CHAPTER 81: JOURNEY TOWARD THE TRUTH

Rowan was both impressed and shocked.

Impressed by how precisely Logan calculated every move—revealing only what was necessary, never an ounce more.

And shocked... by the sheer skill and insight displayed by a boy who was only twelve.

His thoughts were spinning, trying to make sense of what he’d just heard, when Logan’s voice snapped him back to the present.

"Now tell me more about what you know. Every detail."

Rowan blinked, gathering his thoughts. "The thing is... I’ve already told you most of what I know during our journey. There may be more hidden details in these books, but it’s hard for me to decipher everything in a short time. Some of the languages are ancient or altered. But you—"

He pointed at Logan, eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"You could read through that book you were staring at earlier. That means you understand the language. I assume it’s related to how you got your body strengthening technique. So I won’t ask how. That’s your secret. But when it comes to uncovering the truth... I think you are better suited than I’ll ever be."

Logan remained silent, relieved Rowan hadn’t pressed further. The prince was sharp, but respectful.

Rowan continued, "If you’re willing, I’ll select a few key books to start. You can read them yourself, and I’m sure you’ll uncover more about what we both want to know. What do you think?"

Logan gave a small nod. "That makes sense. But there’s a problem... I need to go back soon. My parents will be worried. Especially my mother. I’ve never been away this long."

"Don’t worry about that," Rowan replied with a gentle smile. "You won’t have to stay too long. Three to four days at most. If you give it your full effort, that should be enough to cover the important ones—enough to at least scratch the surface of the truth. Besides, once my father returns, I’ll need his permission to keep this going... and I’m not sure he’ll approve."

He stood and walked toward Logan, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"So let’s use the window while we still have it. I’ll send word to your family, let them know you’re safe and will be staying here as my guest for a few days."

Logan hesitated. The urge to uncover the truth burned in his chest like fire—why the world abandoned Qi, why cultivation was erased—but staying in the palace still felt awkward. He was an outsider, after all.

Rowan noticed his reluctance and added, "Don’t worry. This might be your only chance. If you truly want answers... this is it."

Logan closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded slowly. "All right then. I’ll stay. Just for the next few days."

He wasn’t sure what answers he would find. But something told him... once he left this palace, the truth might never come again.

"Good." Rowan smiled, visibly relieved. "I’ll handle the message to your family. I’ll keep selecting the books too. You read and interpret, then share what you find. Together, we might be able to piece the whole puzzle."

"Sure."

With that, the two of them got to work.

Logan sat quietly, completely absorbed in ancient books, flipping pages with calm, focused precision. Rowan moved through the towering shelves, scanning titles, selecting old volumes and scrolls, occasionally handing one over to Logan. They worked like a well-oiled machine—silent, efficient, determined.

Seconds turned to minutes. Minutes turned to hours. Neither of them noticed.

And all the while, the mysteries of a forgotten past began to stir again...

Meanwhile...

In a distant mountain range, far from any town or city

Two cloaked figures made their way up a steep slope. The wind howled softly, but neither man was fazed. Their robes swayed gently in the cold breeze.

At the back walked Elder Edward, draped in violet robes lined with thin silver runes. His face was hidden beneath a hood, but the weight of his presence hung heavy in the air.

Leading the way was Zereth, his mask pulled down to his collar. His eyes glowed faintly under the bright sky, sharp and alert.

The two moved swiftly, but without haste—like wolves on familiar terrain.

They reached what seemed like a sheer cliff face. A solid wall of rock.

Zereth paused, scanning the surroundings. His gaze swept left to right. Nothing. Not a single soul in sight. Not even a bird.

Edward raised two fingers in a silent gesture.

Zereth nodded and stepped forward. Edward followed behind.

The cliff face rippled. And without a single sound—

They vanished.

No flash. No noise. They simply stepped through.

As if the mountain had swallowed them whole.

A moment later, the slope returned to normal. Like no one was ever there.

But just beyond that veil of illusion...

Stood a structure—massive and ancient.

It was a stronghold carved directly into the mountain and masked by illusion artifacts. To hide itself from the outside world.

The hidden sanctum of the Third Eye Sect.

Inside, they emerged into a cold stone corridor lit by pale green torches. The scent of old incense and dried blood lingered faintly in the air.

As they walked deeper, guards in black armor stood silently at their posts. One of them, stationed at the main entrance, merely glanced at Zereth before looking away.

But when his eyes landed on Elder Edward—he immediately stepped back and bowed deeply, not daring to speak.

Edward didn’t even glance his way.

They walked straight down the corridor and entered the main hall, a vast chamber with a ritual circle etched into the floor and massive serpent-like statues lining the walls.

There, they met a young man standing beside a gate—one of the senior disciples. He stepped forward and greeted them.

"Elder Edward, you’ve returned. Forgive me, but the Sect Leader is currently deep in meditation. He cannot be disturbed."

Edward said nothing at first.

But it was the kind of silence that made the disciple’s blood run cold.

Suddenly....

From Edward’s palm, pale vines crafted of bone twisted forth like hungry serpents—stopping just a hair’s breadth away from the disciple’s throat.

The moment held.

And then, Edward spoke only two words—cold and commanding:

"Right now."