Chapter 1702: Chapter 517 [Plum Blossom 10 – Hermit]_2

This also means that the guess I had before might actually come true!

Before his chaotic thoughts could wander any further, Elder Clinton took the initiative to ask back: “Are you wondering if I’ve been here before?”

“…”

Of course, Leonard Churchill was curious!

But this was a question he dared not answer.

The cause and effect involved in this question was too significant; revealing the slightest bit might be a grand secret that could cause world instabilities.

Without a response, Elder Clinton answered his own question: “I not only visited. I also witnessed with my own eyes the fall of Lanlingster in this Death Domain.”

With these words, not just Leonard Churchill, but Sophia Jones and the peacock beside him were dumbstruck.

It was like flipping through a history book spanning hundreds of thousands of years, narrated by a survivor recounting that epic history.

There was a hint of reminiscing sadness in Elder Clinton’s eyes, but his tone remained calm: “I’ve even met this young lady’s ancestor… Great Priest Smith couldn’t make it in time, tried to send reinforcements using Spirit Communication Skill, but alas, still failed…”

“…”

Hearing this, the expressions of Leonard Churchill, Sophia Jones, and the peacock abruptly froze, as if they could hear the sounds of warhorses and iron-clad soldiers from that simple sentence.

The battle of that year must have been even more harrowing than they had imagined.

Elder Clinton continued narrating: “I received Lanling’s message and rushed here at once. But by that time, the situation was already settled. He knew he was destined to fall, and did not let me reveal myself… So I just watched as he was besieged by the Dragon Clan, eventually falling into the Death Domain…”

The lightly spoken words caused a massive uproar in the hearts of the three listeners.

Elder Clinton was like a kindly old storyteller sitting by the fireplace, recounting tales to his descendants, as countless years seemed to have smoothed out all the tumult in his heart.

Upon reaching this point, he calmly asked, “Do you know why Lanlingster did not let me intervene?”

Leonard Churchill responded timely: “Why?”

Elder Clinton explained: “Because I am the ‘Firewood Gatherer.’ The inheritor of [Plum Blossom 10 – Hermit] in the Sequence. I am the carrier of the Card Master Civilization’s legacy, the pre-dawn fire that illuminates the darkness, which I must keep fueled. If I too had died, no one would know what really happened, those secrets would remain unknown to all. The Card Master Civilization would also cease to exist…”

Upon hearing these words, Leonard Churchill’s mind felt as if it was about to burst, his thinking becoming rigid.

The amount of information was overwhelming.

Leonard had heard of the [Plum Blossom 10 – Hermit] Sequence but had never seen a card master who followed this path.

It’s said that this Sequence involves living in seclusion from the world, and it’s normal not to see these practitioners.

Even in the ancient Classic Books, records about it are scarce.

Only occasionally during tumultuous times would disciples of the Hermit emerge into society, stirring up storms. Only then do legends about this Sequence continue to be passed on.

However, after a brief moment of surprise, Leonard wasn’t too shocked.

After all, the characteristics of Elder Clinton match few Extraordinary Sequences, and [Hermit] had been one of his previous guesses.

But upon hearing the pointed title ‘Firewood Gatherer,’ Leonard couldn’t help but ask curiously: “Are you… with the Illumination Secret Society?”

“Yes.”

Elder Clinton did not deny: “I was born even before Lanling. I am also one of the original founders of the Hidden Cult.”

“…”

A twinge in Leonard Churchill’s eyes, with this revelation, many thoughts seemed to click into place.

He had always found it strange, according to Noah Wright’s word, that the Illumination Secret Society’s lineage had been interrupted. Even the ‘Pursuer of Light’ lineage in the East Wilderness had seen interruptions. Their previous knowledge about the Taren Dynasty was almost non-existent, with their heritage mainly derived from ancient relics, Alternate Dimension, and the Forbidden Ruins Stele.

Leonard wondered, was this organization merely surviving through luck?

Now, it seemed, there had been intentional intervention.

And the one behind the succession was Elder Clinton himself.

With such a character, who had always lived in the shadows of history, the apparent interrupted lineage was never truly broken.

Those secrets, too, continued from generation to generation under specific guidance.

The existence of Elder Clinton, the Immortal, filled in the most secretive logical link in numerous historical events.

The major historical events that had been intervened by the “Illumination Secret Society” could all be explained now.

“So that’s how it is…”

It dawned on Leonard Churchill.

Looking at Elder Clinton beside him, his respect reached its zenith.

Living countless years, a Wise Man and an eyewitness of history, must also be an unspeakably powerful being.

God Tier?

To live so long, if not God Tier, he must be close to it.

A God Tier figure, whom he has known for so long, and only now he realized it?

Leonard felt an extraordinary sense of wonder.

Excited and full of anticipation.

Elder Clinton’s words made him feel, for the first time, that the God Tier might not be quite what he imagined.

Not aloof and distant, but merely an old man who has entered into the dusty world.

Sometimes a bit sleazy, afraid of death and fond of life…

But then again, could this perhaps be the cultivation method of the [Hermit] Sequence?

For a moment, despite Shelly’s case running through his mind, Leonard was brimming with countless questions.

If he could, he truly wanted to hold onto this “living history book” and ask all there is to know about history’s truths.

But now was not the time.

Leonard didn’t turn to look at the Dragon God who returned from the Underworld, yet the Dragon’s Might still made his Soul tremble.

But it seemed as if the sense of crisis vanished instantly.

With such a senior by his side, it appeared as though all the difficulties faced were no longer an issue.

However, before he could rejoice, like Elder Clinton had guessed his thoughts, promptly poured cold water on him: “But don’t count on me to get you out of here. I indeed can’t die for certain reasons. But if you stay in this Netherworld Channel for seven days, you will surely die.”