That was obviously not the full truth . The monks weren’t doing this out of benevolence . They wanted the Eternal Heritage , so they were doing everything possible to snatch as many tickets as possible . Though she admitted the monk was right . What could some earthlings accomplish if ancient factions were entering the fray , sending their most powerful centennials?
Even if Zac managed to provide the best opportunities and resources , so what? How could the frontier compare to the Heartlands? She’d seen how vastly superior the Goldblade Continent was , and that was just a C-grade continent outside the System’s purview .
The people of Earth hadn’t even cultivated for two decades and were supposed to compete with people who’ve cultivated for over eighty? Going against people like Sacred Insight? Even Zac would be in trouble . The thought alone made her sick with worry , and her thoughts rapidly spun .
You’re talking like you’re trying to help , but you’re just trying to sneak in the backdoor . Using me as the key , - Thea concluded , looking at the abbot with an even stare . - Looks like nothing has changed . You guys really are a shameless bunch . -
We assure you we have no designs on benefactor Atwood . If anything , we have a good relationship . Furthermore , using the Boundless Fate Array leaves us with great Karmic debt to benefactor Atwood . To even out Karma , the Sangha will do its utmost in protecting him and his people inside , - Everlasting Peace said . - The more people miss can guide into the trial , the better his position will be . -
Thea tried to discern what was true and false on the abbot’s face , but it was just as inscrutable as with all the other monks . Minutes passed , and Thea reached a conclusion .
I can continue to help you . But I won’t step into that array until you agree with two of my conditions , - Thea said . - One , every single one of you will swear a Dharmic oath in front of me that you will not target Zac or his followers . -
It will be done , - Everlasting Peace said , and Thea felt he even looked quite happy with the proclamation .
Secondly , I am getting one of those seals . -
68
GLORIOUS RETURN
A small needlepoint of green lit up in the distance , and Kruta sighed in relief upon the journey finally coming to an end . Traveling inside the Perennial Vastness Token’s claustrophobic bubble hadn’t been any better this time around . It was like a coffin , and the oppressive darkness of the Void didn’t make things any better .
Kruta’s heart sang upon seeing the emerald vortex grow larger , and he could almost smell the rustling grass of home . He was finally back , and a grin spread across his face from the anticipation . He could picture his grandma’s shocked look when he told her about the Left Imperial Palace and how he’d heroically seized a slot , bringing honor and glory to the ancestors .
Even the old shamans hidden in the depths of the Ancestral Valley would probably emerge when they heard the news . Being invited to the elder’s council was almost a foregone conclusion .
Wait . . . - Kruta muttered , his eyes gleaming .
What if something happened to him? He was such fine stock , yet he would soon enter an incredibly dangerous threat without an heir carrying his blood . Perhaps he should petition the elders to move up some of his marriages . . . It was only right .
Kruta shot through the gate , and he groaned with contentment as he felt the soil’s pulse beneath his feet . He was finally whole again and smiled upon feeling the spirit thread’s gentle caress . Kruta pitied those who couldn’t hear the voice of the world . The people he’d met in the Perennial Vastness would never understand the beauty of the steppes , where the ground was filled with the forefathers’ love .
The token had dropped him off right where he set off , in front of his grandmother’s tent . He stood unmoving , taking in the sounds , smells , and sights of the tribe . It had been so long . Before spending nine years in the Perennial Vastness , he’d never left the steppes for more than a few weeks at a time .
Part of Kruta wanted to make the rounds and visit all the people he hadn’t seen for almost a decade . But it would have to wait . The news he brought home was too explosive . Kruta stepped into the tent but was surprised to find a barrier blocking his entry . Since when did his grandmother keep her door closed?
Kruta went to the small drum beside the entrance . He infused his full cultivation base into his fist and slammed it with all the force he could muster . The hide didn’t release so much as a whimper , but a gong would alert his grandma of an urgent issue .
Even then , nothing happened after minutes of waiting . Kruta’s brows scrunched together . There was no way she hadn’t noticed his return . He was bringing back earthshattering information , yet Balka Greenleaf couldn’t be bothered to see him? A few more minutes passed , and the veins on Kruta’s forehead twisted as the grand tale he’d woven of his exploits were stuck in his throat .
It was unbearable , and one punch after another crashed into the drum , the attacks fueled by fate and frustration .
What’s that ruckus! - an infuriated roar shook the sky .
Kruta’s expression fell at the outburst . Was Grandma in a foul mood? Was the Dancing Blade Tribe causing trouble again? Shouldn’t be . It had only been eleven months on the outside since he left . It was also impossible she’d entered seclusion . Balka would have removed the drum if that were the case . Kruta was no longer in any mood to enter , and the open flaps to the tents seemed like a ferocious beast .
He didn’t get the chance to retreat before someone emerged , and Kruta frowned at the stranger . The dense swirl of ancestral will around him proved he was of the tribe , but Kruta had never seen him before in his life . Of course , that wasn’t anything odd considering the vast domain they controlled , but he had come out of Balka’s private tent .
Oh , it’s you? - the buff man grunted as he emerged . - You’re back already? -
Who’re you? - Kruta asked .
Fiesty brat , - the man grinned . - I’m Udro , but you can call me Grandpa . -
You’re one of Grandma’s husbands? - Kruta ventured , getting an affirmative nod .
Been guarding the Mystra Destolates the past couple of centuries . Just got back last week , - Udro said . - Heard the missus adopted a kid while I was gone . Well , she heard you loud and clear . Go on in . -
Wait , - Kruta said , his eyes widening in comprehension as he saw the bleeding scratches on Udro’s chest and the mix of annoyance and relief in his eyes . - I’ll just come back later . Uh , have fun . -
You little shit , you’re trying to ruin your gammy’s good time and then just run off? - a rough voice echoed from within the tent . - Come , let me take a look at you . -
Good luck , - Udro grinned as he took out a flagon of spirits .
Kruta inwardly cried , but he didn’t dare ignore the order . The last time he’d interrupted his adoptive grandmother’s time with one of her husbands , he’d been sent to oversee the mating season of their warthog hordes . Kruta shuddered at the memory—the squeals still haunted his dreams . Then again , trying to hide from Balka another time had led to him being sent into the Kussak Dreadmines for a month .
Taking a deep breath , Kruta stepped inside . The surroundings blurred , and he found himself inside the huge trophy valley of Balka Redleaf’s world tent . Everything looked the same . The towering peaks of the surrounding mountain range greeted his arrival . Of course , they were the remains of the Primordial Beast Balka slew to claim her seat as one of the seven Grand Elders at the Tribal Council .
The latent pressure of the sacrificial bones crashed into him , and he groaned as his vision started swimming . Vast amounts of energy poured into his body , and he was relieved to feel his channels easily withstand the pressure . The first time he had almost gotten killed . Now , it was just a bit painful . Kruta felt his grandmother pull him over , placing him in front of a roaring bonfire .