Wolfspire Citadel, a northern stronghold of the Moonlight Empire, oversees Strong Bull Mountain. Today, Arthur Sterling, the third son of the citadel's lord, received a secret tip and led a force to eradicate the Three-Tiger Manor bandit hideout.
With coordinated tactics, the operation was a resounding success. The notorious bandit gang was wiped out, and the head of their leader, Yan Wuchang, fell.
Mission accomplished, the group now rested from the rain inside an abandoned temple along the main road.
By the fire, the men laughed, discussed, and celebrated their victory.
"Following Arthur young master is the true path! This time, you'll return as a hero of Wolfspire Citadel."
"With this feat, the lord will surely propose a match for you with Lady Lunar Silver, the greatest beauty of our citadel. Truly a double blessing!"
"No one in Wolfspire Citadel but you could match our city's fairest lady."
At the center, basking in the praise…
I, Arthur Sterling, may not be as brave as my elder brothers or as clever as my younger one, but among them all, I'm the most balanced—brave enough, talented enough. Calling me a master of both martial and literary arts isn't an exaggeration. Tonight, I crushed the most brutal bandit gang in Wolfspire Citadel's territory in half a day. My victory is flawless.
Lunar Silver, only I'm worthy of you.
Imagining holding that delicate, soft figure… heh, heh.
Satisfied, Arthur Sterling looked at his fawning subordinates and spoke sternly.
"Good. Back in the citadel, three taels of silver for each of you."
The men erupted in joy, piling on more flattery.
"Thank you, young master! With your martial and literary prowess and boundless generosity, only Lady Lunar Silver is worthy of you…"
"Most importantly, the people no longer fear bandit raids. They can live in peace now, thanks to you."
As the group chattered lively, everything fell silent in an instant. An obscure, boundless aura spread, flooding all directions. Raindrops froze midair, winds traced mystical paths, clouds parted, and the sky soared high. Stars linked into a grand array, heralding a majestic spectacle.
Shock, fear, and awe gripped everyone.
When the phenomenon ended, Arthur Sterling realized a world-shaking treasure had emerged. Far beyond his reach, this place would soon become a battlefield for supreme powers. Leaving immediately was the wisest choice—such a grand opportunity could crush the unprepared.
Without delay, Arthur rallied his men and ordered a nighttime retreat.
After traveling a short distance, they encountered two groups. One wore sleeves and hems embroidered with silver wolves dancing under moonlight—the soldiers of the Moonlight Empire. The other bore patterns of cranes soaring through the sky—the emblem of the Great Prosperian Dominion.
These were the first forces from the two empires to arrive.
Leading the Great Prosperian group was an elderly man with silver hair, exuding an immortal air. His kind face and auspicious aura calmed those around him with every gesture. This was Bai Huo. Smiling, he spoke.
"Young sir, what brings you here so late at night?"
General Silverlight, leading the Moonlight forces, responded swiftly.
"Young sir, I'm General Silverlight, commander of the Silverwolf Legion. With me here, no one will trouble you. No need to fear—why are you here?"
Uncle to Lunar Silver? This phenomenon is serious enough to deploy one of the empire's finest legions.
My first meeting with her uncle—a chance to shine. Gotta make a good impression for future talks.
"Junior Arthur Sterling, third son of Lord Dominic Sterling of Wolfspire Citadel. Today, I led a mission to eradicate the bandits of Strong Bull Mountain… and succeeded, taking the head of their leader."
An awkward silence followed. Arthur's heart raced. Did I say something wrong? Why are they both quiet?
Bai Huo, surprised yet approving, spoke.
"Such talent in a young lord. May I see the head you claimed, young friend?"
This must be someone from the Great Prosperian Dominion, standing equal to General Silverlight. No ordinary figure. But asking to see the head? Isn't that too much?
Glanced at General Silverlight for guidance.
Silverlight cut in.
"No need, Master Bai Huo. This lad and his few dozen men were just hunting bandits. Arthur, my friend, I know your father. Tell this master everything you saw and did."
Relieved, Arthur kept a calm facade.
"After wiping out the notorious bandits, we took shelter from the rain in a pavilion nearby. When the treasure emerged, knowing my limits, I left to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. I know nothing about the treasure."
General Silverlight nodded, smiling.
"Excellent. Young, yet bold and wise enough to know when to advance or retreat. A true tiger's son."
"Arthur, your work here is done. You may leave."
Bai Huo observed silently throughout. These two play off each other, hiding something. Do they take me for a fool, or have they trained themselves into idiocy?
"Hold on. Your restraint in the face of treasure is rare and admirable, young man. But the notion that you alone took the treasure and left is impossible."
Silverlight frowned, his tone sharp.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Arthur's heart skipped. He thinks I have the treasure? This can't be misunderstood! Flailing his hands, he blurted.
"Master, you're mistaken! I didn't take any treasure."
Silverlight's voice boomed.
"Exactly! How could a weakling like him claim such a treasure? You're mistaken, Master."
Stung by the general's dismissive tone, Arthur stole a glance. You're wrong, Uncle. I'm not that weak—just not strong enough to compete.
Focus, not now.
"Master, you've misunderstood."
A thunderous shout, laced with overwhelming authority, erupted.
"Silence!"
General Silverlight, caught off guard, was hurled backward, crashing into a tree.
Three subordinates weren't so lucky, flung far and knocked unconscious.
Pinned against the tree, Silverlight burned his vital essence, breaking free from the voice's grip, and launched a palm strike toward Arthur.
"Arthur, run! Don't let the treasure fall into their hands. I'll hold them off!"
The chaos unfolded too fast. Regaining his senses, Arthur found himself in an unfamiliar place, bewildered.
"I really don't have the treasure… Even Uncle thinks I took it?"