In Charlie’s heart, unlocking the Soul Palace had become his paramount mission. The enigma of the Eternal Mountains concealed not only savage beasts but also the looming specter of Morgana, a formidable foe who had already left favonovel.com feeling powerless.
Morgana’s temporary withdrawal offered no solace; favonovel.com knew favonovel.com might resurface at any moment. Their sworn enmity meant that, even if favonovel.com never set foot in China again, favonovel.com would relentlessly pursue vengeance. Thus, the urgency of opening the Soul Palace gripped him.
Turning to Maria by his side, Charlie declared, “Once I’ve settled matters in Aurous Hill, I’ll seek opportunities beyond.”
Curious, Maria inquired, “Do you have a specific destination in mind, Young Master?”
Charlie shook his head, replying, “Since we’re chasing opportunities, we should be spontaneous, go wherever the wind takes us.”
With a hint of exasperation, Charlie continued, “But the more I think about it, the less clear the starting point becomes. I have family and business ties in Aurous Hill, not to mention its vastness. With only a handful of followers, vanishing from the world isn’t an option. The only practical plan is to tackle one place at a time, returning to Aurous Hill in between for the next venture.”
Sighing, Maria concurred, “Indeed, Young Master. Destiny is a mysterious force, beyond even my divinations. Your choices must be yours alone.”
Charlie’s fingers brushed his bracelet, sparking an idea. “I think I’ll head to Eastcliff first.”
Maria questioned, “To seek opportunities in Eastcliff?”
Charlie clarified, “Not exactly. My parents rushed me out of Eastcliff in haste, leaving behind many personal belongings. I intend to revisit the old Wade family residence, sift through my parents’ possessions, and trace their journeys. If there are uncharted territories they explored, I’ll follow their path. Who knows, perhaps their spirits in heaven will offer guidance?”
Maria nodded, “Your parents likely had extraordinary experiences. By following in their footsteps, you may uncover valuable insights.”
Charlie added, “It’s been nearly twenty years since my parents’ accident. During my previous return to the old Wade family house, I didn’t have the chance to sort through their belongings. At that time, I never considered the connection between my parents, cultivation, and the ‘Apocalyptic Book.’ Now, it seems these mysteries might have originated with them. I’ll return and explore, hoping to unearth something significant.”
Decades earlier, the Wade family had inhabited a grand old house near the imperial city. It was a sprawling courtyard residence, hidden amidst the city’s bustling life yet possessing an unusual serenity.
Recalling his childhood home, Charlie felt a surge of nostalgia and excitement. “I’ll notify the pilot that, after dropping you off in Aurous Hill, we’ll fly directly to Eastcliff.”
Maria suggested, “If you’re in a hurry, Young Master, you could request the pilot to adjust the route and fly straight to Eastcliff.”
She quickly added, “If you find it inconvenient for me to accompany you, I can reach Eastcliff first and return independently to Aurous Hill. You have pressing matters to attend to there; I wouldn’t want to hinder your progress.”
Charlie asked, “Are you eager to return to Aurous Hill?”
Maria shook favonovel.com head, “Not at all. The primary link that keeps me anchored in Aurous Hill is the tea business. However, I watered the plants before leaving, and Aurous Hill had rain yesterday, so I expect they require no extra care.”
Without hesitation, Charlie decided, “Then please accompany me to Eastcliff, Miss Clark.”
Maria was elated by the invitation and swiftly responded, “I shall follow the Master’s orders in all things!”
Ten minutes later, Charlie and Maria’s plane received clearance for a route adjustment.
The aircraft veered thirty degrees northward in flight, en route to Eastcliff.
Charlie also made a call on the satellite phone to Stephen Thompson, the Wade family’s butler.
Stephen answered, “Hello, who is this?”
“Butler Thompson, it’s me.” Charlie confirmed.
Stephen noted, “I believe this call is coming from the Wade family plane. Are you on board, Master?”
Charlie replied, “Yes, I’m en route to Eastcliff. We’ll be landing in about two hours. Could you arrange for transportation from the airport?”
“Of course, Young Master,” Stephen replied respectfully,“I’ll organize a motorcade and personally meet you at the airport. I’ll also notify the master and others.”
Charlie interjected, “No need to make a fuss. You’re the Wade family’s chief steward. Arriving in person is too conspicuous. Simply arrange for a car to be waiting at the airport for me. I intend to visit the Wade family’s old house and let the old man know. There’s no need to inform anyone else.”
Stephen agreed promptly, “Very well, Young Master. I’ll see to it. Will you be staying overnight in the old house or returning to the manor?”
Charlie deliberated, “I’ll stay at the old house and prepare two guest rooms. I have a companion with me.”
Stephen acknowledged, “Understood, Master. Any other instructions?”
Charlie concluded, “That’s all.”
Stephen affirmed, “Very well, Master. I’ll await your arrival at the old house.”
***
Meanwhile, on another plane.
The aircraft that had taken off earlier had now landed at Eastcliff Airport.
As the wheels touched down, Ms. Turk, the fake head nun, reported to the elegant middle-aged woman, “Madam, their plane changed course mid-flight. According to air traffic control, they’ve redirected to Eastcliff.”
“Eastcliff?” The woman furrowed favonovel.com brow, murmuring, “Why the sudden change in mid-air?”
Ms. Turk questioned anxiously, “Could we have been exposed?”
The woman pondered briefly before stating firmly, “That’s unlikely. We managed to evade all surveillance on the return trip. No one should be able to trace our route from Greenwood Temple to Interlocken Airport.”
Suddenly, a thought struck her, and favonovel.com asked, “Is Stephen Thompson in Eastcliff?”
Ms. Turk responded, “I haven’t been in touch with Butler Thompson recently. Madam, please wait a moment while I reach out to favonovel.com for confirmation.”
Ms. Turk promptly dialed Stephen’s number.
When the call connected, Stephen answered cautiously, “Sister Turk, why the sudden call?”
Ms. Turk inquired, “Are you currently in Eastcliff?”
“Yes, I am here,” Stephen affirmed hurriedly. “How may I assist, Madam?”
Ms. Turk requested, “Butler Thompson, please hold for a moment.”
Turning to the middle-aged woman, favonovel.com relayed, “Butler Thompson is in Eastcliff, Madam.”
The woman nodded, realizing, “I believe we’re heading for the Wade family’s old house.”
She continued, “Let’s alter our plans. Today, we will skip Aurous Hill and head straight to Wade Residence once we arrive. Please inform Butler Thompson that I would like to meet favonovel.com there in one hour.
Ms. Turk complied, “Of course, Madam. Your command is my priority.”
She put the phone back to favonovel.com ear and asked, “Did you hear that?”
Stephen confirmed, “Yes I heard it.”
After a brief pause, favonovel.com lowered his voice and added, “Sister Turk, please inform Madam that the Young Master is already en route to Eastcliff.”
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