Life and Death

While Philips and Madeline remained silent as Magnus continued to infuse energy into Elias mark, the branding continued to turn black, though at a much slower rate.

As time passed, Philips and Magnus grew tense, knowing that they were only delaying the inevitable and that more pressing matters awaited them.

-"I assume you've already rescued your Sect's other group?"

Philips decided to question Magnus about his other sect companions' whereabouts.

-" Yes, I found them not long after arriving, I capture a few of the Heigong members too."

As Magnus remembered the captured enemies, he became even more anxious.

His restraining spell's effectiveness would dwindle as long as he kept a set distance from the target, putting Mathias and the girls accompanying him in danger. He was convinced that his spell would last a long time, but losing Elias and an Aurelion Mark was already too much for the Eternal Sun Sect, so he chose to back off. -" It's better if we depart now, and I apologize for not being able to assist you further against the forces of the Heigong here."

-" Don't worry, I won't blame the Eternal Sun Sect for leaving." Philips accepted Magnus' apologies and turned to leave when the Voice Resonating Stone in Philips' pocket began to shine.

Philips was concerned by the sudden activation of the stone; he prayed that nothing had happened to Luckas and Byrth. Philips made no attempt to hide his activation of the stone or the dialogue that was going to take place.

"Is everything all right, Jeffrey? Did you come across Luckas and Byrth?"

With concern, Philips inquired.

-"Yes, we met on the way there." Jeffrey's response sounded a little off. "Hey, Uncle? Did you know Grandfather was here?"

Philips was astounded by Jeffrey's question. Maven's unexpected appearance was too much for him. "Is he with Luckas?" Philips was almost certain that Maven had arrived now as a result of Lucka's elementaryization.

-" Yes, he said that he needs to talk to you about Luckas current situation." Jeffrey stopped talking as another voice could be heard near him the stone.

"Hello, Philips. It's been a long time. We must discuss the situation of the young man named Luckas." Jeffrey's Voice Resonating Stone was swiftly grabbed by Maven.

"Maven, it's been a long time, and you really should come back more often. Is Luckas safe?" Philips sighed, his brother being about as blunt as ever.

"I've been extremely busy over the last several years, and yes, Luckas is safe, at least for the time being. it is better if we speak directly. If you are too busy to come over, I can bring Luckas to you."

Magnus, who was about to depart when he heard Maven's voice, tightened his grip on Elias's body and came to a standstill. In his opinion, Maven would be one of the few people who could help in finding a solution to Elias' problems.

Magnus turned back and fixed his gaze on Philips, knowing that he could only rely on him to persuade Maven to assist Elias. He and Maven had a strained relationship; after all, they were both young, talented individuals who had competed against each other on numerous occasions.

Philips nodded as he noticed Magnus staring at him. Even if Magnus didn't want it, he would beg for his brother's assistance. - "It's best if you come here; I need your assistance with something."

Magnus bowed to Philips shortly after he deactivated the stone. "I appreciate the Strafhampton family's cooperation in this situation."

Philips tried to remain calm by closing his eyes. -"There is no need for this; Elias is also a friend of mine; this is the least I can do." Philips only hoped that Maven could help.

After a few moments, a massive green bird landed in front of them, with Luckas, Byrth, and Maven seated atop it. After they all jumped off the bird's back, the bird swung his wings and transformed into leaves that scattered across the ground.

Maven's mystical spell astounded Luckas and Byrth, especially Luckas, who had never seen a true expert use his abilities before.

Maven took a look around as he noticed the people surrounding Philips; his gaze lingered for a moment on Elias' body before shifting to Magnus. - "What's up, Little Sun Boy? I wasn't expecting to see you here." Magnus was greeted mockingly by Maven.

- "Maven, I need your assistance." Philips stepped in quickly because he was concerned about Maven inciting a fight with Magnus. " Elias is in a bad situation; can you help?"

Maven nodded to his brother, knowing that Philips disliked asking favors from him. Philips must be close to this man if he put his pride aside and asked for assistance.

Maven closed his eyes and held Elias' hand. - "What a cursed mark, the Eternal Sun Sect is incredibly brave to brand their cultivators with this." Maven opened his eyes and frowned after a few seconds.

"This is not a curse; it is the legacy of our forefathers." Magnus sounded irritated by Maven's remarks.

-"Then it's a cursed legacy because wielding this kind of power never ends well." As he continued, Maven shook his head. "My aptitude in the Fire element isn't great, so I can't do much." Magnus and Philips' expressions darkened as Maven reached his conclusion.

Magnus clenched his teeth and lowered his head, about to turn around and walk away when Maven began to speak again.

-"But, this young man could be useful; it's just that I wouldn't advise him to use his Elemental powers excessively;" Philips was taken aback; he had not expected Luckas to be the one that was able to save Elias.

- "Is there something wrong with Luckas?" Philips raised his brows, not understanding Maven's last words.

"Some complications as a result of his Elementaryization." Maven shrugged his shoulders and turned to look at Luckas.

Luckas was tense; he never expected to have the life of someone in his control. Maven had already informed him of the imbalance between his Human and Elemental Souls, and that using his Elemental powers could do greater injury to Luckas; but, the injured man was someone close to Philips.

Luckas was conflicted; on one hand, he didn't want to put himself at risk any further, but on the other hand, Philips had helped him a lot since he transmigrated, and he never actually asked for anything in return, Luckas didn't want to simply decline his request.