In an area far away from the Winter Fold Forest, there was a city known as the Scarlet Phoenix Capital. It was a massive city, with millions of inhabitants and hundreds of clans, located at the heart of the Scarlet Phoenix Empire. This was the area where the strong gathered, where the powerful cultivators lived and ruled.
Normally, the capital was filled with noise, the hustle and bustle of an enormous city. But right now, the city was dead silent. Everyone was frozen in their steps, staring at one of the two massive pillars of blue light that lit up the capital. The pillars of light were on opposite sides of the city, but their glow was so bright that no matter where one was in the city, they could easily see both. All activity stopped as people looked towards the light in awe.
Some people didn't understand what these beams of light represented, but many people clearly knew – somebody had found Rowena Ravenclaw's last inheritance formation!
One of these pillars of light landed in the depths of a clan, specifically, one of the 28 Sacred Clans. It fell upon a stone platform, identical in every way to the one Harry had stepped on. It was the same shape, same size, same color, even same picture of a raven painted on it. Down to the last rune, it was a perfect replica.
Standing by the platform were two figures. One was a man with long, blonde hair, carrying a staff of wood with a skull of a snake on top. The other was a tall and beautiful woman, also with long, blonde hair. Both were staring at the platform, and the pillar of light, with awestruck expressions.
Finally, the man regained his bearings and slowly spoke.
"The seventh and final inheritance formation is real! It was thought to be lost, or perhaps just a myth. To think we would be witness to the seventh activation – what good luck!"
Even as he spoke, he looked towards the distance, towards the opposite side of the Scarlet Phoenix Capital. There, an identical beam of light was shining, another signal to the world that a chance to obtain Rowena Ravenclaw's inheritance was here!
"Our clan owns one, and the Rosier Sacred Clan has another. There's no mistake – somebody has found the seventh inheritance formation! Hurry, lock down the clan! Double, no triple, no quadruple the guards! Not even an insect can enter the lands of the Malfoy Sacred Clan, do you all understand?"
"Yes, Patriarch," around the room, dozens of cultivators bowed to the man and rushed off to carry his orders.
Then turning back to his wife, the man spoke again.
"Whenever one of these is activated, it shocks the empire and sends everyone abuzz. This is our chance!"
"Is it though?" the woman spoke up. Her voice had a haughty tilt, and was laced with skepticism.
"900 years ago, Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter activated the first formation, and took the first treasure. 800 years passed, and although four more formations were found and activated, all the competitors walked away empty-handed."
"Then, that man activated the sixth formation, and took the second treasure. Compared to Rowena Ravenclaw, Helena Ravenclaw, and that man, those eonic geniuses of our empire, do you think our son can do it?"
The man silently took in his wife's words, acknowledging her point.
"I am not deluded enough to believe our son can compare to those historic figures. And of course, getting the third and final treasure is no easy task. But, our son is the most talented cultivator to ever grace the Malfoy Sacred Clan. If he can't get it, then no one can. And since this is the seventh and final chance, even if our son fails, no one will be able to obtain it in the future, either."
"Therefore, no matter what happens, the result will be fine," the man confidently stated.
"Very well," his wife agreed.
Then the door burst open, and a group of people rushed in. Seven people, five men and two women, but all juniors, ran into the room and came to a stop before the blue pillar of light. In the lead was a young man, tall and handsome, with blonde hair and a pale face. Immediately behind him were two identical figures, corpulent and bulky, while the other four stood a slight distance away.
"Father, is it true?" the man in the front gasped, taking the sight in.
"It is, Draco. Somewhere, somebody has activated the last of Rowena Ravenclaw's inheritance formations. It is our chance to obtain her inheritance!"
"I'll get it!" Draco confidently stated, without a trace of doubt in his voice. His eyes glittered with arrogance and impatience, as if he knew the inheritance would already be his.
"The seven of you, go ahead and step on the platform. Support each other inside. It doesn't matter which of you gets the treasure, as long as it comes back here. If you bring it back – you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams."
"Yes, father."
"Yes, Patriarch Malfoy," the other voices chorused.
