Chapter 996 996 - Is that you?



"That's for the future. We've still got to wait for the ancient battlefield to open up," The old monk said.

After a while, the red-headed ghost suddenly laughed in a gloating manner. "That lad has been dormant at the bottom of the Dragon Burial Valley for 20 years. Now that he's going to reappear after news of his kin in illness, he must definitely be holding in a belly full of rage!"

"Any dumb fool that provokes him… hehe."

The old monk chanted a holy proclamation and said softly, "I'm still hoping that everything goes smoothly and that he will return here after severing his mortal ties to reduce his karma of killing."

"Hmph, a tree may wish for stillness but the wind never stops blowing!"

The red-headed ghost stood up and the chains on his body rattled loudly.

"He's not going to take the initiative to provoke anybody, but I'm sure 20 years is more than enough to make many things fade into the background. I'm sure many martial artists of the North Region have already forgotten about him!"

The red-headed ghost reared his head in loud laughter. "That's for the best! Shiver, martial artists of the North Region! That strongest monster incarnate of history whom you guys had ganged up on and bullied back in the past and was cast into the depths of the Dragon Burial Valley has now returned! Hahaha!"

Dragon Burial Valley.

Sylvie Deva had been standing at the edge of the cliff for a long time with furrowed brows. The cold wind had crumpled the hem of her dress and she frowned with troubles.

Just as she was about to give up and leave, a figure appeared not far away.

It was getting closer and closer.

The green robes were ever so familiar.

She heaved a sigh of relief.

After 20 years, nothing seemed to have changed about Aiden apart from a unique aura he had gained that was indescribable.

Sylvie Deva's heart skipped a beat and she checked out Aiden's core with her Spirit Peering Art.

Immediately after, a look of pity flashed through her eyes.

"Sigh, how can a destroyed core recover? I was thinking too much."

She sighed internally.

Through her detection, Aiden's core was like a swamp of still water without any spirit energy.

In reality, Aiden's core was indeed different from the past after the tribulation.

His Martial Master was shattered and formed a black hole-like existence.

The Saraca Flower was hidden right in the black hole!

As long as Aiden did not use his spirit energy, martial artists wouldn't be able to detect anything and would instead find an empty core.

If they knew nothing about his past, any outsider would take him as an extremely ordinary mortal.

"Aiden, how have you been after all these years?"

It was rare that Sylvie Deva was not joking. Instead, her eyes were pained with a hint of pity and her expression was emotional.

This man before her was bedazzling 20 years ago!

Even outside of the North Region, some martial artists of the world knew about him.

But now, most of the people in the North Region had already forgotten about him, let alone those in the world.

Aiden replied calmly, "I'm fine."

"I know where he is. I'll take you there."

Aiden's captain did not have much time left and it was better if they met sooner. Sylvie Deva knew what was on Aiden's mind right now and led the way without hesitating.

Aiden followed closely behind.

The two of them sped and crossed the Great Forbidden Ruins.

Arriving at the depths of the palace, Aiden paused briefly when he looked at the bloodstained ruins beneath him.

20 years ago, the paragons of the North Region had gathered for the birth of the Vermilion Fruit.

Countless paragons were buried there in that battle.

A fire had incinerated half the skies!

The temperature of the golden lava was extremely high and riddled the ground with holes. The underground palace had already caved in a long time ago and the cave was buried.

The mysterious golden volcano was also buried deep underground.

No matter what secrets there were inside, nobody would probably find out anymore.

After a slight pause, Aiden caught up to Sylvie Deva and suddenly asked, "Is Khouge in danger?"

If Seetho Khouge knew about Aiden's Captain's condition, she would definitely be the one to inform him.

The only possibility for her not doing so would be if she was in danger and could not get away!

"Yes."

Sylvie Deva nodded. "In recent years, the North Region has been filled with wars with the rise of multiple vassal states. The other three dynasties are coveting from the sidelines while it's messy within the imperial court of the Great Dynasties with troubles both internal and external."

"Two years ago, the three great dynasties joined forces and formed an allied army to infiltrate the borders of the Great West, hoping to annihilate the enemy entirely and split our land among themselves."

Aiden asked in a seemingly casual manner, "What are the martial art realms of those that are fighting in the battles between the dynasties?"

"The armies are mostly formed by Foundation Establishment and Martial Masters. Of course, there are also some Nascent Souls. Martial Grandmasters won't appear on the front lines for now. They will only come forth for a final battle if the allied army reaches the capital!" Sylvie Deva replied.

"I see," Aiden said.

Sylvie Deva continued, "My sister led the army to deal with it personally and keep the enemies at bay. She has been outside for almost two years now without returning and does not know about the problems at all."

Aiden frowned.

Sylvie Deva added hurriedly, "Don't worry, she's completely fine. Mighty Lord Mor Hall has been by her the entire time."

Aiden remained silent.

He had already vaguely guessed through Sylvie Deva's words that Seetho Khouge was in a terrible state!

Even if her life was not in danger, she was entangled with troubles.

Now that the three dynasties had formed an alliance, it meant that they were bent on getting their hands on the Great West's territories!

With the Great West's foundations, even if they had the terrain advantage, it would be difficult for them to defend against the conquest of the allied army!

The fact that Seetho Khouge had not returned for two years was a clear sign of how bad the situation was!

Furthermore, changes happen rapidly on the battlefield and anything could happen.

There was no guarantee of Seetho Khouge's safety even if Mighty Lord Mor Hall was by her side.

…

The two of them traveled day and night without resting.

A few days later, they arrived in the capital of Great West.

In order to avoid attention and unnecessary trouble, Aiden traveled in Sylvie Deva's carriage. Along the way in the palace, they made many twists and turns to head for a secret ground in the palace!

Not long after, Sylvie Deva brought Aiden to a house and said softly, "I'll stay outside and not enter. Call for me at any time if you require anything."

Aiden nodded.

Standing quietly outside the door, Aiden did not dare to open the doors.

In fact, he had already extended his palm and made contact with the doors, but he just did not dare to push them!

Aiden knew that one of his family members, one of his captains, was inside.

He could already sense the twilight aura emanating from the room!

The more it was the case, the more he did not dare to open the doors!

"Aiden, is that you?"

Suddenly, a voice sounded from within.

It was weak and hoarse.

Instantly, countless images flashed through Aiden's mind.

"Aiden, go back and study! You're not allowed to learn martial arts!"

"This horse is called Dark Lightning and it's slightly sentient. Since it has an affinity with you, it's yours from today onwards."

"Aiden, as long as you can pass the college examination, I'll reward you with a mansion…"

This voice was no longer as robust and firm as in the past.

However, it awakened countless memories in Aiden.

Instantly, he felt his nose stuff up as he pushed the doors and entered. "Brother, it's me!"

Although he was already mentally prepared, Aiden's heart skipped a beat when he caught sight of him.

He had grown old.

Age was like a merciless blade that sliced and left scars on his face!

If he had not seen it himself, it would have been difficult for Aiden to imagine this frail old person before him wielding an iron spear to lead heavily armored troops through the battlefield and dominate the world!

How awesome was he back then?!

Dozens of years had passed.

In his sixties, he looked like someone in his hundreds.

He was filled with white hair and had a pair of hazy eyes.

However, the way he looked at Aiden was still as comforting and benevolent as ever.

Aiden strode quickly forward and knelt before him, holding the latter's wrists gently.