Chapter 712 - An Endless Crusade, Farewell(3)

It was Golem Sect headquarters' open pilgrimage day once again. As usual, the visitors were not ordinary. They were the top ten of the world's current youth division combat tournament. All of them were talented fresh blood chosen from across the world who had a flair for Covert Martial Arts.

This group of young elites, along with their teachers, elders and guides, numbered forty to fifty as they walked by God's Tears Lake toward Holy Fist Mountain.

"This is our Golem Sect's Holy Fist Palace!" A sect disciple introduced proudly, as he went into detail about the mountain's origin and the legendary deeds of each Holy Fist.

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The young geniuses gasped in awe. Their eyes never lost their worshipful gleam.

The entourage of various sects looked tense and worried, as Golem Sect was a holy land. Winners of tournaments and countless geniuses swarmed them like a school of fish to join. Hearing the legends of the Holy Fists made their disciples' hearts waver dangerously, since sincere admiration was the surest way to shake one's resolve. They had to guard their own talents well.

"The sect master... What a domineering figure... I wonder how legendary that battle was?" The youth champion paused at the lake with glowing eyes. He'd heard the hero's tale from his parents since his childhood so awe had been carved deep into his heart.

Simple yet shining...

"Huh? The statue's eyes... They're glowing..." The champion suddenly commented, pointing at the sect master statue. Everyone turned to look.

There, on Holy Fist Mountain, the eyes of Cassius's statue were suddenly glowing dim crimson. The light soon grew stronger until at last, two red suns shone upon the lake.

"The statue moved!!!" The youth champion's eyes bulged, his mouth agape in disbelief.

Cassius's head turned slightly, looking down at the sect. It seemed to nod ever so faintly.

Two minutes later, the whole sect boiled over. Strong figures flooded out to have a look at Holy Fist Mountain.

"Quick, summon Blood Vulture Dominator! The sect master is showing signs of return!" An elder shouted as he turned.

But at that moment, a blood-red meteor shot skyward from the lake's central forbidden isle, piercing the white clouds and into the distance.

Far away in the Arctic, the wind and snow howled across icy plains. The crimson figure descended, tracing a long arc, and Blood Vulture landed on the ice. At the center of a vast plain, a black rift appeared, widening visibly, until...

Crack!

Two iron hands seized its edge and wrenched open an oval portal in the air. A moment later, a steel figure with a battle cloak fluttering from his shoulders stepped out of the darkness, his body scarred with countless marks of erosion. Above his head, the three Heaven's Eyes had swollen shut. Drops of golden tears fell from their corners.

Tap.

Cassius stood on the ice, gazing at Blood Vulture and revealing a rare smile. "I’m back!"

***

The skies were clear on May 5 in the year 62 of the common calendar as the holy ground of the Covert Martial World, the Golem Sect, welcomed back their god!

Cassius's return meant that calamity was sealed forever. The World of Calamity had been completely overturned in those sixty years. Most dark creatures had perished in the clash between calamity and Humanity's Malice. Ultimate Dark Forms had fallen and many Holy Fists had been freed, returning to rest within the sect with Cassius's help, including Sonic Snake Ultimate Fist.

Of course, the Holy Fists returned gradually. Some grievously wounded Holy Fists chose to remain in seclusion to recover. Some with lighter wounds returned earlier and roamed the world, experiencing its changes and embracing modern science. Some even sought their ancient bloodlines from a thousand years ago, aided by the sect. Others founded their own sects and contributed to the Covert Martial Art world's prosperity. They sought to keep their flame unbroken.

In short, all moved toward good. The sect discussed exploring the World of Calamity, which still held dangers and dark creatures, but were ultimately rootless remnants. They could serve as challenges for future practitioners.

By year 63, a year after returning, Cassius had walked through the places he once knew, marveling at the world's changes. He retraced his steps in full.

Beiliu City, Baichuan City, East Sea City, Ace of Spades organization, Old Man's Antique Shop... Even Fengnan University and the orphanage he grew up in. He rejuvenated and strengthened the old director who had helped him for twenty years.

Another year later, by year 64, Cassius had witnessed his sect's rise and the Covert Martial Art world's vitality. Then, like a king surveying his realm, he chose seclusion.

A month later, Cassius emerged with a clear plan. It was time to seek Ao Yin Kalo.

"Farewell!" Cassius said as he turned decisively. With the three Heaven's Eyes at his back, he transformed into a streak of light that crossed the boundary of the Seas of Origin and plunged into endless darkness.

At the end of the Gates of Heaven, a man's figure slowly faded away.

"This is farewell..."