After hearing the gist of their adventure, Old Ye gave Kairos, the one who planned the entire rescue operation, a look of admiration.

No matter the boys' age difference with himself, but they have done near impossible deeds.

He could tell that much of their achievements is because their cultivation method and the martial techniques they are practising is already at the level of the Immortal Realms. His pride as an immortal made him nod happily at Kairos, especially when they told him they managed to defeat a triple S ranker.

"Of course, of course. Any immortal art practitioner should be able to defeat a mortal realm practitioner easily. The fundamental differences between mortal and immortal techniques are worlds apart after all!"

What Old Ye thought to himself, is on the right tracks. However, he did not know that the difference is larger than what he thought.

Though Immortal Realm is superior to the Mortal Realms' martial arts and cultivation techniques, even they did not have any way to make an Entry B ranker to fight at the level of a Double S ranker like what Kairos did.

Only Aisa knows of how superior the Origin technique is, and she gleefully kept silent.

"Young master, I need to thank you for your gift. It allowed me to break through my 8th Major stage."

In the Immortal Realms, cultivation ranks are group into nine major stages, and each has nine minor stages. The minor stages are separated into three groups, the three initiation stages, three apprentice stages and three master stages, and to increase every minor stage is a crawl.

Thanks to Kairos' Yggdrasil fruit, not only did Old Ye broke through, he managed to enter the next major stage. One can imagine his excitement.

Though a practitioner who has a higher cultivation would have a harder time to raise his ranks, Old Ye who is much stronger than Kairos and the group had actually made a bigger improvement than them.

And Kairos knows that the only reason for this is because of the amount of energy that the Origin technique required.

"Y...young master, I can't thank you enough. It's too bad that the Immortal Blue sect forbids anyone on a mission to bring much of their personal belongings. The things I had given you before, cannot even match a thousandth of what you had given me."

What the immortal had given Kairos was a ring filled with objects from the Immortal Realm.

Previously, when the boys first saw it, they noticed the rare herbs, pills and ores from within and were quite grateful. But after they met Fritzgen, they realised that Old Ye is very poor indeed. Even a mortal realm's merchant has treasures that are more valuable.

Now they finally understood that it wasn't that Old Ye's wealth is pitiable, but was forbidden of bringing his treasures out of his sect. There are often missions that have unknown elements to it, and it isn't infrequent for even an elder to fall.

Like many great sects in the Immortal Realm, Immortal Blue has the tradition that every item to be brought on a mission requires approval.

"Do you feel like you owe my brother one?" Surprisingly, before Kairos said anything, it was Jones who suddenly spoke.

The immortal nodded honestly, his gratefulness towards Kairos is heartfelt. Even now, the tremendous life force of the Yggdrasil fruit is running like a river within his body. During the short time that the group went to the rescue of Jones, Old Ye had only managed to cultivate a small part of the fruit's energy, and he will continue to enjoy the benefits for quite a while longer.

"Well, if you wish to give your thanks, I have a good solution on hand" A wicked grin appeared on Jones' face as he said that. The others immediately had a feeling of Déjà vu, seeing this look on his face at least once before. Just like that time when Jones suggested to rob the Phrixus' treasury, or when he asked the young nobles to show their 'sincerity' to invite Kairos, or when he accepted Principal Gai's bribes.

"Really? Please say the word. Old Ye will do whatever in my power to thank young Kairos" When the old man said this excitedly, the boys couldn't help but feel pity for him.

Exactly in the way as the guys expected, Jones happily gave his suggestion, "Since you cannot bring your stuff down to our Mortal Realm, why don't you bring me into the Immortal Realm and give me what you like to give Kairos?"

The others looked at Jones with wide eyes. He just attempted to take advantage of both the Immortal and Kairos at the same time.

But Kairos only laughed heartily, when he heard Jones' words, and he said, "Yes Old Ye, you should. Giving him anything is the same as giving it to me."

The others smiled. By now they already know how Kairos is towards his friends. Money and status are only temporary, but friendship can be eternal.

"But... in return, all these are ours," Kairos said to Jones, pointing to the space-time containers they took from the Phrixus treasury.

The items are all on his person, not yet been split among the guys.

"Nah, don't split them up, brother. You should keep my share for yourself, then split the rest," then he hastily said before Kairos declined, "With the burden you bear, you'll need it."

The others also nodded in agreement. They too are willing to trust Kairos with their share to use for the group.

