It was still night. In Arnin's warehouse, he prepared hay beds with the hay he has.
******
That warehouse was not owned by Arnin before, and it used to be occupied with goods, but now it was Arnin's home.
Overnight guards were killed by demons, and goods are usually stolen. Not by mortals, by demons. No matter how the owner changed guards, they were still killed every night, and eventually he and his family were killed one night in there home.
Because of the history of this warehouse, no family relative dared to use it or even destroy it to use the land because there might be consequences.
They wanted to still gain from the warehouse, so they sold it for only two bronzes. It was very cheap, but people didn't want it because of the history; however, a young boy of 12 bought it.
Arnin had been roaming the streets for as long he could remember. He lived as a begger, then began to do small tasks for rich families and traders, and this was how he met Master K.
And to get strong, he started cultivating. He had no master and no one who would help him, so he did it alone.
With the money he earned day by day, he ate less food and bought more martial arts books. He was 16 when he heard of Nameless, and when he also heard Nameless was the same age.He practiced hard so he could spar with him one day when he travels to Barcain.
*****
Arnin stood up, dusting off his pants, and turned to Pherna. "Miss Didastimon, I apologize, but this isn't a suitable place for you to stay overnight. As much as I'd like to have you here, I couldn't guarantee your safety."
Phera nodded knowingly. "I understand. I will leave soon. My father will check on me early this morning.
You mentioned traveling the night we fought the demons.
When do you plan to leave?" She took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Arnin hesitated, weighing his words. He suspected she wanted to join them, but her family's reputation made it impossible. "Soon," he said thoughtfully, "but you can't come with us.
Two heads are better than one, and three heads are better than two; however, if you're the third head, it's a risk I can't take."
Pherna's eyes narrowed, sensing what Arnin had seen through her intentions. She opened her mouth to protest but then closed it, her expression a mix of understanding and frustration.
Pherna's voice was firm. "You'll only get me out; I'm not going in the same direction as you. We'll split at some point."
Arnin shook his head. "I can't. I would have let you come if you didn't tell me your full name that night.
And don't ask Khailian; he barely knows who he is." But before he could continue, Prince Khane's eyes flashed with warning.
However, Arnin had already revealed too much. "Khailian is Nameless, and he is also the real sole heir to the throne. He's the son of the former king." His finger pointed at Prince Khane.
Pherna's eyes widened in shock as she darted toward Prince Khane. "Is this true?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Prince Khane hesitated before responding, "I'm not yet sure. It came from the immortal's mouth." He gestured toward Immortal Elyon, who stood watching from the corner.
Pherna's gaze shifted to Immortal Elyon, and she approached him with reverence. "This mortal greets you, but how do I know if you're truly an immortal?"
Immortal Elyon's expression remained impassive. "I don't have to prove myself to you. Go home."
Undeterred, Pherna dropped to her knees. "If you're truly immortal, I have a question. It's about my birth; it's crucial." Her voice pleaded.
Arnin intervened, enthusiasm sparkling in his eyes as he remembered what he saw. "He's an immortal; he took me to Heaven's Gate in the mortal world. Beg him, and he might take you there."
"Being an immortal doesn't mean I have all the answers," Immortal Elyon said, settling onto one of Arnin's hay beds.
"Even the Heavenly Emperor has limitations. And I'm not taking you anywhere, so don't waste your time." He closed his eyes, hands clasped behind his head.
Pherna stood up, determination etched on her face, and followed him. "I'll tell you, even if you don't want to listen. My father said a prophecy foretold my birth: I'm the reincarnation of a heavenly ice phoenix."
Immortal Elyon opened one eye, amusement flickering across his face before he suppressed it and closed his eye again.
Pherna continued, her voice laced with emotion. "The First Prince insulted me today, and it wounded my pride. I want to know the truth.
If you can uncover it in the heavens, this mortal would be eternally grateful." She kneeled before him, awaiting a response.
Immortal Elyon's voice was measured. "Do you know what a reincarnation truly is?"
Pherna's voice barely above a whisper, she replied, "I know what it means." The dim warehouse lights cast long shadows across her face, accentuating the turmoil in her eyes.
Immortal Elyon sat up in a lotus form, his piercing gaze pinning her. "Can a person still alive, be reincarnated?" The air thickened with tension.
Pherna's composure crumbled. "What do you mean... do you mean..." Her words faltered, her hands trembling.
Immortal Elyon's expression remained neutral. "You have your answer."
Pherna's face fell, her chest tightening as if the very foundations of her identity had been shaken. "Everything was a lie," she whispered.
She bowed, then stood, resolve etched on her face. "I'm leaving tomorrow with both of you. I won't stay longer in that residence." She said, facing Arnin and Prince Khane.
"Prince Khane returns to Bacain with me," immortal Elyon said.
Arnin added, "He promised to travel with me, and our destination will benefit both him and me."
Phera produced a pouch and handed it to Arnin. "I came prepared. Buy a durable carriage tomorrow, and when I arrive, I'll bring more gold pieces. Then we'll leave."
Arnin's eyes widened as he opened the pouch, gold pieces glinting in the dim light. It was the first time he held gold pieces.
Immortal Elyon's curiosity got the better of him. "What is this place that benefits both you and Prince Khane?"
Arnin's gaze met Elyon, and he replied, "Alsan Peak."