After the old man revealed his identity, I took a mont to study this great-grandfather of mine. I already knew a little about him. Apparently, my mother was his favorite grandchild. He spoiled her. Not only that, but he was Caitlyn's master. In fact, he was the one who had asked Caitlyn to look after Mother after the Martial Arts Alliance banished her from Murim.
While no one told this, I suspected that my great-grandfather was the reason why Mother was able to leave Clan Leone in the first place. That alone told how close they were. So much so that Mother nad her firstborn child() after him.
On the surface, he didn't look like much. The rags he wore hid his body and his face, making it difficult to discern much about him. He resembled the beggar he pretended to be earlier. However, there was no denying his presence.
His movents were controlled and smooth, emanating the power of a Sixth Star martial artist. My intuition told that he had a temper. I sensed a fire raging beneath his calm exterior, ready to explode out and consu everything.
Just as I studied my great grandfather, he studied in return. I must've passed muster, because he nodded.
"You're a good seed," my great-grandfather said. "Like your mother, you have great potential. Let us hope you can realize that potential."
I gave him a respectful nod in thanks.
"Grandfather Gabriel," Ayden said in a nervous tone. "What are you doing here?"
"Why?" Grandfather Gabriel asked in a sharp voice. "Is this old man not allowed to be here?"
Ayden paled.
"No, that wasn't what I ant," he said, making frantic gestures. "I ant-"
"I know what you ant," Grandfather Gabriel snapped. "This old man just happened to be in the area, when I noticed my descendants causing a scene in public."
Bullshit. While I had no proof, I suspected that my great-grandfather orchestrated this entire scenario sohow. Why? I didn't know. Maybe he wanted to et . Mother once told that he would find after he realized that I was a part of Murim. His curiosity would compel him, she said.
Or maybe he had another goal. Hell, why not both? Kill two birds with one stone and all that. Rather than speculate, I decided to remain alert and roll with the changes.
"What are you talking about, Grandfather Gabriel?" Ayden asked. "Andre and I were simply having a conversation."
Grandfather Gabriel snorted.
"Do you think this old man is blind and deaf?" he asked. He shook his head, before looking up, as if beseeching the heavens for aid. "Aiya, what did I do to deserve such foolish descendants?" He made a dismissive gesture toward Ayden. "Go. I'll deal with you later."
"Grandfather-" Ayden started to say, but Grandfather Gabriel cut him off.
"Don't make repeat myself."
Grandfather Gabriel's presence intensified, to emphasize his point. Ayden stumbled back, before he turned around and fled. His goons followed after him a mont later. After Ayden left, Grandfather Gabriel regarded the rest of us.
"You four," he said. "Follow . Let us go sowhere more private."
I looked around. By this point, the crowd around us had swelled up. Hundreds of martial artists surrounded us, all of them gazing at Grandfather Gabriel in awe. His strength alone warranted such a reaction. Combine that with his status as a Leone, and no wonder people looked at him with worshipful eyes even though he looked like a beggar.
As a Sturm and a forr Sixth Star martial artist myself, I was less affected.
"Lead the way," I said in a dry tone. "Great grandfather."
Grandfather Gabriel let out an amused snort, before turning around and walking off. Andre, Richard, Leroy, and myself followed after him. The crowd parted before us. A few courageous souls tried to follow, but they stopped when Grandfather Gabriel glanced back and gave them a slight shake of his head.
Afterwards, Grandfather Gabriel led us to a teahouse on the Second Layer. It was two-stories tall and located in an out of the way area. Nothing about it seed special. However, if Grandfather Gabriel brought us here, then it was more than it appeared.
Along the way, he pulled back his presence, until he resembled a beggar once more. Despite this, the teahouse staff seed aware of his true identity. When we arrived, they treated him with the utmost respect.
Soon, we found ourselves on a balcony overlooking the nearby street. The five of us sat down at a wooden table surrounded by exactly five chairs. A few monts later, one of the teahouse servers brought us our tea. Given that we didn't order anything, Grandfather Gabriel must've arranged this ahead of ti. That, or he was a regular and this was his usual order.
