Rearing Demons
Chapter 125: Essence Ranking

Chapter 125: Essence Ranking

Yur watched as the light began to dissipate, revealing the massive beast approaching him.

Now standing on all fours, it towered over him, nearly triple his height. Its enormous paws were larger than his head.

[Congratulations!]

[Host has turned the Glythorian Beast into a Familiar!]

The beast stopped in front of him and lowered its head to the ground. Yur gently patted it, running his fingers through its cold, sky-patterned fur.

"With you, traveling and locating Glythari will be much easier," he muttered, feeling a small sense of relief.

He decided to name the creature—Sularin.

"Sularin, I need you to lead me to wherever the Glythari gather."

Climbing onto the beast’s back, Yur gave his first command.

The link between them wasn’t like the one he had with demons. Those beings lived and died for him, mindless, bound to serve. But Sularin was different. Like Velmira, it had a will of its own. It would act as a protector, not a slave.

Though he preferred absolute control, Yur knew he needed Sularin’s guidance in this vast, alien realm.

Raa?

Sularin turned its head toward him, then gave a small nod before sniffing the air.

A moment later, it bolted through the forest like a streak of celestial light.

————————————————————————

"How are you two finding the sect? Comfortable, I hope?"

Back in the mountainous region of the Fiend Devouring Sect, Celis smiled at the two women seated across from him.

Though he was still at the sixth rank, his aura felt deeper, contained. His presence had grown quieter, yet his eyes carried the same untamed wildness that refused to be buried.

Across from him, Luna, now more mature, sat beside her mother.

Three years had passed since they arrived at the sect, just a few months after the incident in Freau.

Though the event remained shrouded in secrecy, none of them had forgotten.

"It’s going well," Rose replied. "Luna seems to be some sort of cultivation prodigy. The elders have taken an interest in her."

"Really?" Celis looked over at Luna with pleasant surprise. "Congratulations, Luna."

With a brief scan, he confirmed it—Rank Three, Ignited Core.

"Thank you," she said, smiling sweetly.

Over the years, with the sect’s help, Rose had guided Luna back to a more stable state. Though still simple in some ways, Luna’s memory and reasoning had improved dramatically. She was no longer behind in education or common sense.

The medicine and guidance of the elders had worked wonders.

Celis continued, "And you? You’ve been gone a lot," Rose asked gently.

Ever since their arrival, Celis had spent much of his time in closed-door cultivation, or training within the Azure World. Occasionally, he left the sect to handle missions—each one of critical importance.

Still, with his influence, Rose and Luna had been allowed to settle on his mountain, property of the Azure Lord himself. Life here was peaceful, private, and luxurious. But Celis’s presence was rare.

"I’ve been searching," he admitted, pulling something from his storage ring. "For Mr. Jin."

The moment he said the name, Rose and Luna tensed.

Celis sighed and slid a portrait across the table. "Can you confirm if this is your husband?"

"Jin?!" Rose’s hands trembled as she took the portrait. Her eyes welled with tears.

"You found him? Finally..."

She stared at the drawing like it was sacred. Even after escaping the slave camps three years ago, she had lost him again.

But her love for him hadn’t faded, not even a little.

During these years, she had focused on her own cultivation, weak as her talent was.

She was determined to grow strong enough to find him herself.

"I did find something else," Celis said somberly, pulling out another image.

This time, it was a striking demon. A beautiful man with long black hair, silver irises, and two curved horns.

"We believe this individual is connected to a small demon cult."

He then revealed another, rougher sketch—this one with long ashen hair and massive horns. The face was unidentifiable.

"We think... your husband is tied to them."

"What?!"

Rose and Luna shot up in shock.

To be accused of associating with a demon cult—it was the gravest of crimes. Even worse than murder.

"I know it’s hard to hear," Celis said, his voice bitter. "But according to my people, he was seen near the slave camps... leading a group of worshippers. They’ve been attacking settlements."

"No..." Rose staggered, covering her mouth. "How reliable—"

"What’s the plan for Dad?" Luna cut in sharply, eyes fierce.

Unlike her mother, Luna had fragmented memories of the slave camps.

She knew what demons were capable of. And she also knew how reliable the sect’s intel could be.

"For now... nothing," Celis answered. "I’ve been assigned to track him down and bring him in alive."

"I want to come with you."

"That’s not possible," he replied, shaking his head. "This mission is sensitive. It could lead to other cults, hidden ones. It must be handled by key individuals."

"But he’s my father—"

"Don’t worry," he reassured her, offering a gentle smile. "Because I’m going, no harm will come to him."

He rose to his feet, then pulled out a small emblem from his pocket.

"What’s this?" Luna asked, accepting it.

"The Azure Lord’s badge," he said. "Before, you had my protection as a non-cultivator. But now that you’ve begun your path, I’m officially inviting you into Azure Mountain."

He smiled. "Of course, if you wish to join another peak, I won’t stop you. But Azure Mountain is always open to you. Besides, aside from my master and me... you’d be the only member."

Luna smiled brightly, clutching the badge.

"I’ll join. I’d love to."

"Great." He beckoned her closer, and she leaned in.

Placing a finger on her forehead, Celis transferred three essences into her body.

"These are the essences tied to Azure Mountain. Each one has its own strengths. You’re free to pick what suits you best. And if you ever find something more compatible, don’t hesitate to pursue it."

The essences flowed through her and entered her Cyralim.

Azure Essence. Starbrand Essence. Nivaric Essence.

"Celis... can I ask a question?"

"Of course."

She hesitated. "How exactly are essences ranked? I’ve heard about rarity and types, but the elders said to wait until Rank Four to really dive into it."

"I understand." He motioned for her to sit. "Essences are ranked by three factors: rarity, purity, and potential."

Taking out a parchment, he drew a simple chart: Common – Uncommon – Rare – Epic – Legendary – Mythical – Divine – Primordial – Origin.

"Things like Flame, Water, or Human Essence fall under Common," he explained.

"And the three you just gave me?"

"Azure and Nivaric are Epic rank. Starbrand is Legendary."

"Wait—then why did the Azure Lord choose something weaker than Starbrand?"

Celis smiled. "Did you know there’s a Lord who only uses Human Essence? And yet, he’s more powerful than most Lords."

He chuckled at her shocked face.

"Yes, higher-ranked essence is technically stronger... but skill, compatibility, and understanding are what matter most. Swords are stronger than fists, on paper. But some fighters can kill swordsmen barehanded."

"So it depends on..." she pursed.

"Skill," he said, completing her thought. "Find what resonates with you. That’s the only way to bring out the true strength of any essence. Every essence, no matter the rank, comes from the same primal source."

"I think I get it now." Luna smiled in understanding.

"Well then, once you reach Rank Five, I’ll take you on a tour of Azure Mountain myself."

He then turned toward Rose.

"I’ll grant you essence as well, once you reach Rank Three. For now, it’d be dangerous for you to interfere with your Cyralim."

"I understand, Celis," she nodded, managing a faint smile. But her mind was elsewhere. Jin... what’s going on?