Way of the Knights

Chapter 799: Gifts

An eternal image of a picturesque scene dyed the Divine Land. 

Basking in the endless rays of golden light, filled with spiritual energies so dense you could touch, the whole land was filled with a heavenly scent that can lower anyone’s guard. 

Looking anywhere here, one could easily witness several phenomena of a Spiritual Treasure’s birth. It was miraculous and divine. At the same time, it also evokes primal greed to those who laid eyes on it. 

Raven took a different route compared to the Sect Master and the rest, but before he did so, he left them formations which is now being carried by the Sect Master. 

The group continued treading the Divine Land, allowing themselves to bask under the glory of witnessing the birth of numerous Spiritual Treasure. 

None of them spoke a word ever since coming here. It’s not like it was forbidden to speak here, it’s just that the scenario left in them in awe…that, and the fact that they were fighting the creeping desire to just run around and get their hands on everything here. 

The Divine Knights are somewhat at a loss though…

From the moment this whole operation began. They didn’t do anything noteworthy. 

They were here to assist the Ancient Elysium Sect under the name of their Alliance. And if a huge fight truly broke out, they wouldn’t hesitate to bury the entire Dawn Council underground. 

But that’s the thing…the fight didn’t happen. 

It was completely one-sided. Before they knew, the battle was already over. 

Thinking about it now, the Sect Master’s heir sure was something else. From the moment he started moving, he never stopped. Nothing went out of his expectations, its as if he was already several steps ahead of the Dawn Council itself. 

Such notion sure is ridiculous. It is the Dawn Council they’re talking about here – people who are literally ‘supposed’ to be several steps ahead of everybody, yet under Raven’s ministrations, they were easily neutralized that it felt completely underwhelming. 

Raven single-handedly reduced the prestigious Dawn Council into a joke – who’d dare to believe such notion? 

But the proof was clear though. They witnessed it with their very own eyes. The Divine Knights who were ready for blood to flow like rivers, ended up as audiences. They felt like they were here for moral support instead. It was little embarrassing. 

Then Raven shocked them again by easily neutralizing the seal that prevented them from entering the Divine Land. He even called it a lousy seal. Honestly? What can’t this child do? 

Unknowingly, Raven already made a solid impression to the Divine Knights. He left an impression of Invincibility. 

Now, he separated from them. That made the Divine Knights have some ideas but they didn’t dare to voice it out. Not yet at least…

Eventually, they group arrived at the peak of a lone mountain with the Sect Master leading the way. Once they arrived there, they stopped and the Sect Master faced them. 

“We’re here Gentlemen.” He said. 

“Pardon me, Sect Master. I’m a little confused. Why did you bring us here?” Felton asked. 

“I’m about to explain that actually.” Sect Master Lucas chuckled, “Well, or starters I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for joining us here.”

“Oh you jest, Sect Master.” Iron Fist Hal replied, “We didn’t even do anything.” 

“That’s true.” Deimos nodded, coughing a bit in embarrassment. 

“Don’t say that, Gentlemen. The fact that you didn’t hesitate to provide aid is more than enough for us. Not to mention, being with you means that our safety is more secured. Never mind the lack of action, wouldn’t you agree that this is a better outcome compared to a lot of screaming and blood?” 

The Divine Knights went silent and truly couldn’t disagree with that. Sure, the lack of action was underwhelming, but considering how things are, this clearly is a much better outcome. 

“I’m going to candid with you Gentlemen.” The Sect Master’s face became solemn, “Though the Dawn Council has rotten to its core, its significance for Humanity as a whole remains important.”

“Even though we expressed desire of shutting it down. In truth, we can’t do such thing. For one, it’ll cause chaos to our society and mass panic. More importantly, it might give rise to further complications down the line.” 

“Additionally, there certain equipment that only the Dawn Council has access to that’s important for Humanity as a whole. Although the Divine Land isn’t included in their possessions, none of us here will slight its importance.” 

