The sun was high, and it was currently summer, with intense sunlight and a very hot atmosphere. However, regardless of the weather, the area around Strong Bull Mountain remained cool, with thick mist creating a somewhat eerie ambiance, as if it didn't want to welcome any visitors.
On the main path leading into Strong Bull Mountain, a group of 50 people, divided into five teams, was slowly advancing.
Leading the team was Arthur Sterling. He had a calm expression, carefully observing his surroundings. "I must perform well; my future depends entirely on this mission."
Right behind him, leading the team from Moonlight Empire was the eldest prince, Luna Victor. He was someone who would surely ascend to the throne if nothing unexpected happened, holding a very noble status. With a composed and dignified demeanor, he addressed the group behind him.
"As soon as the celestial signs appeared, our people came here to investigate. This entire area is surrounded by a very powerful concealment formation.
"In a radius of 20 miles, individuals can enter at varying distances; the more talented they are, the deeper they can go. However, if they reach their limits, they must stop; trying to advance further could lead to immediate death. It doesn't matter if their cultivation is low or high. The deeper they go, the thicker the mist becomes, making it impossible to discern directions within a 5-mile radius. Only those holding flags can pass through this layer of mist and enter; a maximum of 50 people can proceed. The deeper one goes, the greater their talent must be. If someone's strength diminishes to that of an ordinary person, they must stop. There are fierce beasts and poisonous creatures inside, which might not be scary under normal circumstances, but could be lethal now.
"Everyone is here seeking opportunities; do not be overly stubborn... Your younger siblings should learn from Arthur Sterling , my brother."
Hearing the eldest prince, who would soon become king, praise him made Arthur Sterling feel a bit proud.
At that moment, a young man stepped forward, speaking freely and eloquently.
" Prince Victor is right. In this forest, only those with exceptional talent can enter to seek opportunities.
"Arthur brother , you are truly gifted and know when to advance and retreat. I am Mac Dung, the leading prince of Great Prosperian Dominion on this trip. Would you like to make friends with me? Are you interested in joining our country's library?
I assure you that your current abilities will increase rapidly."
Arthur Sterling...
The number one genius in a thousand years of Great Prosperian Dominion!
"Your Highness. It is a privilege for me to befriend you..."
Princess Lalatina Celeste, the leader of the team from
the Domain of Chromatica, smiled beautifully and approached.
"To have the recognition of the number one genius of Great Prosperian Dominion, Arthur, your talents are indisputable. I am glad to make your acquaintance, but would you like to meet my younger sister?"
Every time Arthur faced this princess, he found it difficult. It was because she was too beautiful and captivating. But...
"Thank you for your kindness, Prince Mac Dung . Thank you, Princess Lalatina Celeste, for your affection, but I am soon to be engaged... Therefore, I fear I cannot go far."
Princess Lalatina Celeste covered her mouth, slightly surprised.
"Young man, you are soon to be engaged? May I ask who the lucky girl is?"
Arthur Sterling's face turned red, and he stammered,
"The princess is too kind; she is the daughter of a marquis..."
"Oh, I didn't expect you to be such a romantic... (pats encouragingly)... It's alright; I will support your sincere feelings."
Luna Victor also chimed in.
"Princess Lalatina, please do not make it difficult for my younger brother, Sterling brother . If he needs anything in the future, I'll support you.
Arthur Sterling bowed his head in gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Seeing this, Lalatina chuckled softly, her charm captivating everyone.
In another direction, a straightforward and warm voice spoke.
"I am Thiet Luu, the eldest prince of Tian Tzu Empire . This time, I brought my siblings to explore these ruins, and I am very pleased to have your assistance, Young Master."
"If you encounter difficulties in the future, just call my name."
This man was tall and robust, wrapped in a tiger skin. Fierce, like a wild beast, but his actions were very proper, royal, calm, dignified, and very generous. He was a model protector, someone trustworthy.
Arthur Sterling bowed his head.
"You overpraise me; I will certainly fulfill my duty."
Hearing this, Thiet Luu pulled him aside and whispered,
"We have a special medicine that will ensure you enjoy your wedding night, and your bride will too. I assure you, in the name of the royal family... its effects will exceed your imagination."
Arthur Sterling took a deep breath. He had heard that people from Tian Tzu Empire were robust and generous... but this person in front of him was too refined.
With the most sincere tone possible, he said,
"Yes, I will not let you down."
The leader of Great Prosperian Dominion, a benevolent and wealthy young man, approached with a curious expression.
