Chapter 07: Aurora

"Do you want revenge?"

After hearing Aadi, Aurora remembered the scene where her clan was massacred, and her body trembled a little. She took a moment to calm down and then replied, "I don't know about revenge, but I certainly want them to pay for what they did."

Aadi, quite amused by her response, asked, "But judging from your tone and expression, you don't actually hate them, do you?"

Aurora gave a wry smile and said, "Well, technically, I'm still alive because of them. That's why I don't particularly hate them."

Growing more interested, Aadi asked with a smile, "Can you please elaborate a little?"

Aurora was taken aback, seeing the slightly unsettling smile on Aadi's face. Thankfully, it faded quickly, allowing her to relax a bit.

"Well, my time in the clan wasn't necessarily good. Somehow, everyone knew that I was adopted, but they never bullied me or anything. They just didn't want to associate with me, so I had no real connection with the clan aside from my father," Aurora explained and continued. "It's like living in a city, and someone annihilated it. While you might still hate the ones responsible, it wouldn't be to the point of seeking revenge. In my case, this annihilation actually helped me.

"Sometime ago, the First Elder and Second Elder of my clan found out about the Saint Tier weapon my father held. Greed obviously surfaced in their minds. But they were both too weak compared to my father, even if they combined forces, let alone facing a Saint Tier weapon.

"So, the First Elder poisoned my father, and he died after some time. And since the Second Elder was the weaker one, he contacted the Royal family and told them everything, hoping to get something out of it, knowing he didn't have the capability to wield that weapon.

"I don't know why, but the First Elder despised me. So, the first thing he did after becoming clan head was to try to kill me. But before he could, the Royal family came and massacred the entire clan, including the Second Elder who'd given them information. The First Elder couldn't even use the Saint Tier weapon before he was killed.

"I somehow managed to escape using an escape talisman my father had given me. But even then, I suffered heavy injuries as they relentlessly pursued me. One of their attacks also crippled me. So although I'm crippled, I'm still alive," Aurora finished, sitting down with her head hung low.

Aadi thought to himself, 'For a beginner, her mindset is quite impressive. After everything she's been through, she's still able to keep herself rational.'

"I see, I understand all that. But how are you planning to live from now on? You know the royal family will come after you. They won't want this information leaking as even they can't properly safeguard the weapon," Aadi asked.

"I'll figure something out," Aurora answered with uncertainty, clearly lacking a concrete plan.

"So, why don't you become my disciple? I like your mindset, and you have good potential," Aadi offered.

Aurora was stunned by the proposition. Although she didn't know Aadi's cultivation level, she could tell he was powerful just by being in the presence of that cat. She hadn't expected such an opportunity to fall into her lap.

Without hesitation, she kneeled and said, "Disciple greets Master."

Now it was Aadi's turn to be surprised; he hadn't expected her to accept the offer so easily. He asked, "You don't think I have some ulterior motives?"

Aurora shook her head and replied, "It doesn't matter. My life is already pretty much over now that I'm crippled. I have nothing left to lose."

"People would die to have what you possess, little girl," Asty said, chuckling a bit after hearing Aurora's words.

Aurora tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what Asty meant.

"We'll discuss it later during your training. For now, why don't you go and freshen up? There's a hot spring beside the pond in the backyard; you can use it," Aadi said.

Only then did Aurora notice her tattered clothes. Her face turned bright red with embarrassment as she stammered, "I-I'm going to freshen up," before hurrying off toward the pond without looking back.

"Well, I didn't expect her to be the shy type," Aadi chuckled.

"Oh yeah, Asty, do you have any clothes she can borrow?" Aadi added, glancing at Asty.

Asty just sighed, then jumped down and headed towards the pond.

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**Outside of Maple Town**

inside a large hand-shaped pit two people were standing, observing the scene.

One was a middle-aged man, and the other was a teenager.

"Woah, I didn't know Heaven Profound Stage artists were this powerful," the young one exclaimed in surprise.

"No, this attack isn't from a Heaven Profound Stage artist. I'm in the same realm, but I can tell that if this attack hit me, I'd be blown to pieces," the middle-aged man explained.

"Huh, but didn't we detect someone at the Heaven Profound Stage, Master?" the young one, named Rey, asked, confused.

The middle-aged man, named Jav Kela, shook his head and replied, "Yes, we detected that, but this attack... I doubt even His Majesty the King could handle it."

Rey was stunned by this. After all, the person they were discussing was in the Ruler Profound Stage. For someone to make even him feel cautious meant…

Rey couldn't finish his thought as Jav said, "I think it's likely the work of a Saint Profound Stage powerhouse."

Both Rey and Jav sucked in a breath at the thought. Saint Profound Stage artists were revered across the entire Empire.

"Let's search around the town. Although I doubt the townsfolk would know anything, it won't hurt to try," Jav decided, beginning to walk toward the entrance of Maple Town.

Rey followed his master closely as they made their way to the town.