The scene unfolded in an expansive mansion nestled within the Sunchaser estate. In front of a large window, eight by fifteen inches, a young woman stood looking out. She could see a lake that sparkled like a gem, reflecting the vibrant energy around it.
However, Judah's gaze was not fixed on the water or the stunning view. She looked beyond the horizon, envisioning realms far outside the reach of ordinary eyes.
Hurried footsteps echoed through the halls before a figure rushed into the opulent room, which radiated the sophistication and charm of nobility. The chamber carried a subtle touch of violet; the trim was a deep red reminiscent of blood, and the floor descended in smooth steps toward a wide circular space surrounding the grand window where the young woman stood.
"Milady, Sifir has returned to the Midnight Clan!"
Her gentle smile held the power to soften even the iciest heart.
"Excellent," she said, her tone calm yet edged with intent. "It's time to begin the first stage of our strategy. They should never have allowed Sifir to return to the Midnight—or Night—Clan. Since his return, those people won't be able to hold us back."
Another set of hurried footsteps entered the room.
"Milady, the former matriarch Kyri has called for you."
The young woman turned from the glass, her sharp gaze meeting the new arrival.
"Tell her I, Judah—the current matriarch of the Sunchaser—will be there shortly. I need to make a few preparations first."
"Yes, Young Matriarch!"
---
The next day, early in the morning, Sifir woke up in a room he knew all too well. It was the same room he had slept in before departing on his mission for the Elder.
A young maid stood quietly beside his bed, worry written across her gentle face.
"Beyond Blue, how long have you been waiting?"
"Young Master, I've been by your side since your return—staying here in case you needed me."
Sifir reached out and patted the young maiden's head with a faint smile. But as he moved, a sharp pain surged through his body. Only then did he realize just how damaged he truly was; even the slightest motion caused agony.
Then, a mysterious voice echoed in his mind.
'How long are you going to sleep?'
'You're worse than my nagging little maid.'
'Huh? That's rich coming from you. I could point you to someone who loves to nag.'
'No, thank you. You can keep that one.'
'Since you're finally awake, let's talk about a few things.'
'Fine. I'm up. But who are you, anyway?'
'Hahaha… I'm surprised you still can't tell. You'll learn who I am soon enough.'
Sifir furrowed his brows but said nothing.
'Do you still have all those herbs and plants I told you to gather when you were being hunted like a dog, Sifir?'
'Of course I still have them—and I am no dog!'
'Good. Ask your patriarch for the best herbalist to prepare a body-tempering elixir using those ingredients. Listen well—your hellish training begins now and won't end until the day you die. I'm going into slumber for a while—probably about a year. When I awaken, I expect great progress.'
Sifir sighed helplessly.
'There's nothing I can do now. If I want to regain my old cultivation and surpass it, this is the only path. Let's start body tempering today… I need to heal this broken body.'
Turning to his maid, he said, "Beyond Blue, help me to the desk and bring my dimensional space pouch, a pen, and some paper."
"Yes, Young Master."
----
The room was dim; only a few candles flickered in the darkness. It was a medium-sized chamber—large enough for several people to gather. The team sent to track and kill Sifir had assembled here to report to a grand, fearsome figure.
"Elder, I apologize for our failure. You may punish us with death!" one of them stammered.
"Ghost Leader of Unit One," the Elder replied, "there was always a possibility this mission would fail. What I want to know is how badly Fall Night was hurt."
"The injuries Fall Night sustained during the mission—combined with our refusal to give him rest—are severe. I would say Sifir's core is heavily damaged."
"Fall Night's core is heavily damaged but not destroyed?"
"Yes, Elder."
"Trash! Absolutely trash! I should burn your souls on an open fire and let your screams tempt the demons that crave miserable spirits!"
The group trembled as the Elder spoke. His words carried conviction, and his tone made it clear his threats were not idle. His eyes glowed a deep, menacing crimson.
"Since I told you I would spare you, be grateful your dog lives are left intact. Now—anything else to report?"
"Y-ye-yes, Elder. A few of the dragons have agreed to increase pressure on the lockdown of the Ligers," the leader managed.
"Good. Now leave before I refine one of your members' souls to let off steam."
The Ghost Unit 01 fled in haste; none dared look back for fear the Elder might change his mind.
"That temper of yours hasn't changed in years," someone said from the shadows.
The Elder peered into the darkness as a shadowy figure stepped into the light. His face twisted with disgust—working for the same patron didn't mean they were allies. He disliked this person's casual arrogance.
