Chapter 1015: Chapter 109: Bloodline Blessing (Extra for Alliance Leader 20221022134953283)_2
But while the reasoning was sound, Ian had different plans in mind.
"A decade or so is enough for me to reach the Fifth Energy Level."
When speaking to someone familiar, Ianâs tone was always strikingly bold, especially when he made statements like this with a flat, matter-of-fact tone, utterly devoid of exaggeration, as if it were only natural: "And this is also to ensure that, in the future, Elder, you can better integrate with a new technology Iâve developed... called the Temporary Netherworld."
Ian shared with Elder Pude the concept of the Temporary Netherworld and his speculations as to why the Retrospection Sect had come to Harrison Port. This immediately plunged the elder into deep thought.
"I see, so thatâs your plan," he murmured, nodding slightly.
"You want me to reach the Second Energy Level, to temper my soul even further, so that even after my death, I can enter the Temporary Netherworld in spiritual form."
"Your ambition isnât merely to rule the material world, but also the spiritual realmâthe kingdom of souls after death. Even in death, I, as your senior whom you trust, will still be working for you, wonât I?"
Saying this, Elder Pude chuckled and reached out to pat Ianâs headâbut Ian was now taller, and the elder had to stand on tiptoe to reach.
"Yes," Ian responded.
Bending slightly, he lowered his head to this elder, letting him ruffle his hair. "There is much I aim to accomplish, but too few I can trust. In the future, Elan may help ease my workload dealing with the Supreme Spirit Sectâs matters, but there are still many gaps elsewhere."
"Understood," the elder replied with a sigh, unreservedly trusting in Ianâs every decision. "But if itâs true, as you say, that the Retrospection Sect is also searching for the Foreseeing Bifoliate, what should we do?"
"Find it in a straightforward manner," Ian said casually. "The Temporary Netherworld technologyâI might as well share it with them. If thatâs not workable, I could even pass it off as âSupreme Spirit Sectâ core technology. Currently, with the Great Princeâs help, the Supreme Spirit Sect has already become a legitimate religious sect in The Empire. Even the Retrospection Sect would need to go through the proper channels to negotiate with us."
"Thatâs precisely why I needed to secure an official status within The Empire before returning to develop South Ridge. Without connections in the court, anyone could push you around. But with ties to the court, no matter who it isâeven one of the Four Great Orthodox Churchesâthey would have to deal with us through proper channels."
Elder Pudeâs bloodline, the âFelsic Bear Lizard,â could reach up to the Third Energy Level at its peak. In Terra, that was considered âmid-tier.â
Most Barons and Viscounts among the minor nobility had bloodlines that capped similarly. Nobles like Viscount Grant or Baron Leyan, who had strong backing, were exceptions.
As for his bloodline inheritance, Elder Pude only required some earth-series magical beast materials, along with several key components from the Felsic Bear Lizard, to ascend with ease.
These materials werenât particularly rare. Ian had already gathered them all. Even the auxiliary components were of the highest grade, thanks to materials from the Ironwing Dragon flockâs generous bounty, which had transformed Xiawei Territoryâs modest stock of magical beast materials into an abundant reserve.
The materials were already with the convoy. A few days later, Ian would personally craft the most suitable Second Energy Level Magic Potion for Elder Pude. However, the exact timing of the advancement would depend on when Viscount Grant ascended to the Third Energy Level.
Some protocols still had to be observed.
Ian and Elder Pude further discussed the familyâs developmental plans for the future. Although such matters couldnât be concluded in a single conversation, they outlined a preliminary framework, leaving finer details for the future.
After the elder left, the house was once again left with just Ian and Elan... just as it had been for many years before.
"Whatâs the matter? Still not asleep?"
Returning to his room, Ian saw Elan sitting at the bedside, a small lamp lit as he focused intently on a pot of Frostgrass by the window.
Elan had always loved nurturing plants from a young age, claiming to hear their âvoices.â Thinking back, this must have been an early sign of his psychic potential.
The young boy turned his head and looked at his elder brother.
Hesitating briefly, Elan finally spoke up: "Brother... lately, youâve been so tired, havenât you?"
"Huh?"
Surprised by the comment, Ian sat down at the edge of the bed, leaning against Elan and ruffling his younger brotherâs hair. "Why bring that up all of a sudden?"
"Youâre tired. Always tired. Youâve worked so hard, but you were at your most exhausted in Xiawei Territory."
Elan stated confidently, his violet eyes fixed on Ian. "But even back here in Harrison Port, your feelings havenât changed from how they were in Xiawei Territory... There isnât much of the peace of being home."
"Even at home, youâre discussing heavy topics with Elder Pude..."
"And the rest of the time, youâre always thinking, worrying about things far off... things I havenât learned yet."
Speaking all this in one breath, Elanâs voice turned despondent for a moment before brightening with resolve. "So I want to help you!"
"Brother, I can feel itâyou... youâve always thought of yourself as alone. Youâve never thought anyone else could truly understand you. So even if youâre lonely, you donât mind."
"But Iâm not like that. Others might for different reasons not support you, might separate from you, and choose a different path. But Iâll support you no matter what. Regardless of the reasons, regardless of the circumstances."
"Because Iâm your brother. I want to help you."
Ian silently ran his hand through Elanâs hair.
After a long while, he exhaled softly. "You little rascal... thinking that far already, are you?"
"Iâve always been thinking about it," Elan admitted, lowering his head. Gently, he said, "Brother, youâre one of a kind in this world. The more I hear the White Mist Bishop and the elders praise me for being bright, the more I realize how extraordinary you must be.
"Even if I canât achieve even a quarter of your success, brother, just the fact that Iâm being praised so highly proves that your accomplishments are unimaginably great."
"But for someone as extraordinary as you, this world still presents so many problems. Problems that require effort, thought, and worry to solve."
"I cannot become your weakness..."
The boy clenched his fists. "I want to become your strength."
"You may not always support me. Elan, if one day you truly understand my dreams, truly comprehend this world, and still say these words, then thatâs real support."
Ianâs gaze fell on the candle flame flickering on the bedside table. Calmly, he said, "But I admit... Iâm happy to hear it."
"No!" Elan protested, swinging his fists. "I will always support you, brother!"
"See, you still donât understand." Ian shook his head with a faint smile.
Unconditional supportâwas this what blood ties amounted to?
Though it was nothing more than the innocent words of a child, it still warmed his heart.
"Alright. Time for bed now."
He patted Elanâs back, signaling for his brother to rest. Obediently, Elan lay down and slipped under the covers.
Ian walked to the window, peering out at the moonlit sea.
The dark heavens remained sparse with stars, even more so than before. The restless waves surged continuously, and fishing boats bobbed beneath the moonlight, sketching patches of crisscrossing shadows.
A damp, warm breeze from the open sea swept toward the Bison Mountain Range, rustling through the portâs nearby forests, where the rustling of the Forest Sea mingled with the rhythm of the waves, echoing through the tranquil night like a poem or a song.
Everything felt so familiar, just as it had nine years ago, when Ianâs memories first awakened and he seriously began observing this world.
But now, unlike nine years ago, Ian had friends, family, dreams, and aspirations.
More than that, he carried the dreams of many others, both as a burden and a blessing.
For no particular reason, the boy smiled.
"No matter what, I donât regret coming to this world," he murmured to himself, his voice calm and resolute, like an unchanging rock carved into eternity. "And I hope this world wonât regret having me."
"Because I will change it. I will shape it into what I desire it to be."