Aldrian looked at Xin Haotian's hand, then into his eyes.
"I'm not done yet. If you chose me just because I'm strong, you could have chosen others with stronger cultivation than mine," Aldrian said.
"No, they are not stronger. I trust my own eyes; you are the strongest. Even now, while you're still at the Low Earl stage, that alone is an impossibility at your age, even with divine techniques. But even if someone stronger than you exists, I would still choose you."
"You're quite the optimist. What if I refuse to help you and simply tell others what you've shared with me? Is it okay if others find out about this? You're taking quite the risk," Aldrian replied.
"No, you won't refuse my offer. Even if you tell others, you won't tell anyone you don't trust. I can see it in your eyes, in your mannerisms, you're just like me," Xin Haotian responded.
"You're certainly confident in yourself."
"Aren't you?" They stared into each other's eyes before Aldrian showed a small smile.
"You're truly an annoying person, I see. Fine, I'm quite interested in this mystery of the Everlasting Silent Forest. Maybe I should take a trip to your secret realm." Aldrian then accepted Xin Haotian's handshake, making Xin Haotian smile.
"I welcome you in advance."
"Now, I need to speak with His Majesty about my journey. You'll have to wait until I come to visit you," Aldrian said, to which Xin Haotian responded with a shrug.
"Fine by me. You can find me at the luxury inn at the end of this road," Xin Haotian said, pointing in the direction of the inn. Aldrian simply nodded and sipped the tea in front of him before replying,
"Thank you for inviting me here. Now, I'll take my leave. See you soon." With that, he disappeared from the private room, leaving a stunned Xin Haotian behind.
"What a mysterious man. Is he really just a young man? Why do I feel as though I'm in the presence of someone far wiser and more mature?" Xin Haotian pondered, staring at the now-empty seat.
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Back at the imperial palace, Aldrian immediately met with Emperor Ladwin. After Aldrian relayed the details of his conversation with Xin Haotian, the emperor was shocked.
"Unbelievable! He's from the secret realm within the Everlasting Silent Forest? The devils retreated because of the power of the dragon and phoenix within it?" Emperor Ladwin exclaimed.
"So, you've already decided to venture into his secret realm?" the emperor asked, and Aldrian responded with a nod.
"This is also my opportunity to visit the dwarves to repair my sword." Aldrian said as he take out his sword from his storage ring.
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Fire Dragon Sword (Broken)
Description: The sword is created from a mix of rare materials compatible with the fire element, the durability of the material can hold techniques beyond its grade. It was once wielded by Aldrey Flamecrest as his personal sword.
Grade: Middle Heaven.
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He didn't realize that after killing the Hydra, the sword's durability had dropped significantly. Though it was on the brink of crumbling, it still retained its shape, with only minor cracks visible, thanks to the strength of the mixed materials. Aldrian knew he needed a blacksmith to repair it, or perhaps even upgrade it, so he could use his techniques without risking the sword breaking.
When Aldrian first read the sword's description, he finally uncovered a hint about his parentage, the Flamecrest family. He learned that his father's family held high-ranking noble status in the Vindas Empire and resided in the northern part of the empire. He wondered what kind of trouble had forced his parents to leave the secret realm in such a rush.
Emperor Ladwin looked at the sword and sighed. Unfortunately, forging was not the elves' forte, and they were not well-suited to it. It was rare for an elf to delve deeply into forging and smithing, which is why the elves relied on the dwarves for their artifacts. The emperor had already recommended Aldrian to one of the best blacksmiths in the Forgeheart Kingdom to repair a sword of this grade.
"But this sword... why does it seem familiar? Where have I seen it before?" the emperor thought. The shape and craftsmanship of the sword reminds him as something he'd seen somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place it, so he brushed it off.
"And maybe this is also my opportunity to visit a few places on this continent, including the church," Aldrian said.
Not long after his duel with Arthur, the church and the Ivory Empire reached a secret agreement concerning Aldrian. Aldrian also agreed to the terms, which stated that he would visit the church no later than six years from the agreement's approval.
For Aldrian, six years was the time he estimated it would take him to reach the Marquess stage at his current cultivation speed, assuming he didn't add another domain to accelerate his progress. Six years is not a long time for a cultivator; it can pass quickly, especially for those in seclusion.
He also considered the devils' plans, certain that they would be put on hold as they waited for the right moment. Aldrian planned to confuse the devils about the mysterious person and his whereabouts, and Xin Haotian's invitation only accelerated his strategy.
The devils would likely have to keep postponing their plans if there was uncertainty about a powerful being roaming the continent, that's what he believed.
