Aurelian and Raven materialized into the valley, the air heavy with anticipation. Suddenly, the old man launched a surprising attack, catching everyone off guard. As the chaos unfolded, Aurelian found himself in the crosshairs of the unexpected assault.
"I told you that our eyes would surely meet one day, as vulture proverbs," the old man declared, conjuring a massive magical fire blow.
"I don't understand, sir," Aurelian stammered in fear. In a desperate attempt to counter, he employed his heavy waters magic to drain the colossal fire. However, the energy embedded in the magic proved overwhelming, causing him to stumble and fall.
"Oh, you think you can vanish and escape, you evil cultivator," the old man taunted. He proceeded to craft dangerous magic fire arrows infused with wind flame. Saraphim and Raven were shocked; everyone knew Aurelian was not evil. As the arrows shot towards him, Aurelian, with a swift motion, guarded against them, but not without leaving a visible mark.
"I don't know you, you old man. We've never met before. Screw you!" Fueled by anger, Aurelian charged at the old man, only to be unexpectedly pinned down. Despite being in Stage 3, Aurelian found himself unable to match the cultivation level of the seasoned elder.
"You don't remember me? You and your team," the old man accused, creating a sword with magic. "You were ruthless among them, attacking a level 20 fox creature and draining its soul. When you saw me, you fled," he continued, attempting to pierce the sword through Aurelian's heart.
"I swear..." Aurelian's words were abruptly interrupted by Saraphim and Raven.
"Old one, it's a mistake," Raven interjected.
"Mistake!?" The old man, visibly surprised, withdrew his sword.
"Yeah, he's not the owner of the body," Saraphim clarified. With this revelation, the old man released his grip on Aurelian, who collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.
"He reincarnated into this body?" the old man inquired.
"Yes," Saraphim affirmed.
"He is from the crah realm, reincarnated here. I once saw his soul in a red-haired boy when I was a young messenger traveling to the realm. Then we met; the mark of reincarnation is on his back, just as the ancient book foretold," Saraphim explained.
"No one is to be reincarnated except the chosen," the old man declared.
"Chosen," echoed both Raven and Saraphim, underscoring the weight of the revelation. Even Raven, who had already know pretend to be surprised