Chapter 369: Going to Hurt

Priam swallowed hard as he stared at that figure in the sky.

At first glance, it looked like a simple white horse with large white wings like those of a bird. Despite that, it had some peculiar features: its lower legs were covered in feathers instead of fur, while both its mane and tail were made entirely of feathers.

Its eyes were a deep blue, like divine pearls. The moment it appeared, the first thing that struck them was the overwhelming pressure of its power. However, shortly afterward, the atmosphere around them softened, filled with a gentle aura that brought a deep sense of calm and relaxation.

[Name: Deho]

[Race: Celestial Pegasi]

[Magic Title: Holy Sage Exalted, Level 9]

[Karmic Title: Great Lord]

[Bloodline: 90]

[Anima: 85]

[Fate Wheel: 80]

[Loyalty: Neutral]

Priam was stunned when he read the Status Window. This was someone just one step away from becoming an Immortal!

The creature stared at Priam and Dandara for a brief moment before shifting its gaze toward Mirra, who remained completely focused on the tree, completely unaware of the visitor’s arrival.

Silence.

The standoff lasted only a few moments until... suddenly, Mirra opened her eyes and turned toward Priam.

"Pry!"

She grinned from ear to ear and shot toward his chest like a bolt of lightning.

"Hehehe... I did it!" 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

Priam took a deep breath and gently stroked the little girl’s head.

Had it only taken her a few minutes? That was incredibly impressive...

"I memorized everything! Although I can only use the basics for now, it’ll be really useful over time," Mirra murmured brightly. "Let’s go to the next one... hmm? What’s wrong?"

Noticing Priam’s stiff expression, Mirra followed his gaze toward the sky. Only then did she notice the majestic winged figure.

Priam let out a heavy sigh and asked directly, without hesitation, "Who are you?"

The Primordial Chaos Beast glowed intensely. Its body began rapidly changing through a process of metamorphosis, and within two seconds, it had assumed a humanoid form.

It had the appearance of an elderly man with long white hair and a serene expression. His blue eyes remained striking, almost hypnotic.

"I am the one who left this inheritance here." His voice echoed calmly and melodiously.

Mirra almost jumped in surprise, while Dandara’s eyes widened beside her.

Priam, meanwhile, instinctively felt an immense sense of danger. Even so, he remained composed and replied politely:

"Then you’re the commander of this entire place. We’re from the Ironweald Sect and have come to spend our thirty days here. If there’s anything I can help you with, please let me know."

The figure gave a faint smile, but his eyes remained fixed on Mirra.

"She has a soul connection with you?"

Priam nodded. "Yes. My race possesses the ability to form contracts with spiritual entities. Mirra is a partially spiritual species, and we were able to establish this bond. She’s my partner, and I care deeply about her."

The being remained silent, carefully examining Mirra. His senses thoroughly scanned her from head to toe.

She remained firmly wrapped around Priam, as if being there was the safest place in the entire world.

After five seconds, he nodded in approval.

"What overwhelming talent. I’ve never seen a race like hers before, but now that I think about it, she’s a perfect match for my natural abilities. She comprehended the first pillar of my inheritance in mere moments... something I have never witnessed in my entire life."

Priam smiled. "Her race comes from the Mortal Plane, which is why the Great Lord has never seen her before. My little girl is also extremely talented. Thank you for allowing her to study and develop here."

"Excellent... I can see that you truly consider her a daughter, not an object," the figure said slowly. "I was wondering how I would apologize to the Ironweald Sect after having to kill you to break this contract. But... it seems that won’t be necessary."

Priam swallowed hard, feeling a wave of relief wash over his body.

He had been standing on the edge of a deadly abyss—not because that figure was malicious, but because to beings of that caliber, a soul contract was basically eternal slavery. Mirra was a talented Primordial Chaos Beast, and he wouldn’t hesitate to free her from it.

Priam didn’t judge him. In his place, he would also kill someone immediately to free another person, depending on the circumstances.

