Outside Market District
Rayan stood in the middle of the outer market, his eyes fixed on the royal letter in his hand. The message was heavy with meaning; it wasn't just an invitation, but an official declaration that the Heavenly Sect was now under the kingdom's direct watch.
He smiled as he tucked the letter into his robe, then looked at the royal guard still standing respectfully before him.
"So, when does the king want me at the palace?"
The royal guard bowed slightly and replied in a serious tone, "His Majesty requests your presence as soon as possible. He expects you before sunset."
Rayan nodded, then turned to return to the sect. He couldn't ignore such a summons, but he had no intention of going unprepared.
---
Inside the Heavenly Sect
As soon as Rayan returned, he was surrounded by the senior disciples and newly appointed leaders. He informed them of the contents of the royal message. Some faces showed concern, while others were excited.
Ling Xuan, one of the top seven gifted disciples, said, "Sect Leader, we can't let you go alone. The kingdom may seem friendly now, but they wouldn't hesitate to crush us if they saw us as a threat."
Rayan nodded in agreement. "I won't go alone, but we also can't show up with too many people. That would raise suspicion."
After a brief discussion, it was decided that only three people would accompany him:
Luo Ming, bearer of the Heavenly Lightning Talent, known for his rapid offense and defense.
Jing Fei, with the Iron Body Talent, a living shield should battle arise.
Ling Xuan, who wielded the Heavenly Wind Talent, perfect for scouting and cover.
Rayan looked at them and muttered, "This won't be an ordinary meeting, but we will not show weakness."
---
On the Road to the Capital
The four mounted swift horses and headed toward the royal palace. The journey was long but mostly uneventful, save for a few odd stares from travelers and merchants along the way.
But halfway through the road, Rayan suddenly stopped, eyes narrowing at a shadow moving unnaturally fast between the trees.
"Stop."
The group obeyed, preparing for combat, but the shadow vanished as if it had never existed.
Rayan looked up at the cloudy sky and muttered, "It seems we're already being watched…"
---
Inside the Royal Palace
Upon reaching the capital gates, the royal guards were already waiting. The massive gates opened, granting them direct entry into the royal palace.
Inside, the palace was grand and imposing. Guards lined the hallways, and royal music echoed through the air.
But what struck Rayan the most was the overwhelming pressure that hit him the moment he stepped into the throne room.
The king sat on his golden throne, and beside him were nine elderly men. Each of them sat with immense confidence, their bodies radiating terrifying auras that made the air feel twice as heavy.
The Nine Guardians of the Kingdom!
Rayan's companions felt the weight, sweat forming on their brows, but Rayan remained calm, his gaze steady.
He knew this was a test—they were trying to gauge his strength using their aura alone.
But Rayan was no weakling, and he had no intention of backing down.
He stepped forward, raised his head, and released just a sliver of his power. Instantly, the oppressive aura around him dissipated as if it had never existed.
The Nine Guardians exchanged glances, some even showing faint smiles. The king raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
The king's eyes held a mix of curiosity and intrigue, as if reevaluating Rayan in that very moment.
One of the Nine Guardians, a white-haired man with narrow eyes, muttered under his breath, "Interesting… he didn't hesitate for a moment."
After a brief silence, the king spoke in a calm voice, "At last, the leader of the Heavenly Sect has arrived… Sit. We have much to discuss."
Rayan glanced at the throne, then at the Nine Guardians…
He knew this night would be far from peaceful.
— End of Chapter!