Born in Blood

"First thing you should know is that the inheritance was public to a few powerhouses," Usan said with a low voice. 

He was past the point of reprimanding Liam for not taking care of his health.

Liam frowned instantly.

"And before long, it'll be spread around the world."

Liam's frown turned into a scowl.

"Once the Moyong family realized they didn't win the inheritance, they let the cat out of the bag."

Liam's scowl turned into a grimace.

"Parents are already naming their children 'Bob' in hopes they'll become grandmasters."

Despite Bob and Liam Royce being different identities, Liam had swallowed the Eternal Sword's jade pill.

Anyone that looked at Bob would feel their skin rise.

Anyone that looked at Liam would feel their skin rise.

But the issue wasn't that.

Liam didn't mind keeping his appearance changed for long periods of time.

But the issue was in creating a new persona or even hiding in general.

'Once they identify my aura, they'll memorize it and make sure I won't be able to hide amidst the crowd.'

'Damn you, Eternal Sword. You filthy attention seeking—'

"It's a problem for another day," Usan said. "Come, let's head to the archives.

"Archives?" Liam asked.

"Becoming a powerhouse gives you certain connections. Work hard. You might become one, one day," Usan said with a smirk. 

Liam just shook his head. 

"Tell me what happened during your Trials on the way," Usan said. "And your abilities.

Usan and Liam headed outside. 

It was Liam's first time seeing the outside world since a year and a half. 

The Temple of Shadow has grown to a high level throughout the past year. 

The island was covered with miniature pyramids, vast beast encampments, and training areas for new recruits. 

New defensive measures were created.

From all areas, acolytes and disciples went this way and that. 

Watching from a high viewpoint made them seem like little ants.

The total number of acolytes within the Temple rose to 18,000, which was an amazing number. 

Even some of the Seven Clans couldn't boast about such forces.

And this wasn't considering the alliances the Temple had. 

All in all, the Temple of Shadow was now a force to be reckoned with.

***

"...but then I felt the Recall Rune tap against me inside the water, and my tentacle sprouted out to crush it, bringing me back home."

As Liam concluded his explanation, Usan could only laugh.

"What about you? Have you found a way to extend your life?" Liam questioned, entering through a basement guarded by various Elders. 

"Barely," Usan answered.

Liam and Usan stood between a massive library within the underground of the island.

Rows and rows of shelves filled with books were lines across the wooden floors. 

Warm chandeliers hung from above, and the place looked as cozy as one's home. 

Liam didn't waste a second and started skimming through the shelves. 

Most were books pertaining to history and the world's past. 

It ranged from the type of extinct plants and species to ancient figures of the world. 

Liam's face lit up a bit.

"Where'd you get all of this?" Liam asked Usan as he wandered away, running his hand through the bookshelves.

"Trades with the major clans."

"Don't stray off. I've brought you to look at the maps," Usan called out from the center, where a large circular table lay.

"Though, try and find the Five Worldly Artifacts book by the corner. It's relevant."

Liam raised a brow. 

His curiosity was piqued by the name, though.

Liam found the book — plain and thin — and instantly rummaged through it. 

Each page only needed a glance to be read and understood fully. 

"Is this a children's story or something?" Liam asked, snapping the book shut. 

What Liam read was pretty childish. 

'Five Worldly Artifacts were made by the Great Emperor Minadyon to cement his legacy as the greatest emperor to ever walk the earth.'

'They were a cloak, staff, dagger, crown and ring.'

'After his death, the artifacts scattered throughout the lands, seas and skies.'

'They say whoever finds the five artifacts and combines them, unlocks the secret to incredible knowledge and wealth.'

Usan glanced at Liam with a smile.

"It's no myth," Usan said.

Liam raised his brows.

"In fact, it's what the Imperial Legion has been trying to do," Usan continued, frowning.

"The General isn't invading and conquering because he has a greater objective in mind."

'Well. Key to incredible knowledge and wealth does sound enticing.' 

Usan gestured for Liam to approach the circular table.

On the large table, there was one single map detailing the entirety of the human and alien continents.

It was inscribed, too, showing animated oceans and moving clouds.

However, countries like the Abyssal Lands where the Imperial Legion resided in weren't outlined.

Neither were the countries of Aiho and Neren to the west and south.

And the Korsan Lands weren't very detailed, either.

For the next few minutes, Usan explained in depth the landscapes of the world.

In short, there was Echoria, the Imperial Legion, the Dual Empire, Ilali, Aiho and Neren.

Aiho was a country only specialized in Alchemy, led by the Father of Alchemy.

Neren was a country only specialized in inscriptions, led by the Eyes of Knowledge.

For this reason, they were enemies.

Past them were countries that weren't well known, and didn't have a noticeable powerhouse.

Echoria was neutral, mostly.

Ilali was also neutral, but against their desire.

And the Dual Empire—

"The Dual Empire has attacked one another," Usan revealed, tapping his finger on a country to the north. "A civil war of sorts."

A smile formed on Usan's face.

The country's shape was an oval shape, resembling a baguette.

The left half was pure white in color.

The right half was pure black.

Besides their general color, there weren't any details.

"Why have they fought?" Liam asked with pursed lips.

"Who cares why?" Usan asked with a firm voice. "Lovers quarrel, probably."

"The thing is, they're susceptible to attack."

"And when they're at their weakest, we'll swoop in and take them by surprise."