Chapter 675: Leaving for the Celestial Ascension Platform (1/2)

”...have you made up your mind about this?”

”Yes, the arrangements I had for the sect were already in progress.” Raven nodded and replied, ”There's no reason for me to stagnate here. The daily matters are going to be handled by my Avatars and my assistant.”

”I see...” The Sect Master nodded. ”You've worked hard. Thanks to you, the sect is safe and secured. Since you decided to go, then I shall not hold you back. By the end of the day, I'll open up the passage to the Celestial Ascension Platform to you.”

”Thank you, Senior Brother.” Raven replied.

It has been a month since the Temple incident. Raven had long recovered since then and been slacking off since he could afford to. His little vacation was quite intentional since he already planned to ascend the Celestial Ascension Platform as early as he could.

He has been freed fro, his duties. All of his arrangements are set and ready. As for his daily affairs, he has his Avatars tending it for him.

He originally planned on fortifying the seal to floors 80 and above but Raven decided against it. He wasn't nearly strong enough to directly oppose the Devil Emperor just yet. Going near his domain is a bad idea so he decided to postpone it up until he exits the platform. No matter how much time he'd need to do that, that is...

Since there's nothing that's keeping him busy anymore, staying any longer would just stagnate his progress, therefore he decided to take the trials of the Celestial Ascension Platform. Of course, the idea of going out of the sect and searching for his wife and friends but the current situation prevents him from doing that. It can't be helped so he could only do this...

”Although I'm sure that you've done some research about this, I'd still like to tell you that the Celestial Ascension Platform poses risks. You survival isn't completely guaranteed in there so you must be careful. You must know when to advance and when to retreat. Don't be in a hurry. We need you to return alive and well, do you understand?”

”Yes, Senior Brother. I understand.” Raven replied solemnly to the Sect Master.

Just like what the Sect Master said, Raven made ample research about the Celestial Ascension Platform, he referenced the records and asked those who completed the trial about their experiences in there. This gave Raven some expectations but he didn't dare to be certain. The only way for him to know is to experience it himself.

The Sect Master is also right about risks inside the platform. When he asked Levi, Paolo, Julia, Celestine and Jessamine, all of them told him that they encountered numerous life or death situations in there. As they go up higher, it becomes more dangerous so they reminded him to be careful.

That being said, Raven was ready. He's neither confident nor nervous. He's just calm. He's ready to face the dangers and won't hesitate to retreat if the situation calls for it. Raven understood that since he became the Heir to the Sect Master's position and the Ancestral Divine Crown, his life no longer belongs to only himself. He has to survive for the sake of his loved-ones and those relying on to him.

---

”Be careful, you hear me?” Henry patted Raven's shoulders with a solemn look on his face.

Him, along with the other War Gods, were gathered to the Storm Dweller's Peak to see Raven off. Henry was feeling a little bit surreal right now.

How long has it been since he brought this guy to the sect? Four? Or maybe five years? He can't remember anymore but that doesn't matter. If someone were to tell him that one day, Raven would overtake him, he'd probably call that person insane. Well, it did happen but Henry felt nothing but absolute respect for this kid.

He saw Raven gave it his all, not even once did he compromised when it comes to his contributions to the Sect. He worked harder than anybody else, pushing himself to the point of collapsing even. Everything that Raven achieved right now are the fruits of his labor and he deserved every single one of them.

”Don't worry, I'm not as reckless as you guys are.” Raven chuckled as he patted Henry's back.

”We'll be catching up soon, so don't get ahead of yourself.” Logan said a snarky comment but in truth, he's proud of Raven.

”Mn, I'll be waiting.” Raven grabbed on to one of Logan's many arms. ”Though we might not actually see each other inside.”

”Good luck dude. Be careful.” Theo said as he shook Raven's arms.

”You better catch-up as well, stop slacking off. You're relieved of your Fire Keeper duties already.” Raven firmly grasped Theo's arm, he then moved on to Charles.

”Stay strong. You better be an Empyrean once you come out of there.” Charles smiled as they bumped fists.

”I'll try my best.” Raven replied.

He then took a step back and looked at his comrades. The other War Gods and his assistants are there to send him off as well. He walked towards Kyrie and said: ”I'll leave the matters to you. Don't worry, my Avatars are there. All of them are connected to me, if something comes-up, don't hesitate to inform me.”

Kyrie nodded and bit her lips to prevent herself from being emotional. Raven then went towards the Sect Master and the Grand Elder who's guarding the entrance to the Celestial Ascension Platform.