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Chapter 111: Sect Master Baek Ha-Yoon’s Request
Kang Yong-Jin cupped his hands, his eyes showing both respect and determination. He knew he needed to cultivate further to grow stronger. His new target was clear—to one day beat Aldrian. This battle had been a valuable experience, as it was the first time he faced someone who wielded space laws. His hands still trembled from the impact, serving as a vivid reminder that he was not yet strong enough.
As for Aldrian, he looked at Kang Yong-Jin with newfound respect. Typically, young lords like him would let pride cloud their judgment, failing to see the bigger picture. But it seemed Kang Yong-Jin’s passion for cultivation was strong enough to keep his pride in check. Recognizing his own limits would only drive him to work harder to break through them.
Aldrian smiled and cupped his hands in return.
"You are truly an admirable opponent, and there’s no need to be humble. You are indeed tough and strong. This is my honest opinion, and I hope you continue to maintain this spirit."
Kang Yong-Jin was momentarily stunned, but he smiled before he stepped down from the platform. Despite his loss, no one mocked him, for they all knew how powerful he was. It was simply that he had encountered a monster even stronger than himself.
The group from the Black Dragon Pavilion was equally surprised and impressed by the rising name that had emerged from nowhere. They had heard of Aldrian, the man who had become a focal point of the three great sects over the past year. After seeing him yesterday at the Temple of the Heavenly Demon and today’s sparring match, they finally understood why the three sects had given him such significant attention.
Aldrian stepped down from the platform, intending to blend back in as an ordinary spectator, though he knew it was now impossible. He walked toward Sylphia and the others when he noticed Baek Ji-Min looking at him with a smile. He responded with a smile of his own, but then she sent him a voice transmission.
"I’ve received a reply from my mother regarding your request to read the Heavenly Demon’s Flower Scripture."
Aldrian was momentarily stunned but continued walking toward his group, waiting for her to finish.
"She said she will allow you to read it."
Hearing this, Aldrian smiled, though his expression was directed toward his group.
"Good. Thank you for the information," he responded.
Turning to his group, he spoke.
"Guys, after this, we’ll head back to the Thorny Flower Garden. We’ve stayed here long enough, and I have some final business there. After that, we can continue our journey to the Forgeheart Kingdom."
"Why are we going back to the Thorny Flower Garden?" Sylphia asked, narrowing her eyes.
"It has to do with the Heavenly Demon’s scripture. What? Did you think I had something else in mind?" he replied with a teasing smile.
"No... no, do whatever you need to," She quickly answered.
"Then it’s settled."
Aldrian then went to meet with Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae to inform him of his plan to leave the Piercing Heaven Sect today.
"You’re already leaving? Why such a rush? You could take advantage of the peaceful environment here to cultivate," Ryu Hyuk-Jae said.
"Unfortunately, I have my own journey to follow, so maybe next time I’ll have more time to enjoy the Piercing Heaven Sect more thoroughly."
"Where are you heading? Would you like one of our grand elders to accompany you for support?"
"I’m going to Forgeheart Kingdom, and no, I don’t need any elders to follow me. Don’t you think that’s a bit much? Having a grand elder just to assist me seems excessive. You don’t need to worry sect master."
Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae sighed.
"You are right, with your strength and even the sword saint in your group, there is no problem that can stand in your way except it involved peak sovereign of the empire, I’m just worried for nothing."
Aldrian raised his eyebrows that Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae knew about Xin Haotian, while the sect master looked at him with an expression that suggested it was already obvious.
"What? Did you think his disguise could hide him from me? The Sword Saint’s aura and energy are unmistakable, thanks to his famous light laws. As for you, I can’t quite see through your disguise. Your golden energy obstructs my vision. I know you’re hiding your true appearance, but I can’t see beyond that."
Aldrian nodded; as expected of the Sect Master of the Piercing Heaven Sect—one of the strongest on the continent—there was nothing that could deceive his eyes.
"Well then, that settles it. Thank you for your hospitality and support, Sect Master. If you ever need my help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to assist you or the Piercing Heaven Sect."
