Go to The Grand Sacred Dragon Empire

In the blink of an eye, within the expansive gardens of a magnificent castle with distinct Eastern architectural flair, a luminous circle emerged, adorned with intricate symbols serving as coordinates. This light created a gentle ripple in the fabric of space-time before materializing two figures from the void in an instant.

Given the vast distance and the unfamiliar location to which Melinda had traveled, a coordinate marker or pinpoint was essential to link these separate points in space-time. Typically, a courier would employ standard transportation to reach the destination, carrying an orb imbued with Melinda's unique magical energy.

Raiden surveyed his surroundings, admiring the buildings steeped in a particular cultural essence. "Hmm, we are indeed in the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire," he murmured softly, nodding slightly as an indirect compliment to the beauty of the gardens and the surrounding architecture.

The environment around Raiden bore a striking resemblance to imperial castles from China's medieval dynasties, yet seamlessly integrated with modern touches.

Activating his Ethereal Sight, Raiden traced several sources of immense magical energy converging in a special chamber within the castle. By calibrating his vision, he could clearly see at great distances and pierce through barriers. He located three immensely powerful sorcerers from the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire engaged in conversation with his mother, accompanied by his aunt.

Though Ethereal Sight was limited to visual perception, Raiden could not discern the topic of their discussion. However, it was evident they were conversing casually and with laughter, keenly observing each other's facial expressions.

"Melinda, is our family planning to forge an alliance with the Empress of the Sacred Dragon Empire?" Raiden inquired with curiosity, recalling the sudden summons from his mother without a comprehensive explanation. "Considering they are our nation's main rivals, wouldn't our closeness with the empire's highest echelon make the SSA's political elite, who oppose sorcerers, view the Heliosbane family as traitors or adversaries?" he continued more seriously.

Melinda understood her young master's concerns, yet she was confident that strengthening ties with the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire would bolster the Heliosbane family's political power. Despite the substantial risk, where they might be perceived as pawns of a foreign power with significant independent military strength.

"As you mentioned, Young Master, this meeting indeed carries high stakes, but should it succeed, the benefits would outweigh the risks. Besides, there's no need for excessive worry; numerous high-ranking government officials, including senators from powerful factions, are our allies," Melinda replied astutely, aiming to ease Raiden's mind.

Raiden nodded slightly, offering a sweet smile in response. "You're right," he replied succinctly.

---

In an opulent private chamber, Lysandra sat in an elegantly decorated chair, with Calista standing by her side. At the opposite end of the table, the Empress of the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire, Xia Linxue, sat in an identical chair, flanked by two aides who also served as her guards.

"Xia Linxue, are you truly considering betrothing the crown princess to my son?" Lysandra asked, serious yet maintaining a relaxed and informal tone.

Xia Linxue, the Empress of the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire, the supreme ruler of this vast nation, took no issue with Lysandra's informal address. The two had been close friends since childhood.

Clad in a dragon robe of the finest silk, adorned with golden dragon embroidery symbolizing authority, and embellished with other luxurious adornments, Xia Linxue exuded grandeur and allure. Her attire harmonized perfectly with her elegant, oriental visage, as if she were born to be a genuine Empress with a naturally regal demeanor.

Her jet-black hair glistened, her skin was flawlessly alabaster, and her features were sculpted to perfection. She radiated extraordinary beauty and majesty.

Xia Linxue carved a graceful smile before responding with a voice as melodious as the celestial harp. "Of course, dear Lysandra. Haven't we already made a pact about this?" She sipped her warm tea with an elegant motion, but her body tensed instantly as she sensed the powerful presence watching them. "Ah, it seems he's arrived. Truly surprising, your son possesses the sight to penetrate the superior magical barriers of this castle." Her lips curled into a playful smile, unfazed by such boldness.

Lysandra replied with a melodious laugh, savoring her tea gracefully. "Indeed, that is his nature. My little man was born with a brave spirit." Pride was evident in every word she spoke. "However, it might be wise to introduce them first. Considering your daughter detests constraints and harbors a rebellious spirit at her tender age, there's a significant chance she will vehemently oppose our plan." A subtle worry tinged her voice.

Xia Linxue pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Perhaps you're right, but it would be more perfect if—" Her words were abruptly cut off by a tremendous explosion that shook the entire castle, rattling the sturdy walls of the grand structure.

∆∆∆

Moments earlier, Raiden strolled leisurely alongside Melinda towards the castle where his mother and aunt resided. The palace guards made way without hindrance, as their arrival had been announced in advance.

However, their tranquility was disturbed when a pair of figures blocked their path—a young man and a woman with beauty akin to a masterpiece painting.

Raiden halted, his gaze filled with curiosity as he observed the pair before him. "Hmm—what business might you have with us?" he inquired calmly.

Raiden's relaxed demeanor incited the anger of the fox-eyed young man standing beside the beautiful woman. "How dare you speak so disrespectfully in the presence of the Crown Princess!" he snarled, drawing a pair of short swords from their sheaths. An unusual green energy—distinct from ordinary magic—flowed along the blades of his weapons. "Accept your punishment!" With deadly precision, he swung his swords simultaneously, unleashing two crescent-shaped energy waves that crisscrossed through the air.

The energy slashes sped like lightning, slicing through the air and cleaving trees along their path effortlessly.

Melinda swiftly moved closer to Raiden, activating translocation magic to teleport them to the rooftop of a building not far from the palace gates.

"Sword Qi," Melinda murmured in awe, nodding in appreciation. "Young Master, be cautious. That green energy is the manifestation of Sword Qi—a legendary technique mastered by only a select few in the Grand Sacred Dragon Empire."

A flicker of green light suddenly appeared before Raiden. The young man materialized in the air with astonishing speed. "Oh, your knowledge is commendable. Yet, it's all for naught—this man must face the consequences of his insolence." His praise for Melinda was followed by a threat as cold as ice.

Without hesitation, he thrust his Qi-imbued sword towards Raiden. A satisfied grin spread across his face as he witnessed his target's body being severed with a perfect, clean cut.