Saan Royal Palace.
“Your Highness! Your Highness, are you—?!”
While the city guards were still trying to break down the door, the training room’s door suddenly opened from the inside on its own.
Fazel stepped out with one stride, revealing a pair of clear, piercing eyes. His gaze slowly swept across everyone present.
“!” The guards immediately dropped to their knees in unison. One of them lowered his head nervously, sweat dripping down and sticking to his eyelids.
Fazel’s eyes finally settled on him, cold as if staring at a corpse.
At last, amid the suffocating atmosphere, the King of Saen arrived. The elderly yet dignified man stepped into the corridor, staring at Fazel in disbelief.
After several confirmations, he said incredulously, “You’ve recovered? Your Spirit Power Outburst has completely subsided?!”
No one dared to speak, but their shock was clearly written across their faces— every time His Highness had a Spirit Power Outburst, it required dispatching a large number of guards just to barely suppress it.
And today it’s over just like that? It’s truly unbelievable!
Then, everyone noticed a subtle change in Fazel’s expression.
They saw the man’s chest rise and fall sharply, and then, deep in those dark eyes, an unusual emotion surged like a crashing tide, “It wasn’t me.”
Perhaps the feelings in the spirit world were too profound, Fazel spoke deliberately, word by word, “I will find him.”
“What you mean is,” the old man’s voice trembled with shock at the implication, “someone helped you— someone who accomplished what I, and even the entire Saen Clan, could not do— someone who calmed you?”
A collective sharp intake of breath echoed around.
Fazel repeated calmly, “I will find him.”
“No need to say more, handle this immediately!” The old man’s expression turned grave, “Whether it’s the power that easily suppressed you, or the kindness shown to you, we must mobilize the entire clan to find that person! But don’t alert them. Until their intentions are clear, absolutely no cause for suspicion. Everything must be handled with care. Does he have any distinctive features?”
Fazel didn’t deny the elder’s proposal but didn’t share if he had any. For example, the illusion of a Golden Dragon… At the thought, waves of turmoil surged in his dark eyes, the calm exterior barely masking the storm within.
Everything in the spirit world depends on the host’s construction—it’s not always real. But… he still had to confirm it personally. Absolutely!
Unaware that he was already on the Saen Clan’s top-priority watchlist, the entire Royal City was turned upside down over this incident.
Beiyuan only knew that at last, he and Sinsid had caught a break in the search for the Ghost Spider Lady.
The catalyst was that Amai’s leg had finally healed— in the past three days, Beiyuan had witnessed her agonizing through treatment.
Surprisingly, after the first time where Amai had relied on his help, the following two times she endured on her own. Her endurance was commendable.
Fortunately, the result was very encouraging.
With her leg fully recovered, Amai easily reclaimed her spot in the official performance.
Those substitutes who had previously mocked her could only now glare with jealousy and bitterness from afar, forced to avoid her presence under the watchful eye of the Head of Troupe.
The Head of Troupe said, “I don’t care what grudges you have among yourselves, but Amai is now one of the performers. If she messes up, the entire show will be affected. If the performance fails, I will stake my entire reputation and wealth. Don’t expect me to go easy on anyone— if I catch the culprit, I’ll drag them down with me!”
None of the substitutes had ever seen the Head of Troupe look so fierce. It seemed that as the performance date neared, the anxiety and tension affected more than just one person.
So, on this day, Amai brought back news: “We’re going to the Royal City for rehearsal this afternoon. Beiyuan, didn’t you say you wanted to see the Dragon Bell? That bell tower is right where we’re rehearsing. Do you want to come?”
Since returning to the troupe, the girl had let go of many past worries, now fully focused on her training, always enthusiastic.
Oh? Beiyuan and Sinsid exchanged a glance, realizing this was a perfect chance to sneak in, and both nodded firmly with the approval of the Yan King. “Let’s go!”
The two subtly disguised themselves. Sinsid draped a cloak borrowed from the troupe over his body, barely concealing his iconic denim outfit.
They suppressed their auras and slipped in behind the troupe heading to the Royal City.
Perhaps because the Crown Prince’s Ceremony of Adulthood was approaching, the city gate inspections were unusually strict.
Soldiers stopped them, extending a hand, “Please show your Identity Terminals and cooperate with verification.”
Beiyuan’s steps halted, his eyes flicking to the side as he was about to respond.
Ahead, Amai, who had entered the city with the group, rushed back like a protective mother hen, blocking the soldiers. Hands on her hips, she glared, “Didn’t the Head of Troupe show you the troupe’s Pass Permit? They’re my friends, from the same K7746 Star as me. You probably haven’t even heard of that star. Places like ours—most people can’t even afford a Terminal.”
“…People still can’t afford Terminals these days?” The soldier expressed doubt.
At that moment, another soldier leaned over and whispered, “Low-tier stars, I see it all the time. As long as that permit from the Head of Troupe is real, don’t bother with this. There are people waiting behind you.”
The soldier frowned but, urged by the crowd behind, eventually waved them through.
Only after Beiyuan’s figure faded into the distance did the soldier suddenly say to his companion, “That blond, golden-eyed boy— could he be the person the higher-ups said they’re looking for?”
“You’re crazy. The person up top is an adult man, that doesn’t even match in age! Though the reward is something I’ve never seen in eight generations, as your senior, let me warn you: this isn’t simple. Don’t take the job if you can avoid it, and if you do, don’t mess it up— or you’ll lose your life!”
