After Ronan obtained the "Key," the void space before him lost its final support, rapidly beginning to collapse.
Ronan activated the [Eye of Truth] and carefully examined every corner of the space. Finding nothing, he quickly withdrew before the space shattered entirely.
"Gululu—"
A vortex, several meters wide, suddenly appeared on the once calm surface of the lake. A tall and handsome young man emerged from it and gently landed by the shore.
Turning around, the vortex consumed fish and shrimp before disappearing, and the lake surface returned to its tranquil state.
Ronan checked the lake once more, finding no trace of an entrance. The secret garden's mystical realm had completely vanished.
Ronan's gaze flickered, and he gently caressed his space ring, which contained the mysterious spatial key he had just acquired.
"So the entire space was merely a key box."
Now, Ronan realized that the entire garden space was, in fact, a vast "drawer."
Inside the "drawer," a delicate patterned cloth was laid out carefully, with several valuable items placed atop it, all meant to conceal the "key" hidden within the drawer's hidden layers.
"Everything inside the garden space, including the high-tier mystical rune, combined, might not be as valuable as this key, crafted from spatial energy material."
The key itself was extraordinary. It was hard to imagine that if this key were just a key, what kind of thing would require it to open.
Ronan glanced at the lake once more, activated his flight ring, and soared into the air.
After the garden realm collapsed, this lake was nothing more than an ordinary one. Ronan wondered how the sorceress with the ponytail, who had led him to this realm, would react when she found there was no longer any entrance.
While flying, Ronan sensed a ripple from the communication stone in his space ring.
He took out the glowing stone, gently tapped it, and found a message from Kosti.
The gist of it was a reminder to be cautious on his journey, especially of the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society's people.
Although three years had passed since the Goblin Plains incident, and the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society's influence seemed to have faded in the last two years, no one could predict when they might reappear.
"The Ancient Witch Resurrection Society."
Ronan read Kosti's message, then paused for a moment. From his space ring, he pulled out something—a strange ram's horn mask, splattered with many chaotic, low-quality oil paints, creating a rainbow of colors.
During the Goblin Plains battle, he had killed several sorcerers from the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society. Aside from a few space rings, the most valuable item might have been this mysterious mask he had obtained from the Society's dark leader.
Holding the strange ram's horn mask in his hand, Ronan could feel a faint, eerie energy emanating from it.
Closer inspection made it seem as though he could hear dark whispers coming from the mask.
In his consciousness space, the ancient will of the primordial frost hydra, Hekarto, stirred uneasily. It instinctively urged Ronan to destroy and discard the mask. Each time Ronan held it, an overwhelming sense of hatred and disgust welled up inside him.
"Is it Hekarto's ancient nemesis?"
Ronan frowned slightly.
This strange ram's horn mask had been with him for quite some time. Unlike any magical artifact he had seen before, the mask was covered with strange, intricate runes, tightly interconnected, forming an overall design that looked like long incantations or an obscure, mystical image.
Ronan had once witnessed the dark leader of the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society using the mask, and its power was nearly at the level of Dawn-tier.
However, Ronan was unable to replicate that power due to his lack of understanding of the proper control techniques, so the mask remained merely a "collection."
"Kosti's reminder is not wrong. Even though the Magic Ring has officially announced that the World Stone coordinates were extracted from me and destroyed under the witness of several Dawn-tier and dozens of third-tier sorcerers, the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society might not fully believe it. Even if they do, they may still try to capture me for verification..."
Ronan pondered the matter. He had left in low profile and had told no one of his departure, but that was just a temporary measure. If the Ancient Witch Resurrection Society continued to watch him, it was only a matter of time before they would come after him again.
Ronan was troubled by this issue but had no good solutions for now. His only choice was to quickly strengthen his abilities and prepare for any potential crisis.
Unconsciously, Ronan arrived at a familiar valley.
Using the soul contract's sensing ability, he silently released a signal announcing his return, then stepped into the valley and entered the "secret base" he had not visited for three years.
The miniature secret realm was as calm as it had been three years ago. The medicinal plant garden, now much more abundant, had many more plants and appeared even more lush.