"Take this," Lucius Malfoy passed a Space Ring to Draco, who put it on his finger without any hesitation.
"It is full of items that should help you inside. Along with your other treasures and abilities, you should have the best chance at the inheritance. Show everyone the strength of the Malfoy Sacred Clan, understand?"
"Don't worry, father. Rowena Ravenclaw's third treasure will definitely end up in my hands!"
"I would expect no less. Also, keep an eye out for the Young Master of the Rosier Sacred Clan. There is something odd about that boy – do not underestimate him."
"I won't," Draco Malfoy reassured his father, before confidently stepping into the beam of light.
Not too far away, in another area of the Scarlet Phoenix Capital, an identical beam of light was shining into the sky. The source was yet another stone platform, this one belonging to the Rosier Sacred Clan.
Within the forbidden area of the Rosier Sacred Clan was a massive mausoleum, stretching deep underground. The inside was filled with tombs, and piled with skeletons. There was a rotten stench in the air, a smell of centuries of decay and decomposition.
Currently, the Patriarch of the Rosier Sacred Clan was in the depths of the mausoleum, kneeling before a simple coffin. This coffin was bright red, and seemed to be made of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of small red rocks glued together. The rocks were the color of blood, the crimson glare serving a harsh contrast with the black and gray background of the mausoleum.
"Ancestor, the current generation Patriarch is here to request your presence."
He spoke into the empty room, seemingly to nobody, but then -
Cccccrrrrrrrreeeeaaaaaaakkkkkk
There was the sound of nails on a chalkboard, then slowly, the red coffin began to open!
A withered hand came out, followed by another, then another and another, until eight wrinkled hands marred by splotches of age were firmly grasping the edges of the coffin. Together, they lifted the main body of the inhabitant out!
It turned out to be an old woman, old beyond measure, so old that she looked as if she should have died centuries ago. Wrinkles adorned every inch of her skin. Four arms came out of each shoulder, and above her two eyes, on her forehead, grew another six eyes that darted in all directions. Her appearance was monstrous and terrifying, causing fear to strike even the Patriarch's heart.
"Is the clan under attack?" she rasped. Her voice sounded all wrong, as if it hadn't been used in centuries.
"No, ancestor. But, Rowena Ravenclaw's seventh inheritance formation has been found."
"Say no more."
The world in front of the two people blurred, and all of a sudden, both the man and this creepy old woman were in a different room of the Rosier Sacred Clan's grounds. It was a storage room, and right in front of them was the third stone platform!
The Patriarch sucked in a gasp of cold air. Their warehouses were protected with the strongest and most powerful formations one could create. Very few people knew just how powerful they were, yet, their Ancestor slipped right through them effortlessly.
They weren't alone in the room. Standing nearby were the Elders of the Rosier Sacred Clan, and at the front stood a young man, the Young Master of the Rosier Sacred Clan. When they saw the two arrivals, they immediately knelt on the ground.
"Greetings, Ancestor. Greetings, Patriarch," they spoke as one.
But the Ancestor paid them no attention, instead peering intently at the stone platform and the brilliant light that surrounded it. Despite her age, her eyes remained clear. The eight pupils revolved in the white sclera in concert, attempting to decode the profound mysteries contained in the formation. Her eyes shined with a brilliant light of their own, though no matter how she focused her gaze, she didn't seem to find what she was looking for.
Minutes silently passed, but finally, she gave up and turned around.
"It's useless. Not even the techniques of our clan can unravel the formations of Rowena Ravenclaw. There's no need to delay any longer."
Then turning to look at the Young Master, her pupils made one full revolution, and then nodded approvingly.
"You did well to hide his spirit and strength. But during the contest, it is worth exposing it if necessary. Send him in."
The Patriarch involuntarily shuddered. He had used the most powerful techniques he knew of to hide his son's power, yet, their Ancestor had seen through it in seconds.
"Ancestor, the Patriarchs of our allied Sacred Clans are asking to allow their juniors to enter."
