Pausing, Ashley then continued, "It was also my husband who planned certain important events in Charlie's life, such as him being taken in by the orphanage, receiving the 10 billion from the Wades, and retrieving the Apocalyptic Book. As for me? I was afraid to intervene at all."As for his arranged marriage with Claire Wilson, it was pure coincidence. Neither my husband nor myself expected Charlie to run into Claire's grandfather, let alone be recognized."Harold Wilson—Claire's grandfather—was virtually a slave to the Wades. But somehow, when he recognized Charlie's face and surname at a construction site, he still took it upon himself to make Charlie a son-in-law."Vera nodded in understanding. "But if you're not pleased with that arrangement, won't you have plenty of other ways to prevent it from happening in the first place?"Ashley nodded in turn. "I do. And to be honest, Charlie is basically the sole heir of both the Wade and Acker dynasties. On top of his prestigious lineag

Moreover, she didn't even know if Marcius was alive.Ashley was ready to talk, but glanced at Korra who sat there in respectful silence, and was suddenly hesitant.Vera noticed, and nodded. "Shohei was an orphan I adopted some time ago. I can vouch for his character."Ashley nodded, taking a moment to think just before she dropped the absolute bombshell. "I have reason to suspect that everything Charlie encounters now is a consequence of Marcius Stark's actions for the last few hundred years. "From the 'Preface to the Apocalyptic Book' to the Apocalyptic Book, everything circulated amongst the common folk by his design. The former is naturally meant to seek one with the Destiny of Rising Dragons, lure him into cultivating and enlightenment, before passing it to his progeny so that more share that privilege."As for the Apocalyptic Book, it's meant to temper those with the Destiny of Rising Dragons into the form Marcius Stark desires, before luring them to Mount Tason."Pausing,

Pausing, Ashley then continued, "As a cultivator, Marcius Stark didn't hold back at all from his search for immortality. When he became a court official, he most definitely also practiced the same utilitarianism to climb the ladder to political power, even altering his birth records just to get the fortune of a smooth official career. He's just that ruthless."Vera felt a chill run down her spine as she paled and murmured, "If that's true, then he was just 997 years old in 1663, years away from his natural death. My father and Fleur honored his wishes to let him die in peace, but if he faked his death…""Exactly," Ashley replied, nodding. "He was never going to let your father and Fleur catch on to his real intentions. He deceived both his apprentices by faking his death, while he had another three years to cast the Blood Inferno, which would allow him to evanesce. And according to the county annals surrounding Mount Tason, a series of natural disasters displaced dozens of thousands

Pausing, Ashley then told Vera, "If you don't mind, do often remind Charlie to study the mysteries of that ring!""Don't worry. I'll remind him all the time," Vera replied without hesitation, and asked, "Also, would you happen to know who the priest at Mount Tason was?""I don't," Ashley replied, shaking her head. "He simply showed up to warn me without giving me much to work on. But he did tell me that he's staying in Mount Tason to break that blasphemous ward."Vera nodded in content. "I guess he can be a potential ally of Charlie's, and perhaps aid him in the future.""That's true—perhaps one day, he could even inspire Charlie," Ashley pointed out.Vera nodded, and checked her watch. "It's late, Mrs. Wade. It's time I returned, and prying eyes might notice after I've come in here for so long."Sighing, she smiled deprecatingly, "Sorry, I'm just that cowardly… And I apologize for embarrassing myself like this." "No, I don't think you're a coward at all," Ashley said solemnly.

Ashley found herself having more than one opinion of Vera right then.She knew that since Vera was almost 400 years old, she was definitely ancient. And yet, she was also a young girl more adorable than her son—giving the feeling of a bestie despite their age gap.Respect, admiration, appreciation, affection, and even fondness swelled in her heart all at once, leaving Ashley a little uncomfortable just then.Still, Vera sighed and smiled. "We've really hit it off and it's been a wonderful conversation. If the opportunity ever arises, I hope we can talk at length like we did today."Knowing that Vera was really leaving, Ashley nodded. "I would love to see you again too, and forgive me for not seeing you off due to circumstances.Vera smiled. "And you don't have to. I'm fine on my own."Then, turning to Korra and finding his eyes welling up with tears, she smiled at him too. "Shohei, I'm going now."Korra's voice cracked with tears right then, "Please, Ms. Lavor… It's been a hun