Stranger: Back Home

After everyone had gathered, Xenos addressed them, his tone calm but commanding. "Since you're all here, I want to talk about your training. Except for Elder Aerum, you are all far behind in cultivation."

The disciples exchanged uneasy glances. Xenos continued, "I know I asked you to reach the Tier 1 cultivation realm in four months. With earth-level cultivation talent, it's challenging to meet this requirement within such a short time."

The tension in the room was palpable. Xenos, sensing their unease, reassured them. "Don't worry. Before I provide the solution, I need to confirm something. Have you all informed your families about your seclusion for the next four months?"

"Yes, Master," the disciples replied in unison.

Satisfied with their response, Xenos snapped his fingers. In an instant, the training hall transformed.

A building emerged in one corner of the hall, while three imposing towers rose at the center.

Surrounding the hall, intricate formations shimmered into existence.

The disciples and Aerum stared in awe as the towers—each exuding a unique aura—came into view.

The Tower of Nightmare radiated a gloomy aura, the Tower of Battle emanated a bloody energy, and the Tower of the Underworld pulsed with a dark, oppressive force.

Xenos explained, "The house you see is your resting place for the next four years."

Aerum, startled, asked, "What do you mean by four years?"

The disciples looked to Xenos for clarity. He calmly replied, "This training hall is enveloped by a Time Dilation Formation."

The revelation left Aerum and the disciples stunned. Xenos elaborated, "From now until April 21, there are approximately 100 days. That's not enough time to prepare you for survival in the Negative Realm. Using this formation, 100 days in the outside world will equate to four years here."

Misaki, wide-eyed, asked, "Master, what about the three towers?"

Xenos turned to her. "The towers are tools to aid your training. The Tower of Nightmare helps cultivate your will by confronting your deepest fears."

Misaki hesitated. "What does that mean, Master?"

"The first three floors are the Floor of Fear, the Floor of Regret, and the Floor of Dreams," Xenos explained. "These levels will challenge you to face hidden fears, regrets, and dreams you've buried within."

He continued, "The next three floors form the Road of Sin, where you'll confront the Seven Sins of humanity: lust, pride, gluttony, sloth, envy, greed, and wrath."

"The final three floors are the Floor of Faith, the Floor of Test, and the Floor of Will."

"On the Floor of Faith, you'll solidify your beliefs."

"The Floor of Test will challenge and stabilize your faith, and on the Floor of Will, you'll face a powerful opponent embodying pure willpower."

"Completing this tower will forge your own will."

Kori asked, "Master, what about the other two towers?"

Xenos replied, "The Tower of Battle, as its name suggests, is designed to improve your combat skills."

"It consists of nine floors, each with ten progressively harder levels."

"The Tower of the Underworld prepares you to fight the underworld races you may encounter in the Negative Realm."

"However, you can only challenge it after cultivating your will."

The disciples nodded, absorbing the explanation.

Xenos outlined the schedule. "Each morning, you'll cultivate using spiritual stones I've provided."

"Since the formation limits spiritual energy, these stones will support your growth."

"After four hours of cultivation, you'll engage in physical training to enhance your control over strength."

"Then, you'll return to cultivation before challenging the Tower of Nightmare. Finally, you'll confront the Tower of Battle before resting."

Turning to Aerum, he said, "Since your cultivation has peaked, focus on physical training and challenging the towers."

Aerum nodded in agreement.

Xenos concluded, "My disciples, you must reach the peak of cultivation and conquer both towers within three years. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," they replied in unison.

With that, their grueling training began.

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Central Region, Von Hohenberg Main Family Residence

Maximilian Von Hohenberg rushed through the dimly lit corridors, his heart pounding with panic and frustration. After what felt like an eternity, he arrived at the imposing door. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he bowed and called out, "Master, I would like to speak with you."

The silence lingered for a moment before the door creaked open, releasing a wave of chilling air that sent a shiver down his spine. It happened every time he came here, yet the feeling never grew less unnerving.

Stepping inside, Maximilian's gaze instinctively fell to the ground, avoiding the piercing presence of the figure seated in the shadows. Bowing low, he waited for permission to speak.

A cold voice broke the stillness. "What has happened?"

Maximilian straightened slightly, his voice steady but strained. "Master, I have sent out the invitations. The tournament will commence in four months, at the end of April. But..."

"But?" the voice prodded, sharp and impatient.

Maximilian hesitated. "The Four Pavilions have responded. They will be participating in the tournament."

A pause followed. "Hmm... Are these the Four Pavilions you described as the strongest powers on this planet?"

"Yes, Master," Maximilian confirmed. "The Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise Pavilions."

The figure leaned back, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "Curious. The Four Pavilions have always kept to themselves. Even when the Space Gate appeared, they showed no interest in investigating it. And now, they suddenly wish to participate?"

The voice grew quieter, more introspective. "The destruction of the Space Gate in Hazel Mountain—was that their doing, or someone else's? If it's their work, I must tread carefully. If not... could it be the remnants of the ancients? But this is a forbidden plane. No spiritual realm cultivator should exist here. It's a puzzle..."

The figure's musings turned darker. "Regardless, this is an opportunity. With the Four Pavilions participating, I can use the Soul Lock to infiltrate their ranks. Their secrecy has eluded me for too long."

The voice sharpened again. "Have you announced how the tournament will be held?"