"I’ll get straight to the point. I have less than ten thousand years left to live, and I’ve already accepted that I won’t be able to advance to immortality. I’ve never had a true disciple. No one has ever comprehended even half of what I created and studied throughout my existence. As for this little girl... I feel like the heavens blessed me by bringing her to me. I want to make her my one and only true disciple."

The three on the ground were left completely stunned.

Seeing Priam’s solemn expression, the figure in the sky gave him a warm smile.

"Don’t worry, I guarantee she won’t suffer. I’m not the kind of master who teaches through pain. As for her, she has the perfect talent to assimilate everything without difficulty. If you’re willing to let her remain on my planet, I..."

"NO! I’m staying with Pry! I’m not staying here!"

Mirra immediately interrupted him, her voice firm as she clung even tighter to Priam’s chest, hiding her face.

The figure in the sky sighed softly.

"Little one... I can see an immense desire for power within your soul. But your desire isn’t selfish; it was born from the wish to protect... Do you really want to fight and protect this young man?"

Mirra bit her lower lip, trembling. Then she managed to get the words out through her choked voice:

"I... I’ll always protect him... I’ll never let anything bad happen to Pry..."

"Good." The old man let out a gentle laugh. "I can feel the purity of your determination. However, desire without action will never take anyone anywhere. If you truly want something, you must seize every opportunity and give it your all to achieve that goal."

Mirra didn’t raise her face. In Priam’s arms, her small body began trembling even more intensely.

Priam sighed. That little girl was extremely intelligent; she already understood what needed to be done, but her heart was reluctant to accept the separation.

"Mirra, this gentleman won’t hurt you. Unfortunately, I’ve already given you everything I can, but you still have an ocean left to explore," Priam murmured with extreme tenderness.

"You’ve grown enough to make your own decisions. Remember your sisters... Meien and Suien are giving it everything they have, and they’ll also be unable to see anyone for quite some time."

Priam spoke with complete sincerity. As soon as the entity understood that the relationship between Priam and Mirra was that of father and daughter, any trace of hostility had vanished. The old man didn’t radiate any murderous or oppressive aura—he reminded Priam a lot of the sect’s Central Elder who was a forger.

He might not have been a saint, but he was definitely an exception in that chaotic and ruthless world. A peaceful person, completely devoted to his craft, without any blind ambitions for power.

"Pry..." Mirra raised her gaze, looking directly into his eyes as tears streamed freely down her cheeks.

Priam sighed again, gently wiping her face with his thumbs. "You don’t need to be so dramatic. My sect and this gentleman are allies; you’ll be able to come back to me without any trouble once you’re finished. By staying here, you’ll be able to study and learn everything you’ve never had the opportunity to touch. Being apart will hurt... but your future will change forever."

He turned his gaze upward.

The figure nodded slowly. "I only wish to pass on everything I’ve created throughout my life. With the overwhelming talent she possesses, it shouldn’t take more than a few years. I can send a message to the Ironweald Sect at any time, and she’ll return to you without any obstacles."

Priam looked back at Mirra’s tear-streaked little face, seeing the anguish in her eyes.

He let out a faint snort. "It’s okay... if you really don’t want to, you don’t have to force yourself."

"No... no..." she stammered, lowering her gaze and clutching the fabric of his clothes. "I have to go... I need to grow stronger... It’s just that... it’s going to hurt so much..."

Priam slowly let the air out of his lungs, feeling a sharp ache in his chest. It would hurt him too. He was used to having her constantly by his side, along with her unconditional support. But life demanded difficult choices.

After a few minutes, Mirra swallowed back her sobs and wiped her face with the backs of her hands. Then she raised her head and looked at the figure in the heavens, determination shining in her eyes.

"I’ll learn everything. I’ll come back to Pry... and I’ll never let anyone hurt him again!"

High above, the old master nodded with a satisfied smile.