Chapter 32 – The Most Powerful Flame in the World (II)
““Shattered!?”” Both Aiden and Lia exclaimed surprised.
“Yes, that is the best word to explain what happened.”
Both Aiden and Lia were immersed in the story while the old man seemed to be remembering something. The two parties formed a strange equilibrium between narrator and listener.
“It was like doomsday.” Continued the old man. “Countless bolts of lightning fell from the heavens as if punishing the flame what guarded the world for eras for an unknown reason. And in the end, the flame shattered in seven parts, every one flying towards a different place of the world.”
“The first part fell by coincidence in the hands of the sacred temple. They offered it to their ancestor, a practitioner in the spirit emperor stage, who used it to forge a powerful treasure that stunned the world. Seeing it, many other powers were tempted and tried searching for the six remaining parts with the goal of obtaining the secrets of the most powerful treasure born from the world.
“Though the divided Supreme Emptiness Flames were weaker than the complete one, it was a very powerful treasure yet. Many people were attracted to it and made all in their powers to obtain them.
“Currently, five of the flames had appeared. Three of them are in the hands of spirits emperors while the owners of the other two are unknown.
“But a few months ago, a rumor appeared.
“It said that the sixth flame appeared in the Lion Empire, though the location was always different.
“But a month ago, someone confirmed the flame in the lost forest bordering this town.”
The old man looked towards Aiden’s eyes as if waiting for him to process the information. Then, seeing him making a look of realization, he asked.
“Now you understand?
“The Supreme Emptiness Flame is one of the greatest treasures in this world. The news about it are enough to make crazy many people, even if it is only rumors.
“Currently, more and more clans and sects are sending their people here to search for the flame. And though the news are being restricted to the surroundings nations for now, it’s only question of time before more and more powerful forces learn about it.”
Aiden paused for a moment hearing the words of the old man. But after thinking for a moment, he noticed something strange.
“Old man, you said that the Supreme Emptiness Flame is one of the strongest treasures of the world. Why then there are not spirit emperor experts coming for it? I doubt they are not interested.”
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“They are interested.” Mentioned the old man. “But they cannot come.”
Aiden wore a dumbfounded expression hearing the old man reply, but the old man ignored it and continued.
“When the second flame appeared, many spirits emperors were after it. Because of it, a great battle ensued and many experts died. It ended causing grave repercussions in the world. Due it, the different forces of the world made a pact and put a rule saying that every force can send at most two spirit sages and a limited number of experts below that tier.”
Hearing it Aiden asked about another doubt. “Why did I see so many members of the younger generation then? I don’t think they will be of help in a battle against spirit sages.”
“It is because a rumor.” Answered the old man. “It’s said that the flame can choose its owner, and it prefer talented youngsters. Due it, the different clans send their most talented disciples to try get the flame, though it’s not completely certain that the rumor is true.”
Aiden was lost in thoughts after hearing it. The old man didn’t interrupt him for a moment, but after a while, him spoke with an irritated expression.
“Is this information enough? I need receive more customers.”
“A last question, where was seen the flame last time?”
The old man smiled playfully hearing the question. “Are you interested, boy? I don’t think you are qualified to search it, you know.”
Seeing Aiden looking towards him with a frowning expression, the old man extended his arms in an exasperated expression.
“Okay okay, I give up. Apparently, it was said around one week inside the forest. The position exact is unknown but certain sources indicate that it is around here.” The old man took a map in signaled an area.
After seeing the place signaled for the old man, Aiden memorized it before standing up and proceeding to leave the place, Lia behind him. Seeing it, the old man exclaimed as if reminding something and spoke.
“Oh right, I almost forget it. The materials you asked are almost reunited. I will send them to you in at most a pair the days. Wait for them, okay?”
Aiden nodded towards the old man indicating his understating and left the room.
Once outside the shop, Aiden and Lia walked towards their home in their disguises while maintaining the silence. And though many people were gazing Lia with looks of admiration, the pair continued their path undisturbed.
In a few minutes, both were in the house, then, taking off the cumbersome clothes, they sat in a table.
“Young master.” Lia was the first one to break the silence. “Don’t you said before that the Supreme Emptiness Flame could act like a catalyzer to connect the body and the soul? Are you planning search for it?”
“It’s not so simple.” Smiled Aiden wryly. “Though I certainly think that such treasure of the world can act like a bridge between the body and the soul and allow for someone cultivate beyond the core-forming stage, I’m not even sure if someone so weak like me is able of endure it.
“Besides, supposing I can endure the power of the Supreme Emptiness Flame. How can we obtain it with so many experts around? I think it’s better if we continued with our current plan instead taking risks.”
“But we could try it if the first method fails, young master. We don’t lose anything with keeping an eye in it.”
Aiden smiled wryly hearing Lia words. She, finally noticing her error, closed her mouth with her hands before apologizing clumsily.
“I-I’m sorry young master! I-I wasn’t trying jinx the ritual! It was not my intention!”
Seeing the awkward state of Lia, Aiden could not help but laugh while patting Lia to calm her.
“Haha, don’t worry Lia. I understand. Don’t worry, I know that it’s not completely certain if the ritual will work. I don’t think your words will change anything.”
“Don’t worry young master! I’m sure the ritual will work! There is no way that young master can fail!”
Seeing Lia trying to encourage him with all her strength, Aiden could not help but smile lovingly.
Then, clenching his fists, he determined himself once more in his heart.
That day, he will definitively succeed.
And he will get back everything what was once his…