"Master!" Kael called out as he stepped forward.
Ethan turned abruptly, spotting Kael standing beside Xueying (Bloodshadow). Of course, Ethan recognized Xueying. At first, he was momentarily stunned, but then his gaze settled on Kael. "What are you doing here, kid?" As Ethan studied Kael, he sensed an inexplicable change in his aura—something unfamiliar, almost unsettling. Could it be...?
A startling thought flashed through Ethan's mind, but he quickly suppressed it. Still, his eyes remained fixed on Kael with growing intensity.
"I heard about the Continental Rankings event in Emerald City, so I came to see it for myself," Kael replied with a smile, gesturing toward Xueying in introduction.
Ethan and Xueying were clearly old acquaintances. Xueying gave a slight bow, standing tall. "Greetings, Your Excellency Ethan." After all, Ethan held the honorary title of Elder in the Sacred Council—a position without real authority but equal in rank to the Twelve Senators, placing him half a step above Xueying.
"Wait here—I need to settle this Solarite Gold deal first!" Ethan waved them off, his expression darkening as he resumed haggling with the magic shop's clerk.
Kael and Xueying exchanged an amused glance, both sighing helplessly at Ethan's temper.
After what felt like an eternity, Ethan finally secured his purchase, triumphantly clutching several pieces of Solarite Gold. The final price? 80,000 gold coins—a bargain compared to the initial demand.
Pleased with his negotiation, Ethan broke into a grin and fell into step beside Kael and Xueying.
"Master, what brings you to Emerald City?" Kael asked curiously. Ethan had been perfectly content in Lephai City—why the sudden trip?
Ethan stroked his beard and snorted. "It's all for you, you brat! That backwater Lephai City doesn't have a single scrap of Solarite Gold, but here? Emerald City has every magical item and material you could imagine! Sure, Solarite Gold is rare, but it turns up occasionally. Besides, with the Continental Rankings about to start, can't an old man like me come to enjoy the spectacle?!"
So Ethan's main purpose in Emerald City was to gather Solarite Gold!
Solarite Gold was a crucial material for crafting arcane cannons. Ethan's efforts to collect it here spoke volumes about his dedication.
A surge of warmth filled Kael's chest, though Ethan's gruff tone made him chuckle awkwardly and promptly fall silent.
"Now that master and disciple are reunited, I'll take my leave. I still have business in Dusk Moon City," Xueying said, preparing to depart.
"Take care on your journey, Brother Xueying," Kael said solemnly.
Dusk Moon City was now overrun with vampires, making it an extremely perilous place. Kael had developed a genuine respect for Xueying—much like Zorath the Silent, he was one of the few within the Sacred Council whom Kael considered decent.
Xueying grinned. "If you find the time, Brother Kael, you should come to Dusk Moon City as well. The war against the vampires is a cause we should all contribute to."
Kael nodded. "I will."
The vampire threat was too significant to ignore. Once he settled matters here, he fully intended to make the trip.
With a final chuckle, Xueying bowed respectfully to Ethan before taking his leave. True to his nature, he departed without hesitation, his figure soon vanishing from sight.
Ethan let out a faint sigh. "That Xueying… he's a good man."
Then, turning to Kael, he smirked. "So, brat, you're here for the Continental Rankings selection?"
"That's the plan," Kael admitted with a smile. "Any advice, Master?"
Ethan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I've got quite a few old connections in Emerald City—people of considerable influence. I could introduce you, save you the trouble of navigating this place alone."
Kael laughed. "I'd appreciate that. Oh, and Master… I actually have something for you."
"For me?" Ethan blinked in surprise.
Before he could react, Kael produced the alchemical tools he'd obtained from the Ghostfire Tower's master.
Ethan's breath hitched as he examined them closely. "Incredible… absolutely incredible! Hah! So you finally remembered to show your old master some respect, you little rascal—"
He was utterly enthralled by the alchemical instruments, his excitement uncontainable. His face flushed with delight as he marveled at each piece, clearly overjoyed with the gift.
