Gray cloud waves surged incessantly, obscuring the distant mountains and the dimly visible ruins of buildings scattered among them.
A dirigible, over thirty meters long, weaved through the cloud waves, its sides lit by several torches dispelling the gray mist. Inside the dirigible, Duruk, Hand of Dusk, grew angrier and more astonished the more he thought.
"This is truly un-mythical!"
Princess Yunji of the Silent Night Court—he wasn't sure of her exact age, but she had definitely only recently ascended to Mythical status. Otherwise, the Silent Night Court wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses due to the Dire Ooze Tide disaster months ago. [大風小说网]
In his opinion, that princess must have gambled everything in a desperate attempt to awaken her Mythical status when the oasis fell into peril, and astonishingly, she had succeeded through sheer desperation.
Her ascension to Mythical was only a matter of these past few months, meaning she couldn't possibly be a novice. Duruk mused that as a Mythical being of a century's standing, he should have been able to easily suppress this princess and take the lead in their conversation. To his surprise, he had to leave in disgrace.
He couldn't afford to stay any longer; he would have been thoroughly embarrassed.
At this moment, the Hand of Dusk exhaled wisps of white mist, his life energy circulating at high speed, steaming out the damp chill that had seeped into his bones. Instantly, the entire cabin filled with cold mist, the walls became damp, and frost crept upwards. Duruk looked down and noticed that a layer of ice crystals, as thick as two forefingers pressed together, had formed beneath him.
He slammed his fist down, shattering the ice crystals into the finest powder.
"This Mythical Yunji possesses a legendary-grade Cursed Artifact… No, more than that. She must have used some incredibly precious treasure capable of boosting her combat power in a short period."
This perfectly matched his findings that the Silent Night Court held a great secret.
He became even more certain that the Silent Night Court had once been immensely significant, a super oasis far more powerful than their Sunset Kingdom. Yet, such a formidable power had been annihilated in some disaster.
Thinking of this, the sense of crisis in the Hand of Dusk's mind surged once more.
His Sunset Kingdom had to increase its strength at all costs to face the great crisis that might descend at any moment. Only by reaching the level of the Four Overlords of the Shattered Sea, or even the Central Sacred Court, could they truly stand firm.
With this thought, the Hand of Dusk Duruk fell into deep contemplation again.
Suddenly,
"Rumble—"
The dirigible he was on shook violently, as if it had encountered a terrifying energy storm or an attack from a high-level Cursed being. But when he extended his divine sense to scan his surroundings, he was dumbfounded to discover that the space in the distance was fragmented, and waves of annihilation storms were blowing out from the dark rifts.
Wherever they passed, the architectural debris disappeared piece by piece, like pencil marks erased by a rubber. The entire sky and earth became tattered, resembling glass shattered by a giant rock. The jagged, broken edges were incredibly sharp, causing the Sunset Kingdom's dirigible, which accidentally brushed against them, to tear apart with a *zi la*. The Hand of Dusk Duruk quickly gathered his attendants and escorts, those less composed, and retreated rapidly.
Compared to when he left the Silent Night Court, the Mythical being's demeanor was now even more disheveled. He simply stared fixedly at the shattered void in the distance, his heart filled with lingering fear.
It was none other than the fact that if the dirigible had flown any faster and collided precisely with this void storm, he would have been in mortal danger!
"The Cursed Realm… the Cursed Realm is simply too dangerous!"
"The plan for our Sunset Kingdom's rise cannot be delayed any further!"
After a headcount, ten attendants and escorts were lost in the recent spatial storm. He had also lost his epic-class dirigible. This expedition had been a significant loss with no gains whatsoever.
Just as Mythical Duruk was preparing to detour back to the Sunset Kingdom, his gaze suddenly sharpened. Faintly, through the black rifts and gray storms, he saw a cluster of ancient buildings standing!
Even as terrifying annihilation storms raged around them, these ancient buildings remained completely unharmed.
