The Cunning Treasure Hunter

Chapter 104 Reverse Heaven Unity

Jordan, standing tall, could feel the flow of energy coursing through the Vera Meridian. Though he couldn't discern the true nature of the crimson stone before him... it was undoubtedly suppressing the strongest current within the formation.

Merely kicking it aside was enough to activate the formation encircling the humble cabin.

A formation concealing the very existence of another formation.

One that alerted its user to any eavesdropping attempts.

And another, designed to block specific words from being overheard.

Ingenious.

This place wasn't just hidden; it erased the very notion of its presence.

It wasn't a formation meant to prevent others from overhearing conversations. That would only reveal its existence. Instead, it traced back anyone trying to spy on this side.

Even if the Everstone Clan could provide the groundwork for the formation, the design, implementation, and precise effects? That was Aiden's expertise.

Jordan chuckled, half in disbelief. "How meticulous can one person be?"

"Please, step inside," Aiden said, climbing the wooden veranda. With a broad gesture, he opened the sliding door to the spacious room within.

Vera hesitated not. She slipped off her shoes and entered gracefully.

But Jordan paused for a moment, a thought crossing his mind.

If this man wasn't an ally, he would have never stepped foot inside.

With a resigned sigh, he removed his hat, entered the room, and sat down.

Aiden joined him, taking a seat, his voice light yet composed.

"Quite an impressive formation, isn't it?"

"...A craft of the Everstone Clan, no doubt," Jordan replied.

"It's even more intricate than the ones I've seen before," Vera remarked, nodding. Though she wasn't an expert in formations, this one was clearly more refined than the safehouse formation she'd encountered at the Bloodshadow Pavilion in The Central Plains.

"You studied formations among your tasks as a courier, then? Quite an education."

"Yes. Though most were damaged ones."

"Damaged formations? Destroyed, you say?" Aiden tilted his head, intrigued.

Formations drew upon the energy of the Meridian Lines, requiring overwhelming power to break.

To accomplish such a feat, at least the level of a Kingdom of Harmony Master would be needed.

And Kingdom of Harmony Masters were exceedingly rare in the Central Plains.

Though one sat before them now...

At that thought, Vera cast a quiet glance at Jordan.

"Yes, it seems this great warrior before us destroyed it," she commented.

"You're telling me you did such a brute thing?" Aiden raised an eyebrow.

"Well," Jordan shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not like I can't tread lightly when needed. But…" His voice trailed off, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"When I think about all the suffering I endured in that cursed place, I just wanted to scare them a little."

"Wait… was that place built by the Akrest Clan?" Vera asked, narrowing her eyes.

So, the place Jordan suffered in was connected to the Akrest Clan after all.

"That's correct. It was one of the Bloodshadow Pavilion safehouses," he admitted.

"I had heard of a Bloodshadow Pavilion within the Akrest Clan, but… this is quite surprising."

"Well, the one who tried to harm you in Mount Suncrest was none other than Kieran, the deputy leader of Bloodshadow Pavilion," Jordan said as he loosened the tie on his black martial robe, his voice calm but piercing.

And only then did Vera realize something.

This man had been following her journey all along.

It stirred emotions she couldn't quite put into words.

"So, you've been tailing me this entire time?" she finally asked.

"Indeed. It was at the request of Aria Everstone, the leader of the Inner Pavilion of the Everstone Clan."

"Why would he…" Vera frowned deeply, discontent brewing within her. Something was unfolding beneath her awareness, and it was far from pleasant.

Sensing her unease, Aiden gently patted her shoulder.

"Don't overthink it, Vera."

"But…"

"I told you, didn't I? These people are all allies, those who share our purpose."

The assassination of the Swordmaster.

That wasn't something they could share lightly.

Vera nodded silently.

Jordan broke the silence.

"Have you heard of Reverse Heaven Unity?"

"…I have not."

"It's an organization your master founded, led by Aria Everstone as its current leader," Jordan said, leaning back against the wall. With the ease of a rogue, he rested his sword on his shoulder, eyes narrowing as he continued.

"Reverse Heaven. A group seeking to overthrow the Martial Unity Leader and establish a new order."

"...So, that's what you meant by shared purpose."

"Quick to catch on, aren't you?" Jordan exhaled deeply.

What came next would reveal fragments of his past.

"I can't say everything, but I owe my life to Reverse Heaven Unity."

"Your life?"

"Yes, kid. As you suspected, I'm of Akrest blood. Have you heard the name Jordan?"

"No, I haven't."

A bitter laugh escaped his lips.

It wasn't a laugh of humor but one of scorn and resignation.

"Of course you haven't. The Akrest Clan erased my name from existence."

"What happened?"

"I'm the illegitimate son of the Swordmaster. Though I bear the Akrest name, I was never recorded in their genealogy. Instead, I was cast into Bloodshadow Pavilion."

"What exactly is Bloodshadow Pavilion?"

