cause of this heart demon that youre experiencing. Is that true?
Silence fell between them then.
Auslen tapped on the Mystic Artifact for each awkward second he sat waiting for an answer, and yet, the only thing he received from Aiden was a frowned expression full of embarrassnt.
Auslen rolled his eyes once he discerned the teenager's chagrinned unwillingness to answer the question, which only succeeded in making Aiden even more insecure.
However, Aiden knew that this was getting them nowhere.
Fists clenching subconsciously, Aiden finally entreated, Its not your fault, Auslen, but please, lets just leave it at that. Just know that youre the only person I can ask for help with this matter.
Hmm Although unconvinced, Auslen hesitated, unsure if he should really pressure the boy who was ntally unwell.
In the end, he only asked, Is this heart demon also related to whats influencing Mother?
Aiden shook his head. No. Only Foundation Establishnt and True Core realm cultivators are susceptible to heart demons. Mothers Dao Soul injury didnt co from illness, but was self-inflicted.
Seeing that Auslen was getting ready to question him again, Aiden continued, The only thing I know is that it has sothing to do with her Dao Integration realm cultivation. That was the lone piece of information that I was able to glean from Master Gerard after years of trying.
Although thoughts flew rapidly within his golden irises, his concern for Aiden lessened considerably.
Auslen let it go and resigned himself to the current circumstances. Father said that I should try going along with your plans. So, what do you need from ?
Anticipation was suddenly evident in Aidens smile. Ive thought of trying several things, like helping you with your martial training and teaching you so things, like
Auslen leaned back on the couch. His thoughts of maintaining his posture were long gone as he was inundated with Aidens growing list of nonsensical activities, anwhile trying to piece together their true purpose for himself.
Suddenly, he cut Aiden off. "You want to travel outside the Sect with you? Did Father agree to this?
Aiden nodded his head honestly, seriousness returning to his expression. It was actually he who suggested I take you on a small excursion. Thats why I brought along so many guards with , most of which I left back in the airship.
mories from six years ago of their last and only excursion surfaced in Auslens mind, and he was gradually having a clearer picture of the situation.
Does this have anything to do with why you were strangely interested in Senior Sister Irenes supposed field trip?
Well, yes. Compared to my original plan as opposed to just traveling with just and so guards I thought you may enjoy the overall experience more if your friends ca along with you. When Nathan ntioned your Senior Sister's Mission, it just seed like the perfect opportunity.
When you spoke with her, did you already tell her that Nathaniel and I would be going along? Auslen tilted his head with a asuring gaze.
Of course not. And she ca clean from the start with her primary intentions of inviting you was to borrow the strength of our Bright Forest Kingdoms company of guards."
"Did she ntion why? Auslen asked.
"She said she was feeling a little insecure traveling outside the Sect for this particular Sect Mission, as it involved guiding disciples that had never left the Sect previously.
I lacked your consent at the ti, so I simply inford her that I would try my best to convince you. But if you ultimately declined, then I would lend her the protection of a few guards for the duration of her Sect Mission, as a thank you for her efforts in tutoring you so diligently.
After the image of that injured and unconscious Inner Sect Disciple erged from his mory, Auslen said calmly, Shes right to be insecure.
Without at least a couple Low Grade Mystic Artifacts, no single Foundation Establishnt cultivator would feel safe roaming outside the Sect, especially while chaperoning a group of adolescent practitioners.
After a mont of contemplation, Auslen continued, Tell about her Sect Mission. If its not too complicated and the rit Point settlent is agreeable, I dont mind tagging along.
Surprise flashed through Aidens blue eyes.
...I originally thought that, with your excessively low-profile character, you wouldnt have agreed to participate so easily.
If not for the sake of your illness and Fathers beseeching letter, I wouldnt have agreed at all, kid.
Auslen ignored Aidens indirect chiding with a smile, glancing to his right, as though he could see straight through the inky black walls. And you still havent inford of the strength of the guard company you brought along with you. Surely the strongest among them isnt Foundation Establishnt.