Was it an illusion?
No, it wasn't!
The Hand of Dusk Duruk was certain. He saw that as the gray storms swept past, a faint glow flashed over the cluster of buildings, repelling and dissipating the terrifying storms.
That was not an illusion; it was… a ruin!
It was a ruin that had appeared in their desolate wasteland domain along with the spatial storm!
"And it's definitely not an ordinary ruin!"
"The spatial storms contain extreme cutting and annihilation power; I, myself, wouldn't dare to resist them head-on. Yet, this cluster of ancient buildings can remain undamaged. This can only mean that the defensive rituals covering it are of extremely high specifications."
"And, and…"
He gazed into the distance, his expression gradually becoming excited, "This architectural style, these symbols… If I'm not mistaken, this ruin is… it's a ruin from the Radiant Empire of Kandra! One of the most valuable types of super-ancient ruins!"
Mythical Duruk waited around for about two hours. When the spatial storm began to weaken, he impatiently flew forward.
Passing through some remaining turbulent currents, he arrived before the cluster of buildings that had 'fallen' to the earth.
Here, white spired towers stood in rows, seemingly arranged in some profound pattern. Pure white light emanated from the tips of the pure white towers, illuminating the surrounding land and even dispelling the gloomy mist in all directions. Centered on the ruins, a 'mist-free zone' with a diameter of several thousand meters had formed.
"Indeed, this is the ruin of the Kandra Empire. The Kandrans called themselves the Children of Radiance, hoping to bask in holy light at all times."
"And this arrangement of pure white lighthouses surrounding a central domed building, if I recall correctly, is characteristic of trial-type ruins from the Kandra Empire!"
He had excavated some ruins before, piecing together information about the super-ancient Kandra Empire from fragmented clues.
Among them, trial-type ruins were highly favored by later generations. The reason was simple: these ruins were training grounds for the Kandra Empire's geniuses. Not only were they free of danger, but they also yielded many treasures, even high-level inheritances!
Some rumors claimed that the Four Overlords of the Shattered Sea were able to far surpass super oases because they controlled some Kandra trial ruins!
This was an immeasurable treasure!
Mythical Duruk could not hide his excitement and joy. He swallowed several times, suppressed his trembling hands, and walked forward step by step.
Then, he was blocked.
A faint light screen hovered before him, creating an impassable chasm. He couldn't step across it.
He attempted to break through by attacking, but noticing the white light at the tips of the nearby white lighthouses becoming even brighter, Mythical Duruk decisively chose to obey his inner instincts and retreated far away, ceasing his probing.
At this moment, text also appeared on the light screen.
"The trial period has not yet arrived. Those who force their way into the trial grounds will be marked as enemies. All trial participants, please wait patiently, wait patiently, wait patiently…"
"The opening time for the trial grounds is:…"
Looking at the text on the light screen, Mythical Duruk felt both unwilling and awestruck.
"I didn't expect the rumors to be true. Even after countless years, some Kandra ruins can still operate autonomously and possess extremely strong defensive capabilities."
"In that case, we can only wait for the trial grounds to open on their own."
He gazed around.
Beyond the mist-free zone lay the vast gray mist. Awakened beings traveling through the Cursed Realm, unless they were extremely coincidental, would have difficulty discovering this trial ruin.
But this was not secure enough.
"The Kandra trial ruins are related to my Sunset Kingdom's rise plan; everything must be foolproof!"
He pondered, gradually formulating a plan.
As for the nearby Silent Night Court Great Oasis? He cared nothing for it at this moment. His pursuit of the Silent Night Court was for the sake of becoming stronger. Now, a great opportunity lay before him, and Duruk knew which one to choose.
With that thought, he gradually smiled, pleased and confident.
…
…
"The Kandra Empire, also known as the Radiant Empire, possessed highly developed rune technology, making it a pinnacle of the mysterious technological side."
