The secluded valley quivered with an ominous energy as Saraphim staggered under the impact of a heavy whirlwind blow. Her descent towards the ground was arrested by a mysterious figure, shrouded in the chaos of the assault. Coughing blood, she managed to gaze up and utter a single word, "Father."
"Baby owlet," came the measured response, revealing the identity of her assailant. Suspense hung in the air, punctuated by the connection between father and daughter.
"What happened? You look weak," the old man observed, genuine concern etched on his face. Saraphim, still in his grasp, greeted him formally, acknowledging his status as an elder in Stage 7.
"Tell me, daughter, what's wrong?" he inquired, his penetrating gaze seeking answers amid the whirlwind of confusion.
Attempting to shift the focus, Saraphim noticed a golden box from the rare Wuohrah Valley in his possession. She inquired about it, and in response, he materialized it into the air, the golden glow illuminating their tense surroundings.
"Tell me what happened," he insisted, his demeanor turning serious. Saraphim, with a hint of fear, revealed the theft of her energy core by Elara.
"Who's she?" he queried, unfamiliar with the malevolent force that had infiltrated their sect.
"A stage 4 semi-goddess, an evil cultivator in my sect," Saraphim explained, her words carrying urgency and concern.
"You can't do anything within the heavenly realm rules and regulations," she said sadly, a note of resignation in her voice.
"Who makes the rules and regulations? We, the elders, make them. I won't stand idly; I'll bend the law for you," he declared, brushing aside the constraints of tradition in favor of familial loyalty and justice.
As the gravity of Saraphim's plight hung in the air, Aurelian and Raven materialized in, unaware of the unfolding drama. However, before anyone could fathom the shift, the old man launched a sudden attack on Aurelian, surprising both Saraphim and Raven. The unexpected assault sent shockwaves through the valley, an eruption of tension and betrayal that transformed the chapter into a captivating tale of unforeseen alliances and veiled motivations.