Venn, slightly taken aback, immediately saluted: "Understood, sir!""Good, you may leave."As Venn's figure retreated, Benjamin's face eased slightly.He hadn't expected so many complications on this mission. The burning of the helicopters had stirred suspicions in him, suspicions which now seemed more valid than ever.By connecting recent events, he felt more convinced of a lurking danger.Relying solely on his soldiers, who were of average combat capabilities, for this treasure hunt, seemed like sending them into the jaws of death.Given the power the serpent-human creatures displayed, it was evident they were no less formidable than a master martial artist.What worried him more were the formidable entities deep inside the cavern, one of which exuded an aura that deeply unsettled him, reminding him of powerful figures he knew.Yet, these were merely speculations.The battle wasn't over, and there might be more lurking threats inside.These serpent-human creatures indeed seemed stra
After meticulously checking the locator's readings, Benjamin, with a deliberate slowness, released the water beetle into the whispering embrace of the river.Moments passed. The locator's feedback suggested an unobstructed path for the tiny creature. Time seemed to stretch out, a lazy river of inaction and stillness.Then, drawn as if by some silent siren, Benjamin began to move towards a hidden passage deep within the aquatic underworld, departing without haste.Yet, unbeknownst to him, within the cavern's shadowy depths, a figure raced towards a mysterious underground chamber. There, almost magically placed, stood a stone sarcophagus. Stranger still, curious artifacts surrounded the casket. Above, a ritual altar crowned the space, steps leading up towards the cavern's apex.Catching sight of this tableau, the eyes of a masked man glittered with palpable excitement.But then, instead of advancing further, his gaze drifted, and the edges of a fiendish smile played on his lips."Ho!"T
All was unexpected. Before the shadow could react, the light was upon it.Before it could flee, the phoenix's phantom rejoiced.It transformed into a luminescent streak, merging with the radiant beam.The shadow's visage betrayed fear, not anticipating such a formidable force hidden within Benjamin's consciousness.But now, escape seemed impossible.Thus, before the impending light struck, the shadow roared in defiance."No, I am the supreme Dark Deity, how can I perish so easily here? A..."In the end, a desolate scream echoed, and the shadow's essence vanished entirely.In the void of Benjamin's mind, a floating fireball emerged.Around it was a slightly ethereal apparition of the phoenix."Ah, consider this a twist of fate between us.With this last sliver of my consciousness, I'll awaken you!"These words came from the phoenix.Subsequently, like a flash, it plunged into the fireball, disappearing from sight.All this, Benjamin was oblivious to.Time wore on, and Benjamin was unaw
As Elmer faded into the distance, both Ancel and Caroline turned to Benjamin."Benjamin, you needn't risk this.In a few days, Caroline and I will assemble our team.We can scout ahead for you. What do you think?"Ancel, quite agitated, proposed.Upon hearing this, Benjamin immediately shook his head in refusal.“Captain, I've made my decision on this matter. You need not intervene. Furthermore, when do you two plan on having your wedding? It's been so long since I've attended one."Upon hearing these words from Benjamin, both Ancel and Caroline exchanged weary smiles. It was evident to them that Benjamin was skillfully dodging the topic at hand. However, with Benjamin having spoken thus, neither of them felt it was appropriate to press further.Yet, sitting at a distance, Olivia's countenance grew fraught with concern. From their conversation, she surmised that Benjamin might soon undertake a perilous mission. Could it somehow relate to his past injury? But in the company of others,
Their spirits, however, remained undeterred. A profound transformation was taking root within them. Though they might not emulate Venn's instantaneous rise to sagehood, with diligence and time, it wasn't an unattainable dream.In the world of martial arts, not everyone could touch the zenith of sagehood, especially in the military. Unless they were as exceptional as Benjamin or the former captains of the Dragon Guardians, blessed with unparalleled dedication and innate talent.But now, even with just a smidge of the diluted Thousand-Year Mystical Elixir, they were on a transformative journey, a privilege even some from the noble houses might envy.Benjamin's gesture wasn't merely a token of goodwill. He had grander visions: building a formidable battalion loyal only to him, ensuring no power would ever threaten him or use his loved ones as bargaining chips.But these thoughts remained unsaid, unshared. Benjamin believed actions spoke louder. He knew, if he treated his soldiers with re
"Why... why are you behind me?"From the tone, Benjamin deduced that this voice belonged to a young woman.However, he couldn't shake off a nagging suspicion. The woman's figure reminded him of someone who had once surreptitiously observed him and Andrea dining in a coffe.Yet, before he could voice his suspicions, the veiled woman gave him a fleeting glance, evaluating him before saying: "You're Andrea's boyfriend, aren't you? But I've heard you're married?"Caught off guard, Benjamin replied: "I'm not her boyfriend. I'm merely her colleague. And you? Why are you lurking outside rather than meeting your husband and daughter?"If this mysterious woman knew of his identity, Benjamin saw no need for pretenses.However, hearing Benjamin's words, Mrs. Ember was momentarily taken aback.She chuckled: "You might be mistaken. I am not the girl's mother. She lost her mother over two decades ago. I am just an old friend, back in town for some unfinished business."Without waiting for a reply,
For a moment, Benjamin's mind brimmed with a deluge of questions. Just then, Andrea descended from upstairs. Yet what caught Benjamin off-guard wasn't her presence, but her changed attire. From her demeanor, he surmised she'd sneakily ventured into her room to try something secretive.But before Benjamin could voice a response, Mr. Aylmer, stifling a cough, hurriedly covered his mouth.“Ahem…”“Father, are you coughing again?”Witnessing Mr. Aylmer's continuous cough, Andrea's stern countenance shifted to one of pure concern. Without hesitation, she rushed to his side, gently patting his back for comfort.“It’s... it’s nothing, my dear. Perhaps the recent weather fluctuations have aggravated an old ailment of mine." Mr. Aylmer managed to say, though his appearance suggested otherwise.Seeing this, Benjamin interjected with a hushed tone: "Sir, perhaps I could escort you to a hospital for a quick check-up? I know quite a few professionals at a nearby military hospital.”“That’s right,
At Brian's retort, Benjamin momentarily found himself at a loss for words.Yet, amid their conversation, Mrs. Ember's voice surged in alarm: "Elder brother, elder brother! Don't you recognize your own sister?"A guttural roar echoed in response. Following the roar, a cacophony of shattering noises reverberated, soon accompanied by an anguished howl. Benjamin and Brian rushed into the living room, apprehension evident in their strides.The scene inside was chaotic. Mrs. Ember, pale and shaken, stood cornered, while a middle-aged man with a twisted face clutched his bleeding abdomen. A cloud of suspicion overshadowed his gaze towards Mrs. Ember."Why... why did you try to kill me?" he rasped, voice trembling with pain.Mrs. Ember, panic evident in her eyes, cried out: "No! It wasn't me! It's him, he's the one trying to hurt you. I didn't... I truly didn't..."Suddenly, she collapsed onto the ground, discarding a blood-soaked knife and burying her face in her hands, weeping uncontrollabl