Chapter 140: King Elpis Evergreen.
As they walked together toward the exit, Teves kept sneaking glances at Oasis, clearly impressed.
Oasis's unassuming nature made it easy to forget that he was the same young man who had just
orchestrated an intricate strategy to bring down a powerful criminal organization.
Teves, full of nervous energy, eventually worked up the courage to speak.
"You're amazing, you know that?" he blurted out, his voice filled with admiration.
Oasis smiled slightly, shaking his head. "I'm just doing what needs to be done."
But to Teves, Oasis wasn't just doing what needed to be done—he was a living embodiment of the hero he aspired to be.
Back in Lunalith, within the Bluemoon Estate of the Lunaris Sect,
Zane Bluemoon was walking gracefully along the newly expanded pathways, taking in the sight of bustling servants and disciples moving about.
He noted the unfamiliar faces scattered around the estate.
"Already new people? What's going on here?" he mused, curiosity piqued.
After a few moments, Zane arrived at the grand doors of the living quarters.
Opening the large door, he entered a cozy room where his father, Sect Leader Conri Bluemoon, also known as the 'Wolf Monarch' , sat calmly sipping tea.
Zane respectfully bowed. "Father."
Conri looked up with a slight nod, acknowledging Zane's return.
"I see you're back from your mission. How did it go?"
"It was easy," Zane replied, his voice steady and calm.
"I've already submitted my report to the mission pavilion."
Conri nodded, satisfied with his son's efficiency. "Good. I expected no less from you."
As the conversation settled, Zane turned to ask, "I heard that Oasis was also sent on a mission, something in the valleys?"
The sect leader nodded, "Yes, it's been a few weeks now."
Zane smirked slightly, confident in his younger peer's capabilities. "If it's Oasis, I'm sure he'll handle it without any issues."
Despite his words, Zane sensed something off in his father's demeanor.
Conri seemed preoccupied, deep in thought.
"Father, is something bothering you?"
After a moment of silence, Conri sighed, not hiding the weight of the matter.
He began explaining what had happened a few days prior: a visit from Leonardo Graymare, the Chancellor of Verdantial Academy and an elder of the Lumina family.
Leonardo had come to see Oasis, only to find that he wasn't in Lunalith. But that wasn't the most shocking part.
During his visit, Leonardo had revealed crucial information: Oasis's master, the man who had passed away, was none other than the legendary Whispering Sage.
Zane's eyes widened at the name.
The Whispering Sage was a figure of unparalleled renown, a name that sent ripples through the cultivation world.
Conri and Vice Sect Leader Tyron had been just as stunned when they learned of Oasis's connection to such a formidable figure.
Conri, who had made Oasis his direct disciple, now felt a sense of pressure.
The Whispering Sage's reputation was colossal, and having his former disciple within their ranks added immense weight to their responsibilities.
Furthermore, Leonardo had revealed that the Whispering Sage was buried within the territory of the Ignis family, another powerful family.
But the most troubling news was yet to come:
the Shadowfen family and the Stormcaller family had started making their moves.
To add to the escalating tension, the King of Verdantia himself has emerged from seclusion. , and had reached the Saint realm.
For the Bluemoon family, this was alarming.
They had chosen to remain neutral, not aligning themselves with the kingdom of Verdantia after the queen had granted them independence.
While other Great families had sworn allegiance to the Evergreen family,
the Bluemoon family formed the Lunaris Sect and distanced themselves from political entanglements.
This neutrality placed the Bluemoon family in a delicate position.
If the rebelling families like Shadowfen and Stormcaller decided to move against the Lunaris territory,
other great families allied with Verdantia wouldn't be able to intervene without the Evergreen family's permission.
Zane took all this in, processing the gravity of the situation.
"So that's how things stand," he remarked after a moment.
"But Father, wouldn't the rebelling families face difficulty reaching us?"
Conri nodded, seeming to regain some of his usual confidence.
"Yes. For them to attack our territory, they'd have to pass through several other families' domains, and that would be no easy feat."
"The only other option would be moving through neighboring kingdoms, but I doubt they have alliances strong enough to allow that."
Zane leaned forward slightly, a curious gleam in his eye. "Father, how strong is someone in the Saint realm?"
Conri paused, then explained carefully,
"A cultivator in the Saint realm possesses the strength of ten Enlightened Realm cultivators, or a thousand Awakened Realm warriors."
"Their power is not just in brute force, but in control over the elements, the laws of nature, and even the essence of life itself. To face one is… overwhelming."
Zane absorbed his father's words, realizing that the growing tensions in Verdantia were more dangerous than they initially seemed.
Having a Saint realm cultivator involved meant the stakes were far higher, and the potential for widespread destruction loomed.
Zane's curiosity was piqued as he asked, "Father, isn't King Elpis Evergreen the father of Prince Aelric?"
Conri nodded, "Yes, King Elpis is indeed Aelric's father. Why do you ask?"
Zane leaned in, puzzled, "I heard the king has been in seclusion for about 50 years… but Prince Aelric is my peer. How is that possible?"
Conri nodded, understanding his son's line of thought.
"Yes, it is. But despite the King's seclusion, Queen Evergreen has managed the kingdom remarkably well."
"She visited the King periodically, but most of Verdantia's affairs were under her command."
Zane's mind wandered as he processed this information.
"Aelric must have grown up without much direct influence from his father," he mused aloud.
"That must have shaped him differently."
"Indeed, but don't underestimate the young prince. He's been groomed for leadership by the finest minds in Verdantia."
"His mother's guidance and the royal family's power have ensured his readiness."
Zane nodded thoughtfully before asking another question.
"Oh, I see. So, Father, since we're neutral, what happens to our manor in the capital, Sylvaneth? Are we allowed to visit the Evergreen territory?"