7 years after the incident in the Misty Dew restaurant...

"Tak tak tak tak," sounds of chopping could be heard in the kitchen.

"Ssssszzzzz," sizzling sounds of frying noisily decimated in the air.

"Mmmm... Uncle Freddo! When will the Purple-bellied pork be served?" cried a boy from beyond the kitchen door.

"Give me 5 minutes and the Fried Purple-bellied pork with honey cream will be completed."

"Okay! The customer at table 5 is already bored in waiting."

"Uncle Sam, table 8 needs some Misty Dew wine," shouted the boy while holding 7 layers of the tray of food to be served to the customers.

"Table 1 here's your stewed 3-headed lynx."

"Table 7 here's your braised cobra-frog tendons."

The boy served and served batches of food until 10 o'clock in the evening, at which point the restaurant is already closed.

"Mom! I already finished cleaning the restaurant. Can I go to receive the deliveries?"

"Okay, I know you're excited about going to the mountains based on how you eagerly listen to the stories of the woodsman. I'll give you until 11 o'clock, then come back or else no more stories for you."

"I know Mom, see you later.

"The boy then hurried to the backdoor of the restaurant to wait for the woodsman. Five minutes of waiting bored the boy and he fell asleep. It was then at that moment when he heard footsteps. He opened his eyes slowly and saw a man with a rucksack in his bag.

"Woodsman!" excitedly yelled the boy.

"Hey, you were waiting for me eh?" the woodsman asked amusingly.

"Yeah, I want to hear about the different beasts in the mountains, please tell me about the flying rainbow pig."

"Alright, alright but first give this bag to Marcel."

"Okay!" the boy then hurriedly grabbed the bag from the man and ran inside the restaurant to give the bag to Marcel and returned to the woodsman in not even a minute.

"Uncle woodsman, now tell me about the flying rainbow pig."

"Hm? okay."

"The flying rainbow pig is a class 3 demon beast that lives in the central parts of the Mistvale mountains. They are creatures that live in pairs and will die if they could not be with their partner. The flying rainbow pig got its name from its reproductive activity. Once it mates with its partner, its wings emit rainbow-colored lights, indicating that they have successfully mated. They are rare beasts due to their low success rate in mating. In a thousand flying pigs, only two will become flying rainbow pigs. Take note that flying pigs are class 2 demon beasts which are low in population as they are the favorite prey of other vicious beasts."

Time slowly ticked away as the woodsman continued his story about demon beasts until 11 o'clock arrived.

"Rigel! Curfew time!" cried Marcel.

"Eeeeehhhh!!! but Mom!"

"No buts, and come back inside."

"Okay..." said Rigel dejectedly.

When Rigel returned inside, he went directly to his room upstairs and thought about the stories of the woodsman. Meanwhile, the woodsman handed a pair of sparkling herbs with a cold and hot aura to Marcel.

"Marcel, this here is for Rigel's coming of age ceremony."

"Wait, these are..." Marcel pondered then became shocked. She had heard of a spiritual herb before in legends that enhances the talent and potential of the one who used it during their coming of age ceremony. It was a flower with a hot and cold aura. Rumors have it, that it was a flower nourished by the tears of a Buddha.

"Yes, it is as you guessed. They are the Yin Yang Buddha lotus."

"But, this doesn't exist in this world, and this one is already a million-year-old spirit herb, based on its color and seven-petaled flower. This thing is priceless. Are you sure you want to give this to the boy?"

"Yes," answered the woodsman.

"You know you could do many things with this herb, and you chose to give it to someone whom you don't even have a blood relationship with?"

"Yes. I already made up my mind. From the moment I saw the boy in the mountains, I could already feel the string of destiny bind us."

"Still... what a waste of such precious medicine. However, if it is as you say, then this boy must have a greater destiny in life. I can also see his monstrous talent and strength, thanks to the milk, his cultivation, and physical capabilities are beyond normal levels."

"Please, concoct a medicinal cauldron for him using this. I'll provide other materials to complement the herb so that his cultivation will exceed his peers."

"Alright, I'll take care of it on one condition. The boy will leave my care after his coming of age ceremony and he will train with you on the mountains. Make him your disciple and leave your legacy with him. Who knows, maybe someday he can help you."

"Hmmm..."

