Chapter 182: Inverse Absolute Engravement (I)

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As the youths sparred, Apollo was shocked to find not just Adeon or Ragnvald, he was no match for Rhett. In light of such a shocking revelation, Apollo pondered. 'Does it mean these three are stronger than the Glories? Then, what the heck are their origins and how did Irauk find them?'

Unlike Adeon and Ragnvald who continued to spar with each other without suffering losses, for the first time in forever, Apollo was left on the ground gasping for air. Based on the ice attacks Adeon wielded, he was sure his affinity surpassed common sense.

He wielded it as an extension of his body and as if he was breathing! He conjured countless ice blades and attacked Ragnvald. However, it wasn't controlled by his body but his mind! In other words, Adeon could be seen as a prodigy.

Even though they were all introduced to Spirit Cultivation at the same time, he grasped the uses of the techniques much quicker than the others. While he couldn't be said to be adept as he couldn't move at all while the blades were in movement, it was still on par with the movement of Ragnvald's body.

"Ah, you're learning very fast. However, you have still yet to reach the level that will allow you to beat me. Let me show you why." Ragnvald clapped his hands together and then performed a downward swipe. 

Regardless of how much mental strength Adeon channeled, the ice blades slammed against the ground and shattered. At the sight of this, Adeon's eyes narrowed, "Your Sovereign Gravity Field has grown stronger. My mental link is paper before it, I concede."

Shockingly, as he did so, Adeon reabsorbed the expended essence by dissolving and inhaling the ice. Now that their sparring was over, they both took a breather and relaxed their heightened states.

Meanwhile, Nadida leaned over Apollo, "Don't tell me you're tired! We didn't even get to spar yet! Get up. No no no, get up this instant!"

Apollo groaned but ultimately got up. While fighting, he came to realize something, most of his techniques were made for killing. Thus, when sparring he had to hold back heavily. Even though his attacks were strong enough to kill anyone here, it would expose the nature of his attacks if he didn't do so.

At that point, some type of explanation would need to be given. And, quite frankly, that was something he didn't feel like doing.

Similar to Adeon and Ragnvald, Apollo and Nadida sparred whereas Aaron and Rhett did the same. In comparison, Rhett and Aaron's spar was less intense. To compensate for his missing arm, Rhett toned down his speed as well as utilized. Although it left a sour taste in his mouth, Aaron didn't fret.

As he knew, these were his current circumstances. Fortunately, after he entered his residence, Irauk sought him out and handed him a booklet. When he read the contents, he was shocked. He wanted to know how Irauk got his hands on the special training method of the Dongguang!

Based on what was known, they were the most tightly knit family there was. Hence, Aaron had a feeling Irauk either pulled some strings, stole this manual, or even outright copied this from someone. Nevertheless, the only thing that mattered to Aaron was the fact he possessed it now.

"Here I come," Aaron exclaimed after exhaling. While in his residence, he used the circulation method of the [Sky Piercing Celestial Spear Techniques] to stimulate the persistent spear intent left behind by Aran to the best of his ability. Regrettably, that was easier said than done.

Until now, less than 5 percent of the intent hidden inside him could be claimed as his own. Yet, just that small amount was extremely potent. Needless to say, this made him look forward to the complete result.

On the other hand, while stabbing a spear forward claimed from the Artifact Hall, Rhett dodged all his strikes with disturbing flexibility. Yet, despite all the openings Aaron presented, Rhett didn't retaliate.

On the contrary, he gently pointed them out by tapping on them, "When you lunge, you leave your right side open to attack. While I know it is a weakness formed by your missing arm, you have to make it a habit to compensate for it."

In light of his pointers, Aaron nodded, "I understand. I will try to overcome this shortcoming. In the meantime, continue to help me hone this spear."

The pair continued to spar with all of the inconsistencies in Aaron's attack being laid bare. On the flipside, Nadida and Apollo's battle heated up.

Unlike during the trial where a portion of her cultivation base was hidden, her full prowess was on display. Yet, by utilizing his specialty—his speed, Apollo was able to deflect most if not all of her attacks.

"You got faster! But, you also seemed to be guarding against damage. Could it be you aren't fully healed from the events that took place during the trial?" Nadida questioned while attacking with a fusion of lightning and fire.

However, as Apollo gazed at the incoming attack. He was reminded of a past event. Hence, he instinctively dodged the attack even though most flames were incapable of hurting him.

Afterward, he raised his hand. "I concede, I can't continue." Without waiting for her answer, Apollo turned and left the area. As he looked down, he saw his hand trembling uncontrollably. The reason he stopped wasn't due to her overwhelming attacks, he could feel the grasp of his anger subconsciously slipping.

Therefore, it was time to throw in the towel before something unpleasant took place for everyone to see. 

Upon returning to his residence, Apollo gasped and leaned against the door, 'The memories of my first life are still so vibrant. I thought I dealt with them, but it seems I was lying to myself. I need to take my mind off this, I need to move forward with the engravement.

In addition to retrieving a large amount of Spirit Shards, Apollo also took out the remainder of his Tainted Shards. At the same time, he released Ouroboros and Elaia from his temple.

Since he was unaware of the backlash of his upcoming actions, he would rather these two remain outside away from whatever was about to take place. However, the two looked at him curiously after looking at the sea of shards surrounding him.

"Master, are you about to do something big? Do you need me to look after you and monitor your state?" Ouroboros questioned. 

"No, it's okay. I have a guide. Everything should be okay, but should anything go awry, then you may step in and use your ability to correct the errors." While they talked, Elaia stepped forward and pulled Apollo's shirt.

"Master, that place you stored me. It has contributed greatly to my growth. It was even more beneficial than the environment I was born in. What is that place? Can I go back?" Elaia pleaded.

"Sadly, you can't. I'm about to venture into uncharted territories for myself and I'm unaware how it will affect you. So, just sit tight and wait for me to finish," Apollo answered. Subsequently, he crushed the shards one by one.

This in turn increased the ambient essence presence in his residence. According to the information given by Saehtyn, what he was about to partake in required an overwhelmingly large volume of energy. Therefore, before the energy peaked, Apollo couldn't make his move. 

However, before he could move forward, there was one more thing he needed.

"Remember, I am giving you this power to avenge your parents. Never forget the wrongs that have been done to you. If you do, you will lose your desire and the reason you seek power. Do you want that to happen? To let down your parents and fail to right the wrongs?" Apollo uttered.

"No, not at all!" Elaia snarled. Obviously, Apollo's words stimulated her rage, "I will definitely avenge!"

"Very well, now sleep," Apollo responded lackadaisically. He placed his hand on her mind and absorbed her wrath. Every time he performed this, it became easier and felt more natural to him. With this, his preparations were complete.

As he closed his eyes, Apollo chanted the mantra needed to open himself to Ira. 'I have to become vulnerable.'

"Wrath is power; I don't seek it, however, I fall within its embrace. Burning all, wrath ignites. The flames of my Ira are boundless!" Apollo chanted continuously. With him as the origin, a cyclone formed in the room.