What awaited Ery after his formal acceptance into the Skyroot Faction was an extensive tour through its most restricted areas—places few outsiders had ever been permitted to see. This was more than just an introduction; it was a rare opportunity to witness the faction's true power, its elite mbers, and the hidden resources that set it apart from the rest of the realm.
As he walked through the grand halls, Ery found himself amidst a vast network of alchemists—hundreds of them—each deeply engrossed in the pursuit of alchemical mastery. Among them, dozens had reached cosmic-level expertise, their dedication evident in every motion, every concoction they crafted. The sight stirred sothing within him. Had he no responsibilities back ho, he could easily see himself making a new ho here, surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his relentless thirst for knowledge.
Amidst the introductions, a familiar voice suddenly rang out, catching him off guard.
"Hahaha! There you are! Congratulations on becoming one of us!"
The boisterous voice carried a distinct scent of alcohol, one that Ery instantly recognized. He turned, and sure enough, standing there with a wide grin was none other than Grandmaster Ulric.
"Elder... I thought you were off on a journey?" Ery asked, montarily startled by the unexpected reunion.
The elderly alchemist chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Bah! The journey can wait. More important matters ca up—like welcoming our newest mber!"
Before Ery could respond, Ulric thrust a small ring into his hand. "Here, a gift for the occasion."
Curious, Ery inspected the ring and imdiately sensed its contents—his Starforge Cauldron—fully restored. But this was no re repair; the cauldron's aura had intensified, exuding a newfound power and refinent.
Ery's eyes narrowed slightly. He couldn't shake the feeling that both Ulric and this restoration were part of so grand sche to entice him to join the faction.
Noticing his expression, Ulric burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Don't give that look! Do you know how many high-grade materials it took to fix that cauldron?!"
Hearing that—and knowing it to be true—Ery let go of his suspicions. He gave the elder a respectful nod. "Thank you, Elder."
With the formalities concluded, Ery moved on to his next destination—the Skyroot Faction Library. Nestled within the faction's restricted second floor, it housed tos and scrolls of knowledge spanning countless generations.
Wasting no ti, Ery browsed through the vast collection, allowing VIA to scan each book, absorbing as much information as possible to enhance his database. Hours passed in deep study, until his eyes landed on a to that sent a jolt of shock through him—
[Mythical Concoction Arts]
His breath caught in his throat. This was the most revered spirit concoction art in the realm—a technique so restricted that even obtaining an advanced stage required coercion and force. Ery had gone to extre lengths to pry it from Baldoni through torture… yet here it was, readily available for him to read in its entirety.
"Damn… Skyroot really is the top faction."
Without hesitation, he dove into its pages, absorbing its secrets. But as he read further, his shock deepened. The Skyroot founder's personal annotations were written alongside the text—dismissing the technique as inferior to his own Heaven and Earth Reversal technique.
If [Mythical Concoction Arts] was already at the pinnacle of known alchemical arts, then what kind of power did [Heaven and Earth Reversal] hold?
Determined to uncover its secrets, Ery imrsed himself deeper, his mind consud with newfound excitent.
#####
The following day, Grandmaster Caliborne personally summoned him.
"It's ti to learn."
For an entire day, he received direct instruction in the faction's sacred alchemy technique. It was unlike anything he had encountered before—introducing a revolutionary concept: the ability to excite two opposing forces within oneself.
Pushing his limits, Ery forced his weaker Nature Core to harmonize with his Darkness Core, an exercise that required intense focus and absolute control. Hours passed in grueling concentration, his mind wrestling with the intricate balance and synergy of the two elents.
[Your comprehension of the laws has increased.]
A notification confird his progress, but he knew he had only scratched the surface.
anwhile, elsewhere in the faction halls, soone had grown increasingly restless.
Within the Azurecloud Faction, a certain female had been anxiously awaiting Ery's return. Instead, she received a ssage—
"Five more days."
####
Ery was fully committed to his studies, his days spent alternating between receiving guidance from the elders and applying his knowledge to advanced body refinent techniques. Each attempt brought him closer to unlocking a new level of mastery.
Finally, on the fifth day, he decided it was ti to halt his training—at least temporarily. He cited an obligation to return to the Fey Clans and report his situation. It wasn't the truth, but it wasn't a lie either—just enough to pass the Supre Being's probes.
Though reluctant, the Patriarch granted him permission to leave—but not before taking him to one final destination. The Skyroot Sacred Garden
Nestled deep within the faction's heart was a mysterious garden, ho to one of its greatest treasures— The Heaven and Earth Scales.
The Patriarch gestured toward the ancient artifact, his gaze filled with expectation.
"Let's see how far your understanding has taken you."
Ery understood. The last ti he faced these scales, it had taken him weeks to overco the trials within. But in the real world, those weeks had amounted to re minutes.
Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand upon the sacred stones.
"All right… let's do this."
In an instant, the world around him vanished as his soul was pulled into the trial of the scales.
The Patriarch observed, expecting Ery to return shortly. But as minutes stretched into an hour, his expression darkened.
"This… this shouldn't be happening..." he muttered.
Another hour passed. The tension in the air thickened.
Half a day has passed, turned concern into alarm.
"Sothing is wrong."
Ery remained motionless, his body unmoving, his soul waging war against an unseen force. Would Ery be able to escape?
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