"Those whelps?" the old woman laughed. Her eyes turned towards the doors of the warehouse, as if she could see the gathered people outdoors, waiting to be let in. Her laughter was a nasty sound, a cackling laugh, full of derision. It sounded like crows screeching, and the very sound of it caused stabbing pains to one's head. If one were to listen for too long, they would feel like their spirit would leave the body.
"They have no chance in the main competition, and will only slow the Young Master down. There's no need to send them in."
"Ancestor, there have been some developments in the past decades that you're unaware of. Our Sacred Clan has entered an alliance with a few others. If we don't allow them to at least try, they would grow discontent, and our alliance would crumble apart. Besides, even if their talent is lacking, they won't be completely useless. Our Young Master may be able to use them as bait, for example."
The old woman considered his words, and finally nodded.
"Very well. Let them send their juniors in. I must return to my coffin."
The Patriarch, along with the Young Master, gave the woman a deep bow. The next moment, the woman disappeared, and the Patriarch turned to address his son.
"Go in, Felix. The only person you need to worry about is that Draco boy of the Malfoy Sacred Clan. You heard the Ancestor – we've kept your power hidden, but for the sake of Rowena Ravenclaw's treasure, it's worth exposing it. Once her last treasure is ours, it'll surely be our clan's time to rise."
Far, far away, in a barren location of the Scarlet Phoenix Empire, there was a massive burnt wasteland, stretching for hundreds and hundreds of miles across. No plants grew, not even a single blade of grass, and no animals other than some goats made their home here either. The atmosphere was barren of Qi, but filled with the lingering smell of smoke. Even after the long decades, the smell refused to leave.
If someone were to take a deep breath here, they would feel like their lungs would be set ablaze.
Yet, the wasteland wasn't completely uninhabited. Deep in the center was a small house, where an old, decrepit man lived all alone. His hair and beard were gray, and also unwashed, matted with years of uncleaned grime and dirt. On first glance, he looked like the most pitiful of beggars. But his eyes shined a piercing blue.
The rest of the house was crammed with odd items, a potpourri of junk and memorabilia alike that cluttered the small space. But buried deep within the pile of items was a stone platform, bathed under an extraordinary pillar of light. It lit up the otherwise dismal home, and illuminated the smoky wastelands for the first time in decades.
"So, the last one has been found," the man mumbled, squinting at the bright light.
When he looked towards the light, he was reminded of the last activation, and the events that transpired. Countless memories surfaced in his mind, and he gazed at the stone platform with an odd mix of bitter regret and fondness.
"Back then… when we stepped into the testing grounds… ah, how I wish we could relive those days. And when you effortlessly got the second treasure, and the uproar that occurred in the empire…"
A thin line of tears could be seen trickling down his face. He was alone in the room, but seemed to be speaking to somebody close by all the same.
"Is there any junior with the ability to obtain the last treasure? Surely not… but even if there is, the rest of the empire will devolve into chaos to get their hands on it."
"Ah, what am I saying? This matter has nothing to do with me. This time, there is nobody from my family to participate," the man tore his gaze away. The pillar of light remained undisturbed.
In a fourth location of the Scarlet Phoenix Empire was another city. Though not quite as grand as the Scarlet Phoenix City, it was still a large area, also home to millions of cultivators. This was the Yellow Hero City, one of the three Tier 1 cities of the empire. The city was split into numerous sectors, but the strongest was the central area, which was ruled jointly by three Sacred Clans.
Just like in the Scarlet Phoenix Capital, the entire Yellow Hero City was lit up by a massive blue beam of light. All across the city, all activity ceased as people stopped to stare. They were all staring at the center of the city – there, the pillar of light fell upon another stone platform!
Standing nearby were three groups of people, representing the three Sacred Clans. These clans had a tight and close relationship, to the point where even a treasure like Rowena Ravenclaw's inheritance platform was shared between them. At the head of each group were the Patriarchs of their respective Sacred Clans.
"Hurry, fetch the three Young Masters!" each of the Patriarchs ordered their men, who rushed to obey. Mere minutes later, the sons of the three Patriarchs had arrived, aware of the situation and itching to step into the light and test their fortune.
