“How dare you make a scene at Sacred Plaza?!” the guard rasped. “This ground is the holiest in Celestia. No human cultivator will profane it!”
“Holiest?” Jared chuckled, raised one finger laced with spiritual energy, and touched the ground.
A golden spark leaped. With a concussion like thunder, the plaza split open, a bottomless fissure veining outward in jagged webs. A terrifying aura seeped through.
The guard stumbled back, face bloodless. His spear clattered away. Terror filled his eyes.
No… No Earthly immortal Realm Level One cultivator could unleash power!
“Tell me if I’m worthy now,” Jared said, voice calm as falling ash. Shaking, the guards sprang aside. “W-Worthy… Yes… Please… Please enter…”
Seeing this, Yuliana watched, stunned. Jared was no pawn backed by hidden backers. The modest cultivation level displayed was a mask, and had nearly judged by it.
They stepped into Sacred Plaza. Chanting halted as every celestial cultivator turned.
Robes rustled, whispers rose. An ordinary Earthly Immortal Realm Level One human cultivator was walking beside Yuliana. Confusion mixed with scorn in countless staring eyes.
Whispers flared across the crowd like sparks on dry straw.
“Who in the world is that stranger, matching pace with Yuliana?”
“Word is escorted the princess home,” someone answered, voice thick with doubt. “Ranked only Earthly Immortal Realm Level One, nothing more…”
“Earthly Immortal Realm Level One?” Another scoffed. “How dare set foot here, the holiest ground in Celestia?”
The low chatter rose and fell in waves. The eyes of celestial cultivators narrowed, each gaze dripping with contempt.
Jared stood unfazed, his attention drawn instead to the colossal divine totem that ruled the plaza’s heart.
The divine totem bore an austere face, a scepter raised in benediction. Intricate divine markings carved across its robes pulsed with tangible celestial power, coloring the very air with silver motes.
From the divine markings, Jared sensed a note of familiarity, a half-remembered scent of thunder and sealed storms.
The divine markings etched upon the divine totem echoed those on the stolen Roaring Storm Bell. They both contained sealing power.
He turned to the woman beside and asked, “Ms. Fiala, what material did Celestia use for this divine totem?”
Yuliana blinked, then answered, “Godfall Gold from the celestial realm. It brims with celestial power, ideal for divine totems. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious,” Jared said, masking the truth behind a mild smile.
Godfall Gold with celestial power, it’s also used to strengthen seals, and the stolen Roaring Storm Bell…
These threads tie tighter than chance. The demonic souls are breaking the seal… Celestia‘s divine totem seems to have a similar seal aura… Does Celestia have anything to do with Roaring Storm Bell’s seal?
A sudden hush rolled outward as an elder in gilded vestments opened his eyes atop the ceremonial dais.
His beard and hair were winter-white, his skin lined like old parchment, yet the aura coiled around was unfathomable. It was the aura of Human immortal Realm.
He was Aurelius, sovereign of Celestia.
Human immortal Realm…
Realizing this, Jared’s pulse quickened.
That places above Drystan and even Abbot Inflnides. No wonder this realm sits unchallenged upon such a vast and fertile land. With Aurelius on the throne, who would dare contest it, even Roaring Storm Church must tread lightly…
The realization settled over Jared like the weight of a drawn blade.
Aurelius let his gaze sweep the plaza before fixing on Jared. Surprise flickered, then vanished behind regal calm. “Yuliana, is this the cultivator who returned the princess?”
Yuliana stepped forward, bowing with practiced grace. “Yes, Your Majesty. This is Jared Chance. He delivered Her Highness safely to Celestia City.”
Aurelius inclined his head and said to Jared, “Mr. Chance, you have our gratitude. Speak your desire, and Celestia shall oblige.”
