Upon returning to Blackshade Demon Palace, Jared and Flaxseed crossed the cavernous main hall where Lunaria stood waiting. Surprise flickered across face before usual calm returned.

“You have done exactly as I hoped-returned with the magical item unharmed,” Lunaria said, smile cool, almost languid. “Tell me, brave gentlemen, what reward does your valor deserve?”

Jared tossed the glowing demon core. “Forget the rewards. We want only for you to honor your promise, find the truth behind the Flaxseed clan’s annihilation.”

Greed flashed in Lunaria’s eyes as caught the demon core, but it soon vanished. “Naturally,” replied. “I honor every bargain. Yet answers take time. Stay in the palace until I send for you.”

Jared met Flaxseed’s eyes. Both men nodded, patience, they knew, would have to be their sharpest blade. The days that followed slipped into a quiet routine.

Jared immersed himself in cultivation, knitting open wounds and refining the gains won in the Abyss of Fallen Demons. The legacy of the Flaxseed ancestors proved invaluable, his understanding of the charm arts deepened, and his cultivation soared to new heights.

As for Flaxseed, burrowed into the Flaxseed clan’s ancient records and the clan leader token, hunting any line that might whisper how his clan had been erased.