"For the remaining four spots, what if we opened them up to the rest of the city?" one Patriarch suggested.
"There have been a few talented juniors in the past years – not as good as our Young Masters, but still stronger than the other juniors in our clans. All the clans of the city are loyal to us – so we won't need to worry about any treachery."
"Yes, that would be wise. Since this is the last chance, we need every advantage we can get."
"It would also give us a chance to see how their talents rank against ours," the third one opined.
The three men looked at each, and nodded.
"Send a missive into the city," the first Patriarch declared.
"All juniors of the Yellow Hero City should gather in the central sector. We'll pick the four strongest to enter Rowena Ravenclaw's inheritance grounds."
In the largest forest of the Scarlet Phoenix Empire, an enormous area many times larger than the Winter Fold Forest, another beam of light was shining into the sky. This forest didn't have a true name, but was simply known as the Forbidden Forest to humans. That was because this forest was the location of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of groups of powerful Magic Beasts, the strongest of which could rival the Sacred Clans in power. From ancient times until now, this forest had been ruled by Magic Beasts, with few humans ever daring to set foot.
One particular section of the Forbidden Forest was home to the Star Scrying Centaur Clan. Currently, all their Elders were gathered in a meeting. At the head of their gathering was a centaur, half-horse and half-man, with long, dark hair and high cheekbones. He rose and addressed the rest of the room. The other centaurs fell silent.
"I hope you all recall that during a previous scrying, Ronan divined there would be two sources of calamity for our Star Scrying Centaur Clan in the near future. One would originate from a disciple of the Swan Sea Sect, while the other would come from a member of the reclusive Snowy Owl Clan. I have good news for our clan. Though it's taken years of planning, our plans have finally born fruit. By now, both those groups should be destroyed."
The centaurs around the room nodded, clearly satisfied with the results of their efforts.
"Bane, your injuries have finally healed. It's time we hear a report about what happened at the Swan Sea Sect," the lead centaur ordered.
"Yes, Magorian," Bane scowled as he stood up. His left arm was in a sling, tightly wrapped, and his face betrayed the anger and resentment he felt.
"About two weeks ago, I, along with the Patriarchs of the Malfoy, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, and Selwyn Sacred Clans joined forces to eradicate the Swan Sea Sect. The seven of us fought against the damned goblin, while the New Port Sect, under the leadership of Walden Macnair, along with the Carrow twins, slaughtered off the Swan Sea Sect. We killed nearly everyone, whether Elders or disciples. Even all the lowly workers of the sect were killed, just in case."
"However, the battle took place over the entire Swan Sea, and a few disciples managed to flee in the chaos. And we know that one of the local clans, the Hopkins Clan, managed to teleport all their members to safety. That being said, we can confidently say 99% of the sect was destroyed. But..."
"But?"
"The slippery goblin escaped!" Bane spat. "The eight of us fought, eventually shattering the cliff he hid on apart. Then he took advantage of the confusion and fled the fight! He pick up the Swan Sea Sect's Sect Master and her sister, and then the three of them vanished. We searched, but couldn't find any trace of them."
"Vanished?"
"Right, vanished! Typical for a goblin! All those filthy creatures have are their despicable tricks, too lowly and vile and small-minded to engage in a fair fight!"
The rest of the centaurs nodded in unison. None of them mentioned the irony that Bane had ganged up on the said goblin with six other people.
"It should not be a concern," an older centaur, sitting to the right of Magorian, spoke up. "When I did the scrying, the stars revealed the calamity would come from a junior. Obviously, neither the goblin nor the Sect Master are juniors. However, I suppose the Sect Master's younger sister could fit."
"She was severely injured, at the brink of death," Bane sneered. "It will be a miracle if her cultivation remains intact."
"That is good news. As long as you got most of the younger generation, then it increases the chance our clan will be safe. I can do another scrying, just to check if our calamity could be from one of the escaped disciples. Now, as for the Snowy Owl –"
"Report!" another centaur came galloping in.
"What is it?"