"Alright, I can only support you," Emperor Ladwin said.
"But I hope you don't forget the Ivory Empire after you go out there." Emperor Ladwin added.
"Of course not, Your Majesty. The elves have done so much for me during my time here. The imperial teacher was the one who brought me here and trusted me, even though we didn't know each other. I also have friends here, and believe me, this place has already become my second home," Aldrian replied with a smile.
Hearing this, Emperor Ladwin felt relieved and smiled back at him.
"In the end, we were only able to keep him here for 11 months," he thought.
His experience with Aldrian had shown him that this young man couldn't be confined to one place unless there was enough power to protect him. Wherever Aldrian went, whatever he did, he always attracted attention. Without the power to protect him, it could spell trouble even for the empire.
The emperor could only hope for the best for both Aldrian and his empire in the future.
"So, when are you leaving?" he asked.
"Tomorrow. I need to talk to some people first before I go," Aldrian answered.
"Okay."
After that, Aldrian went to Eleine and told her they would be leaving the empire the next day. He explained his plan and what had transpired earlier with Xin Haotian. She only sighed, knowing that their peaceful life would end once they left the Ivory Empire, but she resolved to follow her young master's decision.
He first went to the Shrine of the Heavenly Tree to meet Alice and Olivia after asking Alice to invite Olivia.
"I hope you can take care of yourselves while I'm gone, and don't be sad, Olivia. It's not like I'll be gone forever," Aldrian said to them after explaining his departure. Olivia, of course, felt sad, but there was nothing she could do.
"We wish you a safe journey, and may glory always follow you, young master," Alice and Olivia said in unison, kowtowing to him.
"You two..." Aldrian sighed at their behavior. Sometimes their instincts still kicked in, so he just let them be and smiled.
"Take care," he added, before leaving the shrine to meet others. Next, he met with the imperial teacher in the palace garden to discuss his departure.
"So, you're leaving already," the imperial teacher said with a sigh.
"Thank you for bringing me here, Your Excellency. I'll never forget my experiences in this empire, and I will always remember what the Ivory Empire has done for me. I will support the empire whenever you need it," Aldrian said, bowing his head. Imperial Teacher Elthar smiled warmly at Aldrian and replied,
"I know. I already understand your character, and I believe what you say. It's your destiny to shine wherever you go. Our empire simply cannot contain your blinding light. Many will be drawn to you, and your light will only grow brighter."
"You're exaggerating, Your Excellency. I'm just an ordinary young man seeking new experiences," Aldrian replied.
The imperial teacher nodded in satisfaction at Aldrian's humility. "Strong, but with a humble heart, not arrogant."
After meeting with the imperial teacher, Aldrian went to see Princess Sylphia to inform her of his departure. Her reaction was—
"Oh, you're leaving the empire for a while? Sure, I hope you stay safe on your journey," she said with a bland expression.
Her reaction stunned him. Given how close they had become, he expected a more emotional response. He didn't want to read her mind because he felt it was inappropriate to always peek into others' thoughts, especially without a valid reason, and he felt it would be disrespectful to intrude on Sylphia's mind.
"All right. I'm sorry if I disturbed you, Your Highness," he said.
He sighed and bowed to her, puzzled by her indifferent reaction. But he accepted it and left to speak with other members of the imperial family. Unbeknownst to him, Sylphia grinned after he left.
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The next morning, before the sun had fully risen and while the roads were still relatively quiet, Aldrian and Eleine stood in front of the imperial palace gates with some members of the imperial family. Present were the emperor, the empress, the imperial teacher, and four of the imperial brothers, all there to see him off. He noticed that Princess Sylphia was missing, which made him feel a pang of sadness. Did she not see him as a friend? Did she consider him unimportant?
He sighed and addressed those present with a smile, "Then we will take our leave for now, Your Majesties, Your Excellency, brothers!"
"Take care, child. Stay safe. If you ever feel tired, you can come back anytime," said the empress.
"Safe travels, brother. I hope the blessings of the Heavenly Tree will always accompany you," said Arion Evergreen. Each of the brothers gave him a hug and their farewell wishes.
He then bowed to them and turned around but was stunned to see the beautiful elf standing behind him. Her tall, slender body was covered by a green robe that concealed her curves, including her ample bosom. Her smooth, back-length golden hair was styled into a ponytail, and her beautiful smile, as radiant as sunshine, was directed at him. Aldrian, seeing her, could only manage a resigned smile.
"So why are you here in adventurer's clothes, Your Highness?" he asked.
"What do you mean? How dare you leave without inviting me! Of course, I will come with you," she replied.