"Prince Tian Tzu, what is this exchange between you and my brother Arthur Sterling here?"
After separating the two, he moved closer and spoke softly.
"Arthur, my brother, I have this paper fan, a rare treasure that perfectly suits your style. Please accept it as a meeting gift. I am Aurelius Cassian , the third prince of the Land of the Ancestors. This trip is thanks to Sterling's opportunities. Whether we succeed or not, I owe you a favor. Thus , you must visit me afterward. I will treat you exceptionally."
Arthur Sterling looked at the paper fan, silently swallowing. A treasure.
"Everyone, I will definitely complete the task entrusted to me... I will not conceal any secrets..."
...
Politeness... Politeness...
The mist had thickened, the air was humid, and dew gathered on the leaves, creating a scene reminiscent of the mountains in the early morning, even though it was now midday. The group moved forward in silence, the atmosphere tense and stifling.
At this moment, Prince Thiet Luu spoke.
"Everyone, I wonder what great phenomenon has emerged this time... At that time, the sky in the Eastern region displayed a formation covering the heavens, and ten stars appeared, bowing to the dragon vein..."
"I think this treasure may lead to the unification of the five nations as it once was..."
Aurelius Cassian also responded.
"At that time, the celestial phenomenon appeared while our court was worshiping our ancestors, praying for national peace..."
"So... I guess there may soon be a new emperor born with nine leaders under him."
Lalatina Celeste princess shook her head.
"I'm not sure, but the great scholars in our court saw one golden star, one purple star, and eight green stars... It's possible a renowned king and queen may emerge..."
Prince Mac Dung also chimed in.
"I believe otherwise. There is a high chance that some altar has been activated to summon something that could affect the fate of our Eastern region..."
Eldest Prince Luna Victor...
"Everyone, when those ten stars collided with the ground, the dragon vein of our kingdom immediately fell silent, trembling with fear..."
"This could be a sign of unification as you say, but we cannot rule out the possibility that this is a disaster or war for our entire Eastern region. It is possible that chaos is about to descend, and the heavens grant treasures to suppress the calamity."
The heavy atmosphere returned.
Arthur Sterling observed the discussion among the princes and princesses, and then suddenly spoke.
"Everyone, in my opinion, it is likely that an ancient relic is awakening. As for the reason for its awakening, it could be that I have fulfilled some condition."
Just as predicted, the journey was smooth, and the group encountered no difficulties.
At the foot of Strong Bull Mountain, the mist was thick, making it feel like visibility was under one meter.
Arthur Sterling pointed to a dirt path with one hand indicating an old, dilapidated pavilion.
"Up ahead is the path up the mountain... And here is where I rested last night..."
A deserted pavilion that had probably been abandoned for a long time.
From the pavilion, one could see Strong Bull Mountain...
The mountain loomed through the mist.
"Previously, this mountain looked very ordinary—not too high, not too low. The surrounding area within 50 miles was quite normal, if not completely unremarkable."
"But now..."
"You can rest a bit here."
"Alright... I will listen to you, Arthur..."
The group took a brief rest before continuing onward.
At the foot of the mountain, following a narrow path to the right of a very quiet winding road...
"This path leads to the villa."
Continuing on, they reached a gate with stairs leading up the mountain. Next to it stood a stone tablet inscribed with the name "Three Tiger Mountain Manor."
The person with the highest expertise in calligraphy in the group, the great scholar To Khanh, remarked:
"This stone tablet is extraordinary... It looks freshly engraved, but I feel this tablet will never decay, immortal and impervious to the passage of time, and I can't even sense the traces of time on it. Not to mention the pride emanating from this stone tablet is unusual... The master of this place is remarkable."
Hearing this, a few others began to discuss as well.
Arthur Sterling looked around, feeling something was different, and said:
"This place has changed compared to before..."
Continuing forward, after the steps, 12 people had to stop, including three scholars and four generals... By the end of the steps, only 38 people remained.
Before them was a gate, above which hung a simple signboard, unpainted and unadorned, just a wooden board with black letters reading "Three Tiger Mountain Manor."
Everything gave off a sense that this was an ordinary estate.
Interestingly, this estate seemed very new.
Another scholar reached the top of the steps, the great scholar William Wilson of he Land of the Ancestors
"This estate and that stone tablet are similar. I don't sense any traces of time..."
"Everyone, there's a message on the sign outside."
"The estate is closed for private matters and will reopen in three days..."