After catching a whiff of the tea, I suspected it was the latter case. From the scent alone, I could tell that this was the best tea I had ever co across since my return to Lumina. Without hesitation, I poured myself a cup and took a sip. The subtle flavors danced across my tongue and filled with bliss. I let out a satisfied sigh.
"I see that you enjoy tea as well," Grandfather Gabriel said in an amused tone. "So much so that you started drinking ahead of everyone else."
"Yes," I said.
My answer must have caught him off guard, since he stared at for a mont before laughing. Andre let out a sigh.
"I apologize for Gabriel's rude behavior, Grandfather Gabriel," he said.
I snorted.
"Don't," I said. "I can apologize for myself. Not that I'm going to."
Andre glared at and opened his mouth to say sothing, but Grandfather Gabriel raised a hand to forestall him.
"It's fine," he said. "This nasake of mine reminds of Claire. For that, I'll forgive him this one ti."
I nodded, before taking another sip of my tea. Grandfather Gabriel turned his attention to my bodyguard.
"You must be Leroy, Caitlyn's youngest," he said.
Leroy nodded.
"Yes, Elder Gabriel," he said in a respectful tone.
Grandfather Gabriel shook his head.
"You're just like your older brother," he said. "Don't be so formal. Call Grandfather."
Leroy shook his head.
"I wouldn't dare," he said.
"Don't worry," Grandfather Gabriel said. "It isn't inappropriate. Your mother is my student, and I regard her as a granddaughter. That also makes you my descendant, in spirit if not in blood."
Leroy hesitated before nodding.
"Very well, Grandfather Gabriel," he said.
The old man looked pleased by this. While I couldn't see his face, I could sowhat read his body language.
"So," I said. "Why did you set all this up? If you wanted to et, you could've just sent a letter."
Andre and Richard glanced at Grandfather Gabriel.
"You figured it out?" the latter asked.
I snorted.
"You weren't exactly subtle about it," I said. "You're the one who gave Andre his mission, weren't you?"
Grandfather Gabriel shrugged.
"Well, since you figured it out, let take this off," he said.
I took another sip just as Grandfather Gabriel took off the rags hiding his face. The mont I saw his true appearance, I spat out my tea. Leroy let out a choking sound.
My great grandfather didn't look like an old man at all. Despite his age, he looked like a young man in his early to mid twenties. However, that wasn't what surprised .
Grandfather Gabriel looked so much like that he could've been my twin. Rather, I looked like him since he ca first. There were differences, of course. He had fiery red hair and erald green eyes, compared to my silvery blue. Other than that, we looked almost identical.
Andre let out a chuckle.
"I reacted the sa way when I first saw his face," he said. "The similarities between you two are uncanny."
"It's like looking into a mirror," I said, both awed and horrified.
Grandfather Gabriel smirked.
"Well, where do you think Claire got her good looks from?" he said, no longer speaking in a raspy tone. Gods, even our voices sounded similar. "However, even I was surprised when I saw how much you resembled . You look more like than any of my children."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You went through Body Rejuvenation, didn't you?" I asked. "That's why you look so young."
The threshold between Sixth Rank and Seventh Rank was a watershed mont for all Awakened, whether they had a magic circle or a mana core. After all, crossing that threshold ant achieving immortality and taking the first steps towards achieving divinity. Most Awakened didn't make it, and remained stuck at Sixth Rank for the rest of their lives.
To cross the threshold, an Awakened needed to perform a number of steps. re cultivation was no longer enough at that point. The first of these was Body Rejuvenation. As the na suggested, going through this process revitalized an Awakened's body and brought it to the peak of physical perfection.
Since most Sixth Star martial artists were pretty old by this point, this ant they beca young again. They still aged, but their body remained at peak condition for the rest of their lives, even if they never reached Seventh Rank. Many Awakened went through Body Rejuvenation for that alone.
During my life as Brandon Norwood, I never went through Body Rejuvenation. I ant to, with Teacher's help, but I died before I could. In this life, I intended to rectify that.
"You know about Body Rejuvenation?" Grandfather Gabriel asked, his eyebrows raised. "Impressive for one so young. How did you find out about it?"
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
I shrugged and took a sip of my tea, refusing to answer. Grandfather Gabriel narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips. However, he didn't press the issue.
