……. Within the dark cloud, a mesmerising milky white light burst out covering the entirety of the environment. Zilan’s eyes instinctually closed due to the blinding light however, they snapped open immediately after. What lay before him now though was no longer the dark cloud instead a humungous set of stairs took its place. The steps themselves were completely black, …

……. Time swiftly flowed. The sun had long set and the mountain was shrouded in the dark cover of night. Such a setting/environment was usually accompanied by an eerie silence however, someone had forgotten to tell Zilan and his disciples that. Near the peak, Zilan’s seven trouble makers could be seen recuperating from what looked like a day of hard …

…… 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 …

……. “What the hell was that about?” whispered Misty. “Who knows.” Replied Lorn, equally stunned by their Master’s sudden change of attitude as well as the sequence of events that had unfolded. “Master is so weird.” Giggled Unlei. Needless to say, Zilan could hear every word of their conversation. In order to save face though, he could only continue to …

… It took a while for Zilan to calm his students down after his display and as expected he was barraged with questions right after. They were however surprised by the fact that Zilan was so dismissive of their queries. Usually, their Master would answer every question they had so this was a new and not so welcome development. “All …

……. With Zilan leading the way, the trek up the mountain so far was unsurprisingly smooth. To others encountering regular fake resonances, strange unexpected weather, illusions etc would be at a minimum be somewhat dangerous. For Zilan and his disciples though, everything had turned into a teaching and learning experience. They had gotten close to those explosive inscriptions that masqueraded …

….. “What happened?” “Those inscriptions were weaponised. Anyone who comes into contact with them will activate them, causing an explosion.” Zilan calmly explained. Cold sweat dripped down Hendrek’s back as his imagination run wild. If not for his Master’s presence it would have been him to lose an arm and an eye and not Oiley. And the worst part would …

…….. “Supreme Scripture…..that’s probably what I need to get.” As serious as Zilan was, the others around him were the complete opposite, rejoicing at the prospect of having such an amazing opportunity just land on their laps like that. Some attributed it to fate while others sincerely thanked and praised the First Elder as well as the Chairman for it. …

…….. The day had finally arrived. Rookie Alchemists from all corners of the Association flooded towards a nearby platform that would transport them to this years designated Concealed Scripture location. Zilan was no different, with a calm yet somewhat conflicted mind he followed Amani who led him as well as Kifo, Fujo and various other Alchemists from the Purple Heart, …

………. “I’m so confused.” Were the first words Zilan had uttered in twenty-four hours. He was currently sitting in his room pondering on the absolute randomness and unexpectedness of Little Red’s appearance as well as the words he left behind. He had been this way ever since the encounter happened. He had yet to speak or interact with anyone since …