The realm of Elysium was divided into four stages: Early Elysium, Mid Elysium, Late Elysium, and Peak Elysium. Most practitioners appearing in the outside world were in the Early Elysium stage, such as Shadowmire Wraith and Soren Iron, whom Chris had previously encountered. As for Peak Elysium practitioners, they rarely surfaced. They secluded themselves in pursuit of breaking through to the Wraithbloom Realm. However, Archer Wintersong admitted that in all his years, he had never heard of anyone successfully reaching the Wraithbloom Realm. At most, one could achieve the Semi-Wraithbloom Realm, and in all of Aethelgard, there were fewer than ten cultivators at that level.
Listening to Archer Wintersong’s explanation, Chris finally grasped how complex the world truly was. Beyond the Elysium Realm lay the Wraithbloom Realm-his path was far longer than he had imagined.
With this realization, Chris spoke up, “Master, I want to return to Earth.”
Archer Wintersong nodded. “Chris, you’ve spent nearly a year in Aethelgard. In this time, your progress has greatly pleased me. However, with both your hands now lost, staying here is no longer suitable for you. Return to Earth and focus on cultivating your soul power there.”
After some conversation, Chris prepared to leave.
Once Chris departed, an elderly man in a long robe entered the room. This man was none other than Emperor Valorion of Amerosia.
Archer Wintersong greeted him calmly, “Your Majesty.”
Emperor Valorion waved his hand dismissively. “We are brothers; there’s no need for such formalities. So, Chris is leaving?”
Archer Wintersong nodded. “Yes. Aethelgard is no longer the place for him. I’ve decided to send him back.”
The emperor sighed deeply. “I feel my end is near. Once I’m gone, Amerosia will undoubtedly fall into chaos. You, too, are aging, my friend. I hope Chris can grow quickly. The future of Amerosia will rest on his shoulders.”
—
The next morning, after Chris woke up, a maid arrived.
“Mr. Shelby,” she said, “Young Lady Wainwright wishes to see you.”
Chris nodded and followed her outside, where a beautiful woman was waiting. It was none other than Mara Wainwright.
“Mara!” Chris called out as he approached.
Hearing his voice, Mara Wainwright trembled.
“Mr. Shelby!” she cried, her eyes instantly welling with tears.
She stood there in a white gown, exuding an air of elegance befitting her noble upbringing. It had been nearly six months since they last met, and Mara Wainwright was no longer the same person. After her stepmother’s death, she had officially become the Wainwright family’s heir. No one dared to mistreat her anymore.
Chris sighed softly as he approached. “Mara, you’ve grown more mature since we last met.”
If the Wainwright family had treated Mara poorly, Chris wouldn’t have hesitated to step in.
Suddenly, Mara’s gaze fell upon Chris’s empty sleeves where his arms once were.
“Mr. Shelby, what happened to your hands?” she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Chris gave a bitter smile. “I lost them.”
Tears spilled uncontrollably down Mara’s cheeks.
“Who did this to you?” she cried, her voice breaking with anguish.
“It was… me,” Chris replied with a heavy heart.
“What?” Mara froze, unable to comprehend.
Indeed, Chris had destroyed his own hands.
“Mr. Shelby, does it still hurt?” she asked, her voice full of concern.
Seeing her distress, Chris smiled gently. “Mara, there’s no need to worry about me. I’m doing just fine.”
“Are you leaving again?” she asked hesitantly.
Chris nodded. “Yes. I’ve become useless now. I just want to go home.”
“Home?”
Hearing this, Mara’s face fell, her expression filled with disappointment. Then, as if gathering her resolve, she looked up at Chris.
“Mr. Shelby, I want to go home with you!”
Chris was stunned. He hadn’t anticipated such a declaration. After all, he was a married man. How could he bring Mara Wainwright back with him?
“Mara,” he said, feeling conflicted, “my world and this one are completely different. If you leave, what will happen to the Wainwright family? What about your father?”
Mara’s expression was unwavering. “Mr. Shelby, as long as you’re willing to take me, I’ll convince my father to let me go.”
Hearing this, Chris decided to be honest. “Mara, I already have a wife. If you come with me, I fear she might become jealous.”
The color drained from Mara’s face. She bit her lip and said, “Mr. Shelby, you saved my life. Even if you already have a wife, I’m willing to be your servant and stay by your side.”
Chris sighed deeply. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Mara’s love for him was obvious, but his life was already burdened with too many complications to deal with matters of the heart.
“Mara,” he said gently, “don’t worry. I’ll come back someday.”
Without another word, Mara turned and walked away. Watching her leave, Chris felt a pang of helplessness.
—
A few days later, Chris prepared to leave the Amerosia palace. He wanted to bid farewell to his master, Archer Wintersong, but after their last meeting, Archer had disappeared again. With no other options, Chris sought out Seraphina, who informed him that her father had already left Pinkshire.
After saying goodbye to Seraphina, Chris and Lindsay Windson prepared to leave Aethelgard.
As they were about to depart, a surprising figure appeared-a maid traveling alongside them.
“Mara?” Chris asked, stunned. “What are you doing here?”
Lowering her head, Mara hesitated to respond.
It was Lindsay Windson who spoke up. “Mr. Shelby, Mara Wainwright is now my maid.”
As it turned out, after Chris refused to take Mara with him, she had approached Lindsay Windson, pleading to be allowed to leave Aethelgard as her servant. Moved by Mara’s desperation, Lindsay, with her kind heart, couldn’t refuse. And so, Mara Wainwright joined them on their journey.