"No, Master," Maximilian replied quickly.

"Good." The figure's tone was decisive. "This time, the tournament will be held within the Space Gate."

Maximilian's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly bowed. "Yes, Master."

"I will send Matthew with all the necessary arrangements. Follow them precisely."

"Understood, Master."

The voice softened slightly, though its coldness remained. "And do not concern yourself with the Four Pavilions. The plan remains unchanged."

Relief washed over Maximilian. "Yes, Master," he said, bowing deeply before receiving permission to leave. Without another word, he exited the chilling chamber, his mind already racing to fulfill his orders.

Left alone, the figure sat in silence, the rhythmic tapping resuming. Shadows seemed to deepen around the room as dark thoughts swirled. "Soon," the being muttered, a sinister gleam in its eyes. "Very soon..."

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As the disciples immersed themselves in cultivation, Aerum approached Xenos, her steps steady but her face betraying her inner turmoil. She hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Xenos, since we're in a time formation, do you think my sister will heal completely within this period?"

Xenos turned to face her, his expression calm but serious. Understanding the weight behind her question, he answered firmly, "No."

Aerum's lips parted as if to protest, but Xenos raised a hand, silencing her. "Even though spiritual energy can accelerate healing," he explained, "what your sister truly needs is law energy, not just spiritual force."

He continued, his tone unwavering, "The formation I crafted for your sister is designed to attract the surrounding laws to aid in her recovery. However, the time formation we're in is excellent for cultivation but prevents direct interaction with the laws of the outer world. This limitation means your sister won't fully recover during this four-year period."

Aerum's brows furrowed in concern, but Xenos wasn't finished. "That said, I will personally transfer law energy to her regularly, which will significantly reduce her healing time."

He paused, then added with a hint of optimism, "And since you're heading to the Negative Plane, you can search for Immaculate Milk. That substance will not only solidify your cultivation foundation but also help awaken your sister."

Aerum nodded slowly, absorbing his words. She hesitated, clearly wanting to ask something but unsure if it was appropriate. Xenos noticed her hesitation and spoke with a knowing look. "You want to know why I didn't intervene sooner at Hazel Mountain, right?"

Aerum glanced away, embarrassed, but her silence confirmed his assumption.

"Do you remember," Xenos said gently, "when I told you about your sister transferring karma from you to herself?"

Aerum nodded silently.

Xenos sighed, his gaze distant as he chose his words carefully. "Truthfully, it's hard for me to explain. I can understand why she did it, but..." He trailed off, a heavy sigh escaping him.

Gathering his thoughts, he continued, "I divide karma into three types: good, bad, and neutral. I'm sure you understand what those mean?"

Aerum nodded again, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Your sister," Xenos said grimly, "is burdened with immense bad karma. Some being—or beings—used humanity's destruction and the collective resentment of humans to curse her, forming an unbreakable karmic bond. Though her bloodline protected her from the curse fully manifesting, its effects are still there, forcing her to endure loneliness and suffering in every reincarnation."

Aerum's face went pale, and her voice trembled as she asked, "Who would do such a thing?"

Xenos shook his head. "You're not strong enough yet to know the answer," he said simply.

Aerum clenched her fists in frustration. Xenos continued, his voice low and filled with gravitas. "Do you think your parents' deaths were simply the result of family disputes or conspiracies?"

Aerum stared at him, stunned into silence.

"It was karma," Xenos said firmly. "The world itself conspired, bending circumstances to ensure your family's downfall. The goal has always been to isolate you, to keep you and your sister from ever finding happiness."

Tears welled up in Aerum's eyes. "What...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Xenos nodded solemnly. "Don't blame your sister. Just think about what she has endured—99 reincarnations of suffering, loneliness, and sacrifice. She bore it all."

Aerum's shoulders trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. Her heart ached not for herself but for her sister, who had faced unimaginable torment for centuries.

Here's the rewritten version of your story, enhancing grammar, sentence structure, and emotional depth while maintaining simple language and clear narration:

Xenos glanced at Aerum, his expression heavy with unspoken truths. After a moment, he continued, "The reason I didn't save your sister earlier was because of the karma. She was burdened with such immense bad karma that the only way to cleanse it was through death."

Aerum's breath hitched, but Xenos pressed on, his voice calm but firm. "When she sacrificed all your life energy to restore her strength and allow her to manifest outside, even though she seemed alive for a fleeting moment, the truth was... she was already dead, it was 'True death'. She had no life force left in her and no chance to reincarnate."

Aerum's eyes widened, her heart sinking at the revelation. Xenos continued, "That state of death caused the karma that bound her to naturally dissipate. It was as if the slate had been wiped clean. She no longer carries the burden of bad karma."

He looked directly into her eyes, his voice softer now. "Once the bad karma was gone, I intervened."

Aerum's lips trembled as she asked, "So... she's safe now, right?"

Xenos nodded reassuringly. "Yes, she's safe. All that remains is for you to help her be reborn."

Relief and determination washed over Aerum in equal measure. She nodded firmly, her gaze hardening with resolve. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the looming Tower of Nightmare. 

From Author:

"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to ReadMyBook2023 for the power stone! Your support means so much to me, and I'm truly grateful for your encouragement.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I deeply apologize for the delay in publishing. Thank you for your patience and understanding—it means the world!"