Thud!Pain shot through Benjamin's body, almost as if he were on the verge of breaking apart. Grimacing, he quickly pushed himself up, taking in his new surroundings.To his surprise, he found himself within a secret chamber, dimly lit. Despite his keen eyesight, it took him a while to discern the details around him.The chamber, considerably smaller than the hall above, had bare walls. But right at its center stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested a metallic plaque.Upon sighting the pedestal and the plaque, caution washed over Benjamin. Unsure of any potential traps, he was however without any means of escape.After a brief hesitation, he approached the stone platform with the utmost caution. Once certain of no imminent danger, he gingerly lifted the metal plaque.The moment his fingertips made contact, a chilling sensation washed over him, so intense that Benjamin nearly shivered in response. Fortunately, the icy sensation dissipated as quickly as it came. Only then did Benjamin
In the embrace of a timeless twilight, Benjamin, after what felt like an eternity of fleeing, found himself confronted by the ominous maw of a dark, looming cave. From within its depths, there emanated intermittent wisps of a chilling, black mist, thicker and more sinister than any he'd encountered before. This cave was noticeably distant from the last one where Benjamin had discovered the sinister Crimson Devil Confinement Technique.Pausing to gather his thoughts, he hesitated just before the cave's entrance. As his gaze briefly skimmed its interior, he realized that despite the day not yet surrendering to night, he could discern nothing within its shadows. Even straining his vision did not reveal the slightest hint of its contents.It was evident: some powerful seal or spell concealed the cave's mysteries. Given Benjamin's exceptional sight, it was unthinkable that he couldn't see into its heart otherwise. Moreover, the restrained ebb and flow of the dark aura oozing from within wa
"Commander, to blame them entirely would be unjust. Who could have foreseen the gravity of this situation?"After a tense pause, a tall, slender young man with a certain steely determination on his face stood up and addressed the Chief Commander, General Jeffrey Harris.But Jeffrey’s mood was hardly assuaged. His face still shadowed with a tinge of anger, he huffed: "Unforeseen? A mere oversight and they're absolved? Do you realize who those soldiers are? The future pillars of our nation! And just because you didn't anticipate, they were thrust into peril. Had it not been for Benjamin leading the squad, would we not have lost the lot?"With each word, Jeffrey's rage seemed to intensify, his glare challenging each seated officer. But they collectively averted their eyes, their collective silence speaking volumes.In the end, Jeffrey, unable to contain his frustration, finally erupted: "Enough! Reflect on your actions. Within a day, I expect remedial plans. Any further discrepancies, an
"Isabella, why are you here?"Upon realizing the occupant was not Olivia but his wife-in-name, Isabella, a sense of foreboding crept into Benjamin's heart, causing him to exclaim aloud.Yet hearing Benjamin’s cry, a look of astonishment crossed Isabella's face. She looked up, her eyes shimmering with an odd emotion."Why are you here?"At her words, Benjamin’s face stiffened. It then struck him that their marital ties remained unbroken. Though Isabella harbored no feelings for him, hadn’t she always been loyal?Hoping to clarify, he quickly explained: "I was searching for a friend. And you?""Likewise, seeking a friend."Their conversation faltered, an awkward silence enveloping the room. Eventually, unable to bear the tension, Benjamin blurted: "Isabella, where is my friend?"Locking eyes with him, Isabella replied coldly: "I don't know. She was gone when I arrived."Benjamin's brow furrowed in concern. He had distinctly instructed Venn and Noam to ensure Olivia’s well-being. Yet, th
One couldn't fault Violet for her astonishment. After all, these fruits had vanished from the world for tens of thousands of years. Witnessing such a bounty now, especially as a legendary alchemist herself, it was inevitable that she'd be overwhelmed.Observing her reaction, Benjamin fell into contemplative silence. Internally, he was filled with remorse. Had he known their immense value earlier, he would never have frivolously used them, or generously gifted one to each person as a vital essence supplement. Such prodigality was a tragic waste.Regrettably, the complete knowledge of the Phoenix legacy eluded him. And he had accessed the Celestial Palace's legacy a tad too late. As such, he now possessed only a handful of the Thousand-Year Fruit, enough to make just about a dozen potions or so.Certainly, if Violet could successfully concoct the legendary spiritual pill, Benjamin would feel profoundly fortunate for himself.After all, in one of Violet's furnaces, she could craft over a
Witnessing Ronald's demeanor, a slight furrow formed on Griselda's brow. Even Benjamin's face betrayed a hint of curiosity, his gaze inquisitively shifting towards the young man opposite."Hmph, do you believe you're worthy to even inquire about Brother Martin's title? Just so you know, he is the direct disciple of my master and the sole heir to the Lotus Palace's lordship, Michael Martin!"Upon uttering these words, the young lady's face exuded a hint of smugness, as if the person being spoken of was herself, and not the young man beside her.Hearing this revelation, the gathered guests exchanged glances, their eyes a mix of astonishment and doubt.Only Ronald, beads of perspiration forming on his brow, turned a shade paler."Martin... Young Master Michael?"Outside, many might remain ignorant of the Lotus Palace. However, Ronald, being the manager of the New Groot hotel, was particularly familiar with the lord of the Lotus Palace.Hence, recognizing the title of the young man before
Although these thoughts consumed him, Michael's gaze was locked onto Griselda. The aura of a grandmaster, formidable and rare, began emanating from him, causing Griselda's face to pale considerably.To be fair, Griselda hadn't expected this seemingly bookish youth, whose appearance gave an impression of ineptness, to be an unparalleled grandmaster, even potentially surpassing her grandfather. This revelation made her feel like she had disturbed a hornet's nest. She hastily sought Benjamin's figure, hoping for assistance.However, to her dismay, Benjamin had disappeared. Her complexion grew even more ashen, and internally, she was hurling curses at Benjamin."What's transpired here? Why are you all standing around? Why not head to the elevator for the auction?"A melodious voice, clear as a brook, suddenly pierced through from behind, diverting everyone's attention.Emerging was a ravishing figure, a young woman seemingly in her mid-twenties. Dressed simply in black trousers and a whit
Truthfully, all present were aware that despite the Vessel's historical significance, its energy had long since waned. Its practical use was minimal. Yet, seeing the two magnates fervently outbidding each other, the audience was thoroughly entertained.Sitting amidst the crowd, Benjamin wore an enigmatic expression. He gazed at the Octagonal Melodious Vessel placed upon a wooden tray, lost in a tumult of emotions."Intriguing. Do you desire to contest in this bidding war alongside them?" Griselda's velvety voice whispered, almost lost amidst the hum of conversations around them. She glanced surreptitiously at Benjamin, her eyes searching his face for a hint of his intentions."Hmm?" His eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. Meeting her gaze, he replied with a hint of incredulity: "It's merely a commonplace bowl. Why would I squander my resources on such a triviality, even if I had the wealth?"Her face revealed a shadow of doubt: "If they were to overhear your disdain, I wonder, would the