"Don't think too much about it, for now, the coming of age ceremony is still 3 months away so make your decision after it."

"Okay. Then this is all for the night, Bye."

"Hm," Marcel nodded then went back inside.

Marcel went upstairs and was then surprised to see Rigel intently staring at her.

"Rigel, I thought you went to sleep already."

"Mom, I want to know about the name of the woodsman."

Marcel paused in silence, closed her eyes then breathed deeply.

"Before I tell you his name, I want to tell you a story about a school which met a tragic end."

Marcel gazed at the window of Rigel's room seemingly remembering things in the past.

Marcel continued, "It was 10 years ago when the flourishing school called Mirror Heart school became famous and was known throughout the land. They were famous for their cultivation arts for they cultivate the heart and mind in the righteous path. Many people joined the school not only for their righteous mindset but also for their cultivation art called the Mirror Heart Soul Art." "

The Mirror Heart Soul Art allows a cultivator to possess the power to voluntarily manipulate their soul to perform offensive and defensive techniques. Due to its unique style of cultivation, people with evil intent tried to take the arts for themselves."

"Evil sects and schools who train in the Devil and Demonic arts desired to possess the arts of the Mirror Heart School. Three large organizations allied and planned to seize the arts."

"They were the Necromancer school, Devil puppet sect, and Demon Tamer clan. Together they planned and schemed for years on how they could take the arts without alarming the citizens and the Mirror Hear School."

Marcel caught her breath and instructed Rigel, "Let's sit down and have some coffee first before I tell you the rest of the story."

Rigel prepared coffee brewed from the seeds of the Blue Mountain bean tree and served it in a pot with sugar and honey.

"So where was I again??? right... It was the time when the genius of the school, Renor Heartford known for his just and righteous heart and charisma was the topic of the whole Dragon River Continent."

"Renor was famous for his extraordinary encounters and feats. He slew the Demonic beast, 7-headed Orochi, and rescued the people of the Kingdom of Stonerule. He made medicine for the incurable disease called Lumia respera, wherein people who are afflicted by it, emit radioactive light which is then transferred to the people surrounding the diseased person. It was a plague that brought a massive number of deaths to the Arkayas region. There were other feats that he performed but the one feat that made him very famous was him killing the Black Dragon King of the Dragon River Marsh. It was a battle that lasted for a month and the destruction brought by their battle spread throughout the whole marshes. Take into thought that the Dragon River Marsh is 20, 000km in radius, and the whole of it was transformed into a battleground. After the Black Dragon King died, many countries and kingdoms who suffered from the rule of the Black Dragon King were liberated and they praised their savior Renor for his heroic deed."

"Renor Heartford was known as one of the legendary Dragon Slayers in history. Renor Heartford's fame and prestige shot up and he was known throughout the land. The alliance of the three evil largest organizations met a dead end in their plans. However, news of Renor falling sick spread throughout the lands. The evil alliance investigated the cause for his sickness and they had no idea how to check him. They sent doctors but they were found out because they were detected as having an evil aura present in their cultivations."

"After their failure, security increased surrounding Renor and again the evil alliance met another dead end. They searched for leads in the battleground of Renor's battle with the Black Dragon King and found that the land was transformed into a toxic wasteland. The evil alliance sent experts to find out the cause for such drastic changes in the terrain of the Marshland and found that the blood of the Black Dragon King was the cause for such terraforming."

"Expert alchemists also found out that besides the toxicity, the blood of the Black Dragon King could also corrupt the heart and mind of the afflicted. This is also one of the reasons why the Dragon River Marsh is now designated as one of the 12 danger zones of the Dragon River Region. People who ventured into the marshes returned with their minds crazed. Some even transformed into undead and some do not even return alive. After the alchemists researched the effects of the Black Dragon King's blood, they assimilated it in their evil arts and their strength grew exponentially."

"The three leaders of the evil alliance met and planned for the acquisition of the Mirror Heart Soul Art. They considered every possible situation and repercussions. Eventually, they devised a plan to send the daughter of the Demon Tamer clan leader, Yvette Lancaster, to entice Renor Heartford."

"The plan was to make Renor fall in love with Yvette and make him voluntarily give up the Mirror Heart Soul Art. The evil alliance made it to a point in time where they could introduce Yvette to Renor."