"What do you want?" the Elder snapped.
"Don't play with fire with the Nine Dragon Emperor, Empress Kagayura," the shadow replied. "That is the message Master sent me to deliver."
"The dragons are pawns to be used by us," the Elder said coldly. "If the Master commands it, I will obey. Anything else?" His hood could not hide the frost in his expression.
The mysterious figure grinned. "Yes. This next part is from me: if you truly desire Sifir's demise, you must do it with your own hands."
Rage and shame washed the Elder's face, turning it ashen with crimson. To venture into that tiger's den of experts would be tantamount to wishing for his own death.
"I see," the Elder said through clenched teeth. "Know this—should you ever defy the Lord, I will make your soul scream until it ceases to exist."
The stranger laughed softly. "That's the funniest thing I've heard all day. Make sure you can back it up, Little Elder."
With that, the visitor's form faded—an obvious avatar projection. The Elder's fist clenched, his aura flaring violently. In the next instant everything was gone; the chamber and its occupants vanished, leaving only a small house in ruins out in the wilderness.
----
"Patriarch Murda, Sifir says he is ready."
"Good. Send the best herbalist and formation master as well," Murda replied. "Sometimes, one should be careful what they wish for."
"Also, Patriarch Murda—Sifir has requested that the tempering bath be prepared with these ingredients. He also provided instructions for the body-tempering process."
A faint frown crept across Murda's face, his expression tinged with disdain.
*Hmm... these ingredients and the preparation method are quite good. How did Sifir get his hands on something like this?*
"Patriarch," the messenger continued, "Sifir gave us his dimensional space pouch and guided me through the preparation process. We estimate the ingredients will last for about a year."
"Oh?" A flash of surprise crossed Murda's face for an instant.
"Go and prepare the room," he ordered. "Follow his instructions exactly. If Sifir dies… then he dies."
"Yes, Patriarch!"
Murda sank into deep thought after the messenger left. How had Sifir managed to gather such rare herbs and plants? Among them were treasures of nature—the Nine-Color Dew Jade, Ice-Cold Lotus, and Moonlight Dew—each priceless in its own right.
---
Meanwhile, Sifir walked slowly toward the chamber where the tempering bath awaited, supported by Beyond Blue. His weakened body was unsteady, each step reminding him of his current fragility. Being this feeble was a new and unpleasant experience.
Before the two could enter the room, a familiar voice called out.
"Isn't that who I think it is?"
Sifir looked up. "Regis Ceezar… what are you doing here?"
"I heard you'd returned, Sifir. How could I not come to see an old friend?"
"Old?" Sifir chuckled, shaking his head.
"Young Master is younger than you, Ceezar," Beyond Blue said with a pout.
Ceezar grinned. "Little Blue, still the same—a tiny tyrant disguised as a maiden."
"Don't make me fight you!" Beyond Blue clenched her little fist, glaring at him.
"Enough nonsense," Sifir said wearily. "What brings you here, Ceezar?"
"I came to warn you. Be careful of the elders connected to the Setting Sun faction within our Midnight Clan."
"I see." Sifir frowned, pondering for a moment before setting the thought aside.
"Yeah, just… be careful," Ceezar said with a shrug. "I don't want to see you in a grave or something."
"Don't say such things about my Young Master!" Beyond Blue huffed. "That's exactly why Burning Rogue doesn't like you, Ceezar!"
Ceezar laughed helplessly. "What can I do if little Burning can't stand the charm of this Regis?"
"You always talk nonsense, Ceezar. What happened to that girl?" Sifir asked.
"What girl?" Ceezar frowned.
"The one you said was the first and the last."
Ceezar groaned. "Sifir, why bring that up?"
"I see how it is," Sifir said with a small smile. "She's as stubborn as a mule, isn't she?"
"Yes! Why does she have to cultivate *that* element? It's infuriating!"
"What element?"
"Earth! Ligers who cultivate the Earth element are unbearably stubborn!" Ceezar crossed his arms, clearly exasperated.
"Haha. Beloved Rellie suits you perfectly, Ceezar."
"Is that why you've been catering to her like some old sugar daddy?"
Beyond Blue giggled softly, continuing to help Sifir toward the chamber.
"Your little maid still has a venomous tongue," Ceezar said, shaking his head. "Anyway, watch yourself around those elders."
"Let's go, Beyond Blue," Sifir said, his tone soft but firm. "I need to begin my treatment soon. And Ceezar—don't worry. I'll keep your warning in mind."