Chapter 168: News of the Kokon Tengan spread
There was a large town silently hidden within a towering forest. Few people moved about, and yet the settlement felt strangely luxurious. Buildings were inscribed with glowing encryptions and magical symbols, as were many of the trees surrounding them. Above, the sky rippled faintly, barely noticeable unless one stared for a long time.
The town was cloaked. To anyone outside, it did not exist at all. Only by passing through its subtle barrier could one step into this hidden place. Beyond the barrier, fifteen small stations dotted the outskirts of the forest, each manned by experts who served as guardians. But they were under strict orders: never to move unless commanded or unless a true enemy approached.
Within the town stood a majestic building that reached into the sky. At its highest floor was a grand chamber, sealed with countless talismans and enchantments. Inside, a sharp-eyed man who appeared to be in his fifties sat cross-legged in meditation. His aura was refined, radiating the power of a Pristine Soul expert. His eyes suddenly snapped open, and the ground shook beneath the might of his evolved Aka Boshi no Tengan, a Soul-tier form of the clan's bloodline.
"What was that just now…" he muttered.
With a wave of his hand, a large, majestic Life Orb appeared before him. Unlike the one held by Christian's expeditionary force, this orb radiated far greater pressure and authority. He infused the power of his evolved eyes into it, and the orb pulsed with a beam of light, tearing through unseen layers of space.
The projection blurred at first, flickering with interference, until a faint image appeared: a man and a woman, barely discernible, like silhouettes beneath smoke. The man's face was too indistinct to identify, but what stood out was what the elder could not mistake—
"Those eyes…!" His voice trembled. "Those eyes!!!"
Clearer than the faces, the woman's gaze shone with an overwhelming power that eclipsed even his own: the Kokon Tengan.
"Could it be… this is one from our branch? Someone from our branch actually achieved this?!" He leapt to his feet, trembling. "Hahaha! The heavens have blessed us with a genius—no, a pillar who can surpass all of us! I must inform Martial Master Christopher and the other Elders at once!"
And like that, news spread through the Aka Boshi no Tengan's hidden networks. Though intended as a secret, word inevitably leaked, whispered by affiliates and allies who could not contain the shock. The hunt for the wielder of the Kokon Tengan began.
…
"Ms. Shia, is it really alright for you to be telling me this information?" Erica asked, her expression doubtful.
Shia's face was unusually grim as she nodded.
"There is a reason I'm telling you this. My instincts say the one who awakened the Kokon Tengan is Lady Christy. The reports even mention that the aura of a man was mingled with it, strengthening the breakthrough. That clue was enough to narrow the possibilities.
Among the current known Mortal Lords of the clan, there are few—if any—who could possibly evolve their Aka Boshi no Tengan to this degree. That leaves only the younger prodigies… but…"
She paused in thought, uncertain.
"…Even for the Prodigious Lady Christy, it should be impossible at such a young age and in such a short time unless…"
"El Onyem…" Erica cut her off, her tone sharp, her expression thoughtful.
Shia blinked. "…Yes. If Sir Elton had a hand in it, then it becomes more possible. His special constitution, his methods…"
"And their Synchronized Cultivation," Erica finished, her voice grave. "On top of that, there's Master Blu—" She froze, gasping. A chilling thought shot through her mind.
Was it him? Did that eccentric man foresee this?!
Erica broke into a cold sweat as she remembered Master Bluesonics' cryptic words, and Elder Rukia's knowing look.
"Lady Erica?" Shia asked hesitantly.
Erica exhaled, then smiled fiercely. "Yes. I'm ninety percent sure the Kokon Tengan is Christy's. Awful timing in some ways… but maybe it's perfect timing instead. Right now, she and the others are in a place difficult to reach, even after all this chaos. I think I finally understand where to aim. Shia, go to big Brother Ramiro. Tell that brute everything, and send these special details I'm about to give you to Big Brother Zoro. We will aid Big Sister Chris at all costs."
Shia's eyes widened, recalling the little girl who once cried after her El Onyem dissappeared. To see Erica now, resolute and determined, stirred her heart. She bowed deeply. "Yes, Lady Erica. I will do as you command."
…
Meanwhile, in a noble household, Ramiro sat with Seralily in a negotiation session. He wore his usual restless expression, though Seralily calmed him with her hand atop his. His older brother, Ricardo, acted as spokesman for their Leon clan, speaking with Count Newrum Nugate of Garling.
Ramiro was not here to negotiate—he was here as a show of force. His reputation had become impossible to ignore. He was the Dragon Spear Hero of Brawlmanica, engaged to Princess Helga, a core figure of White Star Radiance, and a recognized warrior of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect. His mere presence tilted negotiations in his brother's favor.
"Hahaha! Thank you, Sir Ricardo Leon! May our houses prosper together!" the count said with laughter.
Ricardo responded with a sharp smile, sealing the deal.
Afterward, the count's family joined them for pleasantries. His son, a sixteen-year-old, looked at Ramiro with reverence, asking endless questions about spearmanship, begging for guidance, even pledging to one day become his follower. Ramiro only sighed.
The count's daughter, however…
"Sir Ramiro," she whispered as he bent to correct her clumsy spear stance, pressing close, "I'll be your concubine—or even your secret mistress! I'll bear your children. What say you?"
Ramiro's face twisted. "…Seriously? Another temptress… Listen, girl. If you find me again in a few years, I'll think about it. But you're only fourteen! Grow up first—become strong, then we'll talk."
The girl beamed. "Then it's a promise!" she giggled before running off, spear in hand—though she clearly never trained with it.
Ramiro exhaled, exasperated. Temptations like this had become routine, no matter where he went. His name, his title, and even his engagement made little difference. And with Seralily and others around him often teasing or indulging these moments, the situation only worsened.
As he walked with Seralily, shaking his head, a shadow appeared at his side like a phantom. Ramiro nearly leapt before recognizing her.
"Shia! Goodness, make more noise when you show up," he complained.
Seralily bowed politely. "Greetings, Ms. Shia."
Shia inclined her head. "Greetings to you both. I come with urgent news—and a plan, from Lady Erica herself. She wants you to follow it closely."
Ramiro's eyes lit with curiosity. "From Erica? Hah… what's that woman plotting now? Alright, I'm listening."
Shia began her explanation. And, as she expected, Ramiro responded in exactly the way she knew he would.