"Currently, the core components of many super oasis factions' inherited lands are treasures unearthed from Kandra ruins."
At the Fireshard Base, on the high-altitude viewing platform, Fang You leaned back in his rocking chair, flipping through printed intelligence documents.
As the organization soared and established communication with various super factions, and with the uploaded information from Yunji, Rose, and others, the organization's information database was expanding at an astonishing pace.
Among the most concerning to Fang You, besides the Evil Gods and Ancient Gods, was the legendary Kandra Empire.
It wasn't for nothing; he had heard this name too many times. Although the Kandra Empire was a faction from the old era, in the current era, this empire seemed to be everywhere.
Many technologies and manufacturing processes were discovered from Kandra ruins and had been spread and developed today.
The core components of inherited lands were something few factions could manufacture; most only used them, inscribing the desired skills onto this 'core component.'
"Our Fireshard's inherited land is different from these; it's more like an Awakened and ability inheritance land… a high-end version. Master Wang Chui once disassembled one and couldn't put it back together."
"However, it is rumored that the Kandra Empire's ability inheritance lands were also quite advanced, far beyond the current imitation versions. It's a pity I never got to see one."
Even an imitation inherited land was something Mentor Fang had only glimpsed from Yunji's perspective.
There were no details.
He was very curious about the legendary Kandra ruins. Ruins of this empire seemed to appear in any major domain of the Cursed Realm, and over the long span of time from ancient eras to the present, the number of Kandra ruins unearthed was not insignificant. This was why the Kandra Empire, a seemingly long-gone ancient kingdom, still held considerable prominence in the eyes of major powers today.
Unfortunately, no matter how many were unearthed, it was on a vast timescale.
His organization had only set foot in the Cursed Realm for a year and a half, and the areas within their sight were only parts of several major domains.
Compared to the entire Cursed Realm, it was minuscule. It was normal not to encounter any Kandra ruins. However, not only had they not encountered Kandra ruins, but they hadn't developed any genuine old-era ruins either. The organization's experience and knowledge in certain areas seemed somewhat lacking.
Fang You wasn't overly concerned; he was merely slightly curious. Ruin exploration was not part of Fireshard's three-year plan.
He rocked his chair, continuing to read the intelligence documents, occasionally sipping his Clear Mind Tea.
A mentor's old-age life was as simple and unadorned as this.
…
…
At the same time, at the portal of Starfall City, outside the Starfall Fortress, groups of dozens of people, equipped with fine vehicles, emerged from the dense gray mist. These were teams from the major oases of this domain. Many of the young people in these groups were visiting this place for the first time. They gazed at the city, far more magnificent than their own oases, with expressions of shock.
"Here it is, the Starfall Fortress, the most prosperous place in our Starfall Domain!"
The hundred-meter-high majestic city walls, like a white dragon lying prone, were embedded with protruding rhombus-shaped crystals, making the white dragon appear even more mysterious.
Compared to a month ago, these majestic city walls had been repaired and showed no signs of damage, at least on the surface. What greeted people was the power and majesty of a super oasis.
Since the Starfall Summit was being held in Starfall Fortress, distinguished guests would stay at Starfall Palace, while other visitors would lodge in high-end hotels. The high-end catering industry also welcomed a large influx of customers… The merchants and nobles of Starfall Fortress were making a fortune.
The entire Starfall Fortress had a festive atmosphere!
"Look, that's the envoy group from Wavecrest City! I heard their Wavecrest Secret Arts are quite potent."
"The envoy group from Scorching Flame Great Oasis is approaching from afar. I know their leader; we did business at Burning Flame Market six months ago."
"Speaking of which, will the Burning Flame Merchant Guild have representatives attending this Starfall Summit?"
Two nobles chatted, then fell silent.
Although they were not top-tier nobles, they came from respectable backgrounds and could vaguely sense the undercurrents surging within the domain. They were also aware of the crisis that the Burning Flame Merchant Guild posed to their Starfall City.
