The dining area was a bustling hub of activity, filled with the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversation.
People exchanged news and gossip in low voices, creating a lively but intimate atmosphere.
Oasis sat, eating with enthusiasm, his senses heightened by his recent breakthrough.
He could hear fragments of conversations from all around, including the discussion about Barnabus the Slayer, which caught his attention.
The two men their hushed conversation.
"It's terrifying. I can't believe he's back," one of them said, his voice barely above a whisper. The other nodded grimly.
"We need to be careful."
As Oasis listened, intrigued and disturbed by their words, the door to the dining area swung open.
Sir Elias entered, fresh from his journey back from Mossy Hollow.
His eyes scanned the room until they landed on Oasis.
"Is that Oasis?" Sir Elias thought, noticing a significant change in the young man's demeanor.
As he walked closer, he sensed something different about Oasis—an aura of power that hadn't been there before.
Curious, Sir Elias activated his divine sense to probe Oasis's new strength.
To his surprise, the sense was abruptly repelled, rebounding with a force that carried a frightening aura.
"What was that? I can't even tell what stage he's at," Sir Elias thought, astonished.
He could feel the power radiating from Oasis, a level of energy and control that was impressive and somewhat mysterious.
Sir Elias approached the table, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Oasis," he greeted, masking his surprise, "it looks like you've been busy."
Surprised, Oasis looked up and smiled.
"Oh, Master, you're back! You've been gone for almost two weeks. How is Sister?" Oasis spoke quickly, excitement in his voice.
"Relax, lad," Sir Elias replied, smiling reassuringly.
"Everything is fine, and Marina is well, but I couldn't come back with her as she is really busy at Mossy Hollow."
Oasis nodded, his smile widening. "Oh well, as long as she is fine, I'm fine."
"Oh, lad," Sir Elias broke the silence after a moment of contemplation.
"What stage are you at now?"
"Newborn stage, 2nd layer," Oasis replied easily.
!!!
Sir Elias choked on the tea he was drinking, eyes wide with shock.
"What did he just say?" he thought, sweating slightly.
"Newborn stage!" he exclaimed, his voice rising involuntarily and catching the attention of people around them.
Realizing he had raised his voice, Sir Elias lowered his tone and asked again,
"Did you just say Newborn stage? You little beast, what have you been doing?"
Oasis explained everything that had occurred since Sir Elias left: the cultivation technique, the painful yet transformative experience, and his newfound abilities.
Sir Elias listened intently, his expression shifting from surprise to understanding as Oasis recounted his journey.
"Oh, I see," he said, nodding as he absorbed the information.
"His foundation is solid, and his aura is very pure without any impurities," Sir Elias thought, impressed by Oasis's rapid progress and the purity of his cultivation.
"Master, who is Barnabus the Slayer?" Oasis asked, his curiosity piqued by the conversation he had overheard earlier.
"Oh, you've heard about him," Sir Elias replied, his expression turning serious.
"Barnabus the Slayer is the leader of the Hollow Peak Bandits."
"They were very active and dangerous twenty years ago. Barnabus himself is extremely strong, and he had equally powerful subordinates."
"However, they were all eliminated by the Ignis family brothers."
Sir Elias paused, taking a sip of his tea before continuing.
"Currently, one of those brothers is the leader of the great Ignis family, and the other is the leader of the Ignis family shadow squad."
"Everyone believed Barnabus had been killed, but now it seems he survived and has been healing all this time."
"His return is a cause for concern, as it means he could be plotting something big."
Oasis listened carefully, absorbing the information.
"So, if he's back, it could mean trouble for a lot of people," he said thoughtfully.
"Exactly," Sir Elias confirmed.
"Barnabus was known for his cruelty and cunning. If he's resurfacing now, we need to be prepared for anything."
"Stay alert, Oasis. The world outside is filled with dangers, and not all of them are as straightforward as a bandit with a sword."
"I will, Master," Oasis replied, feeling a newfound sense of vigilance.
meanwhile...
In a grand hall adorned with fiery motifs and rich tapestries, a man sat in a high-backed chair that exuded authority and power.
His presence was commanding;
he had sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to burn with an inner fire, and his hair was a striking mix of dark and crimson strands, a testament to his lineage.
His jaw was strong, and his demeanor was one of resolute determination.
"That bastard is back and making trouble again," he growled, his voice filled with barely restrained fury.
The man leaned forward, fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair, his gaze fixed on the subordinate kneeling before him.
"Send a message to my big brother and start tracking him down."
"We need to remove this trash before he causes more trouble in the kingdom."
The person kneeling before him bowed even lower, acknowledging the gravity of the order.
"Yes, Patriarch Ignis," he responded, his voice filled with deference.
Rising swiftly, he turned and exited the hall, leaving the leader of the Ignis Family to brood over the resurgence of their old enemy.
As the subordinate departed, the revelation hit with full force.
The man sitting in the leader's chair was none other than the head of the powerful Ignis Family.
His authority and determination underscored the seriousness of the threat posed by Barnabus the Slayer, and his resolve to protect his family and the kingdom was unwavering.
As the subordinate left the hall, a young man entered.
He had the same intense eyes and fiery hair as the Patriarch, a clear indication of his lineage.
The young man exuded confidence and strength, his posture upright and ready for action.
"Agni, prepare. We are leaving for the capital for your Whispering exams," the Patriarch commanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Yes, Patriarch," Agni replied, bowing slightly in respect before turning to make his preparations.
The hall fell silent once more, the only sound being the crackling of the torches lining the walls.
The Ignis Family was on the move, ready to face both the trials of the Whispering exams and the looming threat of Barnabus the Slayer.