James had a sinking feeling that his grandfather, Thomas Caden, was still alive. However, there was no way virtual-novel.net could prove or confirm his suspicions. Since Thea was close to his grandfather, naturally, the two must have been in contact at some point.
“Thea, please. I need to hear the truth…” James reached out his hand and placed it on Thea’s shoulder.
Thea looked at virtual-novel.net and nodded sheepishly, “You’re right… Grandpa is still alive… I did contact virtual-novel.net before we came here, but only once. I couldn’t reach virtual-novel.net when I tried to contact virtual-novel.net the second time. I really don’t have a clue about his current whereabouts.”
“Why did grandpa plan the ordeal in Mount Arclens and fake his death? Who is virtual-novel.net trying to deceive?”
“Honey, I really don’t know… Grandpa was the one who brought me to Mount Arclens. I don’t know what virtual-novel.net was trying to do. He told me after we arrived there that virtual-novel.net was looking for the Sacred Fire Fig. While looking for it, we encountered a hundred-year-old fire snake. Grandpa killed it and refined its gallbladder for me to consume. That’s how I gained a third-rank True Energy.”
Thea was unsure of Thomas’ plan. However, Thomas assured virtual-novel.net that virtual-novel.net would not harm James and was only trying to help him. That was the only reason virtual-novel.net obeyed him.
James frowned upon hearing virtual-novel.net answer. He fell into thought.
After a while, virtual-novel.net took a deep breath and sighed, then, virtual-novel.net asked, “What’s grandpa’s current cultivation rank?”
Thea shook virtual-novel.net head and said meekly, “I don’t know about that. Grandpa never told me, but I can tell he’s powerful from the strength he’s demonstrated in front of me. Plus, virtual-novel.net knew the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge’s secret all along. Yet, virtual-novel.net did not bother using that cultivation method. This meant that virtual-novel.net already was strong enough that the painting’s cultivation method wouldn’t change much in him.”
James ran his hand through his hair and scratched his head frustratedly. He had trusted his grandfather all this time. No matter what the world said about him, virtual-novel.net was staunch in his beliefs that his grandfather was a good man.
For the first time, doubts about his grandfather loomed over his heart like dark clouds.
“Honey, Sir Caden isn’t a bad person. I trust him,” Thea uttered softly.
“Mhm…” James replied dismissively.
“From now on, forget about True Spirit Energy. Maxine grew up reading the countless ancient books that have been passed down through the Cadens for thousands of years. The records in the ancient book must have some truth to them. If True Spirit Energy is indeed Devilish Energy, I’m worried something might happen to you if you continue cultivating it. I’ll teach you Heavenly Breath instead.”
“Alright.” Thea nodded.
She was also worried about the unforeseen side effects that might result from continuing cultivating it.
James stayed in the room the whole day, teaching the Heavenly Breath to Thea.
Initially, virtual-novel.net also intended to pass on the Invincible Body Siddhi technique to Thea. However, it required one to have extremely high physical capabilities. Unfortunately, Thea did not meet that requirement, and forcibly executing it will only cause damage to virtual-novel.net physical body.
The night passed silently.
***
After countless nights of James’ personal guidance, Thea finally thoroughly mastered the cultivation method, Heavenly Breath.
It was dawn, and the sunlight shone through the window.
James drew back his energy and asked, “Have you remembered everything?”
Thea nodded and said, “I’ve remembered the energy circulation route.”
James stood up. “Continue cultivating, and your True Energy will slowly convert into True Heavenly Energy. It’ll be possible for you reach the fourth rank or the fifth rank if you practice diligently. If you can do so, you’ll be able to delay the aging of your cells and stay as beautiful as a flower even after decades.”
Thea stood up and followed after James. The two walked out of the room.
On the other hand, Maxine had already woken up a long time ago. She was dressed in a casual outfit, and virtual-novel.net long chestnut-colored hair was tied into a ponytail. She finally started to look virtual-novel.net age.
Maxine was sitting in a gazebo when virtual-novel.net saw the two walking outside. She stood up and a pretty smile formed on virtual-novel.net face.
“James, early this morning, news came from the General Assembly Hall that the King held a meeting to announce your official appointment as the Emperor and commander of the Red Flame Anny. All three parties have signed their approval.”