The sun climbed high. Summer's scorching heat and stifling air bore down, yet within Strong Bull Mountain's domain, the atmosphere remained cool, fog thick and eerie, as if shunning all visitors.
On the main road to Strong Bull Mountain, a fifty-person caravan, split into five groups, advanced slowly.
Leading was Arthur Sterling, face calm, eyes scanning cautiously. Must perform well. My future hinges on this mission.
Close behind, Luna Victor, crown prince of the Moonlight Empire and certain heir to the throne, exuded noble poise. Glanced at the group, spoke evenly.
"When the celestial phenomenon appeared, our scouts investigated. This area is enveloped by a formidable concealment array. Within a twenty-mile radius, entry depth varies by talent—the greater the aptitude, the deeper one can go. Push beyond your limit, and sudden death awaits, regardless of cultivation level. Deeper in, the fog thickens. Within five miles, it's impenetrable, disorienting all sense of direction. Only the flag allows passage through the mist, limited to fifty people. The deeper you go, the higher the talent required. Strength wanes to mortal levels at the boundary. Inside lurk ferocious beasts and venomous insects—normally harmless but now lethal. Seek opportunities, but don't be reckless. Learn from Brother Sterling here."
Praised by the future emperor, Arthur swelled with pride.
A young man stepped forward, voice carefree and spirited.
"Brother Luna speaks true. In this forest, only the exceptionally gifted, the chosen, can seek opportunities. Young Master Sterling, with his remarkable talent and prudence, is exemplary. I'm Murong, prince leading the Great Prosperian Dominion's team. Care to befriend me? Interested in joining our empire's academy? I guarantee your strength will soar."
First genius of the Great Prosperian Dominion in a millennium! Arthur's heart raced.
"Prince, you flatter me. Befriending you is my honor."
Lalatina Celeste, leader of The Domain of the Hue's team, smiled radiantly and approached.
"Endorsed by the Great Prosperian Dominion's top genius, Young Master Sterling's talent and charm are undeniable. I'm fond of you. Would you like to meet my younger sister?"
Each encounter with this princess unnerved Arthur. She's too beautiful, too captivating.
"My thanks to Prince Murong and Princess Celeste for your kindness, but I'm betrothed… so I can't stray far."
Lalatina Celeste covered her mouth, slightly surprised.
"Betrothed, Young Master? Who's the fortunate lady?"
Face flushed, Arthur stammered.
"Princess, you're too kind. She's a marquis's daughter…"
"Wow, a devoted romantic…" Patted his shoulder, encouraging. "No matter. I'll support your heartfelt love."
Luna Victor chimed in.
"Great Princess, don't tease my brother Sterling. If you need, I'll speak to Marquis Lunar for you."
Arthur, overjoyed, bowed.
"Thank you, Prince."
Lalatina Celeste shook her head, chuckling softly, her charm radiating effortlessly.
From another direction, a robust, warm voice rang out.
"I'm Crown Prince Iron Liu of the Tian Tzu Empire, leading my siblings to explore this relic. Having a loyal, righteous guide like Young Master Sterling is a blessing."
Tall and muscular, draped in tiger hide, he exuded ferocity like a wild beast. Yet his actions were refined, regal, courteous, and bold—a guardian archetype, utterly reliable.
"If you face trouble, just mention my name."
Arthur bowed.
"You honor me. I'll fulfill my duty."
Iron Liu pulled Arthur close, whispering.
"We have a special elixir, guaranteed to make your wedding night unforgettable—for you and your bride. I swear on my royal honor, its effects surpass your wildest dreams."
Arthur inhaled sharply. They say Tian Tzu Empire's people are tall, fierce, and bold… but this guy's on another level.
Voice earnest, replied.
"I won't disappoint you, sir."
The Great Prosperian Dominion's leader, a plump, wealthy-looking youth, approached curiously.
"Brother Liu, what's with the hushed talk with Young Master Sterling?"
Pulled them apart, leaned in to whisper.
"Brother Sterling, this fan is a rare treasure, perfect for your style. Accept it as a meeting gift. I'm Aurelius Cassian, third prince of the Land of the Ancestors. This journey owes much to your opportunity. Success or failure, I'm in your debt. Visit me afterward—I'll treat you grandly."
Arthur eyed the fan, swallowing hard. A treasure?
"Everyone, I'll fulfill your trust without reservation."
Polite exchanges followed.
Fog thickened, air damp, dew clinging to leaves—a morning forest scene, except it was noon. The group advanced solemnly, silently, tension hanging heavy.
Iron Liu broke the silence.
"Everyone, what could this grand phenomenon herald? That night, East Continent's sky bore an array spanning the heavens, ten stars emerged, and dragon veins paid homage. Perhaps this treasure could unify our five empires as in ancient times."
Aurelius Cassian responded.
"During our ancestral rites for peace, the phenomenon appeared. I saw… I saw… I believe it signals a new Great Emperor's rise, with nine commanders under him."
Lalatina Celeste shook her head.
"I'm unsure, but our scholars noted one golden star, one purple, and eight green. Perhaps a legendary king or queen will emerge."
Prince Murong chimed in.
"I disagree. Likely, an ancient altar activated, summoning something that could alter East Continent's fate."
Crown Prince Luna Victor spoke.
"When those ten stars struck the earth, our empire's dragon veins fell silent, trembling. It could herald unification, as you say, but we can't rule out calamity—war across East Continent. Perhaps chaos looms, and the heavens grant this treasure to quell it."
The mood grew heavy.
Arthur, hearing the royals' heated debate turn to silence, couldn't resist.
"Everyone, I believe an ancient relic awakened. Its trigger… perhaps I fulfilled some condition."
As expected, the journey was smooth, no obstacles encountered. At Strong Bull Mountain's base, fog so dense visibility barely reached a meter.
Arthur pointed to a dirt path, then a dilapidated pavilion, explaining.
"Ahead is the mountain trail. Here's where I rested last night."
The pavilion, long abandoned, stood desolate, overlooking Strong Bull Mountain.
The peak loomed faintly through the misty haze.
"Before, this mountain was unremarkable—neither high nor low. Within fifty miles, nothing stood out. But now…"
"Rest here briefly, everyone."
"Agreed, as the young master says."
The group paused, then pressed on.
At the mountain's foot, followed a narrow, secluded path to the right of a winding trail.
"This path leads to the manor."
Further on, reached a gate with stairs ascending the mountain. Beside it, a stone tablet read: Three-Tiger Manor.
The group's foremost calligraphy expert, Great Scholar Su Qing, spoke.
"This tablet is extraordinary. It looks freshly carved, yet feels indestructible, timeless, bearing no trace of age. Its aura is anything but ordinary. This place… its master is no commoner."
Others murmured in agreement.
Arthur, noting the changed surroundings, said vaguely.
"This place… it's different from last time."
Climbed the stairs. Twelve dropped out, including three scholars and four generals. At the top, only thirty-eight remained.
Before them stood a gate, its signboard plain—no ornate carvings, just black text on wood: Three-Tiger Manor.
Everything screamed mundane, a secular manor, save for its uncanny newness.
Another scholar who reached the top, Great Scholar Wu Dingxi of the Land of the Ancestors, spoke.
"This manor and that tablet share the same quality—no trace of time's passage."
Someone pointed.
"Look, a notice on the signboard."
Manor business precludes guests at this time. Opens in three days.