Two days have passed since Gabriel had woken from his month long cultivation, during these period of time, the powers within the region have gone frantic as the news of the failure of counter attack filled everyone's terror as almost 60% of the powerful experts that participated in the attack have died only few escaped the carnage.
And the news of ten rank 7 demons and the individual demon who seemed to be the leader of the group had a rank 8 shocked the country, especially the higher ups of the Kingdom of Rose, such strength is terrifying to beat as the country only have two rank 8 experts as well, the sect master of Celestial Phoenix Sect and the only protector of Rose kingdom.
The appearance of such demons have caused chaos as the population of the kingdom began to panic leaving the country in droves, even the sect's whose loyalty to the kingdom began waning, many weaker sect have disbanded and some branches of the mid-tier sect from outside the country have also moved their staff and disciples out of the country, thus lessening the strength of the Rose kingdom.
The once wealthy and powerful country have now become vulnerable to the attacks of outside forces, if it weren't from the demon attack many neighboring countries might want to expand their territories further in the Rose kingdom.
The only entity within the kingdom who's unbothered by this is the high tier sect of the rose kingdom, who had autonomous and independent decisions, the Celestial Phoenix Sect. The sect who had ancient history, and the sect whose history is older than the Rose Kingdom.
The situation within the kingdom terrified the king as he ordered to lock down the borders to prevent people from escaping, and the kingdom forced them to be part of the military, the situation had gone crazy to the point internal strife of the kingdom have been brewing to a boiling point.
The unstable situation left an unfavorable reaction to the sect who had stayed and remained to the kingdom, but with the kingdom slowly breaking apart. These sects had begun planning for opportunities to come into the future, as long as the demons don't destroyed and stopped expanding further.
Meanwhile, within the Grey Mountain Sect. The numbers of disciples have dwindled to the point where they are completely vulnerable to any attacks now without much defending. This left the patriarch disappointed with the loyalty of these disciples, he didn't bothered to stop them nor convince them to stay as the fate of the sect had been already decided.
Victor had been loyal to the sect since his grandmaster built it from the ground up, hoping to foster strong and loyal disciples who would take pride in the sect's honor as they climbed the hierarchy of sects. Alas, only three hundred years had passed, and the sect remained low-tier.
Throughout those years, capable and strong elders left along with their disciples, creating a brain drain situation where talented individuals moved to higher sects for better opportunities.
Victor knew the reason why: it was the culture of the sect, established since the beginning. He, like the previous sect masters, had followed such traditions. Now, in a situation where the loyalty of the sect's members was crucial, no one was willing to stay.
Within the Grand main hall of the sect, Victor sat on his high chair. His gaze was far away as he overlooked the approaching dark, red wine clouds.
As he sat there, he noticed an attractive figure entered the hall. Looking at the person, his eyes lit a surprised look. It's the usually charming and happy Elder who had the status as the no.1 beautiful elder of the sect, who he took according to some agreement from an entity beyond anyone's reach in this mortal world.
Elder Rose, whose foxy eyes and captivating presence often brought a sense of warmth and vibrancy to the sect, now appeared before Victor with a serious expression. Her usual happy demeanor was replaced with a look of concern, matching the sect's current situation.
Victor straightened up in his chair, curious about her unexpected visit. "Rose," he greeted, his voice a mix of formality and familiarity. "What brings you here?"
Rose walked gracefully towards him, her every movement showing elegance and confidence. "Sect Master," she began, her tone respectful yet firm, "I need to talk about the future of our sect and my role in it."
Victor nodded, inviting her to continue. "Please, speak your mind."
Rose took a deep breath, a painful expression crossing her face. "As you know, our numbers have dwindled, and our defenses are weak. I have only a handful of loyal disciples left. The loyalty and strength that once defined Grey Mountain Sect are now just memories. Staying here won't help us grow or keep us safe."
Victor's expression turned bitter. "Yes, the situation is bad. I have spent many nights thinking about on how to protect our remaining disciples and preserve what little honor we have left against those demons." His eyes then landed back at her, as memories of the past were recalled, the little girl who was carried by a rank 9 expert, who handed her over to him to protect her from a powerful entity that even a rank 9 expert was on the run from.
