“But if perhaps Elder wants some insight that might help with your comprehension,” Oasis said, his voice calm and respectful, “Elder can demonstrate one of your spells… or how you wield your magic.”As he spoke, his eyes shifted—briefly glowing with a piercing azure hue.It wasn’t a glow born of force, but rather of deep perception, like the sea opening its veil for a moment to show a glimpse of something ancient and boundless.A ripple of calm spiritual pressure extended outward for only a breath before vanishing.Elder Cravon noticed.He took a slow sip from his mug, the steam curling under his nose—but his thoughts were not on the tea.“So calm,” Cravon mused internally. “As if he didn’t just drop that massive news… If word got out that one of the Phoenix Clan is just roaming around like this… wouldn’t that draw danger toward him? Or… perhaps he doesn’t care. Or maybe… he trusts that I won’t share it.”The old mage let out a soft sigh through his nose, quietly grounding himself.He

Lunaris — Moonshade City — Lunaris Sect: Moonshade BranchThe great chamber hall of the Moonshade branch modified was carved into the crescent-shaped mountain overlooking the silver lake of Natsuri that intersect with the moonshade canal.Grand obsidian pillars lined the circular chamber, etched with runes of that shimmered faintly under just the smallest darkness just a shadow.At the heart of this sanctum, a grand circular table of starlit jade stretched wide, surrounded by thirty-eight high-backed seats—each reserved for powerhouses who shaped the will of Lunaris.Present were all the key pillars of the realm:Sect Leader Conri Bluemoon, calm and ever-imposing in Dark-embroidered robes;Vice Leader Tyron, sharp-eyed with a wiry presence and a voice that cut like tempered steel;Amaroq Bluemoon, the silent storm, arms crossed with an amused gleam in his blue eyes;Sythra Bluemoon, her grace equally matched by a deadly aura that silenced lesser cultivators;The Seven Elders of Lunari

The next morning dawned with the eruption of two monumental headlines spreading like wildfire across Verdantia and its neighboring kingdoms.First—the collapse of the Ice Wall of Glacia. Its sudden disappearance echoed across cities, towns, and villages like the toll of a war drum.Most had gone to bed with whispered speculations. Now they awoke to confirmations.Second—just as shocking—the appointment of Oasis Volacris as the Eighth Elder of Lunaris, making him the youngest elder in the region’s long and storied history.Taverns, inns, market stalls, fishing hubs, and hunter outposts buzzed with disbelief and exhilaration.News passed from lips to ears like an energetic game of tag. Curiosity, awe, and a sense of hope threaded through each mention.The collapse of the Ice Wall was taken as an omen—the return of Glacia, the missing major force of Verdantia.To friend and foe alike, the message was clear: those who had thought to take advantage of Glacia's silence might now reconsider.

“I am Grand Elder Ruyel of the Ignis family. It is an honor to meet the Eighth Elder of Lunaris,” Grand Elder Ruyel said, his voice deep and dignified, eyes glinting with curiosity as he studied the young cultivator before him.“Oasis of Lunaris greets Grand Elder Ruyel,” Oasis responded with a composed tone and a subtle bow, his hand pressed lightly to his chest in Lunarian fashion—a gesture of mutual respect among the elite.“May I escort you to the Ignis House?” the elder offered, stepping slightly aside as if already inviting the path forward.“I don’t mean to be rude—thank you for offering,” Oasis said gently, “but we still have some business to tend to. We will visit after.”A thoughtful gleam entered Oasis’s gaze. “And perhaps… is Agni done with his business?”“Oh? Not really,” Grand Elder Ruyel chuckled, stroking his beard. “The young master has gone out to receive Master Draco. We received a message from Glacia just this morning—they’re escorting him back. So the young master

“Elder Volacris, I would advise against the purchase,” she said softly, her tone polite yet earnest.“It is a costly item with immense spiritual energy requirements. Unless you intend to pair it with a spiritual energy-enhancing artifact—which is also very expensive—it might not be suitable... unless, perhaps, Elder has attained great accomplishments in spiritual cultivation?”A beat passed.Fwoooosh—A sudden wave of pressure burst forth from Oasis’s body, rippling outward like a silent explosion.His forehead shimmered briefly, and from it, a translucent wave of spiritual energy expanded in a perfect sphere, enveloping the room.The fine fabrics on their robes fluttered.Even the carved runes along the chamber walls hummed faintly in reaction.Mirrage’s composure faltered. Her eyes widened.“!!!”She gasped inwardly, breath catching in her throat.“So strong…” she thought, struggling to maintain her grace. “He’s not only accomplished in physical and mana cultivation, but also spirit