“We still need the Dawn Council, but not without massive changes. A reform, per se.” The Sect Master revealed. “My successor have everything ready and as we speak, he is working hard to achieve that goal.” 

“Now, for the reason why we are here.” He said, “Its quite simple actually. It’s always been a virtue of our Sect to pay our debts back. Although nothing much has happened, we are still grateful for your appearance. You didn’t hesitate to leave your seclusion in order to come to our aid, it’s only fair that you receive some compensation.” 

Before they could react, the Sect Master activated the formations that Raven gave to him earlier. 

Several domes of light appeared across the mountain peak, scattered in different directions. They weren’t too far from each other, not too close either. 

“These formations are made my successor, if that hasn’t been obvious at this point.” Sect Master Lucas said, “Gentlemen, choose one and sit at its center. It will help you in your search for your lucky opportunities here in the Divine Land. Consider this as out gift for coming to our aid.” 

The Divine Knights were gobsmacked upon hearing his words. They looked at each other and the formations scattered around him. 

“Old Friend.” Gabriel spoke first, “This isn’t really necessary…”

“I agree, Sect Master Lucas. We didn’t do anything to deserve this.” Iron Fist Hal. 

“…” Malachi didn’t say anything but his eyes revealed that he supported the notion. 

“We’re a unworthy to receive such favors from you, Sect Master.” Felton graciously said. 

“Indeed.” Deimos nodded. 

“Gentlemen, please. Don’t refuse.” Sect Master Lucas smiled, “Haven’t you known me? This is just the way how we do things. No need to fret.” 

The Divine Knights were silent for a bit. They looked at each other. 

All of a sudden, they heard Malachi sighed, he then stepped forward, clasped his hand and gave Sect Master a curt bow. For the first time, he spoke…

“I won’t say much, Sect Master Lucas. If you need me, you know where I am. Please pass this on to your successor as well.” 

The Sect Master nodded, seemingly satisfied when Malachi started choosing a formation. 

Seeing that one of them already made a move, brought some strange feeling for the rest of them. In the end, they smile wryly and understood what they need to do. They understood what the Sect Master’s intentions as well. 

This gift isn’t free. They all know it. The Sect Master is once again acting as a middle-man, someone who acts as a bridge between Raven and the Divine Knights. The Sect Master is helping Raven to form connections, which isn’t really surprising.

Raven was the one who created the formations, it was clear that he was extending an olive branch to them. And since the Sect Master insisted, they can’t really refuse now, could they? 

In the first place, the allure of the Spiritual Treasures here were truly strong. Plus, Raven would be a strong ally in the future. Were they really losing something from this? That answer is an obvious no, isn’t it? 

Once the Divine Knights entered the formation, they began searching for their lucky chances. Of course, the Sect Master and the rest weren’t idle either. They too are searching for their own. 

—

Raven flew to the center of the Divine Land in search of something. 

That something isn’t a Spiritual Treasure. Neither it is an element, Law Insight or inspiration. He’s in search of something far more important around here. 

After flying for a couple of minutes and encountering all sorts of miraculous phenomenon, Raven arrived at his destination. 

At the center of the Divine Land was a still lake surrounded with a blooming garden. 

Gently landing in front of it, Raven was mesmerized by its sheer beauty. Unfortunately, now isn’t the time for him to admire the miracles and the beauty of this place. He has more important matters he needed to attend to. 

Raven wasted no time and stripped himself naked. He kept his clothes near the lake along with his belongings and spatial rings. After that, he walked towards the lake and dipped his foot in. 

There were no ripples upon contact. Raven walked at the surface of the lake without even trying to. The water was so viscous that its almost solid. He took careful and gentle steps until he reached the center of the lake. 

There, he stopped. Took a deep breath in and closed his eyes. Before he knew it, the lake swallowed him whole. 

After what like an eternity of being submerged in water, he finally sensed the solid ground under his foot. He then opened his eyes and murmured:

“I am here.”