The gates of the Woods estate loomed like the jaws of a fortress, carved from dark oak reinforced with iron filigree and emblazoned with the Woods family crest — a sprawling tree whose branches stretched like veins across the polished wood.The guards stepped aside instantly when they saw Vivian approach, their halberds raised in unison to salute.Behind her, Oasis and his companions followed, their presence drawing curious glances from servants and retainers moving about the outer court.The estate itself was vast, a city within the city.Pathways paved with river stone wound between lantern-lit gardens, koi ponds shimmered beneath arched bridges, and banners of emerald and gold fluttered in the breeze.The scent of sandalwood and blossoming night-flowers perfumed the air.As they passed through layered courtyards, each grander than the last, they were finally led into one reserved for honored guests — an expansive courtyard flanked by elegant pavilions, its open hall framed with car

In the main courtyard of the Sparrow Estate, serenity wrapped itself around the air.The sound of flowing water whispered beneath the elegant wooden bridge, where a pond stretched out, shimmering with golden and white koi fish that danced lazily beneath the surface.The garden was perfectly manicured—old cherry trees leaned with age yet still held grace, lanterns hung from carved posts, and polished stones lined the pathways that connected each pavilion.A man stood at the center of this peace, tall and broad-shouldered despite the years etched into his frame.His robe was minimalistic—soft grey with faint golden threads at the hem—but the quality was unmistakable, woven from rare silks only nobles could afford.His hair, once black as the midnight sky, now carried streaks of white, as did his well-trimmed beard.Yet his eyes… his eyes burned with vitality, steady and profound, like an old mountain that had weathered centuries of storms.This was Jupiter Sparrow, Patriarch of the Spar

“Your affinity is dark affinity, right?” Oasis said to Daku as they walked through the beautiful streets of the city, where colorful stalls lined the cobblestone roads and the air carried the fragrance of roasted chestnuts and sweet candied fruit.“Yes, yes it is,” Daku answered, keeping his hands tucked behind his back as he walked just half a step behind Oasis, matching his pace.“Can you manipulate gravity? I fought someone who could manipulate gravity,” Oasis said, his expression calm, though his mind briefly wandered back to his clash with Varian, who had wielded dark mana with frightening precision.“To a certain degree, I can,” Daku replied with honesty.“Mmhh… it seems we have to spar when we get back to the Woods estate. I want to understand your strength well,” Oasis said, his tone neither commanding nor soft—it was simply resolute.Then, his eyes flicked toward Daku, his gaze sharp as a blade. “Tell me, Daku. Are you with us and betraying your guild because you think you ca

Oasis flicked his head lightly, his brown eyes scanning the hall as if searching for someone—an assistant, perhaps.His expression remained composed, his gaze sweeping past the one addressing him as though that man’s existence was nothing more than background noise.The dismissal was not loud, not voiced, but it was palpable—a quiet storm in its own right.To be ignored in such a way, in a hall full of nobles, merchants, and guards, was sharper than an insult.Murmurs erupted at once, buzzing like flies over spilt wine.“He dares ignore the young master…” whispered one spectator, his voice laced with disbelief.But before he could go further, the man standing beside him tugged urgently at his robe, pulling him back.His eyes flicked nervously toward Iren Booker and his entourage, his meaning clear: Do not involve yourself.To him, the situation reeked of danger—bootlicking might earn favor, but stepping too far out of line could just as easily bring ruin.His perspective was survival,

“Young Master Oasis?” Daku’s thoughts churned like a storm as he tried to unravel what had just unfolded before him.His sharp eyes studied Oasis—this youth who had already shown strength beyond reason, and now, before strangers and enemies alike, carried himself with words so steady, so deliberate, that even seasoned men would falter in comparison."Not only is he strong… but he also has a way with words. This is a complete cultivator…" Daku mused, his chest tightening with a mix of awe and unease."And if it truly is the Young Master who killed that man in front of all these people, while not a single soul here could discern how he did it… then without question, he is also a master of spiritual techniques."His gaze fell on Oasis’s calm, almost detached form—hands clasped behind his back, chin held neither arrogantly nor humbly, but with that faint aura of inevitability that great figures carried."And yet this fool dares to request a duel… who does he think he is? Is he even worthy