"The Patriarch of the Selwyn Sacred Clan is here to request an audience."
"Selwyn? Just in time, as always," Magorian nodded.
A moment later, the man dressed in black appeared in the doorway. He simply shimmered into existence, as if he had been there the entire time.
"It is done," the man said into the room of centaurs. "The Spirit Grade owl is dead."
"Very good. I will send some centaurs to finish off the remaining owls, if there are any left, and then we'll pay the rest of the contract. Give us two weeks."
"Very well, but I am here to let you know – there was a complication," the man said, and then proceeded to explain the scene he had seen in the mirror.
"A man was present when the owl activated its bloodline power?" Magorian frowned.
"You are right – we cannot allow anyone to know about this. Then we'll do another scrying for his identity and location. Between the two of our clans, we can surely take care of it."
Right at that moment, conversation was halted as a brilliant blue beam of light descended from the sky, not too far from where the centaurs were meeting. It landed on a stone platform that rested in a hidden location in the centaur's territory.
All the gathered centaurs cried in alarm. There were shouts of surprise – many centaurs rose and drew weapons, thinking they were under attack – until they finally recognized what it was.
"That – that's from the inheritance platform of Rowena Ravenclaw that we own!" one of the Elders yelled in shock.
"It is," the Selwyn patriarch said, a touch of awe in his voice. "So, somebody has found the seventh formation. What fortuitous timing."
"Gather the juniors!" Magorian suddenly roared. "Get Firenze and the other six at the top of the junior ranking! Hurry and have them enter the beam of light, before it disappears!"
Around him, all the centaurs galloped off in different directions to fetch their children.
"Excuse me, Selwyn, but the matter of the owls will need to wait."
"I understand. How fortunate for me, as I brought my son along with me to see the rest of empire. I trust you will have no objection if the Young Master enters?" the man calmly asked. Though his tone sounded friendly, there was an implied threat in his voice.
"I –" Magorian was about to object, as only seven juniors could enter each of Rowena Ravenclaw's inheritance formations. However, he seemed to think better of it. There was no Sacred Clan that he or his clan of centaurs feared – except for the Selwyn Sacred Clan. After all, there was a reason he asked them to exterminate the Snowy Owl Clan.
"Of course not. Your son can take one of the seven spots, while we'll fill the other six. Follow me."
Finally, back by the Winter Fold Forest, right next to the pillar of light Harry had disappeared into, a goblin appeared. He was short and wrinkled with age, and silently stood by the beam, right where Harry had been standing seconds before. He stared intently at the stone platform, utterly transfixed.
"Unbelievable, unbelievable," he muttered.
A compass with a red bird inscribed on it was in one hand, and in his other was an ordinary-looking Space Ring.
With a flick of his wrist, an object fell out of his Space Ring and next to Rowena Ravenclaw's seventh inheritance platform. It was... another inheritance platform!
Once it appeared, another beam of light shot down from the sky, doubling the glow of the surroundings. From afar, one could see two parallel beams of light – though they were so close and so bright that they may as well have been one.
This particular platform was actually the first stone platform to ever be found and activated, and had been passed down for centuries, eventually ending in his hands.
Finally, and also for the final time, it was lit up once more!
Together, they accounted for all seven of the stone platforms once hidden across the Scarlet Phoenix Empire. Over the long years, six of them had been found and jealously hoarded. Each represented a chance to obtain a legendary figure's inheritance.
"So, the last formation was actually in the Winter Fold Forest, guarded by the reclusive Snowy Owl Clan. No one would have expected one to be found here, yet, the boy found it!"
"What an incredible stroke of fate! Old cat, you were right to take an interest in this boy. Though, I wonder..." he trailed off.
"The rest of the empire will be sending their juniors in shortly. And I cannot enter, nor can I protect the boy in there. Against all those heirs of the Sacred Clans, how will the boy fare?"
"Or perhaps, should I be worried about them instead?" the man let out a light laugh, thinking back to his days at the Swan Sea Sect. Wherever "James Evans" went, chaos was just a step behind.
"I hope you won't let us down, Harry Potter."