Chapter 6 The Seclusion

Marcus' current set of techniques was nothing short of invincible. What was the point of being timid? Of course, it was time to show off. "This…" Frederick and the others exchanged puzzled glances. They struggled to keep up with Marcus' thought process. "Marcus, how did you suddenly become so powerful?" Raphael asked with an admiring expression. The others turned to Marcus, their faces filled with curiosity. After all, Marcus had long been known as the Thorne Family's infamous wastrel. But now, his strength seemed otherworldly. "Hmm. I had a bit of a fortuitous encounter and gained some significant benefits," Marcus replied nonchalantly. The nine codices were indeed a fortuitous encounter and one of the highest order. "Let's not dwell on that now. I'm going to enter seclusion. Once I'm done, I'll explain everything to you. Dad, I'll take my leave now!" Marcus said. Frederick quickly nodded. "Go ahead and focus on your seclusion. Leave the rest to us." As Marcus left, Frederick turned to the elders. "Everyone, what do you think we should do now?" The Thorne Family was a large clan, and the family head didn't make decisions alone. They were deliberated among the elders. The eldest elder, Colin Thorne, was the first to speak. "The Jade Swords Guild is considered a second-tier guild in Nightwind Kingdom Capital, with numerous Void Realm cultivators. There are even rumors of a Profound Realm ancestor who remains in long-term seclusion. As for the God of War Mansion, that is a true first-tier power, rivaling even the royal family of the Nightwind Kingdom Capital, especially the current God of War. There are rumors that his strength has reached the Ninth Level of Profound Realm, with one step already in the legendary Ruin Realm." The others gasped in shock. "What? The Ruin Realm? Nightwind Kingdom Capital hasn't had a Ruin Realm cultivator in five hundred years. If the God of War really breaks through, the Nightwind Kingdom Capital's power dynamics could change entirely. The God of War Guards are still the strongest military unit in Nightwind Kingdom Capital. If either faction acts, it's not something we could resist. Our only hope lies in Marcus." The others nodded in agreement. It was not to mention the God of War. Even a single Madison had almost wiped out the Thorne Family. While the Thorne Family had considerable influence in Borderwatch, compared to the great families, they were nothing more than ants. "What do you think Marcus' current strength is?" Colin asked. Everyone looked at Frederick. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Considering he killed Madison in two moves, I estimate his strength to be around the Fifth Level of the Profound Realm." The others nodded in agreement. "If Marcus can reach the Ruin Realm during his seclusion, then the Thorne Family's crisis will naturally be resolved," Colin said. "The Ruin Realm?" Everyone smiled bitterly at that suggestion. The Ruin Realm hadn't been reached in five hundred years. Marcus might achieve it someday, but it might be many years. But time was not on their side. "Sigh. For now, let's recall all our family members and protect Marcus during his seclusion," Colin suggested. "Agreed. We can't let his cultivation be disrupted in any way," another elder added. "Let's just hope Marcus completes his seclusion within a month. If it continues for longer, it might cause trouble," Frederick said, his brows furrowed. As they discussed, the doors opened, and Marcus walked back in. "Dad, I'm hungry," he announced. "Huh? Haven't you entered seclusion yet?" Frederick asked, startled. "Seclusion? I've already finished. I just came out," Marcus replied casually. "What?" Everyone was stunned. From the moment Marcus left, barely an hour had passed, and he had already finished his seclusion. As cultivators themselves, they knew that a proper seclusion usually lasted at least half a month. But Marcus had completed his in less than an hour. What kind of speed was this? "Marcus, there's no need to rush. You should focus on your cultivation for now," Frederick advised. In his mind, Marcus must have been worried about external threats, so he had ended his seclusion prematurely. However, Marcus shook his head. "Cultivation? I've already reached the limits of my current cultivation. Further cultivation would be pointless." Indeed, Marcus had mastered all the remaining contents of the nine codices within that hour. "This..." The elders exchanged shocked glances once again. Colin squinted at Marcus for a long moment, a flicker of realization in his eyes. "Hmm. He truly seems stronger than he was earlier." The others gasped again in disbelief. So, Marcus wasn't joking after all.