Kael couldn't help but smile. Ethan's childlike enthusiasm was on full display—the moment those tools were in his hands, he was practically vibrating with glee.
Ethan led Kael to a grand estate located in the heart of Emerald City. Towering within the grounds stood a majestic magic tower, a clear testament to its owner's extraordinary status.
"This is...?" Kael asked, puzzled.
Ethan chuckled, carefully storing the alchemical tools into his spatial ring before answering, "This is the magic tower of the legendary mage 'Qilin.' She's a renowned figure who's been famous for ages—a good friend of mine. She has many disciples under her wing, including quite a few prodigies. Perfect for you to exchange insights with..."
Legendary Mage Qilin?
Kael's gaze flickered in recognition. He had heard of her name before—a celebrated archmage whose reputation rivaled even Ethan's.
Following Ethan into the estate, they encountered no obstacles and soon arrived at the base of the magic tower.
Beneath the tower sat a graceful middle-aged woman, dignified in appearance and poised in posture, presiding at the center. Around her stood over a dozen mages clad in robes of various colors—men and women, mostly young—all gathered around her like stars orbiting the moon. Clearly, she had been in the middle of a lecture, and these mages, her students, were listening with rapt attention.
Noticing Ethan's arrival, the woman paused, a faint smile crossing her face. "Ethan, you actually came. And who is this behind you...?"
Her gaze shifted to Kael, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"This is my disciple, Kael," Ethan declared with a proud grin.
"Kael?" The woman—Qilin—frowned slightly, her expression turning peculiar as she studied him intently.
Kael's name wasn't entirely unknown these days, especially after his victory over Einar.
Meanwhile, murmurs broke out among the disciples: "Kael? That's him?"
"Who's Kael?" Some remained clueless.
"The one who defeated Einar!"
"What?!"
Whispers spread like wildfire, and the students' expressions shifted as they stared at Kael in astonishment.
Einar had also come to Emerald City and made quite a name for himself—virtually every young mage knew of him. Yet this young man before them had actually defeated Einar?
The revelation sent a ripple of shock through the crowd, mingled with a hint of skepticism.
"Truly a prodigy among youths," Qilin remarked. As a legendary powerhouse, her discernment was naturally sharper than most. She could sense the uniqueness in Kael's aura—yet even she couldn't fully gauge his strength.
At Qilin's praise, her disciples couldn't help but show complex expressions. Their master rarely complimented anyone—now they instinctively began comparing themselves to Kael.
Ethan chuckled. "Qilin, I heard the Tower of the Void has opened? My disciple is new here and unfamiliar with Emerald City's customs. Why not let him join your students to experience it?"
The Tower of the Void?
Kael's gaze flickered slightly. He only knew it as the most renowned magic tower in Emerald City—why would Ethan want him to go there?
Qilin studied Kael for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. Suo Mo'er, tomorrow you'll take Kael to the Tower of the Void. Strive to have his name listed among its top hundred."
As she spoke, a young woman stepped forward from the group. A few years older than Kael, she had an exquisite oval face, gentle eyes, and carried herself with poised grace. She bowed slightly in a mage's greeting. "Greetings, Junior Brother Kael."
Since Ethan and Qilin were close, Suo Mo'er naturally addressed Kael as her junior.
Suo Mo'er was Qilin's most valued senior disciple—the strongest and most talented among all her students. Famous even in the Emerald Tower's rankings, she consistently placed in the top three, standing as an undisputed elite among her peers. Her reputation in Emerald City rivaled even geniuses like Einar.
"Alright, you may withdraw now. Suo Mo'er, show Kael around the estate first," Qilin instructed.
Leading Kael away, Suo Mo'er began pointing out the various rare spiritual herbs growing across the manor's grounds—though truthfully, Kael needed no introduction, already intimately familiar with such flora.
Once they were sufficiently distant from Qilin, Suo Mo'er finally revealed her curiosity. "Junior Brother Kael... is it true you defeated Einar?"