--The Holy City--
.
This was the main location of the royals within the Estian Empire.
Factions, sects, and other organizations gathered in this Holy City with high towering walls.
There were flying ships going in and out, and the entire region alone was as broad as 10~15 major cities in Wolfram's former world, packed together.
For mortals, the vastness was indeed a troubling task to move about in the city.
But for Sky Hailers and powerful individuals that would whoosh back and forth as they pleased, the distance was nothing.
Additionally, the sects and organizations alone took up a vast space.
Of course, there were still some sects built and grounded outside the perimeter of the Capital city.
The Holy City was led by the one they call the Holy Emperor, ruler of the Estian Empire.
His Holiness, Drogo Maximus.
No one knows the true depth of the royal family's powers. And no one wanted to find out, lest they were ready to pay for the consequences.
Emperor Drogo was a dangerous man whom sects and organizations all feared.
As one would expect for a dragon ruler on the throne, growing up, he had been a true talent amongst his siblings and his peers.
At present, he was a 'Venerated Master' Paladin... The highest rank one could be!
This meant his strength was at least above Venerated Sky Realm.
Sky hailers in this Plane had strength that began from Sky-1 to Sky 9, followed by Grand Sky, Unparalleled Sky realm, and finally venerated Sky realm.
After these levels, one would undergo tribulation and ascend to a higher plain... That is, if they could cultivate successfully before their time was up.
Although no one knew how much progress their emperor had made, intelligent people figured that he had at most 10 more years to ascend, or it would be too late for him.
Many made this guess since over the last few years, their emperor had been restless, looking for great Holy objects to push him to ascension.
That said, the Holy Emperor was still a force to be reckoned with.
Some tried to provoke him, thinking his strength was fading.
However, the truth not only caused their deaths but made many within the Capital shiver, putting away their dark thoughts.
In this greedy world, power was the only thing that made them hide their claws.
And apart from being a paladin, emperor Drogo was Also an 'Unparalleled Master Mage.'
Just like the realms, professions were ranked in the same manner too.
They started from 1-star to 9-star, followed by Grand Master, Unparalleled Master, and finally, Venerated Master.
And for this great emperor of theirs, that wasn't where his abilities ended.
He also had the title of an Unparalleled Mage.
It's said that while young, he had a fruitful encounter, making him the owner of some mysterious Twin flames; The Ice scorpion flame and the Fire scorpion flame.
Lastly, Emperor Drogo was a Grand Master Swordsman.
From a battle some years back, many saw his sword in action.
With one swoop, he sank thousands into the ground, giving internal injuries that would affect their Sky hailing journey moving forward.
Such power was what they would expect from their emperor.
But no matter how you paint a pretty picture on the site, everyone knew he was dying!
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-The Maximus Royal Palace-
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In front of the dazzling chambers the size of a hall, 10 prominent figures stood erupt and firm while looking at the shadowy image behind a silky blind.
Taking one knee to the ground and dipping their hands, the men and 2 ladies gave their respects to the figure.
"Your Holy emperor, your servants are here as requested."
"Hmmm..." A low yet powerful hunt echoed out.
The figure picked up a teacup, taking a light sip.
No one dared to raise their heads or rush the man.
"My Estian empire seems to be blessed by the heavens." The said spoke, lazily dropping his teacup down.
Though the men didn't understand where the Emperor was driving at, they still didn't say a thing.
At their master's strength, only he and a few other ancestors might be able to notice if such a blessing did descend from above.
"It is the empire's good fortune to receive such a blessing. And as the emperor, what belongs to the empire, belongs to me, no?"
Boom!
The Holy Emperor's aura leaked out dangerously.
And suddenly, they seemed to see the image of his Holiness' Scorpions taking up the size of the entire hall.
Zhisss~
Their murderous hiss made everyone's legs go numb.
These powerful men and women famous in the empire, we're now shaking his leaves before his Holiness's strength.
Did the good fortune of the empire belong to the emperor?
"Of course, your Holy emperor!" Many exclaimed with sweat forming on their faces.
Who would dare to rob or fight for treasures with his majesty?
There are only a handful of people who would truly dare.
"Oh?" His Holiness chuckled, retracting his aura.
"Since you know that it all belongs to me, command the Hidden Dragon to head deep into the Forest of Ashes. I want that Holy object found… But as for any who oppose you, be them members of whatever sect or even my sons... CUT THEM DOWN!"
His Holiness has spoken!
"As you wish, your Holy Emperor."
With their mission set, the men and women left the scene.
Destination: The Forest of Ashes.
But as it stood, they weren't the only ones making plans.
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--The Immortal Sect--
"Retrieve the item at all costs! When I finally overpower that tyrant, what is there to be afraid of? But to be on the safe side, keep a hush on things."
"As you wish, ancestor."
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--The Lily Water Sect.--
A beautiful lady awoke from her close door cultivation, not telling anyone about her thoughts.
She was the ancestor of the sect.
'A powerful Holy object has fallen... Going into the forest to ashes, that unpredictable place can cost my life. No! I should wait for someone to retrieve it before speaking it halfway. The forest of ashes. Why should I take such a risk and die when I'm this close to ascension?... What a deadly place!'
....
Like a hurricane, a storm had suddenly hovered over the empire, with many ancestors close to ascension secretly making plans.
And rather than going in person, many still sent others.
At this moment, the owner was smiling stupidly, not knowing what dangers were heading his way.
However, his trusty system knew.
Did it do it on purpose?
Oops... How clumsy of it.
(^w^)
[Blood! Blood! It wanted to see blood!]