……
The Alchemy Association’s Winter Concealed Scripture Display has been going on for a fairly long time and the fact that people had seen so many of them was the reason why most of them, especially the outside guests could not comprehend Zilan’s group. A Legendary scripture, throughout the history of the Alchemy Association was only ever obtained by the cream of the crop. Only those Rookie Alchemists that also had exceptional cultivation had ever obtained one of the Legendary Scriptures and even then, the pain, blood, sweat and sometimes even tears shed were there for all to witness. Zilan’s group on the other hand literally settled the entire thing in a matter of minutes.
To the spectating Beasts who didn’t understand much about seals and/or runes, all they saw was Zilan’s palm flashing blue before the scripture was presented to Grouch on a platter. It was inconceivable to them. In fact, it was inconceivable for even those who did understand a little about runes.
“Just like that?” someone within the audience could not help but exclaim in extreme heartache. When someone else made something difficult look so easy, it made many doubt as to whether that thing was difficult in the first place thus making them wish they had participated.
Of course, this sensation didn’t last long.
“Hey, look over there.” As everyone had been paying attention to Zilan’s group, not many people noticed when Yasen made his move especially since he had decided to take his time before doing so. Now that he had taken action though, many eyes converged on the screen depicting his every move.
Yasen’s performance against the Legendary Scripture could be described in one word, ‘desperate’. He was desperately trying to survive the assault of the 10-foot giant flame monster that was the physical embodiment of the Legendary Scripture. He was desperately trying to subdue the scripture with all the strength he could muster and using everything at his disposal. And finally, Yasen was desperately trying to validate himself as well as his mission. He viewed attaining the Legendary Scripture as the first step towards righting his past wrongs, with it in his possession he could finally say that he was making legitimate progress towards helping his sister.
Blood was shed, injuries were suffered on both sides, the surrounding environment also took a beating as the battlefield continuously changed due to Yasen’s strategic retreats. Observing the insane battle and watching how a Black core stage Beast from an elite family clan like Yasen was being pressured, the masses couldn’t help but blink and take a few more glances at the relaxed Zilan who was instructing his disciples.
“Where the hell did he come from?” This was not a member of the audience who asked this but instead the First Elder. As the owner of a few of those Legendary scriptures, he knew better than most the challenges one needed to go through in order to successfully attain them. The difficulty was even higher when one was still in the Black core stage.
Watching Yasen made him feel more at ease or in more honest terms, comforted his prideful soul. The same went for all the other top Elders who were also holders of Legendary Scriptures.
‘Why did he give away the Scripture though? Is he that confident in his ability? Or does he just not value them?’ That last assumption was hard to believe for the First Elder as he understood the benefits of holding a Legendary scripture. However, his train of thought still ended up going down that path. ‘If that is the case then what exactly is he after? The Supreme Scripture? Even I don’t know where it is, I was only instructed to publicise it.’
If the First Elders reaction could be described as shocked then the rest of the ‘normal’ audience members were bamboozled, felt hoodwinked and led astray. This was a slight exaggeration but still the reaction from the audience was one of understandable awe.
“Is the gap that large between us and him?” was something many of them thought at that moment in time. Just looking at Zilan’s figure was a confidence-drainer. All their Teachers and Masters ever gave out was advice while this guy was out there giving out Legendary scriptures. It was just…it was too hateful.
“His bloodline must be powerful.” This was a fact no one wanted to acknowledge when it came to Half Breeds however, when looking at Zilan it became the only possible explanation. In a culture that relied on Bloodlines to determine basically everything, it only made sense that this super Half Breed possessed an equally perverse bloodline. All things considered, their logic was correct but unfortunately the scale with which they measured Bloodlines was something Zilan had surpassed on day one.
…………….
“Hmm?” Sensing a strong presence coming from not too far away, Zilan gaze travelled there. “Not bad. He’s gotten stronger…..he’s going about it the wrong way though.” He whispered.
“Who is?” asked Grouch who was in the middle of making the Scripture a part of him.
“No questions! Focus on what you’re doing. That Poison Scripture is barely within the realm of what you can currently handle so don’t let your concentration stray or you will be in for an unpleasant time.” Lectured Zilan.
Grouch heavily nodded, closing his eyes in concentration.
“Poison scripture?” wondered Lorn.
“Yes. Every one of these ‘Legendary’ scriptures represents a certain field. They contain knowledge on specific fields as they relate to Alchemy and when without a Master, the scriptures can defend themselves by turning into the physical manifestation of the field they represent.” Answered Zilan.
“Master, what were those seals you used, can you teach me?” Misty’s ears perked up as she inquired.
“It’s not that I cannot teach you, it’s more like none of you currently meet the requirements to learn. Only with a great affinity to energy can you achieve harmony with the seals.” Seeing that he was only confusing his disciples, Zilan continued by saying, “Anyway, that’s a lesson for another time.”
“What now?” Andrete noticed that Grouch was not going anywhere anytime soon so he decided to ask.
“Once Grouch is done I’ll take you so you guys can get your scriptures.”
“Just us? What about you Master?”
Hendrek’s mouth curled upwards, “Master is obviously going for the Supreme scripture.”
Seeing Zilan not refute his claims, the rest believed his words and started coming up with interesting compliments that made Zilan honestly want to laugh.
“Okay, that’s enough. When all of you have successfully attained Legendary scriptures, I will separate from you.”
“Why? Can’t we go watch?” A disappointed Misty asked.
“I doubt anyone other than me will be able to go there.” Said Zilan, absent-mindedly. “You’re better off leaving the Mountain and watching from the spectators’ area.”
Although his words were confusing, his disciples still nodded in acknowledgement causing a smile to appear on his face. It however faded quick as Zilan remembered the dark cloud that he had seen a little while ago. He didn’t know what it was but he was wary of it. He had spread out his senses in search for it but surprisingly he could not find it on the Mountain. It had literally disappeared.
‘Probably for the best.’ Thought Zilan.