After all, if they can trust him with their lives, they can trust him with their money as well. But of course, it is also because Kairos earned their faith in him.

There may be some who are talented in warfare yet not well-versed in handling money. But Kairos is gifted in both areas.

Kairos thought a bit then nodded. There are a great many things he will need funds for and he knows that Jones has little use for them once he goes to the bountiful Immortal Realm.

"Come over here boy, let me test your talents first. I've heard you have a rare constitution, and I need to make certain before I can bring you over," Old Ye said, beckoning Jones over.

He was told by his young mistress, Ah Du Eh, that the boy has an Asura Constitution. And for the purpose of confirming, he had brought along a miniature testing crystal from his sect.

The higher grade is a person's cultivation talent, the darker this crystal would be. From the lowest grade which will be transparent in colour, it would turn yellow, orange, red, and then purple, when a person has stronger latent talents in cultivation.

The tier that the Asura Constitution is at should be a dark purple that is nearly black. If Jones could prove himself with the miniature testing crystal, the mission is completed.

Under Old Ye's instructions, Jones pricked his finger on a dagger and let a droplet of blood fall onto the crystal. The transparent crystal started changing colours into a light yellow first.

The others were silent when they saw this. They expect his tier higher without question.

Then before their eyes, it turned into a beautiful orange, in the colour of a setting sun.

Then, within a heartbeat, it turned into crimson red.

The others waited patiently, while Old Ye is the only person who is nervous among them. Just one more colour change would be enough!

Within moments, just as everyone believed, they saw the crystal turned Purple, growing darker by the moment, and a smile burst out from Old Ye.

The boy has done it, and he could go back without being scolded by Ah Du Eh. Perhaps, even rewarded generously for bringing Jones. No sects would complain about having too many talented disciples.

But when they thought that the test is over, the crystal continued changing its colour.

"Wasn't Dark Purple already the highest tier?" Someone asked.

"Is there a higher tier than purple?" Even Kairos was curious, and he asked the immortal.

Surprisingly, Old Ye shook his head and said, "Not that I know of. This is a specially processed testing jewel which is used both in the Immortal and the Divine realms. From our records, even the rarest and most powerful bloodlines have been tested to be within the colour, Purple. Although, there are varying degrees of each colour, depending on how dark it is.

For example, the Ultra-class Divine beasts like the dragon race have their bloodline to be almost black when tested, but when placed under bright light, it is still visibly purple.

Maybe the boy's Asura Constitution can be considered top-grade talent, but I still doubt it would be as potent as an Ultra-class beast."

Though Old Ye said that, the crystal is already at dark purple - the supposed colour that should appear. But, if it turns darker, then what grade would that be?

They waited a while as the hue inches towards a darker colour, then finally every corner of the jewel turned into complete darkness.

"It's black" Jim observed loudly.

"No no no, there's no way!" Old Ye shook his head, then began forming a powerful white light with his immortal Ki.

He placed the white sphere of light next to the jewel, but there were no purple sparkles like how the dragon bloodline would show.

A frown appeared on his brow, then, with a throbbing anxiousness, the immortal sent the light into the jewel.

Thick black rays shot out of the crystal, changing the colours of anything it lands on into black.

"T...th...this!" The immortal stammered, not knowing what to say.

Kairos~ Aisa's bloodline is no weaker hehehe.

"Of course, but you're a Primordial Dragon," Kairos replied mentally with a tinge of amusement. Out of nowhere, the tiny dragon wanted to boast to Kairos, and he could only find her adorable.

Though this testing jewel had done tests on even dragons, Primordial Dragons that are said to be the ancestors of all dragons, are beings that are far stronger.

However, what Aisa said shocked Kairos even more than the colour of the testing jewel. If Aisa's bloodline is no weaker than Jones, does that mean that Jones is nearly a match for the Primordial Dragon's bloodline?

He shook off the wild thoughts from his head. No matter what it is, it is his brother's fortune to have this. And, Aisa had told them before that Jones do not have just an Asura Constitution, but the upgraded version: Divine Asura Constitution.

Old Ye smiled happily and told Jones he would bring him into the Immortal Realms as soon as the boy is ready. Then he also invited Kairos who is the contract master of a Primordial Dragon but was promptly refused.

Right now, there are far too people depending on him.

Though leaving for the Immortal Realms could make him far stronger, but the Snowdrifts' shop is still a fledgeling at this stage with enemies all about. And, many families depend on the income his shop provides.