However, that was a problem for the higher-ups to worry about; it had nothing to do with them as long as they could earn Cursed Crystals.
Besides, they didn't dare to discuss Mythicals lightly.
These two nobles, who had invested in several hotel industries, sat on a high-rise terrace, observing the delegations from the great oases entering through the city gates and making comments.
"That's the envoy group from Steel City. As their name suggests, do these people from the great oasis wear such heavy armor every day, don't they get tired?"
"Steel City shouldn't be underestimated. They can be considered the top tier of great oases, below the super oases."
"Yes, and White Tower, etc., but compared to Steel City, White Tower is even more mysterious. I heard they possess multiple secret arts."
"Speaking of mystery, Holy Serpent Society is the most mysterious. When I overheard the big shots talking, they seemed to be quite wary of the Holy Serpent Society."
"Ah, the delegation from Sword Blossom City has arrived. I remember this oasis; don't they have quite a few businesses in Starfall Fortress?"
"Yes, the 'Sword Heart Inn' we invested in, its behind-the-scenes owner is rumored to be the Great Dean of Sword Blossom City, Dean Sword Saint. Look there, it's Dean Sword Saint and Dean Rose… Dean Rose, as rumored, is a renowned beauty."
Upon saying this, the noble inexplicably felt a chill and shivered. He scratched his head, perplexed, and attributed it to catching a cold.
Half a day later, they saw another delegation entering through the fully opened city gates. This group's war chariots were neatly arranged, and the knights and warriors marching were as uniform as if they had been cast from the same mold.
Seeing the emblems on their chariots and robes, these two nobles' eyes widened.
"It-it's the Burning Flame Merchant Guild!"
"The Burning Flame envoy group has arrived!"
…
…
While the royal family of Starfall City was preparing for the summit, they sent out invitations to various great and elite oases. Naturally, the Burning Flame Merchant Guild was among them.
The reason was simple: this was a domain summit. If they didn't invite the Burning Flame Merchant Guild, it would make Starfall City appear petty and invite criticism. Conversely, by sending out invitations, they shifted the delicate situation to the Mythical beings of the Burning Flame Merchant Guild.
If they didn't come, the Burning Flame Merchant Guild's influence would decline sharply, and Starfall City would have no reservations throughout the summit.
If they did come, it would implicitly mean the Burning Flame Merchant Guild acknowledged Starfall City's dominant position.
No matter which option the Burning Flame chose, only they would be the winners.
And indeed, the Burning Flame Merchant Guild had come, but this was their Starfall City's home ground.
Berlemont retracted his gaze and pondered silently.
…
"The terrifying gaze seems to have disappeared. Phew~"
"Oh my god, this mission feels very difficult. Why aren't any Mythical big shots coming?"
On a war chariot, Luo Jianxing, sweat beading on his forehead, muttered.
The Burning Flame Merchant Guild representatives had arrived, but not all of them. None of the four guardians of the market were present. The leaders of this expedition were him, Luolan, and Bai Yansi, with Luolan serving as the principal leader.
Luolan had also sensed the Mythical gaze projected from afar, yet he remained composed, as if it were just a gentle breeze.
"Maintain your bearing. True knights should face everything bravely and overcome their fears."
"Besides, we represent the Burning Flame Merchant Guild."
Luo Jianxing wiped his sweat. His expression management was actually quite good. "But, it's a matter of being scared inside! Mythicals! The might of a Mythical is terrifying. Even if you, Sister Bai, and I combined our efforts, we would still be far from enough to contend."
Luolan pondered for a moment and then enlightened him,
"Think of it this way: we all have the opportunity to aspire to Mythical status in the future. Doesn't thinking this way make it less daunting?"
"No…"
Luo Jianxing desperately wanted to say that he wasn't like those deeply ingrained conventional oasis people; he didn't instinctively fear Mythicals, he was simply afraid of dying.
