Recalling his past made his night a bit worse than it has been. Seth didn't want to keep remembering his complicated past, so he turned around and tried to get some sleep.
Blazing Phoenix Palace
The Sect Master of the Blazing Phoenix Sect had his hands full of invitation formularies. Writing rows and rows of important names on each and attaching some Fire Labyrinth tokens on them.
One would think that a Sect Master should be enjoying his life, delegating all his work and only touching the matters that concerns the sect the most; or simply be forever in a closed doors cultivation. But here it was, Huo Shihong, Lilian's and Yuyin's father, swamped in a column of paper, working his ass off to invite every single important power within his territory to take part on the upcoming adventure.
He had a really good reason to be this excited. They had discovered on their last exploration ten years ago on the Labyrinth, a chamber. The problem was that they couldn't open it. The formation didn't bulge even after they put all their effort trying to break it open. From some records, he learned that something related with the Phoenix Divine beast would probably be inside there.
As the third strongest country residing on the southern part of the continent, the pressure they suffered started to rise. The Blazing Phoenix Country was a normal country many years ago, their sudden rise in prowess alerted everyone. The resources they acquired from the Fire labyrinth and their rapid growth generated lots of greedy stares.
Huo Shihong knew that what the Blazing Phoenix acquired would invoke greed from other people, he wasn't so naive to think that in this dog-eat-dog world a fat sheep like they were, would be left alone. So, he would do whatever it takes to get them stronger before any calamity befalls.
He wouldn't let anyone with bad intentions target his sect or anyone he treasured, so he sped up his plans inviting all forces within his command to join them on this next expedition and break that chamber, acquiring whatever treasures and resources that were inside. There was even a spec of hope to find more information about their thin Phoenix bloodline.
He wouldn't let anyone spoil his plans, so the information about the chamber was only known to his core family members. Only his wife, daughters and brothers knew about it. The outside powers that would receive the invitation, would only be informed about the reason they were invited on the right time.
The door to his office opened and two men entered inside. Huo Shihong didn't try stop them or anything because they were his elder and younger brothers, the ones he trusted the most.
"Brothers, it's good to see you." Huo Shihong smiled and gestured them to take a sit.
These three brothers were very similar, their sharp eyebrows, short hair, their straight posture that was an indicative of their status and their mature disposition were all alike. The only visual difference would be that Huo Shihong and the first brother Huo Shifen had a very vivid red hair color they inherited from their mother and the third brother Huo Shikai had a light brown hair color he inherited from their father.
The third brother was the son of a concubine as such, he was a bit different from his brothers. Huo Shikai was Huo Jianhong's father. These three gave off a middle-aged men vibe and actually their looks were just like that too. But looks can be deceiving as they were at least two hundred years old. At the Mana Perception Realm, one could live at least three hundred years and they were at that realm of power.
After they took their seat Huo Shihong asked: "Brother, how are the preparations going?"
"On our side everything is ready. The elders and core disciples were informed they are all required to take part at the expedition and the preparations have been completed." Huo Shifen said.
"Good then, since we just have one month left, I'll start to send these invitation letters to the top powers in our country." Huo Shihong then turned to Huo Shikai and asked: "Third brother, do you have anything to report?"
"Ahaha, it's nothing much brother, just that the troublesome girl destroyed another house in the inner court."
"Sigh... It's the third time this year, I guess I'll have to keep her in check."
Huo Shihong took a device from hist storage ring, it had a little formation designed to send long distance messages. He activated the formation and said: "Lilian my beautiful daughter, that friend of yours is causing trouble again, could you help me and check her situation? I got my hands full of work now."
After sending the message he waited for thirty seconds or so and his device started vibrating.
After he activated the formation again a voice sound left from it.
"Alright father, I'll go visit her."
After discussing some strategies and making some other plans, they ended the discussion and each brother went their way to resume their earlier activities.
Huo Shikai went back to his house. When he got there, he saw his son Huo Jianhong and noticed he wasn't acting like normal.
"Son, is there something bothering you?"
"Father!" Huo Jianhong paid his respect and said: "It's nothing father... Just a bug that has been bothering me."
"Hahaha, don't worry son, soon no one will bother you again." His smile was turning a bit sinister.
"I can't wait for it, hehehe." This pair of father and son were bad news.
"Father, I have a request."
"Say it."
"I want to bring the "Firebrand" with me when I enter the labyrinth." He instantly kneeled while asking.
Huo Shikai mood suddenly sunk, his eyes got sharper and his look was severe.
Jianhong started to feel a heavy pressure on his shoulder, as if he was holding the entire world on his back, but then, it all vanished.
"Alright, I will allow it."
"Really?" Huo Jianhong stood up excited.
"I'm happy today, so why not? HAHAHAHA."
If their plans succeeded the entire sect would belong to them, so he was generously gifting his son, a good opportunity to make a good show and raise his reputation.