"A place where the Akrest Clan quietly eliminates those they disapprove of."

The bluntness of his explanation was chilling.

Aiden nodded thoughtfully.

"And within Bloodshadow Pavilion, you practiced the arts of Bloodshadow Pavilion, didn't you?"

"That's correct, Aiden. I even know their steps."

"You'd best keep that hidden, Jordan."

"Well, I'm already part of Reverse Heaven Unity, aren't I?"

A hidden organization in its own right.

While Aiden accepted this calmly, Vera was less certain.

"...You said we share the same purpose. Is Reverse Heaven Unity truly aligned with us?"

Vera gazed quietly at Aiden, her eyes unwavering.

He could tell what questions lingered in her mind.

"Do you think I know too little?" he asked.

"Yes. It seems information isn't being shared between us properly," she replied bluntly.

"…It's not good to be so perceptive, kid," Jordan muttered, though his words didn't deter her.

Vera continued to look up at Aiden without a hint of hesitation.

"Aria Everstone probably already knows all of this," she remarked.

"Then why hasn't she shared it…?"

"That's how we operate," Aiden explained. "The time to act hasn't come yet. We each gather information, move independently, and work toward the same purpose without direct interaction."

If the organization grew too formal, it would inevitably draw attention.

When the tail grows long, it gets stepped on.

Though they acknowledged one another's existence, they avoided direct interaction.

Not exactly a fragmented network, but close enough to it.

That was Reverse Heaven Unity.

"That's how we avoid being tracked. The Swordmaster is cunning, Vera."

"…So growing too large makes you visible, then," she mused.

"Exactly. And stop scolding the kid for being quick-witted, Jordan," Aiden added with a faint smile.

"…Ahem." Jordan coughed awkwardly, brushing off the remark.

"In any case, that bastard was the deputy leader of Bloodshadow Pavilion."

"What happened to him?"

"The girl killed him. Her senior brother threw himself into the fray to create an opening," Jordan stated plainly.

Aiden's eyes widened as he turned to look at Vera.

"…You should honor your senior brother's sacrifice more," he suggested softly.

"That can wait," Jordan interjected. "We've got more pressing matters to handle."

"Did the Demonic Sect make a move?"

"Ask your disciple," Jordan replied curtly.

Both men turned their gazes toward Vera, who spoke in a calm, steady voice.

"The Light Emperor's Envoy of the Demonic Sect has appeared."

"…What?" Aiden's tone hardened.

"And Valen the Flamestrike has followed him."

The explanation was long-winded.

Aiden posed questions at every moment of doubt, cross-checking answers between the two.

It had already been three or four hours since they started.

From Kieran's ambush at the Iron Fist Sect, to Sev's story, and even the Crimson Demon Gate and the appearance of the Sword Demon in Eastern Mountain —everything was laid bare.

The sun dipped low, the western skies now painted in shadowy hues.

"Do you have any more questions, Aiden?"

"…No. This is serious," he admitted, exhaling heavily.

"Yes, Master. It's a grave matter," Vera agreed.

Aiden sighed again. He would now have to face something he didn't want to.

"Vera," he began.

"Yes, Master?"

"We must go to the Everstone Clan together."

Her eyes widened at the mention of the Everstone Clan.

Wouldn't direct contact like this undermine everything they'd worked to maintain?

"Is it to meet Aria Everstone?"

"Yes. She's likely already obtained some information, but…" Aiden trailed off.

She's probably wracking her brain over it, he thought.

Even without seeing her, he knew she would be struggling to find a solution.

Why had Valen Flamestrike followed the Light Emperor's Envoy?

Her conclusion would likely match his.

A son killed by an unknown martial art.

And someone promising to reveal the art that killed him.

But even Aria Everstone wouldn't know what kind of martial art it was.

This time, information only Aiden possessed was necessary.

And in exchange for that information, Aria Everstone would undoubtedly try to fully recruit Vera into Reverse Heaven Unity.

"But, Master, didn't you just say it's dangerous…?" Vera hesitated.

"Because you need to join Reverse Heaven Unity," Aiden stated firmly, looking down at her.

There was no hint of apology or sympathy in his gaze—only resolute determination.

Vera felt the same.

Despite her mere fourteen years, she carried a deep, unrelenting grudge.

Even now, when she closed her eyes, she could hear it.

The anguished groans of her parents as they burned alive.

Their muffled cries, holding back their screams for fear of burdening their young daughter with an eternal scar.

That grudge and sorrow…

To involve herself in this secretive and enigmatic organization, she would have to confront it face-to-face, even at great risk.

"Don't worry, Vera," Aiden reassured her. "The Everstone Clan supports Reverse Heaven Unity."

"All of them…?"

"Not yet. But soon, they will," he said confidently, his eyes gleaming. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

His faint smile was one of certainty, a man clearly harboring a plan.

Vera set aside her doubts, bowing her head respectfully.

"This unworthy disciple will do her utmost not to bring shame upon herself."