"To answer your earlier question," Grandfather Gabriel said instead. "I arranged this eting because I was curious about you. We're long overdue for a eting, wouldn't you agree?" He gestured to Andre. "So, I asked your cousin for help."
"Sorry, Gabriel," Andre said, giving an apologetic look. "I decided the best way to attract your attention was picking a fight with Ayden. He cos to the Third Layer every few days to buy elixirs and such. He's stuck at Second Star and if he doesn't break through to Third Star soon, he'll start to lose standing within the Clan."
I shook my head.
"External aids can only help so much," I said. "If he wants to advance, he'll need to look inside and figure out what's holding him back." I shrugged. "That, or Second Star is his limit. In that case, no amount of elixirs will help him."
Once again, Grandfather Gabriel looked at in surprise.
"You're rather knowledgeable for soone who just started walking the path of martial arts," he said.
I gave him a polite smile.
"I had a good Teacher," I said.
Grandfather Gabriel leaned forward, an eager look in his eyes.
"And who might that be?" he asked.
I gave him a helpless look.
"I don't know her na," I said. "She never told . I just called her Teacher."
Grandfather Gabriel studied for several monts, perhaps to see if I was lying, before sitting back with a disappointed expression on his face.
"Unfortunate," he said. "I would've liked to et this teacher of yours. She must be an impressive woman if she helped you reach Second Star within a few months."
Well, I wouldn't disagree there. Even during my first life, I progressed at a rapid rate. I started training at thirteen years old and reached Sixth Star just before I turned twenty five. While my natural talent and potential played a part, Teacher's guidance also helped. Without her, it would've taken much longer.
"Maybe you will, if fate allows it," I said. "But enough of that. Tell the real reason why you wanted to see ." I narrowed my eyes at him. "If you were curious about , you could've seen at any point before this. However, I suspect you had your reasons for staying away, so I won't criticize you. We each have our own circumstances."
Grandfather Gabriel sighed with a lancholic expression on his face.
"You're right," he said. "I don't know how much you know about what happened between your mother and her father, the current head of Clan Leone. However, theirs was not a peaceful parting. It was a complicated and ssy situation." He shook his head. "I won't go into the full details, but let say this. I stayed away from Claire to protect her and, by extension, the rest of your family."
I nodded. That made sense. According to Caitlyn, Mother was Grandfather Gabriel's favorite grandchild. However, he never visited nor did I even learn about his existence until a few months ago. Sothing must've happened for this situation to co about.
"As for why I decided to et with you," Grandfather Gabriel continued. "I really was curious about you. However, as you already guessed, I have another reason." He gestured to Andre. "I'd like for you to take your cousin and his bodyguard in."
I blinked at him in surprise, before looking at Andre.
"Are things that bad for you?" I asked.
Andre nodded with a grimace on his face.
"Yes," he said. "Not only is Grandfath-" He paused, before correcting himself. "Not only is the Clan Head angry at for failing to woo Lady Annabelle, but he blas for losing many of our Clan's warriors in a…" He spoke this last part in a disgusted tone. "useless endeavor, as he called it."
I looked at him in disbelief.
"Those warriors died defending the innocent from demons," I said. "I feel guilty that they lost their lives, but I would never disparage their sacrifice."
Andre shook his head.
"The Clan Head, and the rest of our Clan, feel it was a waste," he said. "After all, protecting Icefall City didn't benefit our Clan at all."
While I could understand the head of Clan Leone's attitude, that didn't an I agreed with it. Not everything was about gains and benefits. Sotis, a person needed to do the right thing, even if it ca at a cost.
"I don't think I would like the Clan Head of Clan Leone," I said. "And yes, I refuse to acknowledge any relationship with that man."
Andre snorted.
"I don't bla you," he said. "These past few weeks have been rather eye opening for . I'm beginning to realize that I have a different understanding of duty to one's family than the rest of my Clan."
From his tone, it was clear that he had endured a lot during our short ti apart.
"What happened?" I asked in a quiet voice.
"After losing the Clan Head's favor, I beca the target of several sches aiming to slander and ruin my reputation within Clan Leone," Andre said with a self-deprecating smile on his face. "Most of them failed, but a few succeeded. My standing within Clan Leone has hit rock bottom."
