The Thorne of Destiny

Within a valley to the west of Stonehold city, an old man was standing in front of orb with a neutral expression on his face. His kind visage seemed out of place among the surrounding atmosphere. After remaining silent for a

His hoarse voice finally responded to the other person.

"Issue a sect wide mission for the misty mountains. Anyone who participated would be given sect points depending on the number and rank of beast that they kill. Both outer and inner elders are also expected to participate. Tell them to investigate the cause of this sudden event."

"Understood grand elder Thomas." The person on the other end responded before the call was disconnected.

"This isn't so bad as well. It would give those old folks something to do." He said before tossing the situation to the back of his mind.

If someone could see him right now, they would recognize him as the Grand Elder of the War Machine sect. Normally, such an event didn't warrant his attention, but since it involved beasts from the inner regions, he had to step in. His calm demeanor was uncommon among those from the war machine sect. If one didn't know any better, they could mistake them for people of the demonic faction. That was how ruthless and bloodthirsty they were.

While others would call this situation a calamity, the people of the war machine sect were relishing this opportunity. There weren't many chances for them to unleash their full savagery and ruthlessness, and this was even more true for those elders. The opportunity to fight to their hearts content was something they wouldn't pass up.

Strangely enough, the beasts didn't exit the misty mountains. Various powerful beasts simple occupied regions within the outer regions. This sudden development shocked everyone as they were already expecting and preparing for a stampede of beasts.

However, this didn't change the end goal. They needed to chase those beasts back into the inner regions. Failure to do so would result in no one being able to continue exploring misty mountains. Ordinary cultivators who made a living by exploring the mountains would have their livelihoods cut off.

Adrian, who was oblivious to all the commotion happening in the region suddenly had his meditation interrupted. He opened his eyes to find them covered by a pair of small hands.

He broke out into a faint smile before asking.

"What's up Liv?" It was naturally Olivia.

"Hehe big brother, you promised to take me out today."

She replied while giggling.

"Is that so? Alright let me get myself ready."

He answered.

After taking a shower and putting on his black robes and cloak. He took Olivia's hand and led her out of the manor.

Even though his relationship with Olivia had improved over the past few months, there was still a slight distance between them. Because he hadn't spent as much time with her as Jayson had, he could still feel a slight subconscious reluctance from her to connect with him.

He couldn't blame her. It hadn't even been six months since her entire life was turned upside down.

That was why he decided to take time out to bond with her. As they walked through the streets, Adrian noticed the strange atmosphere within the city. He had been practicing the astral steps through out this period so he didn't venture out.

When they reached the market, the strange mood became even more obvious. It was a strange mix of somberness and excitement.

Still he didn't pay much attention to it and mostly focused on enjoying his time with Olivia.

Lanterns strung between towering marble pillars illuminated the marketplace, their soft glow reflected in the polished stone streets. Vendors shouted to advertise exotic goods, street performers entertained crowds, and the aroma of roasted meat and sweet pastries filled the air.

Olivia skipped ahead, her chestnut hair bouncing in the light. She tugged on Adrian's sleeve, her light green eyes sparkling with excitement. "Adrian! Look, they have those crystal petal flowers you told me about!"

Adrian smiled, allowing himself a moment of indulgence in her joy. The flower vendor had an impressive array of crystalline blooms, their edges refracting light like prisms. He requested for a bouquet which the vendor smilingly prepared for them. After paying, he took one of the flowers out.

"For you," he said, tucking a flower behind Olivia's ear.

She giggled, twirling in delight. "Thank you! Can we try the cloudberry ice next?"

Adrian nodded absently, his focus drifting. She led him to another stall that sold sweets. She was excitedly inquiring about all the different kinds when she noticed that Adrian wasn't paying attention.

"Big brother?" Olivia's voice snapped him back.

"Sorry, Liv," he said, forcing a smile. "Just thinking."

"You're always thinking. What's wrong?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. Go ahead and pick whatever you want."

As Olivia was picking out what she wanted, Adrian struck up a conversation with the storekeeper.

He tried to inquire about the strange atmosphere in the city, yet the response that he received shocked him.

"You don't know?"

The storekeeper asked in a somewhat bewildered tone. The news of the beasts in the Misty mountains had circulated through out the city over the past few days, so there was hardly anyone who didn't know about it anymore.

"Is it something that serious?" Adrian responded in a low tone. From the expression on the shopkeeper's face, it seemed whatever was happening was a big event.

"A few days ago, news of a beast tide was reported in the misty mountains. I don't know much but I heard that there are even beasts from the inner region that came and occupied the outer regions. I don't know how true that is though."

Adrian was left speechless. Such a situation was undoubtedly a major event. This situation could bring him a lot of benefits. If he played his cards right, this situation could be an unexpected windfall.

His mind raced thinking of all the possibilities when a cheerful voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Got it!" Olivia returned with two bowls of ice, one for him.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Thanks, Liv. You're the best."

They spent the entire afternoon visiting different shops and purchasing a bunch of items. Adrian was also able to get a clearer picture of the situation in the misty mountains.

They only returned when the sun was setting with the Adrian carrying the tired Olivia on his back.

"Did you have fun?" He asked as they entered into the manor. The servant John immediately came out to greet them while Jayson was nowhere to be found.

"This was the most fun I've had ever. Thanks big brother!"