"By some stroke of luck, the Mirror Heart School opened its door to hold a banquet for Renor's 30th birthday. The main reason why they opened their doors was to invite experts, doctors, alchemists, and even poison masters to cure Renor. The school even offered 100, 000 gold, 2kgs of Blood-vein crystal, which could prolong the lifespan of a person for 100 years, and the original copy of the recipe for the cure of the Lumia Respera."

"After the announcement of the banquet, experts from different regions and countries gathered together in the Mirror Heart School."

"When the banquet, the experts were invited to check and give a cure to Renor, but it was all futile for the Black Dragon King's blood was so strong that even the healing arts of different experts cannot counter the toxicity and corruption. Some experts recommended spiritual herbs that are 100, 000 years old and beyond, but it is incredibly rare and hard to find. Even if you find one the price of it is too high, that even 10 large-sized kingdoms cannot afford to pay for it even if they empty all their treasuries."

"Line after line of experts offering suggestions on how to cure or possibly neutralize the poison, Yvette's turn was up. She presented the cause of his illness and explained the effects of the Black Dragon King's blood and also how Renor had only a month to live if he is not treated immediately. The elders of the school and the schoolmaster decided to let Yvette handle Renor's case because she accurately diagnosed the present condition of Renor. The school made sure to scan Yvette with their Mirror Heart Soul Arts to make sure that she does not have evil intentions. However, Yvette is from the Demon Tamer school, and they have the least traces of evil aura as they only cultivate the Demon Taming Arts to control and Summon Demonic beasts."

"In the case of Yvette, she has the unique physique constitution, Nine-tailed fox Charm, wherein she could allure beasts and make them submit to her will. Unique physique constitutions are innate and inborn divine gifts that are bestowed by the heavens. It is said that only 1 in a billion people are blessed with such gifts, and when they are born, an omen or apparition in the skies appears to signal that the heavens gave birth to such being. Although unique physique constitutions are great blessings they also pair with misfortune. The heavens treat fairly all beings, that's why when you are born with such physique, you either suffer from divine tribulation or an incredibly short lifespan. For Yvette's case, the latter applies."

"After making sure of Yvette's background in which case they did not find out because she was the most protected and doted child of the Demon Tamer School, especially since she has a unique physique constitution, they hid her identity when she was born until she matured; the elders and schoolmaster approved the treatment of Renor. However, the only treatment for Renor's illness is through a process of joining yin and yang. In other words, sexual contact. The female is yin and the male yang and when they join together, they create a balance. In the case of Renor, due to his cultivation in the Mirror Heart Soul arts and him being male, his body is full of yang energy. When he battled the Black Dragon King, the blood which is full of toxic and corruption befell Renor, and toxicity and corruption corresponds to yin. The reason why Renor suffers is that there is an imbalance in his body, wherein the yin and yang tries to overcome each other."

"To reduce his suffering, the yin must be flushed out of his body."

"One of the ways to cure him is through sexual contact with a female who has a strong yin constitution. Coincidentally, Yvette's body possesses abundant yin due to her unique physique constitution which is also yin in nature."

"To treat Renor, they must have sexual contact so that when they join together the yin energy in Renor will be pulled by the yin nature of Yvette and through the process balance out the yin yang energies."

"The elders had reservations because their hero Renor is not yet married, and his prestige is too high for a woman who they do not know and trust entirely. The elders of the school deliberated, debated, and even formed sides because the marriage of Renor is not just for Renor only but has also a great political significance to the school."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"The school's reputation is at stake if they marry her to a woman with no background. The debate of the elders delayed the matter of Renor's treatment. It was then decided by the schoolmaster to have a voting process after 15 days in consideration for the lifespan of Renor."

"While the elders of the school were busy with their political affairs, Renor and Yvette got closer and closer and eventually fell in love with each other."

"Their feelings for each other grew and they became lovers. Renor's mental state improved because of such love and affection. His countenance improved even when he is still suffering from the poison. Due to such changes, Renor's expected lifespan improved and increased to three months."

"The elders realized this and moved to vote on the 13th day. It was agreed that Renor will be married to Yvette, however, she will be announced as a genius doctor so that she will be known throughout the lands. After she establishes her reputation, she will be given an honorary position in the school as an honorary guest doctor. She will also be given lands and spiritual herb gardens to back her prestige."

