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After just one month of cultivation, Xi Luo has now comprehended Aura and reached the pinnacle of Black Iron Swordsman level. Moreover, his Aura is far purer than that of an ordinary practitioner, making his actual capabilities on par with those of a Bronze Swordsman. After careful analysis, Li Jia and I discovered that his unique condition stems from a family heirloom sword he always wears. This peculiar gray sword is not made of metal but rather resembles a crystal-carved artifact. Though its appearance is crude, its hardness is astonishing, comparable to that of a Forbidden Spell Crystal. It is undoubtedly a legendary weapon; if it contained any power at all, it could have been an epic divine sword.

It wasn't until several years later that I learned the sword I was studying in my hands was none other than the top-ranked divine weapon on the Mainland, "Imperial Sword—Hero."

In truth, I am quite helpless at this moment. Initially, the mission was to steal the "Trumpet of Doom" and then flee the human world, as it was anticipated that there would be no way to accomplish the theft without alerting anyone. However, after returning from the Magic Tower of the Twelve Sages in the desert, everything changed. With the help of Li Jia, the artificial girl who inherited the knowledge of the Twelve Sages, it became possible to act stealthily. When the news was relayed back to the Orc Alliance, "War Saint" Leimen issued instructions for me to delay the discovery by humans as long as possible, ideally until after the campaign against the Northern Barbarians began. Despite the dangers and concerns about Fontainebleau, I chose to complete the task out of respect for my compatriots who had been hiding in the human world for decades, some even sacrificing their lives here.

Thus, I must stay here and wait for the right opportunity. If the counterfeit "Trumpet of Doom" is discovered now, no one will suspect me. However, if I suddenly disappear, the Temple might suspect something due to the timing, and the counterfeit item cannot withstand scrutiny.

After more than a month of travel, we finally arrived within the range of Sacred Dragon Mountain.

Unlike the fertile lands of the Western countries, the area around Sacred Dragon Mountain, which guards the Mainland Road connecting the East and West, is desolate and barren. The towering mountains and deep ravines carve huge scars across the vast, yellow earth. Even after thousands of years of travelers' efforts, the roads remain bumpy and treacherous, and bones litter the landscape, telling tales of hardship.

Despite the harsh environment, Sacred Dragon Mountain's strength remains undiminished, showcasing power equal to that of Saint Spirit Mountain. As we approached within three hundred miles of Sacred Dragon Mountain, traditionally its sphere of influence, five massive shadows descended from the clouds above us, landing in front of our group.

"We are the Third Patrol Team of the Sky Dragon Knights of Sacred Dragon Mountain, representing the Council of Elders. We welcome the delegation from the Radiant Temple. The welcoming party is on its way, please wait," said the five warriors riding flying beasts, politely dismounting and saluting the Holy Chain Knights leading our group before speaking solemnly.

The beasts they rode were not dragons, but their fearsome appearance and aura revealed their identity: powerful dragon beasts inheriting the bloodline of dragons. While they could not match true dragons, they possessed the strength of ninth-level magical beasts. These were genuine ninth-level magical beasts, not inferior ones artificially bred or controlled by magic. Sacred Dragon Mountain maintains its supreme and crucial position through its unparalleled ability to control magical beasts.

The wait was not long. Soon, I sensed a tremendous power fluctuation coming from the eastern sky, followed by continuous dragon roars echoing through the heavens. Looking up, I saw four dragons flying in formation toward our group. At first, I wondered why the dragons were flying so slowly, but soon realized that a ground force was also approaching us rapidly. The two groups moved in unison, pressing down on us.

"A show of force?" I circulated my internal energy, dissipating the pressure effortlessly. Others with cultivated abilities also countered the dragons' oppressive aura, including little Jin Luosha, who dismissed the pressure without a care. My apprentice, Xi Luo, though lacking in cultivation, displayed remarkable mental fortitude. Despite the oppressive dragon aura, he did not show any signs of distress, earning my admiration. I believe that if he reaches the Sword Master level and undergoes the mental trials before "War Saint" Leimen, his performance will surpass that of the initiates.

However, the members of the Holy Chain Knights were not as resilient. Although most had the cultivation of Sword Heroes, the power derived from crystal cores and special techniques was useless against the psychological pressure. Many knights were trembling, nearly falling off their horses. Instead, the ordinary warriors guarding the noble children, having experienced life-and-death battles, remained calm. Of course, this was because the other side was merely demonstrating their power, not exerting their full dragon aura. Otherwise, the absolute power of super magical beasts, comparable to Sword Saints, would not be easily countered.

"Ha——" I could watch the Holy Chain Knights struggle, but Knight Apu, responsible for them, could not stand idly by. He unleashed Sword Emperor-level power, triggering the immense force of the "Starlit Sea," shielding his subordinates from part of the pressure. Then, High Priest Ruins, Saintess Helen, and Knight Lansino also revealed their skills, alleviating the immense pressure. Not wanting to wait any longer, I joined their efforts, finally calming the group.

Though Sacred Dragon Mountain's reception was unfriendly, High Priest Ruins and Saintess Helen breathed a sigh of relief. For centuries, Sacred Dragon Mountain has maintained silence on the Mainland's affairs except for the sealing of dragons. This time, the Temple sought support from Sacred Dragon Mountain, fearing not their hostile attitude but a complete lack of response. If today they had done nothing and courteously welcomed the delegation, only to evade and delay, it would have been the worst scenario. Now, with Sacred Dragon Mountain displaying a strong stance, it was merely seeking negotiation advantages, for which Saint Spirit Mountain had already prepared.