The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 115

"The Power of the Ancient Kings?" Alavin's interest was piqued—a vanished realm of old? Where secrets were sealed for eons?

"I can unlock it, and help you gain the Kings' Acceptance."

Alavin took a moment to cool his burning curiosity. This secret was too vast. "Why offer it to me? Is it just because I can take you back to your kin?"

"The stronger you become, the faster you grow, the shorter the journey back. I... may not last many more years..." The Chained Spirit's faint whisper faded into the Energy Core.

Did Alavin believe it? No! The tales of the Watcher's Coast might’ve been true, but he feared the Chained Spirit harbored ill intentions.

Should he go? Perhaps in the future, but certainly not now.

At his current realm as a Novice Mage at Stage VII, Alavin could still move about near Cobalt Strike, but in the perilous world beyond, he was far too weak, let alone facing the alluring magic of the Sacred Territory. Once in peril, he truly could fall under the Chained Spirit's sway.

As Alavin pondered in silence, he suddenly noticed a figure standing by the iron gate, clad in flowing white, her chill aura spreading beautifully under the moonlight. "Mariela? You’ve come in the dead of night. Aren't you worried about misunderstandings?"

Mariela stood in the shadows, her veiled beauty stunning and delicate, and her figure statuesque even beneath the long gown's cover, not hiding her perfect contours. "Where are the Voilet Thistles?"

"Gone." Alavin was on guard—she couldn't possibly be here to settle scores, could she?

"Five Voilet Thistles are worth a Legendary Elixir Fruit. You couldn't have subdued them on your own. Unless someone was helping you."

"I don't follow you." Alavin mulled over her words—they seemed double-edged.

"Only after consuming Voilet Thistle could you have advanced to Stage VII, and you can't possibly handle their power alone. Who is helping you?"

Speechless, Alavin wondered how everyone could see his advancement. "What are you implying?"

Mariela pressed directly, "Is the Chained Spirit, sealed within the Rune of Abandonment Lock in Botanic Haven, inside you?"

At that moment, Alavin felt eyes in the Energy Core slowly open.

"I've touched that stone, but that doesn't link me to it, nor do I know where the Chained Spirit has gone. You should ask the Elders of Botanic Haven." Alavin didn't hesitate to deny any connection.