"One month after the decision of the school, Yvette and Renor announced their marriage and opened the school for a grand banquet wherein everyone was invited even ordinary people."

"After the preparations were made, the grand wedding started and renowned experts and people throughout the lands attended the wedding. It was at this momentous occasion where the evil alliance made its move and crashed the wedding, thereby preventing their oaths from being taken.

"Renor was very angry and battled it out with the evil alliance. The elders of the school joined in the fight together with the schoolmaster and the disciples of the school and even their allies which were guests in the wedding."

"A battle of epic proportions ensued and blood rained that day, even forming rivers. Guests fled the scene and some were pulled into the fight. Ordinary people were slaughtered and the whole Mirror Heart School became a death zone. Eventually, the battle came to a close when an expert who disguised as an ordinary citizen interfered and stopped the fight."

"It was said that he was an expert at the perfection of the saint realm and that he could pressure everyone to halt by just emitting his aura."

"He interceded and made a deal with both parties. Due to the greediness of the evil alliance in acquiring the Mirror Heart Soul art, he killed half the members of the sect, even letting them pay the price by taking their weapon artifact and treasures that they brought with them."

"It was also the time, where Yvette revealed herself bitterly to Renor that she was the daughter of the Demon Tamer clan. She rebuked Renor for being a fool to be in love with her. Although she said those words, witnesses from the sides saw her bitterly crying face forcing herself to stand in front of the evil alliance to hide her face."

"Renor stayed silent all the time and the elders of the school blamed him for falling in love with such an evil woman."

"Eventually, the expert who interfered made the evil alliance scram and left without leaving a trace. The Mirror Heart School deployed their remaining disciples to clean up the mess and made reparations to the allies and guests who fought."

"After all the clean-up was done, the school declared its doors closed and the legend of Renor Heartford faded into history books."

"It was later rumored that Renor was expelled from the school, some speculated he left on his own accord and meditated in the mountains waiting for death. Some people said he died from his illness and some told he committed suicide in grief. All sorts of gossip spread throughout the land but it was all rumors and speculations in the end."

"The rumors faded and the catastrophe of the Mirror Heart School and Renor Heartford was forgotten over time."

Rigel remained in his seat while the coffee was still in his hand, cold. After minutes of digesting the information, he broke the silence by sipping his cold coffee.

"I know you have many questions but it's better if you keep it to yourself. It's late already, go to bed and sleep. Tomorrow we have work to do," Marcel said while massaging her temple.

After that, they turned in for the night.2 months and 20 days passed by...

"Marcel, here." The woodsman passed a large rucksack to Marcel.

"Thanks, I'll explain to the boy how this works."

"Hm," nodded the woodsman.

"Thanks, I'll be going back to the mountains to prepare. I'll be expecting him."

"Oho, so you've made your decision to take in the boy?"

"I'll see first if he has what it takes."

The woodsman then departed and Marcel headed to the kitchen.

"Rigel, come with me."

Rigel wondered what will happen to him. He dropped whatever he was doing and followed behind Marcel.

Marcel went to the study of her room and was seated in the desk chair.

Rigel followed inside and stood there confused.

"I know you've heard stories about the tradition in the continent when a child reaches 8 years old."

"Yes Mom, I've heard people in the restaurant talk about it. I think it was called the Coming of Age Ceremony."

"Yes. It is indeed the coming of Age ceremony. Do you know what happens during the ceremony?"

"I heard that it was painful and that it lasts for 3 days."

"Well, that is true, but that's not the whole truth."

"The coming of Age ceremony is done so that the physical body of a human could be prepared for the eventual training of cultivation. Cultivation is the way of life wherein you choose to defy the heavens and walk the path of Immortality. For a person to cultivate, he must possess the ability to sense spiritual energy present in his surroundings."

"Take heed that all around us, the earth, the air, and the waters have spiritual energy. Humans and beasts that are capable of sensing spiritual energy are called cultivators because they have taken the first step to defying the heavens."

"Spiritual energy enables the person to cultivate cultivation arts and it allows them to be dragons among men. The Coming of Age ceremony is a process where the body is being introduced to spiritual energy. It is done at 8 years old because it is the perfect age for the body to develop."

