Within the barrier, Guardian White eyed the two 'silver-tongued' figures outside. Since when did my fate rest in their hands?
Reinforcements hadn't arrived—likely intercepted by the Seventh Moon Legion's great general.
Looks like I'm on my own. This flag with three tigers… a fated opportunity? No, a key…
Raised the flag high.
"The opportunity lies in my hands. Kill me, and I'll destroy this key."
The bold declaration briefly froze the tense air outside.
But the commander of the Moonlight Empire's mightiest legion, Great General Aurelius Brightblade, spoke.
"So, you choose death. Fine, self-destruct. Atone for our fallen hero, for His Majesty, for Young Master Sterling…"
"Explode! Explode!"
Ten thousand soldiers chanted in unison.
Guardian White's eyes blazed red, body trembling, immortal energy surging… then, boom.
Outside, Bai Huo watched. This general's ruthless—using me to eliminate Darkveil's man while flexing his might. Truly fierce, cunning, and far-sighted.
Aurelius Brightblade turned to speak.
"That man died for his crimes. As for your lesson to General Silverlight, I'm deeply grateful. His usual recklessness, my failure to discipline, troubled you. I'll visit your Bai Huo Academy to thank you later. For now, I bear a mission and can't host. If no pressing matters remain, please leave."
Bai Huo glanced at the barrier.
"A Nascent Soul expert's self-destruction holds immense power, reducing everything inside to ash—except this flag, intact. A flag tied to a phenomenon that shook East Continent. This is no small matter. You ask us to leave… Is that His Majesty's will?"
Aurelius Brightblade's face turned blank, unsure how to respond. Bai Huo, unintentionally, caught it.
"I pursued that fugitive as a side task. The phenomenon is my true purpose. You can't monopolize such a divine artifact alone. Add an ally to increase success and prevent outsiders from stealing East Continent's treasure. What say you, General?"
Aurelius Brightblade's expression cleared, bowing respectfully.
"Your intent aligns with His Majesty's orders to me."
After reaching an agreement…
Aurelius Brightblade waved to retrieve the flag, but it didn't budge. Whispers arose from nowhere, yet his stern face showed no change. He commanded loudly.
"Who volunteers to retrieve the flag?"
A commander stepped forward.
"This humble general requests to retrieve it."
The process went smoothly, no anomalies occurring.
Holding the flag, Aurelius Brightblade marveled.
"Truly extraordinary… This flag's origin is no ordinary matter. Disperse! Master Bai Huo, please proceed to the camp to rest."
In a corner, Young Master Arthur Sterling, now under guard, was escorted back to the citadel. Beside him, the lord consoled.
"My son, you've achieved greatness today. The emperor will surely reward you handsomely. That small grievance? Not worth mentioning. No success comes without sacrifice. I'm proud of you. Be proud of yourself. Good—once back, I'll propose to the Lunar House again. I'm confident this time will differ."
Arthur Sterling's eyes welled up.
"I achieved greatness… Achieved what? Was my body violated…?"
Lord Dominic Sterling, heart aching, resolved to speak.
"Son, what happened was just an act, not real."
"Really, Father?"
"You doubt me?"
…
At the lord's manor, Dominic Sterling spoke.
"My dear son, recount everything that happened in the forest to me and Great General Aurelius Brightblade."
Arthur Sterling, now cheerful, had been healed and reassured by his father on the way. My innocence remains intact. Chest puffed, he began.
"At the third watch, I led a covert attack on the Three-Tiger bandits' camp. Everything went smoothly. While sheltering from rain in a nearby temple, the phenomenon occurred. Knowing I couldn't interfere, I withdrew. On my way out, Bai Huo blocked me. General Silverlight helped me escape. Then Darkveil's men deceived me, but thankfully, the general saved my life. Your nephew thanks you for your grace."
A heavy silence fell.
Dominic Sterling, stunned, was about to speak when Aurelius Brightblade gently intervened, signaling restraint.
"This is my identity token, unforgeable. Rest assured. Your escorts reported that during the phenomenon, they were entranced, unaware. You were the first to awaken and rouse them. Young master, tell the truth."
Arthur Sterling glanced at his father's disappointed eyes.
Seeing this, Aurelius Brightblade didn't press further. Instead, he produced a flag and asked.
"Can you explain this flag in detail?"
They don't believe me… Wait, I don't recall… Could my memory have been altered? Did that wretched Bai steal this treasure from me?
"During the bandit raid, I noticed this flag seemed unusual, so I took it. When the phenomenon struck at Three-Tiger Manor, the flag in my hand glowed. I don't clearly recall what happened, but I knew the flag was vital. My priority was to bring it back for His Majesty, for those capable of claiming the treasure. That's the truth."
Dominic Sterling smiled, satisfied.
"Good. Truly my most cunning child."
Aurelius Brightblade nodded approvingly.
"A young hero with courage and wit. You shouldn't be buried here. I'll recommend you to His Majesty. Rest now."
"Your son takes his leave."
Stepping outside, Arthur Sterling looked up. What a beautiful world…
…
In the room, Dominic Sterling spoke.
"From the boy's account, it's unimaginable… That bandit camp hid such a secret."
"Clearly, your son fulfilled some condition to trigger the phenomenon. He bears great destiny."
"Congratulations, Lord, on a son with heaven-defying fortune."
"Haha, I dare not claim such praise."