During his three years of rigorous training in the attic, Ronan had asked Borne to send resources to Bennigo regularly. The few space energy beads he had obtained in the Mirror Court were also given to Bennigo.
It seemed that Bennigo had used the materials to maintain and repair the space, making it appear larger and more stable, with no leaks like before.
As Ronan entered, Bennigo was busy at an experimental table.
Noticing Ronan's arrival, Bennigo paused his work, glanced toward him, and greeted him simply.
"You're back."
There was no excitement or joy as if they hadn't been apart for three years. It felt as if they had seen each other only three days ago.
However, Ronan was deeply moved by Bennigo's almost completely gray hair and the older, worn appearance that seemed to have aged him more than a decade.
Three years ago, when Bennigo underwent the second bloodline purification, the process had not been as easy for him, nor for anyone around him—the plants, the snake, or the others.
Even after three years, Bennigo had not fully recovered from the blood loss he had suffered back then.
Ronan remained silent for a moment, then spoke about his imminent departure.
"A gathering of the genius sorcerers from all the southern forces?"
Bennigo paused thoughtfully, then quickly wrote a long list on paper and handed it to Ronan.
"It's for the materials needed to continue cultivating the Sacred Blood Tree and some items needed to craft Fiona's 'Immortal Coffin'—things that aren't available in the Magic Ring."
"As your access to resources grows, make sure to pay attention to the exchange platforms. You might find what you need."
Ronan took the list, scanned it, memorized the names of the items, and nodded in acknowledgment.
At this moment, soft rustling noises reached his ears. Ronan looked toward the sound and saw crimson, soft branches stretching toward him, as if waving hello.
Each vibrating leaf seemed to transmit waves of joyous emotion.
Ronan's expression shifted as he followed the branches' guidance, walking toward the innermost part of the magical plant garden, where the Sacred Blood Tree now stood.
Its towering, thick silver-gray trunk was crowned with elongated silver-gray leaves, forming an umbrella-like canopy. Each leaf emitted a faint glow, creating a large, dense, light silver halo.
The newly grown branches were distinctly crimson, while the older ones had faded to a more subdued color. The trunk was covered in complex, twisted tree patterns resembling runes or ancient totems.
Standing beneath this magnificent tree, Ronan felt bathed in the silver glow falling from the canopy. His blood flowed faster, washing over him like a surging tide, filling his mind with a sense of transparency and peace.
The Sacred Blood Tree had now grown into a legendary tree species, exuding an aura of mystery and grandeur.
"If the Sacred Blood Tree grows naturally, it would have already started cultivating its own blessed beings by now," Bennigo said, walking up beside Ronan. "A Sacred Blood Tree without blessed beings can hardly fully grow. This legendary tree requires vast resources, far beyond the power of any one person or even a single faction. It needs to cultivate its blessed beings, form its own Sacred Blood tribe, or even a Sacred Blood kingdom, to become self-sustaining and support its ongoing growth into a true legend."
Ronan stretched out his hand, playing with the delicate branches of the Sacred Blood Tree, frowning slightly. "Are you suggesting that it needs a new environment, along with specialized caretakers?"
"That's about the gist of it," Bennigo replied. "But the problem is, where can we find them?"
Finding a suitable new environment for the Sacred Blood Tree was challenging. It had to be discreet, or else this legendary tree would surely attract unwanted attention.
The problem with the Sacred Blood blessed beings was even more complicated. It involved totem worship, a relationship of nourishment and being nourished, which was complex and required a large number of beings. As Bennigo mentioned, it could take an entire tribe or even a kingdom.
How could they hide such a large Sacred Blood Tree and its many blessed beings?
Ronan couldn't help but feel a headache. Bennigo's furrowed brow showed that he too was troubled.
The excitement they had felt when they first obtained the Sacred Blood Tree seed was now overshadowed by the realization that some things were beyond their control.
To cultivate the Sacred Blood Tree to this point, the resources already invested were countless.
Ronan, at least, had gained some benefits from the tree, but Bennigo, who had not yet started his plan to resurrect his deceased wife, was left helpless.
They had both underestimated the challenges ahead.
"Let's take things step by step," Ronan said, pressing his lips together. "I'll find a way."