"Unlike the rest of Clan Leone," Grandfather Leone interjected. "I believe Andre made the right decision. As such, I've done what I can to protect him. However, my influence is not what it used to be. Right now, things aren't too bad." His expression darkened. "However, I fear Andre's situation will grow worse. He may even lose his life." He gestured to . "Thus, we co to you. Please take Andre in."
I gave him a questioning look.
"For how long?" I asked. "Forever, or…?"
Grandfather Gabriel shook his head.
"No," he said. "Only until he's strong enough to stand up for himself. Fourth Star should suffice."
Fourth Star? That could take years.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked Andre. "What about your family?"
Andre looked away from , a pained expression on his face.
"My parents agree with Grandfather," he said, his voice filled with pain.
"Ah," I said, nodding in understanding. "I see."
The more I heard about Clan Leone, the less I liked it. What parent would deliberately stand by and do nothing while their child suffered?
"Given your relationship with each other, I don't think I need much to convince you," Grandfather Gabriel said. "However, as an additional incentive, I'm prepared to offer you a rare treasure."
I shook my head.
"There's no need," I said. "Andre is family. Of course I'll take him in. I know Mother will say the sa after I explain the situation to her." I gestured to Leroy. "Besides, I'm sure Leroy would love to have Richard around."
Leroy nodded with a smile on his face. Richard appeared eager as well.
"Don't be so quick to reject my offer, Gabriel," my great-grandfather said with a smirk. "Wait until I tell you what the treasure is."
I shrugged, before I gestured for him to continue. Why not hear him out? It wouldn't make a difference to , one way or another.
"If you take Andre in," Grandfather Gabriel said. "I'll give you the heart of an iron-backed turtle."
I froze in shock, while Leroy gasped. Andre and Richard looked unsurprised, aning they knew about this beforehand.
"See?" Grandfather Gabriel said. "Don't be so impatient next ti. Otherwise, you'll miss out on a fortuitous opportunity."
Iron-backed turtles were Tier Five monsters famous for their toughness, endurance, and vitality. Their bones and shells were great materials for crafting defensive enchanted items. However, they were most prized for their hearts.
Eating an iron-backed turtle's heart would increase a person's toughness, stamina, and life span. For Awakened below Sixth Rank, it also increased their cultivation. In my case, it would bring close to Third Star. With enough Spirit Elixirs, I could break through in just a few months.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked. "Usually I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. However, I already said I would look after Andre and Richard."
Grandfather Gabriel rolled his eyes.
"In that case, consider it a gift from this old man," he said. "Aiya, you're just like your mother. Foolish child. Let guess, you plan on sharing the heart with others?"
"Of course," I said without hesitation.
I didn't need to consu the entire heart to benefit from it. Even if I did, I would still share it. Not with everyone, of course. Just my loved ones: Anna, Leroy, and my family. Oh, and Andre and Richard. Not to ntion Caitlyn.
Hmm, okay. Maybe that was a bit too generous.
"Tsk, I suspected as much," Grandfather Gabriel said, giving a disapproving frown. "Claire was much the sa at your age." He gestured to Andre and Richard. "Regardless, you don't have to worry about those two. I've already given them benefits."
I glanced at my cousin and his bodyguard. They both nodded.
"In that case, I will be shaless and gladly accept your gift, Grandfather Gabriel," I said.
My great-grandfather rolled his eyes, before pulling out an inventory ring and tossing it to .
"Here," he said. "Consider the ring a gift as well. I noticed that you didn't have one yourself."
Perfect. I needed an inventory ring. In the beginning, I intended to buy one using the money I earned from adventuring. However, with an invasion from the Infernal Lands looming on the horizon, I decided to forgo my pride and buy one using my allowance money. However, thanks to Grandfather Gabriel's generosity, I didn't need to anymore.
I bound the inventory ring to , before checking its contents. In addition to the iron-backed turtle's heart, the ring also contained several high quality Spirit Elixirs and a set of enchanted leather armor. My previous set had been destroyed during the battle for Icefall City, so I needed a new suit. However, with everything going on, I had been putting it off.
"You're a rather generous old man," I said, facing Grandfather Gabriel once more.
He snorted.