"Your promise is more than enough. At least I know I’ll have a reliable ally."
Aldrian went outside and headed to visit Baek Ji-Min to discuss their upcoming visit to the Thorny Flower Garden’s Temple of the Heavenly Demon.
"My mother said she will grant you permission, but you have to meet her in person. That’s what she told me," Baek Ji-Min said once they were inside her room.
Aldrian nodded. Although he didn’t know why Sect Master Baek Ha-Yoon wanted to meet him personally, he was confident that he could gain her approval.
"Then I’ll head to the Thorny Flower Garden now. Do you want to come with me, or do you have other matters to attend to?" Aldrian asked.
"No, I’ll come with you," Baek Ji-Min replied.
Aldrian then gathered his group and informed them of their departure. Once they were ready and joined by the entourage from the Thorny Flower Garden, they swiftly left the Piercing Heaven Sect without further delay.
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A few hours later, inside the Sect Master’s room at the Thorny Flower Garden, sect master Baek Ha-Yoon gazed at the small box in her hands filled with old mementos. Among the items was a drawing of a woman and a man, its style making it clear it had been drawn by a child. A faint smile crossed her lips as she studied the drawing, her eyes reflecting a range of emotions.
While she was immersed in her thoughts, a knock suddenly came from the door.
"Sect Master, the young miss has arrived with the guests," came the voice from outside.
Baek Ha-Yoon immediately composed herself, her serene expression returning as she glanced at the drawing one last time before carefully placing it into a drawer in her work table.
"Send Young Master Aldrian and Ji-Min in, and take the others to their guest rooms," she ordered calmly.
Moments later, the door opened, and Aldrian and Baek Ji-Min walked in. The Sect Master greeted them with her usual expressionless face.
"I’ve heard of your remarkable achievement in comprehending the Heavenly Demon’s Scripture. Congratulations—you are truly extraordinary. I have no doubt that your name will echo across the entire continent in the future," she said to Aldrian.
"Sect Master, you’re exaggerating. It just so happens that I have a natural compatibility with the Heavenly Demon’s Scripture. It has little to do with my abilities," Aldrian responded modestly.
"You’re too humble, Young Master. The Heavenly Demon’s Scripture is not like other scriptures. It requires more than just fate and fortune—you also need the capability to wield it," Baek Ha-Yoon said, her gaze turning questioning.
"But why do you wish to read the Heavenly Demon’s Flower Scripture when you’ve already comprehended the Heavenly Demon’s Scripture? It’s quite unusual. Ji-Min only told me that it’s somehow connected to both you and the Heavenly Demon’s Scripture."
"Yes, that’s correct. When I comprehended the Heavenly Demon’s Scripture, I encountered something beyond my knowledge. I believe the information I need is written in the Heavenly Demon’s Flower Scripture," Aldrian explained.
Sect Master Baek Ha-Yoon pondered his words for a moment before speaking again.
"I will allow you to read the Heavenly Demon’s Flower Scripture, but only if you agree to this request of mine."
"I’m listening," Aldrian replied, his expression calm.
Without a change in her demeanor, Baek Ha-Yoon continued, "You must take Baek Ji-Min with you on your journey. Wherever you go, she will follow."
Aldrian raised his eyebrows at this unexpected request. He was ready for anything she wanted to say to him and prepared to negotiate to the best of his ability. But to think she would give him a request involving her daughter? That took him by surprise.
Baek Ji-Min was shocked by her mother’s unexpected request.
"Mother, what are you talking about? Why do I have to follow Young Master Aldrian?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion, embarrassment, and a touch of anger. Though her relationship with her mother wasn’t what it used to be, she still held some respect for her. But now, hearing her mother’s request, Baek Ji-Min couldn’t help but feel as if her mother was trying to distance herself.
By sending her off with Aldrian’s group, Baek Ji-Min would be far away from the sect—and from her mother. A sadness crept into her heart. The idea that her mother might be pushing her away caused her pain, not for herself, but for her mother.