But could he say it? No, Luo Jianxing was, after all, a graduate of the first cohort.
He said earnestly, "I'm just contemplating how we should respond if the worst-case scenario occurs. After all, there's still a considerable gap between us and a seven-awakened Mythical. Moreover, we have no specific intelligence on this Mythical Berlemont. If he's as terrifying a Mythical as Miss An, the three of us combined, even multiplied by ten, wouldn't be enough to fight."
After speaking, he saw Luolan also furrow his brow in thought.
"You're right. Although the probability of this happening is extremely low, we indeed need to make thorough preparations.
"Overall, we have two options: one is to escape Starfall Fortress using an item, and the other is to pretend to surrender and wait for the organization's higher-ups to descend, then launch a pincer attack from the inside and outside."
Hey, hey, don't ponder so seriously! You're making me think something is going to happen any second!
Luo Jianxing wiped the newly formed sweat beads from his forehead and changed the subject, "Why don't we talk about the envoy groups from the various oases? We don't have much contact with these oasis powerhouses. If they greet us and we don't recognize them, it would be impolite."
Saying this, he took out the pre-printed materials and began to cram them.
In the entire Starfall Domain, apart from the overlord Starfall City and their Fireshard Organization branch, the Burning Flame Merchant Guild, there were a total of 15 great oases.
These great oases also varied in strength, roughly divided into third-rate, second-rate, and first-rate.
Third-rate great oases, such as the Blackrock Alliance, were established recently with shallow foundations.
Sword Blossom City, Wavecrest City, Scorching Flame Great Oasis, Storm City, and the like, were second-rate.
White Tower, Steel City, and Twilight Isle could be called first-rate.
In addition to these, there were also elite oases whose numbers were difficult to tally. It was rumored that some of these oases were invited by Starfall City, while others were not.
According to the intelligence provided by the organization, most of the envoy groups had already arrived at Starfall Fortress. More specifically, the lodging places of their leaders could also be ascertained.
Luo Jianxing pondered whether he should use the few days before the summit began to probe the intentions of the various oases.
After all, they came here…
"By the way, what is our specific mission for representing the Burning Flame Merchant Guild here?"
Speaking of which, Luo Jianxing only then realized that his assigned task simply stated, "Represent the Burning Flame Merchant Guild and participate in the Starfall Summit," with no other requirements. But he couldn't just stand by and watch the entire time, could he?
He was a Fireshard Holder of Fireshard!
He looked at the team leader, Luolan, whose authority was half a rank higher than his.
Luolan seemed to ponder for half a second and said, "My mission description also says… nothing."
"Huh?"
But unlike Luo Jianxing, who was utterly bewildered and blank, even though Luolan was equally unaware of the specific direction of this trip, he remained composed and patted his colleague's shoulder, saying,
"Don't worry. Since mentor arranged it this way, he must have his reasons. We just need to wait patiently for the opportunity to arise."
…
In the following days, guests gradually arrived at Starfall Fortress, including not only envoy groups from various oases but also many observers from other regions, merchants, and mercenaries. Walking on the streets now, one could see numerous passersby whose attire and style differed from those of the Starfall citizens.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, undercurrents surged.
Intelligence personnel from various oases seemed to have already engaged in fierce confrontations in unseen places.
According to incomplete statistics, in three days, more than a dozen malicious murder cases broke out in the slums of Starfall Fortress. There were likely more incidents that had gone unnoticed.
However, the areas where the envoy groups were lodged, located in the affluent inner city, had excellent security conditions, and no incidents of fighting and killing had occurred so far.
In this not-so-peaceful atmosphere, time passed day by day. Finally, the day of the official commencement of the Great Domain Summit arrived.
Luolan put on the ornate robes, designed by a Blue Star fashion designer not long ago, symbolizing the history, characteristics, and culture of the Burning Flame Merchant Guild.
He pushed open the door.
"Let's go."