“A little,” Lyra admitted, nodding once. “Then let me ease it…” Jared’s hand settled with careful pressure, kneading away the lingering ache with slow, steady circles.
Lyra had meant to protest, but the gentle warmth of his touch sent a soothing tremor through limbs. Her eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the quiet comfort they shared.
After some time, Jared found his hand dripping wet. There and then, knew it was time to take things to the next level. Accompanied by Lyra’s soft moan, Jared thrust inside.
At first light, a pale silver washed over Sword Sect’s square. Disciples gathered in orderly rows, their breath fogging the chill dawn.
Corin, Ararat, and Kishor stood at the fore. Dozens of Sword Sect disciples formed ranks behind them. Lyra waited at Corin’s side, fingers white around a small cloth bundle. Though eyes brimmed with longing, refused to let a single tear fall.
Jared and Flaxseed stepped into the square’s center clad in fresh robes, travel packs slung across their backs, each pouch heavy with potions and resources.
Jared stepped forward, cloak stirring around his boots like a dark plume of smoke, and offered Corin a deep, formal bow. When straightened, his voice carried the weight of the oath was about to take.
“Master Morden, Flaxseed and I are setting out for level six, and there is no telling when we might return. All of Sword Sect’s affairs will rest on your shoulders until that day comes,” said with careful reverence.
Corin answered with a quiet nod. Then, moving with the calm precision of an elder who had weathered centuries of storms, drew a jade vial from his item pouch and pressed it into Jared’s hand.
“Inside are thirty Focus Pill,” said, his tone low yet firm. “During battle, they will steady your spirit and shield you from demonic energy. Level six seethes with hidden blades. Keep yourself alive.”
Jared accepted the vial as though it were a crystal cradling starlight, both hands closing around it with solemn gratitude.
“My thanks, Master Morden,” said, each syllable weighted with respect.
Turning next to Flaxseed, Corin produced an item pouch, its drawstring embroidered with silver runes. “Mr. Flaxseed, these are prime materials for charms. You’re an expert in charm spells, so these might come in handy.”
Flaxseed’s grin flashed like a torch In mist. “Much obliged, Corin! Once I’ve recovered my family members’ divine souls, I’ll be back to drain a few flasks with you, count on it!”
Stepping forward with a time-worn map spread across both hands, Ararat said, “Mr. Chance, the chessboard of level six is nothing like the simpler games we play on level five…”
“Celestial Palace’s Sixth Hall has a strong foundation there. When you arrive, seek Abbot Infinides at Roaring Storm Church. You two share history, will not refuse you. Beyond that lies a place called Celestia, populated entirely by celestial cultivators. Celestial Palace’s Sixth Hall draws its strength from the same lineage. Should you strike at the hall, be prepared. Celestia may well extend its hand.”
Jared’s brows knit in cautious surprise. “Celestia?”
Ararat nodded. “So the stories tell. Past level six, the number of celestial cultivators increases. Tread lightly.”
Jared inclined his head. “I understand…”
He rolled the brittle map shut, eyes briefly scanning the inked constellations of sects and empires that waited on level six.
“Jared, I pledged three centuries of service at your side, and I meant every breath of it… But…” Kishor said.
He glanced down at Alice, fingers resting on still-slender belly. His voice was roughened by reluctance when continued, “Alice is expecting. I can’t travel far and wide while carries our child…”
Jared’s astonishment flickered to life. “Already? That’s remarkable!”
Among ordinary folk, a single night could kindle new life. Cultivators, however, lived by defying the heavens, their altered bodies resisted creation even as they cheated death. Many who shared dual cultivation partners across a hundred cities never welcomed a child into their lives.
That Kishor and Alice had conceived so swiftly was nothing short of a miracle.
Kishor shrugged, bashful and proud in equal measure. “Don’t ask me how… It just happened.”
Jared’s smile softened. “Then my congratulations. When the child is born, I’ll be there to toast the two of you.”
Alice’s eyes shone. “We owe that joy to you, Mr. Chance. Had you not purged the Demonic Cultivation techniques from my body, I would never have conceived.”
She then slipped a finely carved token into his palm. “Whispers Tower keeps a branch on level six. Present my token, and every secret they hold becomes yours.”
The token, lacquered midnight wood ringed by delicate moons, rested against Jared’s skin, cool and full of promise.
“Thank you, Alice,” said, closing his fingers over the gift. Corin exhaled, as though sealing the moment in amber. “All has been said. The road ahead is razor-thin, yet I have faith you will return to us…”
