A Man Like None Other

As Catalina and Fraser entered the palace, the sight before them was imposing. Dorian stood smugly by their father, Corrado Lantz, his posture radiating self-satisfaction.

Beside the emperor sat an elderly man clad in flowing robes, a cane in hand-it was none other than Infinides.

“Master…” Catalina’s eyes lit up with hope as she saw the Abbot. She stepped forward, ready to plead her case, but the weight of her father’s glare quickly silenced her.

“Lina,” Corrado began, his voice heavy with anger, “you ventured into the Ethereal Realm on your own, and now I hear you’ve been consorting with some small-time cultivator? Do you want to drive me to my grave with your antics?”

Fraser stepped in hastily, his tone conciliatory. “Father, Catalina has always been adventurous. It’s natural for her to want to explore Ethereal Realm. And she wasn’t unprotected-she had guards with her. Please, don’t punish her too harshly.”

“Silence!” Corrado’s sharp rebuke froze Fraser mid-sentence.

Seeing her brother cowed, Catalina took a step forward, her head held high. “Fraser, don’t waste your breath defending me. I admit it. I went to Ethereal Realm for fun, and yes, I got

involved with a Tribulator. We even spent several nights together.”

Her brazen admission left Corrado momentarily speechless, his face flushing with barely contained rage. “You…” he sputtered.

was his idea! He’s the one who sent me to the Celestial Battlefield. He’s the

disciple,” he said evenly, “don’t put words in my mouth. When did I ever send you to Ethereal Realm?

disbelief

responsible for

You’re just leaving me

hall. “How dare you accuse Abbot Infinides of such deceit? A man of his standing would never stoop so low. You’ve

stirred up trouble and caused the deaths of several guards. Don’t tell me that was

shook her head. “No, Father. But those people deserved it! Master always said the Demon Seal Alliance

sense of accountability. If that’s the case, then I

“You are hereby ordered to retreat to the imperial monastery for a decade of reflection. You will not leave until the full term is served-no

her teeth, she hissed, “Fine. Even if it’s a hundred years,

response, she turned and stormed

Fraser called after her,

dramatic exit, Dorian couldn’t help

Get out of here!” Corrado snapped, fixing him with a