"That's for your protection," he said. "Andre isn't the only one who needs to grow stronger. Your actions have angered Clan Leone. They'll target you. However, thanks to your engagent to the young mistress of Clan Thorne, they'll have to use underhanded ans."
I nodded.
"I suspected that might happen," I said, before smirking. "It's beco sothing of a family tradition to ruin important engagents for Clan Leone. First my mother did it, and now so have I."
Andre choked when he heard that, while Grandfather Gabriel barked out a laugh.
"Indeed," the latter said. "Now then, do you have any questions for ? My ti is limited, but I can spare so for you." He held up a finger. "Take care. Asking questions of a Sixth Star martial artist is a rare opportunity for soone at your level."
I pretended to mull it over for a mont.
"May I et my great-grandmother, Sky Leone?" I asked.
Grandfather Gabriel gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"That isn't a good idea," he said. "I don't know what you've heard, but your great-grandmother is a reclusive woman. More often than not, she's in seclusion. Even when she's not, she doesn't like interacting with others. She sotis shuts herself away from , and I'm her husband."
"Please," I said. "It's important."
Grandfather Gabriel narrowed his eyes and released a bit of killing intent. Andre paled, and even Richard looked a little afraid.
"Gabriel," Andre said, sounding nervous. "Don't push things too far."
"You should listen to your cousin," Grandfather Gabriel said, his voice laced with anger.
Interesting. There was more going on with my great-grandmother than Grandfather Gabriel was letting one. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so protective of her. However, I needed to et with Sky Leone. She was my only connection to Teacher in this world, and I refused to back down. Thankfully, I ca prepared.
"In that case, you leave no other choice." I said, pulling out the token that I received from Grand Elder Luther.
Grandfather Gabriel's nostrils flared the mont he saw the token.
"Where did you get that?" he snapped.
I bared my teeth at him in a smile.
"Grand Elder Luther of Clan Thorne," I said. "He told that Grandmother Sky owed him a favor. I want to use that favor in order to et with her."
As soon as I finished speaking, Grandfather Gabriel released killing intent so strong that I found it difficult to breathe. Everyone else at the table started trembling.
"Why do you want to et with Sky?" Grandfather Gabriel demanded.
"I believe she's connected to my teacher," I said through gritted teeth.
I saw no reason to hide the truth at this point.
"Excuse ?" Grandfather Gabriel asked.
"I also practice the Mist Sword style."
A beat of silence passed, before Grandfather Gabriel retracted his killing intent.
"Prove it," he said, giving a suspicious look.
I nodded, before using [Concealing Mist] and breathing out a small wisp of white mist. Grandfather Gabriel's eyes widened for a mont, before his expression hardened.
"Who are you?" he asked. "Where are you from?"
It took a mont to grasp his aning. He thought I was a transmigrator. I an, I was, though not the kind he knew.
"Gabriel Sturm," I said, smiling at him. "I was born here in Lumina. That's all that matters."
Grandfather Gabriel studied for several long monts. Andrew looked between us, confusion evident on his face.
"Very well," Grandfather Gabriel said. "Give that token and I'll bring it to Sky. If she agrees to et with you, I will take you to her."
I gave him a skeptical look.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?" I asked. "There's nothing stopping you from taking the token and not giving it to Grandmother Sky."
Grandfather Gabriel gave an irritated look.
"I'm a man of my word, you brat," he said. "Just give the token before I smack you."
With so reluctance, I handed the token over to Grandfather Gabriel.
"If Grandmother Sky asks," I said. "Tell her that my teacher was a shrew."
To my surprise, Grandfather Gabriel didn't look confused. Instead, he let out a resigned sigh.
"I suspected as much," he said. "Fate truly works in mysterious ways."
I blinked at him in surprise. Wait, he knew what I ant by that?
"I must go now," Grandfather Gabriel said, standing up. "Enjoy the rest of your tea."
He leapt off the balcony and disappeared from sight before any of us could react. A mont later, Andre gave a stunned look.
"What just happened?" he asked, a little dazed.
I shrugged, before drinking the last of my tea.
"I'll tell you later," I said. "For now, let's head back to the House Sturm townhouse and get you two settled in."
With that, the four of us headed out and left Sunheart Undercity.
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