Reaper of the Martial World

The Dark Flame bubble world was very much similar to the desert bubble world in that it carried a perpetual, unquenchable heat to it. However, this was about where the similarities ended.

In reality, the Dark Flame bubble world was actually just a quarter of the size of that desert bubble world, but with this tradeoff came innumerable benefits. For one, the density of qi couldn't even be compared, even a difference of ten times wasn't too exaggerated. Secondly, the deserts of the Dark Flame world were inexplicably filled with odd trees that took sand as their soil. And finally, the society of the Dark Flame bubble world had far more than just three large cities… There were dozens of them, all sprinkled about and each having a more robust economy than the last.

In the skies of the Dark Flame bubble world, there were six suns. Three of them were a dark violet, and the remaining three were a black-red. It made it feel as though night might fall at any moment despite the fact it was midday.

Despite this perpetual bleakness, the Dark Flame world's people weren't overly affected by this at all. In fact, their cities were lit much like the nightlife cityscapes of the mortal world Dyon had grown up around..

Yet, unlike the mortal world, these artificial lights were oddly quiet natural, floating around like fireflies in the night. In addition, any formation master could tell you that these fireflies actually doubled as cooling mechanisms.

It was ingenious, even Dyon had to admit so. The fireflies would absorb the residual heat, use it to power the light they produced, and effectively lower the ȯbsċėnė temperatures of the world. As a result, unlike the desert bubble world that was nearly impossible for mortals to live in, it wouldn't be difficult for one to do so in this Dark Flame world.

"… Father, Grandfather, this is an opportunity. I'm well aware of the risks, and now you two are as well. We cannot let it slip us by."

At this moment, Crystella faced her father and grandfather within an underground city.

The city's on the surface were only the tip of this world's iceberg. When it came to where the true power of this world was held, one could only find out more by sinking deep within it. Only those of great standing could find themselves a place in these underground havens.

The fireflies of the surface cities might lower the temperature to somewhat reasonable levels, but the underground world was completely cool and had a refreshing breeze sweeping through it. However, this wasn't even top ten in the reasons why the underground world was so valuable.

Up above them, the roots of the trees that swept through their deserts could be seen. However, instead of being a ghastly sight, it was one with beauty beyond words.

The dark roots spread out in a web, covering the 'skies' of the underground world. Along their dark bark, bulbs of light bobbed like the fruits of a heavenly tree.

Not only was it an absolutely gorgeous sight, but these bulbs of light carried their own purpose. And, it was this purpose that made certain that the density of qi in the underground world was easily even a hundred times that of the surface!

It was clearly a haven for the elite.

Crystella, her father and her grandfather were within the garden of their family mansion, the gentle light of the glowing fruits hovering far above their heads.

Crystella's father was a middle-aged man with a large and robust build. He wore red robes just like his daughter, but his were outfitted with delicate silver and gold embroidery.

Her grandfather held a much gentler expression compared to her father. He too wore red robes, but his golden embroidery was so dense that one could almost mistake it for a golden robe with red embroidery instead.

At this moment, they both looked hesitant. Of course they were happy when Crystella said she brought home the third ranked alchemist on the certification ranking. They were aware how dangerous harboring Dyon was, but abandoning him later after taking advantage of what he could bring wasn't too bad of an idea. And, if they managed to hide his existence, maybe they would never have to abandon him at all.

But, after Crystella continued with her story, their expressions only grew more and more solemn.

Suddenly, there was a shift at the gate and a gorgeous middle-aged woman appeared. The gentle features of her face, the slopes of her enticing curves, the elegance of her gait… It was difficult for one to tell that she was a day over 20 unless you dared meet her eyes.

"I hear that my daughter brought home a husband? Where is he, why don't I see him?" The woman's voice called out in a tease, causing Crystella to blush deeply.

"Oo? Blushing? Now I really must meet this young man…."

Suddenly Crystella froze, realizing something. She hadn't told anyone about her attempt to take Dyon as a husband. She had left it out of the story she told her father and grandfather. And, she obviously knew that Dyon wouldn't go around mouthing off like that, such a thing was far beneath a man so powerful.

So, how did her mother know?

"Tedric!" Crystella's embarrassment gave way to anger. For a woman who hardly showed emotions to show so many now, it was clear just how flustered Dyon had her.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry… Please punish me…" The maid stuttered several times over. "The young man you charged me with young mistress has disappeared. I believe he's entered young mistress' Master's abode…"

Simultaenously, all four of them froze.

As for the young man in question, Dyon himself didn't care much about this. He had only come here for one purpose, why would he waste his time loitering around?

"… So it really is you." Dyon's gaze met a pair of gorgeous eyes.

"Who?!" The woman suddenly found Dyon standing before her.

Her fairy-like appearance flashed with several emotions. Confusion, then indifference, then, as though she suddenly sensed something, she erupted into a violent rage, a fan appearing in her delicate palm as she attacked Dyon with all she could muster.

The family mansion quaked and ġrȯȧnėd, everyone turning their heads toward the direction of her surging might