Even as he said these words, he felt an uncertainty, one that even he couldn't ignore. Bennigo didn't respond, just nodded silently.
At that moment, Ronan sensed the approach of the Ice Crystal Magic Serpent and bid Bennigo farewell. The two of them left the miniature secret realm together.
Emerging from the waterfall that concealed the entrance to the secret realm, Ronan saw the colossal head of the Ice Crystal Magic Serpent, with a single horn growing from its forehead, its majestic and ferocious appearance sending a shiver down his spine.
Its blood-red eyes fixed on him, stirring a slight unease in Ronan's ancient frost hydra bloodline.
In the deepest part of his consciousness, in the thick, inescapable shadows, something ancient, noble, and evil seemed to slowly open its eyes.
In that instant, a silent tension filled the valley as man and serpent locked eyes across the space.
"Hiss—"
Ronan inhaled deeply, suppressing the cold agitation within his chest. His voice became hoarse, and his aura grew deep and imposing.
"I'm leaving."
Bennigo nodded.
Ronan gave him a reassuring glance, then shot up into the sky.
As he soared above the valley, he could see the full form of the Ice Crystal Magic Serpent, now at the third-tier magical beast level, its body growing over a hundred meters long, its girth as thick as a mountain peak.
Its ancient bloodline was awakening further, its ice crystal horn glowing with cold light, and frost constantly swirling around its body, creating an almost "mini blizzard" force field.
Ronan gazed down at the serpent, feeling its energy and the cold, rebellious emotions it conveyed through their soul contract.
With its bloodline potential unlocked and its power growing, the once obedient Ice Crystal Magic Serpent now had the courage and ambition to challenge Ronan again.
It writhed restlessly, its scarlet tongue flicking in and out, constantly emitting wild hissing sounds.
It was sending Ronan a signal of challenge—it was eager for battle, unable to suppress its desire even with the bloodline's respect.
"Good."
Ronan looked down at the serpent, his aura radiating slowly as his robes fluttered and his now-shortened brown hair swayed.
"Three years... for both personal and logical reasons, I should indeed give you a chance to challenge me again."
Ronan lifted his head and looked ahead, his deep blue eyes showing a flicker of black cracks growing within them.
"But... I'm in a hurry."
Ronan withdrew his gaze, and when he looked down again, his once handsome face was now covered in serpent-like patterns, his hair turning an ancient, dark blue, and his eyes fully transforming into a seductive, evil red slit.
"We'll... fight while traveling."
With that, Ronan gave the Ice Crystal Magic Serpent a cold smile, and the ancient frost fell. He sped down toward the serpent like a shooting star.
"Roar—"
"Boom!"
"Voom—"
A flashing communication stone was gently pressed by a slender, strong hand.
Aurian's silver-white eyes flickered, his face showing slight disturbance.
"He's here?"
Quickly, the communication stone was put away, and thoughts related to the person on the other end were discarded from Aurian's mind.
His handsome face was once again covered in cold, solemn expression, and his eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance ahead.
---
Atop an ancient ruin, a figure cloaked in endless, grim green light hovered in mid-air. Surrounding the figure were five enormous white skulls, each with glowing green energy beams shooting from their eye sockets and mouths, tearing through the heavens and splitting the void like ancient, forbidden blades.
The overwhelming energy above the figure's head gathered like a storm, with countless wailing ghosts releasing terrifying waves of magical pressure like tsunamis.
Within the presence of this evil, terrifying figure, several other young sorcerers, each as powerful as Aurian, were engaged in a tense assault.
Yet, every powerful spell cast only seemed to make the evil figure's mocking laughter grow louder.
"You worthless fools."
"With your level of power, you dare think you can enter the Fairy Ancient City and compete with me, Andariel, for a seat?!"
"Die! All of you, die early!"
"The Underworld is open! I come to escort you all to your graves!!!"
The terrifying voice, accompanied by vast, overwhelming energy, sent a silent tsuna
mi crashing across the ruins.
Aurian gritted his teeth, his body shining with crystal-like brilliance as his eyes hardened.
With resolve, he shot upward, charging toward the ancient and malevolent figure.
(End of Chapter)