Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 647 Luminous Cloud Cave

"Knock knock knock"

She tapped on the door, retreated a couple of steps, and stood there in silence.

Soon enough, a young man dressed in a modest robe made of cotton and linen, his hair pinned up with a wooden clip, came to answer the door. As soon as Violeta saw him, a smile lit up her face. She seemed to recognize him, but her words felt oddly formal. "Hello, Master."

Francis Hoffman glanced at Violeta, puzzled. "And you are?"

Violeta said, "I was trekking the mountain when I stumbled upon this Hermitage. It's getting late, and I was hoping to stay here for the night." The Luminous Cloud Cave was situated in a hidden, secluded spot.

Only five mentors lived within the Hermitage.

Additionally, the absence of any paths leading up or down the mountain made it difficult for most people to discover this location.

After an incident a few years back when a careless visitor from Glorialand stumbled upon it, Francis started to be suspicious of Violeta. "Stay here," he instructed.

Francis didn't wait for Violeta to reply. He shut the door and went off to look for the Master.

In her past life, Violeta had also waited outside for quite some time, so this time, she came ready. She sat on the steps, pulling some biscuits from her bag to munch on.

The Luminous Cloud Cave wasn't known for welcoming outsiders.

Years back, Violeta had brought James here, but it was unclear whether he had succeeded in his training.

As Violeta snacked her biscuits, Tuna sat beside her on the steps. She tossed it a piece of jerky, while Hera perched on a stone pillar, her sharp golden eyes observing the interior of the Hermitage. Francis entered the room to search for the Master.

Terrel Vance had predicted that a person with a significant bond to him would arrive at the Hermitage today, prompting him to come to the entrance with Francis.

Violeta was about to summon Hera for a meal when she heard the door open behind her.

She rose from the steps, momentarily taken aback, and turned to face them.

The figure from her memories appeared in front of her, and Violeta resisted the impulse to exclaim "Master!" Instead, she took a deep breath and greeted them calmly, "Greetings, Priests." Terrel glanced at Violeta, his hand moving up to stroke his beard.

Though old and frail, his demeanor was lively, and his sharp eyes continuously studied Violeta.

"Are you seeking to remain at the Hermitage?"

"Indeed," she replied.

"How did you manage to locate the Hermitage?" Terrel asked.

He doubted that Violeta had arrived here by chance, as she appeared far too energetic for someone who had wandered. If she had stumbled upon this place, she would have shown signs of exhaustion.

Naturally, Violeta couldn't reveal the truth, so she crafted a believable lie.

"I can't deceive you. I dreamed about this place and felt compelled to visit. I never expected to replace it. It seems like fate has led me to the Luminous Cloud Cave and to meet you."

Even though it sounded unbelievable, those who follow the path of cultivation wouldn't question this explanation.

After a brief pause, Terrel allowed Violeta to enter.

However, his eyes shifted to the large animal at Violeta's feet and the birds flying overhead.

Violeta quickly said, "These are just my pets. They're well-trained and won't cause any trouble."

Terrel said, "All living beings have souls. Let them come in with you."

Francis added, "You've come at the perfect moment; we were just about to eat."

Violeta replied, "I've brought my food, so that I won't impose on you."

Terrel instructed Francis to lead Violeta to a modest bamboo hut where she could rest. The hut was small, furnished with only a bed and a tiny table.

Violeta set her backpack on the table and moved towards the window. The Hermitage's rear mountain was filled with bamboo, so they frequently had bamboo rice and stir-fried bamboo shoots.

In one corner of the room, there were some bamboo crafts stacked up, including teacup holders.

Since the priest at the Luminous Cloud Cave followed a vegetarian diet year-round, they were all quite slender.

Once a month, they would make their way down the mountain to sell bamboo-crafted items in exchange for cash. This money was then used to buy essential daily supplies. Now and then, they'd also sell blessed emerald bracelets, their sole source ofincome.

The priest took turns cutting and crafting bamboo.

Violeta had tried her hand at it before. Initially, she struggled, and a tiny bamboo splinter managed to prick her, causing a painful and itchy irritation.

Over time, she grew quite proficient and could craft a variety of items, such as baskets and bamboo mats.

Violeta stood in the doorway, gazing at the overhangs of the main hall across from her.

Life here was serene and uncomplicated, with days stretching out slowly. Despite having ample time, she found each day satisfying. After her martial arts practice, she would be so worn out that she'd fall asteep as soon as she hit the bed.