That girl would eventually be the person right in front of him, from a cheeky kid into a beautiful lady, he had seen her grow and taught her cultivation. He who had no wife sees her as his own daughter, Rose's talent is excellent, her genes must come from a powerful experts for them produce such promising child.
Yet despite his best efforts, Victor couldn't fully unlock her potential, thereby stunting her growth. The sect resources weren't enough to support such talent, it is one of the things that pained Victor, unable to make Rose bloom into her full potential.
Victor, eyes soften as memories flashed on how the cheeky brat before him pulled pranks on him while he teaches her cultivation, his proud looks when she won tournaments, and his feelings when she became one of the pillars of the sect, to become the youngest sect elder before Gabriel entered the scene.
With a step forward, his expression still soft. Showing his weary complexion as the stress from the demon attack were revealed, shocking Rose as his appearance pained her heart. He raised her hand and caressed her head, "Rose, I believe it time for you to leave the sect and find a stronger place where you can be fostered and unlock your full potential… A little place like here is not enough to support you any longer."
Hearing that, Rose eyes widened in surprise as her heart went suddenly frantic, "S-sectma- no, Master, what are you trying to say?" her voice nervous.
She didn't want to leave, she grew up from this sect her achievements throughout her life came from here. And not only that, the person she only considered as her family is here, the person who stood before her.
Her memories when she was young were hazy and unclear, but what she recalled when she was just a child, was the face of her master who happily played with her and took care of her. Her life with Victor, who acted as her father, was the happiest moment of her life.
Tears welled up from her eyes, she shook her head, unwilling, "Master! You don't have to do this!"
"I am willing to protect this sect! I'm willing to die for it!" she shouted, her teary eyes locking with his. Her voice then softened, trembling with emotion. "I don't want to lose you… Father."
For the first time of her life, she called out her true feelings for her Victor, who she had always called Master, but deep inside she sees her as her family, her only father. And for Victor, hearing her call him 'father' he felt happy and hurt, his resolve to protect Rose grew further.
Victor sighed and gave a painful smile, the weight of his decision clear on his face. "I have thought about this, Rose. Your talent surpasses many and losing you would be a great loss. I don't want you to die, you're the only important person I have in this life. You're only twenty-five years old; you need to experience what life has to offer. The best chance for you to grow is to leave... grow stronger. When you're strong enough, avenge the sect."
Rose understands what he's trying to say, but an important question still left unanswered, "What about you, Father? Are going to stay here and die!? If so, I'm not leaving!" her head fiercely shook.
"Rose!"
Hearing his angry shout, Rose's heart faltered as she looked at him. Seeing her terrified look, Victor's expression softened but remained serious, embodying the semblance of a leader. "Don't be stubborn! I'm already old; I don't have much life left anyway. I've spent hundreds of years trying to break through to no effect. If I have only a little life left, I'd rather spend it protecting what I've worked hard for."
He walked forward and hugged Rose tightly. "I don't want you to die for my sake. What's important is for you to live, become strong, and strive for a fulfilling life—the kind of life I failed to achieve."
Hearing this, Rose's heart shook once more, and her stubborn resolve crumbled. Tears poured down her cheeks as she hugged Victor tightly, knowing this might be the last embrace they would share.
Victor caresses her hair, his familial love showed as his expression soft, "Remember, wherever you go, you carry the legacy of the Grey Mountain Sect, don't forget your roots, and one day, when the time is right, take back everything."
Rose sniffled as she nodded silently. "Thank you, Father. I will never forget where I come from. I will work hard, make myself stronger, and walk the path that you weren't able to."
Victor nodded, smile visible. "Go now Rose. The storm is approaching, bring your trusted disciples with you, what they have is only you and they will also become a pillar of support in the future as long as you let them grow and train them hard."
Rose looked at Victor once more, engraving his old face in her mind. With a nod, she turned and left the hall, leaving Victor standing by the window, gazing at the approaching dark red clouds. His expression showed a frightening resolve as his aura began to leak. A formless power radiated from him. If Gabriel were here, he would recognize this aura—a Rank 8 expert!
