Bruce explained, “That was the last time anyone entered the Perpetual Empire. No one’s gone in or out since then.
“But soon after, rumors began to spread that there were actually nine pieces of the Ninefold Griffin Amulet, each holding a clue of the path to the Perpetual Empire. The legend was confirmed by an ancient text.
“It’s said that one of the first to enter the Perpetual Empire had mapped the route on all nine pieces of the Ninefold Griffin Amulets. Since then, various sects have fought over these amulets, leading to bloody disasters.
“Many lives were lost. In the end, four pieces ended up with the major families of Phaedra Island, each patriarch safeguarding one.
“What about the remaining pieces?” Sebastian was curios.
“It’s said the head of the Infernal Gate of Berkath has one, and the head of the Southwind Divine has another. The West of Everlight holds two, and the last one’s whereabouts remain unknown,” Bruce replied.
Hearing this, Sebastian realized that the final piece of the Ninefold Griffin Amulet must be the two pieces fought over by Merlin and Nelson.
Bruce continued, “The Four Great Immortal Sects are equally powerful and harbored deep rivalries. It’s nearly impossible to gather all nine pieces. Most importantly, the last piece’s whereabouts is still unknown.”
Initially drawn to the Perpetual Empire, Sebastian now saw it beyond his grasp. Even if he knew the locations of all nine pieces of the amulets, claiming them required power, which he now lacked.
Even if his Eternal Rebirth Codex technique reached its first transformation and he advanced into the Divine Realm, he would only be a late-stage divine grandmaster.
That power level could make Sebastian one of the supreme grandmasters, but he was far from invincible. The major sects were teemed with cultivators who far exceeded any individual’s capabilities.
If only he had attained the second transformation of his technique. That would make him truly unstoppable.
Bruce said, “Gathering all nine pieces is impossible, but even a single piece of the Ninefold Griffin Amulet is a valuable treasure. It can significantly aid cultivation by doubling the results with half the effort.”
“Can the Ninefold Griffin Amulet truly enhance cultivation?” Sebastian was surprised. He had studied the amulet before. It had strong spiritual power but was impossible to absorb any.
Bruce smiled mysteriously. He then took a cup and poured some white wine into it before placing the amulet inside. Sebastian watched, puzzled about his purpose.
After about a minute, Bruce removed the amulet and handed the cup to Sebastian, signaling for him to drink it.
Sebastian took a sip. The liquor was strong, and he felt a fiery surge in his stomach. To his amazement, it contained immense, pure energy. He immediately downed the rest and sat cross-legged to refine it.
The energy was even more significant than Sebastian expected.
As he circulated energy to refine it, he could clearly feel his cultivation base improving significantly. The effect was astonishing, equivalent to a month’s worth of cultivation.
“How do you feel?” Bruce asked with a grin.
“I never imagined the Ninefold Griffin Amulet to be so miraculous. Anyone possessing it would find it easy to become a grandmaster,” Sebastian marveled.
By then, Merlin and Nelson had crossed his mind. If they discovered this secret, their cultivation base would advance rapidly, posing a significant threat to him.
Bruce smiled. “Exactly. With the Ninefold Griffin Amulet, one’s cultivation base can skyrocket. It’s one of the reasons the Four Great Immortal Sects remain prosperous.
“After you marry Lana, I’ll lend you the amulet to aid your cultivation until you reach the Divine Realm.”