"What happens is that the body is plunged into a cauldron of spiritual concoction. Spiritual herbs are processed in the cauldron and when it is ready; the child must dip his whole body in the cauldron and stay there until he absorbs the medicinal and spiritual essence of the herbs. The process usually lasts for 3 days and when it is done the body of the recipient should be able to sense the spiritual energy in the air."

"This will allow the person to cultivate. Absorbing the spiritual energy in the air will give the person extraordinary strength and he will not be an ordinary person; he will not be called mortal anymore for their lifespan is extended to 200 years. Cultivators are also called Immortal cultivators because they pursue and walk the path of Immortality."

Rigel's eyes sparkled like stars and he stood there amazed about the Coming of Age ceremony.

"I know you're excited, but I'll tell you now, the pain you will suffer is great and if you cannot endure it, your path to immortality ends before it even started," Marcel explained.

"Also, the Coming of Age Ceremony only happens once in a lifetime. You cannot do it again as you will suffer a backlash from the spiritual energy of the herbs if you failed to take it once. The best case is you will be paralyzed while in a coma your whole life and the worst is you die."

"I'll say this to you Rigel, do not ever take this lightly as it concerns your future and your life. One mistake and you lose everything. Prepare your heart and mind and you will succeed if you could endure it."

"Yes Mom," Rigel nodded in agreement.7 days passed...

Marcel gathered her employees at the kithen together with Rigel.

"Everyone, 3 days from now Rigel will be undergoing his Coming of Age Ceremony and I need the cooperation of everyone," Marcel explained.

"Uncle Freddo, you will be in charge of the food of Rigel. He will only eat spiritual foods cooked to the highest level, as he will need it during the process."

"Rigel, eat everything Uncle Freddo gives you, chew, chew, swallow. Force yourself to eat for in the process you will expend tremendous amounts of energy."

"As for the rest, you all will assist me during my medicine concoction."

"Yes, Madam!" affirmed the employees in unison.

Misty Dew Inn was closed for three days and everyone was busy preparing for the Coming of Age Ceremony of Rigel.

3 days later... Everyone was gathered in a location east of the town in a clearing in the forest. Everyone got into their positions and waited for the instruction of Marcel.

"Everyone, it's now time for the Coming of Age ceremony of Rigel. I need your full support in this endeavor and I will not tolerate a single mistake."

"Rigel, are you ready?"

"Yes!" Rigel nodded with excitement in his eyes.

"I will now prepare the last step for the concoction. Once I give the signal, Rigel, you plunge in immediately so that there will be no waste in medicinal and spiritual essence."

Marcel then proceeded to the cauldron that was initially prepared. The employees then moved to prepare the remaining spiritual herbs necessary for the last step.

"Open the boxes!" ordered Marcel.

The employees then opened the boxes containing the spiritual herbs.

Marcel then used a weapon artifact to produce flames for the cauldron.

"At my order, throw in the ingredients that I mention."

Marcel increased the flames then kicked the cauldron upward. She then spun the cauldron 8 times and dropped the cauldron slowly without letting anything slip out.

Marcel then opened the lid of the cauldron slowly. Multi-colored lights gushed out in the cauldron. The smell of rich fragrant grass could be smelled in the air. Then a mist of spiritual energy could be seen lingering around the cauldron.

"Now! Hexagonal Pineberry," Marcel ordered loudly.

One of the employees immediately opened a jade box and threw the herb inside the cauldron.

After that, series of ingredients were thrown successively.

"Light-feathered star papaya."

"Desolated-Dew Daffodil."

"Three-leaf panther orchid."

"Yellow-striped lion lily."

This process repeated for half an hour.

"Give me the recovery potion. Uncle Freddo, take charge of the flame manipulation, I'll rest for a while," Marcel panted.

Uncle Freddo, the cook, took charge of the cauldron and concentrated on adjusting the flames.

Meanwhile, Rigel meditated to prepare his mind and heart.

"Rigel, I will now throw in the last ingredient. Once I give the signal, you will plunge in immediately," Marcel advised.

"Rigel then opened his eyes with a sharp look of determination.

"Uncle Freddo, I'll handle it from here," Marcel said.

"Yes, Madam!" replied Uncle Freddo."

Marcel then took control of the flames and the cauldron. Marcel breathed deeply and wore a concentrated look on her face.

"Now! Throw in the yin yang buddha lotus!"

