Wind swept through the bamboo forest of Tingtao Pavilion, carrying the rustling sound of leaves.
Zhao Yingyue knelt and did not rise.
The Azure Dragon King let out a sigh.
This child has grown up, after all.
She finally has her own opinions, and the path she chooses.
Zhao Yingyue’s words left the Azure Dragon King with nothing to refute.
The Kingdom of Night Dragon is indeed caught in a struggle for the throne, but in the end, whoever becomes the Crown Prince will not affect the kingdom’s survival.
Moreover, with her power as the Dragon King, even if she intervened, it’s doubtful any of those princes could stir up much trouble.
Weighing the pros and cons, perhaps granting a favor to a divine-chosen one at this time isn’t a bad choice.
The Kingdom of Night Dragon has managed to avoid demonic invasions thanks to its terrain, but the contributions of magical girls like Arslan cannot be overlooked.
After a long contemplation, when the weary and indulgent “Enough” left the Azure Dragon King’s lips, a sense of relief filled the entire courtyard.
Zhao Yingyue almost leaped from the ground, her face beaming with an unrestrained, victorious smile, as she threw herself into her master’s arms for a big hug.
“I knew Master loved me the most!”
The Azure Dragon King was caught off guard by her sudden affection, left both amused and helpless.
She could only reach out, tap Zhao Yingyue’s forehead with resignation and fondness, yet still scolded,
“Such impudence, get up. The divine-chosen is still watching.”
Standing to the side, Faluxil wore a slightly complicated expression.
The kingdom’s situation might have turned for the better, but she understood the sacrifices her dear friend made for her.
She was about to step forward and express her thanks again, but suddenly, the Azure Dragon King turned her gaze towards the tranquil bamboo grove behind Faluxil and spoke calmly.
“Enjoyed the show long enough. It’s time to come out, isn’t it?”
Faluxil and Zhao Yingyue froze in unison, spinning around.
They had been so focused on their conversation that they completely missed the presence of a fourth person in the small courtyard!
The bamboo shadows swayed, and a tall figure slowly emerged.
The newcomer was a young man.
He wore a simple brown travel robe, the wide hood covering most of his face, leaving only a clean-cut jawline and thin lips exposed.
A staff taller than himself, topped with a crystal, was slung across his back, and a pair of exquisite rimless glasses perched on his nose.
His entire demeanor radiated a scholarly calm and rationality.
Zhao Yingyue stepped forward, positioning herself protectively before Faluxil and her master, adopting a vigilant stance.
“Who are you?! What are you doing lurking there?!”
Facing Zhao Yingyue’s accusation, the man removed his hood, revealing a fair, refined face and slightly wavy brown hair.
He bowed slightly to the three, performing a standard mage’s salute.
“I am the Jingwei Sage. Merely a traveler.”
Jingwei Sage? A player!
Faluxil’s pupils contracted instantly, the calm she’d just regained vanishing.
Her grip tightened unconsciously around her sword’s hilt.
“Traveler?”
Zhao Yingyue clearly didn’t believe him.
“Don’t think I don’t know you’re one of those so-called players! Being able to sneak into my master’s Tingtao Pavilion unnoticed isn’t something any ordinary traveler could do. Speak! What is your true purpose?”
“Yue’er, don’t be rude.”
The Azure Dragon King’s voice sounded again, halting her impulsive disciple.
She looked at Jingwei Sage, her gaze tranquil.
“Sage, he did not sneak in. He is my guest.”
“What?!”
Zhao Yingyue and Faluxil both exclaimed in shock.
They could hardly imagine that the Azure Dragon King, the protector of the Kingdom of Night Dragon, maintained such a close relationship with a player in private.
Jingwei Sage bowed once more to the Azure Dragon King, smiling.
“Thank you for clearing things up, Your Grace. In truth, I have been a guest here for several days, sharing tea and discussions with Your Grace, exploring the history and laws of this continent, and have learned much.”
The Azure Dragon King replied indifferently,
“Sage, your knowledge is vast, and your insights into the laws of the world are profound and unique. Our conversations have benefited me as well.”
This exchange left Faluxil and Zhao Yingyue even more confused.
The Azure Dragon King ignored their astonished expressions, turning her attention back to her disciple.
“Yue’er, since you insist on going to Arslan, I won’t stop you.”
Her tone grew stern.
“However, you must agree to one condition.”
“Please say it, Master! Whatever it is, I agree!”
Zhao Yingyue answered without hesitation.
“My condition is—”
The Azure Dragon King extended a slender finger, pointing at the player called Jingwei Sage.
“He will accompany you.”
At these words, not only Zhao Yingyue, but even Faluxil’s expression changed.
“No!”
Zhao Yingyue rejected immediately.
“Master! We’re undertaking a top-secret mission this time—how can we bring along a stranger of unknown origin?!”
Faluxil also frowned.
Letting a player accompany her to investigate a matter concerning the very survival of the kingdom?
It was unthinkable.
Jingwei Sage seemed unsurprised by their reaction, maintaining his smile as he quietly waited for the Azure Dragon King to continue.
“He is not a stranger of unknown origin.”
The Azure Dragon King’s voice carried a trace of authority.
“Though I haven’t known Sage long, I can guarantee—he is nothing like those others you encountered at the Linxing Tower, chasing thrills and rewards. He is a scholar, a true seeker of knowledge.”
She looked deeply at Faluxil, continuing.
