It was a day like any other in Blackthorne city.
Thanks to the talent of the young master of the Blackthorne family, Alex Blackthorne, the city had been developing nonstop. The Ironshade family's attempts to get rid of Alex had borne no fruit, and the young Blackthorne had already reached the lower deep stage—an incredible achievement for his young age of 16, which he would undoubtedly surpass in the future.
Since the emperor's disappearance, the great families of the Amberfall Empire had begun an intense struggle for power. It was a unique opportunity to eliminate their rivals without Cedric's intervention.
As a result, city entrances were heavily guarded by powerful cultivators.
---------
Outside the northern entrance of the city, two hooded figures waited in a long line to enter.
"You understand what you have to do, right?" Selene asked.
"Perfectly."
The entrance was guarded by a multitude of soldiers, whose cultivation ranged from the lower elemental stage to the lower master stage. The access control consisted of checking both the faces and the cultivation of those wishing to enter the city.
Soon, it was Selene's turn.
"Lower your hood and place your hand on the cultivation orb" ordered the guard in a monotonous tone.
Selene obeyed and lowered her hood. Her face was different from usual; she had used a spiritual technique to change it. Even if no one would recognize her, her beauty could cause problems.
Seeing that the guard didn't react to her ordinary appearance, she placed her hand on the cultivation orb.
"Middle elemental stage" announced another guard in charge of checking cultivation levels.
"You may pass"
Now it was Adam's turn. Unlike Selene, he had been unable to change his face since he lacked qi to perform the same spiritual technique.
"Lower your hood and place your hand on the cultivation orb" the guard repeated in the same monotonous tone.
Adam slowly lowered his hood. If he was recognized, things would get complicated.
The guard observed him carefully. To prevent any suspicions, Adam opened his eyes and pretended he could see, revealing his striking blue eyes.
People around turned to look at him. Some women quickly became mesmerized.
Adam was handsome—too handsome to be a mere mortal.
"Tsk… Place your hand on the orb" the guard clicked his tongue with jealousy, failing to recognize Adam's true identity. It wasn't his fault—Adam had changed a lot since then.
Adam placed his hand on the orb, already knowing what the result would be.
The guard responsible for cultivation verification frowned.
"No cultivation" he announced after a few seconds.
The other guard couldn't help but gloat internally, believing Adam was nothing more than a pretty face destined to become some noble's plaything.
"You may pass"
Adam sighed in relief and quickly followed Selene.
Their first destination in the city was the marketplace. Upon arriving, they stopped to ask a gemstone merchant about the tomb.
"I'm afraid common citizens don't have access to that kind of information" the merchant said sincerely—."And I doubt the Blackthorne family would share it with anyone."
"What about the Blackthorne family? Do you have any useful information?"
"Nothing that isn't public knowledge… Though, now that I think about it, there is something that might interest you. But my memory isn't what it used to be… Age is catching up with me" the merchant said with a sly smile.
Selene frowned, understanding his implication. She pulled out a pouch of gold coins and handed it to him.
"Cough, cough… A few months ago, the Blackthornes were ecstatic about their young master's progress. There were even rumors that they would attack Ironshade City within weeks. But then, as if it had all been an illusion, they ceased all hostilities and secluded themselves in their mansion. You hardly ever see a Blackthorne walking the streets anymore—only their servants do."
Adam and Selene hadn't expected that. First the emperor, and now the Blackthorne family? Something else was happening, something they couldn't see.
Adam had a bad feeling. He couldn't shake the thought that they were missing something—something important.
Before they could decide on their next course of action, a commotion broke out.
"I heard the Blackthornes are making an official announcement at the main plaza!" a passerby murmured.
"Let's go" Selene said.
The main plaza was packed. It had been a long time since the last announcement.
"The last announcement was a public execution… Someone who dared to insult a main family member" someone whispered in the crowd " What do you think it will be this time?"
"I don't know… Maybe they'll explain why they've been so silent these past months."
A luxurious carriage made its way through the crowd, silencing it.
When it reached the center of the plaza, its door opened, and from within emerged a figure known to all: William Blackthorne.
"I have gathered you all here today to make an official announcement concerning the empire" he declared.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"The emperor has granted me the privilege of selecting a group of individuals for an incursion into the recently discovered tomb" he announced solemnly.
Selene frowned. 'Too convenient'.
"To determine the chosen ones, the emperor has entrusted me with an artifact that will dictate who can enter. Only certain people will be able to do so."
Excitement grew among the onlookers.
"Now, those interested, step forward."
Around 200 people, including Adam and Selene, advanced. Most were cultivators of various stages. Adam was the exception.
William retrieved a talisman from his spatial ring and placed it on a pedestal.
"Step forward and let's see who will be chosen."
One by one, people attempted to activate the talisman, but nothing happened.
Adam began to feel uneasy. Something was wrong. His instincts screamed at him to leave.
"Selene… I think we need to go. Something isn't right" he said urgently.
Selene assumed it was due to his trauma and tried to reassure him.
"Relax. Remember, no one from this plane can harm you while I'm here."
"That's not-…" Adam tried to explain but was interrupted.
"Next."
William's voice rang out like a demon luring its prey.
Selene stepped forward and grasped the talisman.
Fizz!
The talisman activated immediately. But Selene sensed something was off. It was reacting to her immortal qi—something that should have been impossible for a mortal plane artifact.
Adam heard the activation and lunged forward, grabbing Selene's hand.
And then… they disappeared.