Benedict opened his eyes.

Before him was the summit's scenery, where the sunset merged with the sea of clouds, creating a scene both warm and cold.

For a moment, he felt his body fully healed, and he tentatively stood up.

In the distance, he saw two old men playing chess, so he slowly walked toward them.

The two old men laughed heartily as they concluded their game. "It seems you've won this time," said the black-robed old man, stroking his beard with a smile.

The white-robed old man, who had his back to Benedict, laughed even more joyfully, exclaiming with delight.

"Excellent. Great game."

The white-robed elder turned around and looked at Benedict. He then conjured a chair made of clouds for Benedict to sit on.

Hesitantly, Benedict sat down, his eyes filled with confusion as he looked at the two immortals before him. He asked after a respectful greeting, "May I know who you are?"

"You've come to us, which means Anton is dead, correct?" inquired the black-robed elder.

Benedict nodded sadly.

The white-robed elder then stood up, showing Benedict the chessboard. Initially, the black pieces had an aggressive and relentless offense, leaving no retreat, while the white pieces were constantly fleeing. Just as the black pieces were about to corner the white completely, the white-robed elder placed a divine move, suddenly changing the game's course.noveldrama

The black pieces fell into a defensive position, and as the board's pieces became fewer, the white pieces won by a narrow margin.

The white-robed elder approached Benedict and began to explain the Varhess family's traditions. According to the rules passed down through generations, the head of the Varhess family would undergo trials set by the two elders. The black-robed elder focused on strength, while the white-robed elder emphasized the mind.

Both elders were ancient immortals worshipped by the Varhess family. Countless heads of the Varhess family had successfully passed the black robed elder's test. Only Benedict had chosen and passed

the white-robed elder's test.

Following the family's tradition, the elders would impart their skills to those who passed their tests.

After explaining this history,

Benedict learned of this tradition

Although he had no memory of his

father mentioning such worship, the elders' explanation of his family's history seemed credible.

Benedict could also sense that the power emanating from the two elders far exceeded that of his father and any other warrior he had encountered.

The white-robed elder then offered a cup of tea. "Come, Benedict, drink this tea. Afterward, you will receive my power."

Without hesitation, Benedict took the cup and drank it in one gulp.

The elder continued, "Very well. Now, I want to ask you something. What will you do with my power?"

"I... I'll avenge my father!" Benedict declared resolutely.

"And what about after your revenge?" the white-robed elder asked further.

This question stumped him. His mind was solely focused on avenging his father. Everything else seemed secondary.

"I don't know yet, but no matter what, I won't fail your expectations!" Benedict replied.

The white-robed elder smiled, stroked his beard, and shook his head slightly.

He patted Benedict on the shoulder and gave his final advice. "Then let me leave you with a few last words."

"I'm all ears, sir," Benedict replied respectfully.

"Our power is not something mortals

can easily bear. Each use will

impose a burden on your body. But if you master it, your body will undergo a transformation. Cultivation is about climbing up step by step. The name we've given this power is 'Ascendant Body.' That's all I can tell you."

With a blink, the white-robed elder suddenly pushed Benedict off the mountain peak.

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, remember cause and effect. All variables depend on your abilities." "No!" Benedict shouted as he suddenly opened his eyes.