As dusk settled over the sect, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Eric stood alone in the secluded corner of the herb garden, the weight of his lineage and duty heavy on his shoulders. The night was still, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. In his hand, he held the small bead, the link to his long-lost kin, the surviving members of the Lionheart clan.
He gazed at the bead, contemplating the message he needed to send. This was more than just a communication; it was a vow, a promise from a son of the Lionheart clan to those who had suffered and waited in silence.
Closing his eyes, Eric focused his Qi, channeling it through his body and into the bead in his palm. The air around him shimmered with energy, a visible manifestation of his concentration and power. Slowly, he began to speak, his voice low but firm.
"To my kin, the survivors of the Lionheart clan," he began, his words imbued with Qi, ensuring they would be preserved within the bead. "It is I, Eric, your kinsman who has been long separated from you. I have received your message and now know of your survival and your refuge."
The garden around him seemed to hold its breath as he continued. "I ask you to hold on a little longer, to remain hidden and safe. The time for our reunion and resurgence has not yet come, but it approaches with each passing day."
Eric's voice held a mix of resolve and pain. "I promise you, on the honor of our ancestors and the blood we share, that I will avenge the wrongs done to us. I will restore the glory and honor of the Lionheart cult. Our name will once again be spoken with respect and awe."
He opened his eyes, the intensity of his emotions giving strength to his words. "Stay strong and stay hidden. Gather your strength, for when we reunite, it will be the dawn of a new era for our cult. This I vow as your kinsman, as a Lionheart."
Releasing his Qi, Eric felt the bead pulse with energy, a sign that his message had been sealed within it. At that moment, the same eagle-like bird that had delivered the bead swooped down, landing gracefully on a nearby branch.
Eric held out the bead, and the bird, with an intelligence that seemed almost human, gently took it in its beak. With a nod to Eric, as if understanding the gravity of its task, the bird took flight, disappearing into the growing darkness of the night.
Watching the bird vanish into the night sky, Eric felt a mixture of relief and heaviness in his heart. He had made a promise, a vow that he intended to keep, no matter the cost. The fate of the Lionheart clan rested on his shoulders, and he was determined to lead them back to their rightful place in the cultivation world.
_
In the stillness of the night, under a tapestry of stars, Eric silently made his way to Ria's room. The sect was asleep, its disciples lost in dreams of glory and conquest, unaware of the quiet footsteps echoing through the corridors. Reaching her door, he paused, gathering his thoughts before entering.
Ria, expected to see Eric at such a late hour, greeted him with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I know that you will come. Did you receive the news?" she asked, her eyes reflecting the soft moonlight streaming through the window.
"yes. I came to talk about the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves. Princess Lanner wants me to accompany her along with her servants on this journey," Eric began, his voice low.
Ria's expression changed to one of realisation. "Yeah, That's a relief," she said, "the Patriarch announced today in the royal hall that all core disciples, including myself, are going there for training."
Eric's eyes brightened at this news. "That's excellent," he said, a hint of relief in his tone. "It's a perfect opportunity for us to prepare you for the Royal Arena competition."
Ria nodded, still processing the significance of the training. "But why is everyone so excited about the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves?" she asked, her brows furrowed in genuine curiosity.
Eric settled on the soft bed, his demeanor turning thoughtful. "Even though I've never been there myself, I've read about the place. The Azure Dragon Echoing Caves are under the control of the Dany sect, a first-rank sect with over ten thousand disciples. The caves themselves are extraordinary, formed from the skeleton of an ancient azure dragon."
Ria leaned forward, her interest piqued. "A dragon's skeleton?" she echoed, intrigued.
"Yes," Eric continued. "The caves wind along the dragon's skeleton, from its head to its tail. The dragon's bones are believed to enrich the area with an abundance of Qi. It's said that the caves near the "dragon's head" possess a special energy field, helpful to breakthroughs in cultivation level's."
Ria absorbed the information, a sense of wonder in her eyes. "That explains the excitement. A place like that could be pivotal for a cultivator's progress."
Eric nodded. "Exactly. Training there could give you an edge in the competition, especially given the intense energy field. It's a rare opportunity for anyone, let alone a core disciple."
"The Patriarch mentioned the sect is investing a lot of resources for this training," Ria added. "I can see now why it's considered such a significant event."
Eric leaned back, his gaze meeting Ria's. "It's more than just training, Ria. This could be a turning point for you as your cultivation is low among all the core disciples. We need to make the most of these two weeks at the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves."
Ria's expression hardened with determination. "I understand. I won't disappoint you."
Eric's face softened, touched by her resolve. "I have no doubt you'll excel, Ria. Just don't burden yourself."
As the moon continued its silent journey across the sky, the two of them discussed strategies and preparations for the upcoming training.
_
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Your's lovingly,
PETERPAN