An employee then opened a box made of cinnabar jade and threw in a lotus of black and white color. An aura of holiness permeated in the air and every employee who does not practice cultivation fell on their knees and bowed, having a look of worship in their eyes.

Rigel struggled to maintain his meditative state and was about to prostrate before the lotus, however, at that moment an unnoticeable light sparkled in the necklace in his chest. Clear refreshing energy filled and cleansed his mind and heart. A distinct clarity could be seen in his eyes and a determined look was shown on his face.

"Rigel! Now!" exclaimed Marcel.

Rigel immediately jumped inside the cauldron and Marcel closed the lid of the cauldron quickly.

"Now we can only wait," said Marcel exhaustingly.

"Madam, we'll take it from here. We will watch over Rigel during his time in the cauldron," the employees suggested.

Marcel nodded in agreement then walked to her tent that was set up not far from the cauldron.3 days later...

Rigel was still in the cauldron and the cauldron had been trembling non-stop for 3 days. The employees shifted in guarding the cauldron and Marcel wore a worrying look while pacing back and forth.

"Madam, I'm sure Rigel will make it. With his extraordinary strength and determination, I'm sure he'll endure it till the end and nothing bad will happen to him," comforted Uncle Freddo.

"I know, but I still can't stop worrying. The last ingredient is the 10, 000-year-old spiritual herb yin yang buddha lotus. Its spiritual essence is so great that average practitioners will explode if they consume such abundant spiritual essence."

Uncle Freddo remained silent and prayed for the safety of the young master.

2 days later...

"Madam, it's been five days already, I'm afraid that..." one employee said with a worrying look.

"Stop your nonsense!" Uncle Freddo scolded.

"The young master is strong and full of determination. He can't fail."

Marcel remained silent at the side contemplating. It was then at that moment when the cauldron stopped trembling. Everyone stared at the cauldron with different emotions. Some had a worried look, some were on guard ready to take action in any case something happens, and some had a look of hope.

However, a day passed by, and still, nothing happened.

"Madam, should we open the cauldron?" asked one employee.

"No, we still do not know the situation inside the cauldron. Any disturbance might cause problems in the process. Repercussions may be fatal or will affect his future cultivation," Marcel explained.

Another day passed by and still, nothing happened, the cauldron remained silent.

"Madam, I'm afraid something did happen to the young master," said worryingly by an employee.

*Wam!* Uncle Freddo knocked the back of the head of the employee.

"Stop your babblings!" scolded Marcel.

Uncle Freddo and the employee got silent and went to the side.

It was then at that moment when a knock was heard on the inside of the cauldron.

*BANG!*

Everyone stared intently at the cauldron.

*BANG BANG BANG!**BOOOOM!!!*

The lid flew off the cauldron and multi-colored lights appeared gushing out of the cauldron. It was then at that moment when a worldly apparition appeared in the sky.

Purple clouds and a gigantic boddhisatva with a thousand arms, and a picture of yin yang at the back of the boddhisatva appeared.

Then, dancing dragons and phoenixes flew beside it and a shockwave cleared the surrounding clouds while the purple clouds remained. The apparition lasted for 30 breaths of time then dissipated.The employees dropped their jaw from the sight, and they wore shocked faces and disbelief could be seen in their eyes. Even Marcel who remained calm had a surprised look on her face. Then, she snapped out of her surprise and explained.

"I heard before when I was a kid, the stories my father once told me, that during the coming of age ceremony the number of days corresponds how well you absorb the spiritual essence. The longer you stay in the cauldron the more you are blessed in the absorption of the essence. 3 days is the usual average of staying inside the cauldron and that is only seen in ordinary practitioners. Staying in the cauldron for 4 to 5 days will consider you to be a genius. Beyond that, you are considered a peerless genius under the heavens. These people usually have extraordinary destinies and their lives will be full of suffering. Despite those sufferings, if they could endure it and surpass it, they are remembered as legendary figures in the sands of time.

"Madam, then Rigel is... is," stuttered Uncle Freddo.

"Yes, a peerless genius of his generation."

Cracking sounds were heard and cracks appeared around the cauldron.

*BOOOM!!!*

The cauldron exploded and turned to dust.