…
Rose left the grand hall with a heavy heart but an unwavering spirit. The sect had been her home, her family, and her source of pride. As she walked through the empty courtyards and past the deserted training grounds, memories of happier times filled her mind. She remembered the laughter and camaraderie of the disciples, the fervor with which they trained, and the sense of purpose that had once filled these grounds. Now, it was a ghost town, a stark reminder of the sect's fall from grace.
As she approached her quarters back in the 9th peak, she packed her belongings, she thought about her journey with the Grey Mountain Sect. From a young child, to a disciple of the sect full of dreams to an elder with great responsibilities, her life had been closely linked with the sect's fortunes. She had seen the rise of promising talents, the heartbreak of those who left for better opportunities, and the unyielding spirit of those who stayed despite the odds.
To Rose, this departure was not just a decision by her step-father, but also a strategic move for the survival of the sect. She needed to grow stronger, to find allies and resources that could one day help avenge the Grey Mountain Sect. Her path would not be easy, but she was resolute. The teachings and values instilled in her by her step-father would guide her steps.
As she packed, she carefully chose the essentials: her cultivation manuals, personal mementos, and the sect's emblem, a symbol of her unwavering loyalty. She also took a moment to write a letter to her fellow elders if they're still alive, explaining the decision to leave the sect.
After sealing the letter, Rose took one last look around her quarters. Each corner held memories, both joyful and sorrowful. With a final deep breath, she stepped out.
As Rose left her quarters, she stood on her peak courtyard, she encountered a few disciples who had chosen to stay. Their faces lit up with surprise and concern when they saw her, and she took a moment to speak with them, instructing them to leave the sect.
Some of them were unwilling to leave, but the majority were happy as they quickly packed their things and ran away from the sect, escaping the impending danger from the demons. Those who were unwilling to leave said a final goodbye to their master, their hearts heavy with sorrow and uncertainty.
As Rose watches her disciples leaving group by group, her heart sighed, This is for the better…
As Rose watched the disciples leave, two figures entered the compound and curiously observed the departing group. One was a charming and attractive young woman, aged 15, whose long hair bounced with each step she took. She exuded the vibrancy of a budding flower. The other figure, aged 18, had lost her charm due to terrifying scars covering her skin. Her face bore a missing eye, concealed by an eye patch hidden beneath her bangs. Her hair was cut short in a wolf-cut style. Despite her scars, her body still retained a beautiful tall figure.
If Serana was here, she would be able to recognize this person. Her teammate, Kayla.
Kayla had managed to escape the carnage on the battlefield, utilizing her skills as an assassin to lurk away unnoticed and retreat to safety. She had only returned yesterday. Kayla was one of Rose's main disciples, and Rose had cared for her, mending her wounds and teaching her additional fighting skills that made her an effective assassin.
As the two approached the courtyard of the compound of the peak, they saw a beautiful woman standing in the middle, on her side were two baggage. Unlike Gabriel who's able to store his items using spatial rings, the sect wasn't able to afford a single one of those rings, thus everything must be carried by hand.
Kayla had something on her mind when she saw this as the two approached their master. "Master, where are you going?" one of the Kayla asked, her eyes wide with worry.
"Kayla, Dianne I'm leaving the sect as instructed by the sect master… You two, are you willing to come with me?" Rose invited them, after all they're both her main disciples who remained loyal to her. Others had left without informing her, leaving a bad taste from her mouth, after all, she had spent most of time training them, but for them to have no loyalty nor respect for her hurts her.
Hearing her invitation, the two quickly nodded. "Yes, master!" Dianne was the first to agree, followed by Kayla. They had no home to return to, which was why they had stayed in the sect and never left their master's side. Being with their master was something they deeply cherished and wished for, they were fighting for her sake.
Rose softly smiled at them, she appreciated them.
…
Meanwhile, back in the grand hall of the Grey Mountain Sect, Victor sat in quiet contemplation. The recent exodus of disciples had left a void in the sect, and he knew the future of the sect was over. His thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He looked up to see another beautiful elder, her face partially hidden behind a delicate veil.
Elder Luna, the sect's esteemed alchemist, was known not only for her unmatched skill in pill making but also for her mysterious background. She had joined the sect several years ago, and although little was known about her past, her contributions had been invaluable. Victor had always respected her privacy, valuing her talents and dedication over any secrets she might hold.
