Sifir enters the room with Beyond Blue. The room was a good size to fit about ten people. The room was simple, featuring a floor of cherry peach oakwood, which emits a calming aroma that can soothe the mind. Even though cherry peach oakwood is low grade for natural treasures. Cherry peach oakwood is soft enough for furniture and sturdy enough for floors.
A figure stood by the tempering bath, clad in a light sage robe with dark yellow trim; this distinguished lady was known as Herbalist Litework. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, yet there was an undeniable charm about her that enveloped a person in warmth. She chose not to look back, focusing instead on the tempering bath before her.
"The bath will be ready in 30 minutes."
Across the room, a man quietly scribbled intricate designs around the bath, lost in thought. This individual's hair was untamed and disheveled, and his attire was unclean and chaotic. This individual is known as Scatter Breeze, holding the esteemed position of Array Master at the 3rd rank. A distinguished expert in arrays and formations within the Midnight Clan. Within the Liger culture, there is a stronger emphasis on hand-to-hand combat rather than advanced spiritual practices.
"Yes. Yes. The bath will be ready in 30 minutes. Litework, you're always so quick."
"Unlike you, Scatter Breeze, I have more important things to do, like creating a new formula for stronger bloodline serum."
"You can call yourself a herbalist, but you're more of a blood doctor. Always talking about how this strand does this and how that strand does that. Why can't you let us be?"
"Funny, you do the same thing your about ancient rune does this and how this array can do that. Give it a rest."
Sifir and Beyond Blue just stare and watch as both elders argue with each other. Either Sifir or Beyond Blue dares to interrupt and be scolded for no reason.
Before the two elders could continue, the first elder came into the room and spotted Sifir standing there, watching two grown adults arguing like two snotty brats.
"Cough."
Litework and Scatter Breeze ceased their disagreement and respectfully acknowledged the presence of the first elder. Yet, the first elder merely gazed at Sifir's broken form and released a deep, weary sigh. The first elder exited the room quietly, offering no words throughout the entire moment. Litework and Scatter Breeze complete their tasks and then exit the room.
Beyond Blue helps Sifir dip his broken body into a bubbling hot herbal bath to start the healing process. Sifir knew the pain would be this intense. But he didn't know it would be this unimaginable.
A languid, humorless chuckle echoed in Sifir's ear. The enigmatic voice continued to chuckle, seemingly amused by everything around it. "I neglected to mention that this experience can be excruciating, to the extent that you might feel like giving up, but rest assured, you won't. This is undoubtedly the most effective method to heal your body swiftly, and you'll find it impossible to acclimate to it. It will perpetually seem as though it's the inaugural experience."
Sifir could only grip the side of the bath while listening to the mysterious voice.
"The necessity of this tempering bath stems from the fact that your foundation was already fragile prior to your physical limitations. You have been observing the development of human cultivation and their thought processes. They possess their own inherent value. Clearly, such an approach isn't the best fit for you. Here is the correct method for cultivation in the Awakening Plane, grounded in six essential elements: the moon, the sun, and the stars. It began with metal—shaping bones; fire—shaping blood meridians; earth—refining muscle and skin; water—cleansing the blood; wind—refining the heart; air—shaping chi meridians; moon—creating the soul palace; sun—creating the will palace; and star—creating the mind palace."
"I will explain them more in depth when I wake up. I am going to sleep."
Sifir started gritting his teeth and couldn't hold back anymore, letting out a howl that could be heard from down the hallway. Sifir was fighting to keep himself awake.
He kept being persistent for one minute, five minutes passed, 15 minutes passed, and barely holding on after 30 minutes, Sifir could not hold on any longer.
Sifir's mind fell into darkness. Memories of events that happened three and a half years ago started playing out like watching a movie unfold.
----
Reading a report that lies on the desk. The figure, with a medium-built body and sharp eyes like blades, had his hair pulled back into a ponytail, was dressed in loose-fitting clothing, and had a simple design on his right chest. This was Patriarch Murda of the Midnight Clan with his creased brows.
"This Elder has an impressive audacity with his request. Does the Elder genuinely believe that his avaricious intentions are a secret to anyone? Yet, this blatant strategy is undeniably brilliant. We are establishing a new unit and assembling exceptional talents to execute this endeavor. Regrettably, our clans are facing some challenges. Contact Sifir."