A figure then emerged amidst the dust and explosion. A body with lustrous jade skin appeared with compact muscles. Then, when the dust settled a pair of clear eyes with green pupils could be seen, a desire of going against the heavens could be distinctly seen present within those eyes.The clear color of ebony could also be seen in the elongated hair of Rigel. Before entering the cauldron Rigel had short hair, but after the ceremony, Rigel's hair grew to the back of his shoulders, shining like the night with a red lining from the start of his left eye down to the shoulders.

An aura of awakening could be felt within Rigel.

"Kyaaaaahhh!" cried the female employees.

The naked figure of Rigel could be seen and the younger female employees' faces could be seen being beet red, and they covered their eyes while occasionally peeping through their fingers.

A red towel immediately covered Rigel from neck to knee.

"Thanks, Mom!" Rigel gratefully accepted the towel while lowering his head embarrassingly.

"Mn, I didn't know you would have this kind of coming of age ceremony, but before everything else, EVERYONE! Pack up! Let's leave this place now."

Everyone then scrammed to leave.

"Do not leave traces, clean up all the mess even the tracks in the ground. No evidence must be found in this place."

Everyone then proceeded to erase tracks of the ceremony and left immediately.2 hours after they have left... Silhouettes could be seen arriving in the place where Rigel performed his coming of age ceremony. They appeared like lightning and after they landed, they immediately scanned the place.

"Hehehe... well, well, surely you all have seen the worldly apparition, yet there are no traces that could be seen in this place. You all are late for the treasure," said a man with hawk-like eyes and red hair.

"Hmph, are you an idiot? Not all worldly apparitions are treasures," retorted a 5'5' tall woman with short blue hair.

"Whether it is a treasure or not, something extraordinary took place here and it was kept immediately," said a man with a tribal tattoo on his face.

"You all should bicker like kids with one another, what took place in here is not our concern anymore," said a bald monk.

"Hey, you hypocritical baldy. If it is none of our concern, why are you even here?" scolded by a man wielding a giant ax.

"Alright, everyone please settle down, since the evidence here is erased, just go back to your respective clans and sects, we will handle it from here," said a fancy-looking middle-aged man.

"Tsk, the kingdom surely likes to meddle in such occasions," murmured the man with red hair.

"We're just doing standard procedures, and besides that, this mountain is under the jurisdiction of the kingdom, you don't have a say in this matter anyways."

"Tsk."

"Oh well."

"Hmph."

Everyone then departed in different directions.

After everyone else left a hooded person arrived holding a mirror. A chant was then said and the mirror shone and an image appeared. The figure of Rigel could be seen when he was doing the coming of age ceremony. After the hooded person used the mirror, he kept it, then immediately left. However, the silhouette then departed from behind a tree after the hooded person left.

Meanwhile, in the Misty Dew Inn...

"Mom, why did we hurry back home?" asked Rigel.

"Know this Rigel, not all people have good intentions, there will always be people who will take advantage of you. We left immediately because there appeared a worldly apparition on your coming of age ceremony. The apparition drew too much attention and if we stayed there any longer we could be in serious trouble," explained Marcel.

??????? Rigel put on a confused look.

"You may have not noticed it, but there appeared an image in the skies in your coming of age ceremony. People might think an incredibly rare treasure was born or an auspicious omen happened. In short, people will flock there in search for that treasure or omen, and if they find out it was you, you will be taken away."

Rigel contemplated Marcel's words while Marcel left silently to continue her work.

The next day...The restaurant opened and it was bustling with customers."Hey, have you seen the apparition yesterday?" asked a customer to his friends.

"Yes, I heard it was a treasure born once in a millennia," answered another customer from another table.

"Nonsense, it was just a show performed by clowns! Hahahaha!" answered jokingly by another customer.

Rigel continued to listen to the rumors until someone barged in hurryingly tripping over the floor.

"Everyone!!! The Provincial Martial Exam is now officially open!" announced loudly by the person while still standing up. Everyone then stared at him then scrammed to leave the restaurant. They forgot that Rigel had his coming of age ceremony at the time the otherworldy apparition showed up.

Rigel followed outside wondering where everyone else is headed.

"Rigel, come inside. Help us clean up first then I'll explain it to you tomorrow as it is already quite late. Besides, they will not come back anymore anyways," said Uncle Sam.Rigel went inside still having a confused look, then proceeded to clean up the tables and turned in for the night.