Aidens reciprocated smile was half amused, half mournful. Father wouldnt have allowed to leave the Capital, let alone take you out the Sect, if that were the case. Co on, get us out of this cage. Ill brief you on Miss Irenes Sect Mission on our way to the airship.
On the top of Sword Controlling Peak.
Within a secluded palace, dark red lashes twitched before a beautiful young woman gradually opened her eyes.
After remaining in a coma for several days, Rosalind had finally woken up.
Her dark brown eyes glanced around the empty, but familiar bedroom. Then, without a word, she maneuvered out from underneath the clean sheets. Lowering her eyes, her feet touched the cool, stone-tiled ground, and she stood.
A fresh energy suddenly exuded from unmarred body and spread around her like a gentle tempest rippling against her dark hair and thin silk robe, but cutting through parts of the sheets lying the bed she just abandoned.
Thousands of sharp, threadlike stands of Profound Qi slowly rotate around her willowy figure. The strands began to rotate faster, as though orchestrated by an invisible force, dancing faster and faster in the air until all the threads broke away to fra her body like the wings of a butterfly, a mont later vanishing without a trace.
Walking to the door that was opening on its own, her body trembled and her robe fluttered, looking like a fairy as she subconsciously advanced to Late Foundation Establishnt.
But at this mont, neither her rise in cultivation nor her growing hunger were able to pierce through the haze of her thoughts.
Rami, who had just arrived at their Masters palace to check up on Rosalind, witnessed this scene and was shocked into surprised speechlessness.
The sword-servants guiding him through the hallway were equally astonished, but they had no ti to celebrate her awakening once they realized they needed to prepare nourishnt for her unexpected advancent in cultivation.
Bowing to her, the group of sword-servants said, Congratulations on your advancent! before rushing off to the kitchens.
By now, Rosalind was fully conscious, but still found herself in a state of confusion, as though she couldnt rember sothing incredibly important.
Second Sister Rosalind Rami walked a bit closer to her, his expression awash with varying shades of happiness and sadness.
Her gaze finally fell on Ramis shorter fra.
Seventh Brother, where are the others? I seem to be forgetting sothing
Her gentle words trailed off as her vision was suddenly obscured by a transparent curtain. Every ti she attempted to blink it away, it returned even stronger before eventually overflowing from her eyes.
Feeling cool rivulets flowing down her face, Rosalind reached for her cheeks with so uncertainty.
As soon as her slender finger touched the damp trails, it was like a dam bursting open. Fragntary mories of blood and the death of her brothers and sisters assaulted her, and she was suddenly, even unwillingly, no longer confused.
Rami was crying then too.
Outer Sect.
The night sky of sumr was beautiful.
Not a single cloud drifted through the sky, and the stars sparkled like multicolored jewels around tonights especially round and gleaming moons.
The moonlight shone splendidly over the Outer Sect mountain, falling down on the tall mountain woods like a layer of muslin.
Beside the iron fire pit Vincent had ignited once again, Auslen was lying on his wooden reclining chair, looking tiredly at Nathaniel, who was bouncing around his chair with excessive excitent.
Were going, were going Nathaniels unending cheerful chants were already giving cause for Auslen to reconsider his decision.
Stealing a glance at Auslens exasperated expression, Aiden chuckled softly as he sat on the arm chair Durk had prepared for him, enjoying finally seeing so discomposure in his younger brothers normally perfect guise.
It was then that the they heard Irenes admonishing voice coming from nearby.
Nathan, stop frolicking around Auslen and sit down. We have a lot to discuss.
Nathaniel, who was just reprimanded, was montarily stunned before quickly sitting on the lower section of Auslens chair, smiling in the distance innocently.
Theyre finally here.
Auslen ignored how Nathaniel brazenly pushed his legs aside to sit on his chair and glanced at Irene, who was approaching their location at a leisurely pace. Behind her was a jade-colored flying boat, which Tarek and Mias heads were peeking out from.
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