7. This world is so beautiful

Inside the Barrier

White Protector silently observed the two figures outside.

"Is my life always at the mercy of these people?"

"At this moment, reinforcements haven't arrived—likely blocked by the massive army of Seventh Moon General."

"It seems I can only rely on myself. This flag with three tigers—is it destiny? No, it's a key. In that case..."

Gripping the flag tightly, he declared:

"Destiny is in my hands. If you kill me, I will destroy this key along with myself!"

His bold proclamation momentarily froze the tense atmosphere outside.

But soon after, the commander of the strongest legion in the Moonlight Empire, Seventh Moon General Aurelius Brightblade, immediately responded with vigor:

"So, you've chosen death after all. Fine. Detonate yourself, then, to atone for the great minister, for His Majesty, and for Young Master Sterling."

"Detonate... detonate!"

The unified chant of 10,000 soldiers echoed, carrying an oppressive might.

White Protector's eyes turned bloodshot as he struggled internally. Spiritual energy surged through his body, and then—BOOM! A massive explosion erupted, shaking the surroundings.

Outside, Master Bai Hua furrowed his brows slightly.

'This general is truly formidable, using me to force the hand of Shadow City while simultaneously demonstrating power to intimidate us. A bold warrior with deep schemes, indeed.'

Aurelius Brightblade, finally turned and addressed him, his expression unchanging. It was as though killing one of the five protectors of Shadow City—one of the strongest forces in Central Continent—meant nothing to him.

"This man has perished to atone for his sins. Next, regarding your discipline of General Lucius Aurelius, I am deeply grateful. It was my failure in not managing him strictly that caused you trouble. I will personally visit Bai Hua Academy to offer thanks another day. Currently, I am burdened with my mission and cannot host you properly. If there is no pressing matter, I kindly ask you to take your leave."

Master Bai Hua, clearly concerned, turned his gaze toward the barrier and spoke seriously:

"A Nascent Soul cultivator's self-detonation has immense power. Everything within the barrier has been reduced to ashes, save for the flag, which remains intact. This flag, born from a phenomenon enveloping the Eastern Continent... this is no trivial matter. To ask us to leave—is this truly the will of your emperor?"

Aurelius Brightblade hesitated, his expression briefly turning blank as if unsure how to respond.

Master Bai Hua caught this subtle shift, his eyes narrowing.

"You cannot handle such a divine artifact on your own. Strengthening alliances will increase our chances of success and prevent outsiders from stealing it from Eastern Continent. What do you think, General?"

Aurelius Brightblade's expression sharpened, returning to his stern demeanor. Bowing respectfully, he replied:

"Your intentions are in accordance with the instructions of my Majesty."

..

After reaching an agreement, Aurelius Brightblade attempted to retrieve the flag using his divine power, but it remained unmoving. A faint chuckle echoed from nowhere, but his expression remained composed. He commanded loudly:

"Who will volunteer to recover the flag?"

One officer stepped forward.

"Your subordinate humbly requests permission to retrieve the flag."

The entire process went smoothly, without any disturbances.

Holding the flag in his hands, Brightblade murmured with admiration:

"Truly extraordinary... this flag has an exceptional origin. Dismissed. Master, please rest in the camp."

...

In the corner, Young Master Arthur Sterling, now protected and escorted back to the city, was comforted by his father, City Lord Dominic Sterling.

"My son, today you've achieved a great feat. This time, the emperor will surely reward you. Such minor grievances are not worth mentioning. Success always comes with sacrifice. I am proud of you, and you should be proud of yourself as well. When we return, I will once again visit the Lucius Estate to propose a marriage for you and Lucius Clara. I am confident it will be different this time."

Arthur Sterling, his eyes brimming with tears, replied:

"I truly achieved a great feat... but my body was violated… ooooh... I have nothing left!"

City Lord Dominic Sterling, unwilling to see his son lose his spirit, sighed and finally reassured him:

"My son, what happened earlier... it was merely an act, not the truth."

"Really, Father?"

"Don't you trust me? I am your father, after all."

...

Upon returning to the City Lord's residence:

"My dear son, recount everything that happened in the forest to me and General Aurelius Brightblade," said City Lord Dominic Sterling.

Arthur Sterling, now in high spirits after being treated and cleared of his concerns during the journey, puffed out his chest with pride and confidently replied:

"At around 3 a.m., I led a secret attack on the bandit camp of the Three Tigers. Everything went smoothly. While taking shelter from the rain at a nearby temple, the phenomenon occurred. Realizing that I wasn't in a position to participate, I withdrew. Upon exiting, I encountered Master Bai Hua, who blocked my path. Then, General Lucius Aurelius helped me escape. Finally, I was deceived by people from Shadow City but was fortunately rescued by the general. I am deeply grateful for his rescue."

The atmosphere grew slightly tense.

City Lord Dominic Sterling was stunned, about to speak, General Brightblade calmly intervened, signaling permission.

"This is my identity token, which cannot be forged. Rest assured now. The guards who accompanied you reported that during the phenomenon, they were all distracted and unaware. You were the first to wake and alert them. Young Master, please tell us the truth to avoid jeopardizing this critical matter."

Arthur Sterling glanced at his father, who looked at him with disappointment.

General Brightblade said no more, instead pulling out a flag and asking:

"Can you describe this flag in detail?"

Arthur Sterling stammered, "You don't believe me... wait, I don't remember clearly... could my memory have been altered? That despicable White Protector stole it from me!"

He continued, "When I raided the mountain camp, I noticed this flag was unusual and brought it with me. When the phenomenon occurred at the Three Tigers Mountain, the flag in my hand began to glow. I don't remember everything clearly, but I knew the flag was important. The most critical thing was to bring it back to His Majesty for those capable of competing for this treasure. Everything I've said is the truth."

Dominic Sterling smiled with satisfaction.

"Good. You are indeed my cleverest son."

General Brightblade nodded in approval.

"Truly, a young hero with both courage and wisdom. You deserve recognition. I shall recommend you to the Emperor. Rest for now."

"I take my leave, Father."

Stepping outside, Arthur Sterling looked up and thought, What a beautiful world...

...

Inside the Room:

"Based on what this young man said, it's truly unimaginable... that mountain camp hides such immense secrets."

"Surely, your son must have fulfilled certain conditions that triggered the phenomenon. This young man is indeed extraordinarily fortunate..."

"Congratulations, City Lord, for having a son with such heavenly luck."

"Haha, you flatter my boy too much"