While Nina's camp was filled with laughter and celebration, an entirely different scene was unfolding in Blazing Flame City.
The city elders had waited several days for Setan to return the sacred relic to its resting place. When no sign of it appeared, their patience finally ran out.
One after another, they arrived at the City Lord's Hall.
"Elder Setan," Elder Roen began, "have you successfully broken through your cultivation bottleneck? Can the sacred relic be returned to the Sacred Grounds now? Many of our young warriors are waiting to continue their training."
Setan sat calmly upon the high seat.
"The relic..." he said after a pause. "It was accidentally destroyed."
The hall instantly erupted.
"What?"
"Destroyed?"
"How is that possible?"
Shock spread across every face.
The sacred relic had existed for generations. It was a divine artifact revered by the entire city.
How could something like that simply be destroyed?
Setan's expression remained composed.