“Divine-chosen, I know what worries you. But have you considered that what you are about to face may be an entirely unknown domain? The abnormal movement of demons, the unseen hand behind it all… These matters may involve the deeper laws of the world. On such topics, your understanding is limited, but Sage may well be an expert.”
“You need a sharp sword—that is Zhao Yingyue and her Red Dragon Guards. But you also need eyes that can see through the fog. Sage is those eyes.”
The Azure Dragon King’s words made Faluxil’s heart sink.
She had to admit, the Azure Dragon King had a point.
She and Zhao Yingyue both knew only the surface of the player group.
They understood their power and immortality, but not the principles behind their existence, nor the system that supported them.
Having someone knowledgeable in the deeper laws of the world might prove invaluable.
Zhao Yingyue seemed ready to protest further, but Faluxil stopped her with a glance.
Stepping forward, Faluxil met Jingwei Sage’s gaze, speaking in a formal tone.
“Jingwei Sage, Your Grace says you seek to explore the laws of this world. Then I must ask, why do you wish to help us?”
She knew that when dealing with players, interests must be laid bare.
Jingwei Sage adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the light.
“A very good question, divine-chosen.”
He replied calmly.
“First, I am not offering my help for free. From my perspective, the abnormal activity of demons and the arrival of the player group represent a stress test upon the world’s existing order. I am deeply interested in observing the societal phenomena that will arise among natives such as yourselves as this order shifts. To personally participate in and witness the entirety of these events is, for me, the most valuable reward. It will provide unique first-hand data for my research.”
His phrasing was strange—terms like stress test and data were unfamiliar to Faluxil, but she grasped their meaning.
“Second,”
Jingwei Sage continued,
“I can promise both of you that during our journey, I will act solely as an advisor and observer. I will not interfere in any of your decisions, nor will I divulge any mission secrets to outsiders. All my actions will prioritize not hindering your mission. I will provide only my knowledge and analysis—how you use this information is entirely your choice.”
“Lastly,”
He added with a slight smile,
“As a token of good faith, I can offer some technical support. For example, I can analyze the attribute weaknesses of the demons you encounter or create more efficient restorative potions for you. I believe these might be useful for your upcoming mission.”
His words were clear, logical, and structured—declaring his intentions, demonstrating his value, and offering a compelling promise.
Faluxil and Zhao Yingyue exchanged glances.
This time, the resistance in their eyes had faded into hesitation and contemplation.
In the end, Faluxil made her decision.
“Very well.”
She nodded.
“I accept your participation. But remember your promise. If I discover any behavior that endangers our mission, even if you are an immortal player, I have the means to trap you in the Linxing Tower forever—you will not take another step.”
Her final words were soft but carried a chilling threat.
Jingwei Sage’s smile did not waver.
He bowed gracefully once more.
“Of course. I am more than happy to abide by your rules, divine-chosen.”
—
The next morning, at dawn.
In the Ancestral Hall of the Zhao Clan Ancestral Residence, incense curled in the air, filling the space with solemnity.
Zhao Yingyue, dressed in a crisp warrior’s outfit, had set aside her usual cheer and allure, standing solemnly before an Ancestor Portrait hanging in the main hall.
She personally lit three sticks of incense, placing them respectfully into the burner, then knelt and bowed three times before the portrait.
The man in the painting was a famed general of the Kingdom of Night Dragon, Zhao clan ancestor—Zhao Baiyu.
In the painting, he wore battered armor, his face resolute, every line etched with the scars of countless battles.
Legend had it he was the last personal guard of the Mountain Dragon King, marching alongside him against the Ancient Demons, only to fall into a deadly ambush.
The entire Dragon King Legion was nearly annihilated, and the Mountain Dragon King himself mortally wounded.
In that desperate moment, the Mountain Dragon King commanded the remnants to defend the line with their lives, sending Zhao Baiyu alone to break through, carving a path through blood and fire.
He returned to the Kingdom of Night Dragon bearing the truth of the Dragon King’s Fall and secret intelligence that would shift the nation’s fate, saving his homeland and its people by his own hand.
His story was a heroic epic known to every child in the Kingdom of Night Dragon.
Faluxil and Jingwei Sage stood quietly at the doorway of the Ancestral Hall, not daring to interrupt this solemn ritual of the Zhao clan descendants.
After a while, Zhao Yingyue rose, brushing the dust from her knees.
When she turned, the reverence and longing in her eyes had transformed into unwavering resolve.
“Let’s go.”
She said to the other two, her voice steady and strong.
“It’s time to depart.”
“Wait.”
The Azure Dragon King spoke suddenly.
She emerged from the inner chamber, holding a massive, pitch-black wooden box.
The box was about half a person tall, made from unknown wood, heavy to hold, its surface unadorned except for an ancient brass lock.
A faint, ancient, and desolate aura seemed to seep from within.
“Yue’er, take this with you.”
The Azure Dragon King handed the box to Zhao Yingyue.
At the sight of the Black Box, confusion flashed across Zhao Yingyue’s face.
“Master…this is…?”
“Take it.”
The Azure Dragon King’s tone brooked no argument.
“Child, I know nothing can stop you this time… I have nothing else to give. If you find yourself in danger…try using this.”
Zhao Yingyue’s lips moved as if to speak, but in the end, she said nothing.
She silently accepted the heavy Black Box and strapped it to her back.
“Let’s go.”