"Elder Luna," Victor greeted, his voice tinged with surprise. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Luna bowed respectfully before speaking. "Sect Master Victor, I have come to thank you and to bid farewell."
Victor's expression shifted and smile with bitterness, he had expected this as well. "What do you mean? Are you leaving, Elder Luna?"
She hesitated for a moment, then removed her veil, revealing her strikingly beautiful face. Victor, seeing her face for the first time, was stunned and momentarily speechless. He had never seen such beauty before. What stood out were her eyes—colored like opals, deep and enigmatic, they held a mixture of gratitude and sorrow.
"Sect Master, I have decided to leave the Grey Mountain Sect," she declared, her voice steady but carrying a hint of emotion.
Victor's heart sank, 'as expected…' he thought.
Luna took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "Sect Master, you have been kind and generous, accepting me as an elder without ever questioning my mysterious background. For that, I am deeply grateful. However, with the current state of our sect, with the sect in the verge of destruction. I have to leave… To continue my path in the alchemy."
Victor nodded slowly, understanding her reasons but feeling the weight of another departure. "I understand, Elder luna I will not stand in your way, however, I'd like to ask."
Luna looked at him, as he asked her, "Why do you pursue Alchemy?"
"That…" Luna paused for a moment, her thoughts racing as she weighed whether to reveal her plan. Considering the state of the sect and the future of the sect master, she decided there was no harm in telling him. "I plan to revive an immortal," she finally answered, her words vague yet enough to send a chill down Victor's spine.
"What!" Victor took a step back as he looked at him, such a grand ambition!
To revive an immortal, you say? Does that mean she knows a place like an immortal cave? Where the body of the immortal reside? This secret… is heavier than mountains.
Victor calmed down and shook his head removing his thoughts as he decided to respect her and her secret information.
Luna looked at him, sensing his lack of immediate reaction despite her revelation, her heart calmed and appreciated this person more, Her voice, soft yet resolute, conveyed her gratitude. "Sect Master, our sect has provided me with a place to hone my skills and a place to belong to. I owe much to you and to the Grey Mountain Sect. My decision to leave is not taken lightly, its importance will decide the fate of the entire land of Celestia..."
Such a serious consequences made Victor very uncomfortable, what does she mean the entire fate of Celestia? He doesn't know what the future lays ahead as he looked at the person who's the key figure of such occurrence in the future. He believed in her ability to achieve her plans, but for how long, he doesn't know nor plan to know.
Victor nodded solemnly, his respect for Luna growing. "Fine, leave. I hope the future you envision will not bring destruction upon the world... Awakening an immortal in a mortal realm is unprecedented, but one thing is certain: the presence of an immortal in our world will invite heavenly punishment." After all, Immortals doesn't belong in mortal world.
Luna bowed deeply, her eyes reflecting her sincerity. "Thank you, Sect Master. I will carry the teachings and values of our sect with me." With that, she put her veil back and turned around as she left the hall.
Victor watched as she left the grand hall, her graceful figure disappearing. The loss of another valuable elder was a heavy blow, but he had expected this. Luna has a mysterious background, she might be the type to hop around between sects to improve her alchemy to achieve her goal. She won't stop here and be loyal to the sect, not with this measly low tier sect.
…
As Luna walked through the quiet corridors of the sect, she couldn't help but reflect on her time there. The memories of countless hours, days, and years spent in the alchemy peak, perfecting her craft while mentoring young disciples on the side, played through her mind. She recalled the times she had worked alongside Victor and the other elders, facing challenges and celebrating successes together. Her calm heart, lightly ached.
She quickly arrived on her peak and went to her quarters, with a wave of her hand. The ring on her hand glowed a mysterious light, her valuable research studies, materials and pills were stored within. She walked towards her cauldron and slapped it on the side.
Smack!
The cauldron vibrated, an immortal aura radiated from the cauldron, it then shrinks into a fist size cauldron, she stored it inside her spatial ring.
She gave her own room one more last look, before turning her back and walked out. In that moment, no one knows where she went, nor where did she leave as she didn't left the main gates.
From now on, the elder of the Alchemy peak is forever gone, along with her name, Luna Grace.