Even if Kairos could drop off all the valuables they have taken from the Silent Lambs Empire, but who would be able to lead the business, without it being consumed by his foes?

And more importantly, if he did leave, but he could not bring his brothers along he would eventually leave them behind with his cultivation becoming too high for them to fight side by side.

Unlike Jones who is capable of, and has always enjoyed individual action, those in the Snowdrifts still depends on Kairos.

However, even though Kairos refused the offer, the guys still wanted to try the testing jewel out of curiosity.

Vouno, who went first, received a Dark Yellow. Jim and Alan were both tested to be a tier better at Orange. Edward reached a Deeper Orange colour that is almost a Red, and Tommy had a beautiful Scarlet proving to have the best latent talents in cultivation within their group.

The guys looked at Tommy with envy, but thinking about it, they realised that though Tommy's talents lie with Physical cultivation instead of internal energy, he was able to keep up with everyone's cultivation speed.

Kairos, on the other hand, has the best supplies, the best martial techniques, the most combat experiences and most importantly, he has perfect synergy with the Origin's Cultivation technique.

Being the last person to test, he let a droplet of blood land on the testing crystal surrounded by everyone. Even Kairos' father expected that his talent to be at the transparent tier, but immediately the transparent jewel started to react. In fact, it is not wrong to think so, knowing that Kairos' bloodline is the worst in the entire Saint Cadets Academy.

After a long while, the crystal finally became a Light-Yellow colour. And Kairos was content.

He knew that he had the weakest cultivating constitution that anyone could have, recovering Ki and healing slower than all his friends.

Then before everyone's eyes, the testing jewel reacted once again, and it slowly turned into a full Yellow!

"Whoa! You have a Yellow?" The guys posed this question to Kairos but instead looked to Old Ye for an answer.

However, their reply came from an unexpected source, and it was Aisa who replied to them.

Why is everyone so suuuurprised?~ The Origin's cultivation method can increase bloodline talents.

To improve one's latent talents is once deemed to be an impossibility, but it has been made possible with the Origin's cultivation.

Of course, the dragon's reply did not include Old Ye, and he is still left in the dark, scratching his head while thinking of an answer.

The idea of improving the talents they are born with, made a light sensation of excitement to run through them.

The dragon explains that the change is slow, and slower when one's constitution improves, but it was enough to give them hope.

Those they heard it are only left with one thought on their mind; just what is this Origin's cultivation method?

Kairos made a mental note to himself, vowing to check the tome for answers later on.

The Origin's tome had returned to his person just weeks after he gave it to his disciples. At first, he had not noticed it, having his hands full to rescue Jones. It was only during his training back at the Giant's Prairies that he found it has reappeared.

He can confirm that somehow, the tome will always return to his side.

They stayed at the Solitary Swords Clan for a day, then with a proud smile on his face, Jones bade farewell to his friends. Before he left, Vouno and he had a long talk in an empty wooden hall. Without hearing their conversation, the rest could guess that this was about what happened with Jones' father, so they stayed far away.

"You haven't gotten to hear what happened before," Vouno began.

Jones sat across the table without a word.

Vouno sighed and continued, "Do you remember that year there was a huge forest fire?"

Jones nodded without reply.

"The two of us ventured into the forest to stop it from spreading to our village. We braved the dangers and contained the flames to a small area, letting it burn down to ash.

But the danger wasn't just the flames that could surround us in an instant. Once we put out the fire, dangerous beasts will come out to feast on the burnt corpses and we need to retreat as quickly as possible after the task was done.

That time, my old partner, your father, and I had different tasks and separated. His cultivation was higher than mine, so he went to stall for time, while I secured the escape path."

For just two people to stop a forest fire was an impressive thing. If not because they had some cultivation to move trees around, and pile up a wall of soil, it wouldn't be possible.

However, the true danger was the beasts lurking in the dark waiting for the flames to die down, so they could snag an easy meal. Vouno had carefully chosen a path that larger creatures could not tread, and he placed baits around to lure smaller ones away. But before he was done, the unthinkable happened.

"Your father ran crazily towards me. I haven't seen him move that fast before. Even now, I still think it wasn't possible for a human to go at that speed. What's more, his body was full of wounds. There were a few bite and claw marks but the creatures that caused most injuries were from Horned Rabbits."