Nobody dared to provoke those in power.
Hearing this, the soldier felt the logic and shivered, falling silent.
“Amai, why did you say we’re your fellow townspeople just now?” Inside the city, Sinsid admired the majestic Royal City while casually asking.
Amai pouted, “I know you’re not. At first, I even thought you were from Saan Wangcheng…”
“Now you know we’re not.” Beiyuan gently tapped the Yan King’s mouth. That cat had just nearly sneezed, and if Beiyuan hadn’t reacted quickly, there would likely have been a fiery disaster right there.
One had to admit, having too high combat power could be troublesome. Especially when trying to blend into ordinary crowds— it required extreme caution everywhere.
“Hmm.” Amai vaguely responded, rubbing the back of her head, “But it doesn’t matter now. I’ve decided already— if you’re going into the Royal City, I’ll help you unconditionally.”
Beiyuan teased, “When did you decide that?”
“Well… the first time and later too…” Amai wasn’t good at such heartfelt topics. She narrowed her eyes, “Anyway, I already see you as one of us. Though I don’t know what you’re doing in the city, my grandfather says the people there are all tough— be careful.”
“And if after your business there you still have time, remember to come watch my rehearsal. Besides my grandfather, my ice dance is for you guys too!”
It turned out Amai was harder to fool than they thought. She didn’t say much, but had already sensed some things. Yet, she chose to cooperate.
Sinsid and Beiyuan exchanged a glance, silently confirming their plan. Beiyuan nodded and said to Amai, “Not just your rehearsal— we’ll come to your official performance as well.”
Amai clearly didn’t believe it, “The official performance will be tightly sealed off, broadcast across the entire star system, and attended by all the big shots! It’s not like the city gate where it’s easy to sneak in. Getting caught there means death— don’t be stupid.”
Beiyuan gave her a meaningful look but said nothing. Well, the truth would speak for itself when the time came.
Meanwhile, the Head of Troupe spotted Amai lagging behind and was already urging her on.
Their rehearsal venue was shared with other teams performing on the Ceremony of Adulthood day. The few hours of access had been reserved for days— truly precious time.
Beiyuan watched Amai hurry away, bidding her a casual goodbye, then turned to Sinsid. “Let’s go.” His tone was calm, as if discussing what to buy for dinner, “We’ll get this done in one go.”
Sinsid responded with a grin, eager to move.
*
The Saen Clan arranged accommodations for all honored guests coming to the Royal City.
The Rose Castle, connected to a western garden, was the temporary residence of Duke Florendo.
This duke was the current Saen King’s cousin, descended from ancestors with brilliant military achievements and great fame.
Even among the invited nobility, he was not to be underestimated and required everyone’s utmost respect.
“This is the place?” Beiyuan confirmed.
Sinsid tightened his cloak, looked at the spider leg in his trembling hand, and crushed it to prevent the main body from sensing their arrival. Then he nodded, “This is definitely it.”
With the search narrowed to this castle, tracking the Ghost Spider Lady’s whereabouts suddenly became much easier.
Beiyuan closed his eyes and concentrated on the swirling information carried on the wind. The next moment, his golden eyes snapped open, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips. “Found her.”
Meanwhile, inside Rose Castle’s great hall, Duke Florendo was confronting the noble guests who had arrived today.
Without even glancing at the guard pressed to the ground, Duke Florendo said righteously to Fazel, “Your Highness, I don’t know this man at all. Arranging him near you to take advantage of your Spirit Power Outburst and harm you is nonsense!”
“You can’t doubt me because of accusations from a lowborn!” he added defensively. “After all, I’m your uncle!”
Fazel lifted his gaze calmly. “Since I’m here, I won’t wrong you. I know exactly what you’re thinking.” He stood slowly. “My father has only one son. If I die, many of you would benefit. But,”
He enunciated each word, “I will not die.”
Not before, not now— after what he experienced in the spirit world, a determination had taken root, making it impossible.
Duke Florendo’s eyes darkened, but he quickly masked his unease. Whether to change the subject or for some other reason, he suddenly ordered an attendant, “Bring the Lady here!”
Then, turning back with a comforting smile to Fazel, “Your Highness, you may need some time to calm down. Do you still remember the young lady? You played together once as children. Now that she’s grown, I’m sure she’ll have more in common with you. Perhaps you should talk first.”
The attendant who received the order suddenly recalled the lady’s strange behavior these past few days, and the terrifying power she had recently exhibited.
His legs wobbled involuntarily, and fear gradually clouded his face.
At that moment, another maid burst in, panicked, shouting, “Miss! Miss has been kidnapped!”
“What?!” Duke Florendo sprang up. He had always regarded that sudden power as a divine gift aiding him. How could he allow any mishaps now? Furious, he barked, “Explain properly! What happened?”
The maid stammered out her report: The duke’s daughter was picking roses in the garden when suddenly her face changed. She shouted, “He’s here! They’re chasing!” and fled in another direction. As the maid was about to follow, a flash of exceptionally bright golden light appeared before her eyes, and the lady vanished!
Duke Florendo cursed her nonsense— people can’t just disappear out of thin air—and ordered everyone to search immediately.
Meanwhile, Fazel, who had been watching this chaos coldly and without expression, suddenly had his breathing disturbed when he heard “a flash of golden light.”
He stood up resolutely, leaving no room for doubt: “Take me to the place you mentioned.”