Eternal Thief

A large fleet of massive ships was moving toward the Blood Continent. 

In the central ship of the fleet, the three ancestors, Devil, Demon, and Blood, were gathered together in a closed room. 

After they all settled the matters in the central continent, these three took their men and heads back to their own continents. It's been years since they all had left their empires, and now it was time for them to return. At least, that was their pretext. 

Furthermore, except for the All Devil Continent, the Almighty Demon Continent and Blood Continent were extremely chaotic. Especially the demon continent because of the imperial demon prince's rebellion. 

As for the Blood Continent, it was chaotic because one of the five elemental clans had gone missing without any traces. 

But there was one common problem in all three continents: the problem of emerging thieves!

"Sigh… I can't help but think that our entire life's work was only amount to this much." Margret sighed ruefully with a hint of resentment in her enthralling eyes.

Edward gloomily chuckled, "And all because we are too weak to protect it, heh… I'm starting to doubt if our decision back then was anything but ludicrous. We chose to live forever like leeches at the expense of our growth and freedom. Now, we need to choose again." 

Albert, who was now like a wilted old tree, hoarsely said, "Living forever, eh? I'd even lost that privilege. Now, I'm just a dying old demon, and all of it because of a pompous thief!" 

"Come on, old guy, you're not dying on my watch, especially when the world is going crazy. Once we reach the Holy Land, we can replenish your vitality, and then you can try to breakthrough into the Law Comprehension Realm with us. It's only a matter of time before we don't have to rely on the world's vitality to live." Edward stated as his eyes shone with uncertainty. 

Margret frowned a little as she said, "Are you sure that'll work? The keys are connected to our souls, and they work as a medium to channel the world's vitality to us. Don't try something on a whim. It's not our responsibility to clean up his mess. It's quite clear that the thief is too terrifying to consider him petty anymore. Even that sly prick (Union Lord) was tricked by him.

"That bastard even took Alina and helped the entire Silver Ice Clan vanish without anyone noticing it. If you want my advice, we should stay in the Holy Land until we're strong enough to take the world back from the sly prick. 

"I believe, dear Albert, has enough vitality to try for a breakthrough. This way, he won't die in vain." Margret coldly stated with a hint of hatred that flashed past her eyes when she mentioned Alina. 

Albert didn't say anything despite Margret's harsh words, as he appeared stoic like nothing else mattered to him anymore, "You're right. Only after losing my endless life did I understand the meaning of living every moment. Without death, what's the meaning of life? So, I'll follow Margret's advice and enter life and death seclusion in the Holy Land. 

"If I succeed, I'll see you guys again, and if I die, just bury me in the Demon Temple. I've lived long enough to see many of my descendants die. It's about time I'll face death, and who knows, I might be able to conquer it." He chuckled. 

Edward frowned, looking at his best friend and rival, who seemed to be at complete peace with the fact that death was coming for him. 

He couldn't help but smile in the end, "Are you sure you're the Battle Craze Demon Albert? The same demon who was the first one to accept the deal?" 

"I guess the fear of dying can teach you many things." Albert smiled wryly. 

Edward didn't say anything else as it pained him to see Albert like this, and he looked at Margret, snickering with a cold expression, "You never told me what was so extraordinary about that Alina girl that made a witch like you cherish her so much. I've also heard rumors that you were as obsessive with Alina's grandmother as you are with the granddaughter. But you ended up executing both fogies because they seemed to discover your secret, right?" 

Margret's expression went cold as she glanced at Edward and scoffed, "Your spy network is as blasted as ever, I suppose. Alright, I'll tell you, but in return, you have to tell me about the Shadow Devil Thief." 

Edward's expression changed ever so slightly when he heard that name, which he never expected to hear from anyone, at least not from Margret! 

"Hmph, it would appear you're doing quite good yourself. Alright, since it's a matter of the past, I don't mind telling you. But you have to go first." Edward replied with a stoic expression. 

Margret couldn't help but smile in contentment when she caught Edward off guard, and he no longer appeared smug like before. 

"It's a deal." Margret giggled as she said, "The reason I was obsessed with the grandmother and granddaughter was because both of them have something in common: a Fantastic Martial Physique!" 

Both Edward and Albert showed an astounded expression as they looked at Margret in disbelief.

Edward coldly said, "The legendary fantastic physiques and two appeared in the same bloodline at that? Are you making fun of us?" 

Margret snickered playfully, "Why would I lie to you? I know it's hard to believe, even I was like you when I found it. It all started when Alina's Grandmother, Snow, started to show terrifying talent in the sword. 

"She comprehended the sword intent of ice when she was not even ten, and that's how she came to my attention. Her talent in swords was so ridiculous and brilliant that the moment I saw it with my own eyes, I knew she was a natural-born talent with special traits. 

"But I have no idea what kind of fantastic physique she had because of our limited knowledge. It was related to the sword, though that much I was sure of. So, I took her as my first disciple with an ambition to nurture her as the strongest cultivator in this world, and maybe through her, I wanted to mend my regret." 

Margret showed a melancholic expression, "However, she ruined it all with love. First, I thought It would be fine to let her experience love, which should be a good thing for her in the long run, and I didn't want her to end up like me. However, who could've thought that it was the start of her demise!"