"Hold on, those are just normal carnivorous creatures, not even spirit beasts. Did you make a mistake?"

Vouno shook his head, "I have at least ten years of experience as a ranger. I wouldn't fail to identify the puncture marks after by Horned Rabbits."

"But those creatures couldn't have..."

"Indeed. They couldn't even pose a threat to me at that time, much less him. They might possess a strong attack, but a good kick will send them scurrying, and they are timid creatures. They usually hunt by lying in the wait, when a prey pass, they will jump forward to skewer their target. If the creature didn't die in a single blow, it will flee. For so many to attack was a strange thing."

"Maybe, it was done by someone?" Jones asked hopefully.

Vouno shook his head.

"I thought the same at first, but what would anyone gain from this? The two of us has no money, no treasures, and we're too weak to be a threat to anyone. In fact, unlike me, your father seldom interacted with anyone, so who could he offend? I think... it's just that blood and corpses left by the fire had caused the beasts to go into a feeding frenzy and your father might've been careless dealing with something as weak as Horned Rabbits. It's a mistake that many veterans make."

Many creatures tend to flee in confrontations, and it is normal to cause those with experience to forget that wild beasts like them cannot be expected to always behave in the same manner.

Vouno continued, "When he reached me, he grabbed my hands, telling me to flee. He was hysterical at that time, but once he calmed down, I saw a resoluteness in his eyes.

He told me to take good care of you, as though knowing he couldn't make it out alive. At that time, I even laughed, telling him not to be so pessimistic. His injuries were frightening to look at but resting for a month or two would be enough to get him back on his feet."

"Then... then... how did my dad pass away? Why did you say it was your fault?"

There was a pregnant pause before Vouno finally replied.

"On the way back... there was a thunderclap that announced a large storm. That first lightning struck the largest tree in our escape route ... and ... and it fell towards me. Your father... he pushed me forward right as the truck landed on him."

It was an accident as Vouno said, but many things were connected to him. If not because of his weaker cultivation, his partner might not be the one to stall the beasts and get wounded. If not because of his selected escape route, they wouldn't run into the falling tree. If not because he did not notice the tree and was standing in the way, Jones' father would not have to push him away and be killed.

Death was instant, but only because of his injuries. Otherwise, his Ki could protect him long enough for help to arrive.

It was something difficult for Jones to listen to because he treated Vouno as his second father. Now knowing the truth, he did not know if he could blame Vouno. Just turning thirteen, it was a short time for him to be ready to move on, but his heart had already become stronger than before thanks to Kairos.

"I don't think that things were that simple. It might be an accident but, I need to find out the reason that caused the Horned Rabbits to become frenzied."

His decision to leave was renewed

He had no qualms about travelling to the Immortal Realms to become stronger. Perhaps, after he was powerful enough, he could find out more about the things that happened, and the Immortal Blue Sect is more than willing for any talented cultivator to join them.

A single brilliant individual could lead the entire sect into a greater future. To bring such a person back, saying that the immortal was overjoyed will be a huge understatement.

"You guys better catch up soon," Jones said while his eyes threatened to moisten.

"Don't you slack either, otherwise we will overtake you in an instant," Kairos replied with a smile.

"Him, slack? This is a cultivation monster we're talking about here. I'm more worried if he will skip meals for training," Edward sighed, causing the rest to follow suit.

"Don't worry, the food and drinks up there are better than most cultivation pills on the mortal realms," Old Ye reassured them.

Jim's ears perked up at once, and he jealously said, "Why don't I go with Jones... Maybe I too have a divine constitution that you didn't recognise?"

"Yeah, probably the Divine Swine Constitution," said Alan.

"You should take him away," Tommy agreed.

"WAH! Where's did the brotherhood we just had go?"

After assuring Jim that it's impossible to have a brotherhood with a gluttonous pig, the guys dragged their sullen friend back to Rutea Village.

Soon school will be starting, but they made no haste, taking the time to travel down an uneventful but safer path.

Days later, when they reached Kairos' mansion, they found a bunch of letters waiting for Kairos. He looked through it, and his face instantly becomes grim.

"What's wrong, boss?" The boys asked as Vouno peeked over his shoulder.

Most of those letters were written to him by Serge, Guard and Tax Collector, and a few from Grand Elder Feng of the Trade Federate, but the messages are mostly similar:

The Snowdrifts' shop has been sealed. Many businesses have filed claims against him. And his employees incarcerated.