One must know that in the current time in the Midnight Clan, there are no such things as familiar bonds. Since the 2nd Great War, the Midnight clan has been in decline. Most of the blame has been laid at the feet of the founding father of the Midnight Clan, Messiyah. Even if the Midnight clan name can scare some of the smaller powers, it doesn't have the same deterrent power it once had. Now many powers are eyeing them with malicious intent, while others don't want to see the Midnight Clan rise again. Every Midnight Clan member proceeds with caution in everything they do.
An attendant yells out, "Yes, Patriarch."
A young cultivator walks in with a toned body, skin that looks like rusty brown metal, hair that is wild like the open plains, and eyes that are deep and black like the abyss, wearing a loose shirt with loose slack pants. This kid look like 6 years old.
It is essential to understand that magical beasts possess a unique aging process, distinct from that of monkeys and humans. For a liger, one year equates to five years in human terms. If this child were actually human. He will have reached the age of thirty. Nevertheless, the heavens maintain their impartiality in every aspect. Magical beast cultivation is undeniably far slower than that of humans and monkeys. Humans are on the verge of achieving a profound understanding of the heavenly Dao. The monkeys effortlessly navigate the dual realms of humans and magical beasts, showcasing an enviable superiority and merely a deficiency in intelligence.
"Sifir, do you know why I called you here?"
"Absolutely not, Patriarch." With a puzzled look on Sifir.
"Have a seat, Sifir. We will be going over a few things."
Sifir took a seat. Sifir looked directly into Mudra's eyes and saw a hint of seriousness in them. Sifir knew nothing good was coming from this conversation.
"Sifir, as you know, the Elder has been gathering many talents. And we got a request from the Elder for a new talent to join his new unit for an upcoming mission."
"Patriarch Murda, why are you requesting me to join his new unit?"
Patriarch Mudra gave Sifir a knowing look. If it was up to Murda, the Elder would receive nothing from his clan. Unfortunately, the Midnight Clan of today is not the same Midnight Clan of the past. Knowing when to push and when to pull back is key to leading a clan in troubled times.
"This is an opportunity, and it's clear that not everyone can recognize it. However, this opportunity presents a complex situation, a venture laden with significant risk. Your cultivation is passable. Given that you've managed to reach the Human Realm and possess battle prowess in the Flowing Water initial stage at your tender age, it's quite impressive, isn't it? This might be one of several reasons, but certainly not the only one."
In the back of Murda's mind, there was another reason. To have more firm control over the former overlord of the Ligers. The Elder is quite smart and greedy to use this ploy to capture many of the talents of other Liger clans. A slight frown and a disdain for the Elder that ran deep as the ocean was the look on Sifir's face.
"How much time do I have to prepare for this mission, Patriarch Murda?"
"Most likely you have less than forty-eight hours to arrive there. Before you go, here is a small spatial bag for your mission. Be careful and don't let your guard down."
"Oh, before I let you slip away, Sifir, there's an issue I must share with you. Let's discuss the power systems that are present in our nation and any other countries or continents you may find yourself exploring. It is widely understood that our clan once encompassed a multitude of houses, tribes, and clans, including the Thunder Panther Tribe and the Heavenly Lions Pride. Yet, these are merely a handful of instances of cultivators who are presently severing their connections with us or have chosen to disregard our insights."
Sifir nodded in agreement that this was common knowledge that most ligers should know and surrounding clans knew about. However, even though it is common, there was some hint in those easy and casual comments of something bigger.
"Sifir, it seems you have the opportunity to journey to the Everlasting Continent. If that is the case, then the supreme authority belongs to the clan of dragons, and currently, it is the Black Dragons who hold the reins of power. They possess an exceptionally formidable cultivator, unmatched by many. Kagayaku Kurai holds the title of Nine Dragon Empress, reigning supreme in the True Emperor Realm. It is imperative that you avoid any entanglements with the legions and clans that operate under their dominion. Here is a report on those clans and legions, as expected from someone of my stature."
"If you find yourself on a journey to the Burning Continent, the supreme authority belongs to the Phoenix Clan. They possess a top-tier warrior in True Emperor, much like the dragon clan does. They possess a fraction of the clans and legions compared to the dragons. However, they possess a sharper intellect and a greater awareness of the current events unfolding in the world. Here is yet another report for your review. These are the things you absolutely need to pay attention to. Considering the Burning Continent's greater distance from our position compared to the Everlasting Continent, it is crucial to pay attention to these details. This assessment presents details that are distinctly different from the previous one I provided, and I assure you, we are not facing the same level of conflict with them as we do with the dragons."
"You can leave now, Sifir."
"Patriarch, I will take my leave first and get ready for this mission."
Sifir took his leave from the patriarch's room. Sifir left quickly and did not give the Midnight Clan patriarch another look. Sifir pondered over the information the patriarch Murda had shared with him. Sifir understood that the patriarch's frequent references to those two continents and their overlord had a purpose. This might have something to do with the mission he was assigned to or where he might be going in the future.
---
The Elder faced a map, and there were many locations of importance highlighted.
"Elder, the request has been sent, and Sifir should be arriving in some time today."
The elder looks back at the messenger. "Good. Everything is proceeding as planned. You may leave now."
The messenger left without a word.
The elder had an amused smile after hearing the report. The old capital of the Liger Empire still holds many dangers and experts. The most important thing right now is how to crack both the Midnight and Night clans, the elder thought to himself.
"Come, unit 04."
"Yes, Elder."
"You will have a new member coming today or tomorrow. Most likely tomorrow."
"Yes, Elder."
"Do you know your mission?"
"Yes, Elder."
"Now rest and prepare to leave as soon as the new member comes. Remember, everything must go according to plan."
"Yes, Elder."
The three members of Unit 4 left the room. The elder seems pleased. However, the elder has always been a cunning and sly cultivator. To the Elder, all means were acceptable. The Elder looks in another place, and coldness flashes in the Elder's eyes.
"Unit 05, come."
"Yes, my lord. We hear your summons."
"Unit 05, You know your mission. Follow Unit 04. Don't be seen."
"Yes, my lord. We hear your order, and your command will be done."
The Unit 05 team left the room as quickly as it came.
The elder sat down and closed his eyes like he was entering a meditative state for cultivation. A dim glow came from the Elder body that spread throughout the room. One would think the Elder is pondering over many complicated matters. Never known as a fighter but proficient in scheming and gaining influence.
---
The scene unfolds in one of Sunchaser's main cities. A multitude of cultivators from various tribes gather to greet the new matriarch of Sunchaser. Many listeners were stunned to find out that Sunchaser made a change so quickly without any fanfare. This course of action left many clans stunned. They could foresee where things might head in the future.
So many clans, tribes, and houses that were big or small. Knowing that 1 good connection can be a blessing in times of trouble or curses. For them, marriage is always on the table until it is not, and strengthening their own position in their respective clans is a must.
In what could be a medium mansion in today's era of building. This place can only be called small to the ligers that are gathered here today.
While many elites and higher-ups of significance were trying to build connections to other ligers of power,. A small group of ligers in the younger generation is trying to entertain a young lady with a mixture of silver and white hair. She had two large braids in her hair and was dressed in casual attire. Giving a sense of peace and serenity when other tigers were around.
If one dares to look into her eyes, one could see that her eyes glow with an intense burning desire for battle and somewhat war-lust ready. This young beauty was Juda Sunchaser. The new matriarch of the House of Sunchaser.
"Matriarch Juda, congratulations on being the new leader!"
"Thank you, Gentle Winter. Please convey to your grandmaster that our Sunchaser is eager to pursue further cooperation in the near future. And your support to our clan will be needed in the future as well."
"I will let my grand master of our Winter Bliss Sect know the young matriarch Juda will."
With hurry, footsteps. A couple of ligers came up to Juda with a look of urgency.
"Matriarch!!!! The Elder has sent out a request to the Midnight clan."
With a sly grin on Judah's face. "No doubt the elder made such a request.
"What should we do?"
"Nothing at all. We will make preparations for when Sifir comes back from that mission. If he does, the Elder and the people in the shadow can't stop our plans. Make preparations in haste and do everything according to the Grand Elder's wishes as well. Since he also knows the details of the plan".
"Yes, Matriarch!"
"Oh, Elder, you think you are a sly one with all your plans and schemes. However, you are not the only one playing on this chessboard. It is amusing that a pawn thinks it is a chess player, unaware that regardless of how hard one tries, it will never escape the board and will always stay a chess piece. I have enough confidence in Sifir for him to come back alive."