Bu Xin was surprised but maintained a calm demeanor, quietly observing the person before him. At that moment, Sean Sterling spoke lightly, "I am Sean Sterling, and these three are the contestants who have stood out in Sparta City." He gestured casually towards the three individuals but did not bother to introduce them one by one.
Seemingly noticing Sean Sterling's indifferent attitude and reluctance to engage in conversation, the burly man named Ya Heng laughed heartily, "Honorable Examiner, you have traveled a long way. Duke Habia has already ordered accommodations to be arranged. Allow me to lead you and your esteemed companions to rest."
Ya Heng smiled as he scanned the three individuals, and when his gaze landed on Bu Xin, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes. However, he ultimately smiled and nodded before turning to lead the way.
Watching Ya Heng walk ahead, Bu Mei furrowed her brow slightly. She had been secretly observing him and had noticed the brief look of surprise in his eyes, which he quickly concealed.
"What does that fleeting look of surprise mean when he saw me? And why does this person share my skin color?" Bu Xin pondered as he subconsciously followed the group.
"Previously, I had this doubt in my mind. The people of Fran Continent have different skin colors from mine, resembling those from Western European countries in my past life. But why do the people here not seem surprised or astonished by my uniqueness?
Moreover, I have learned from some historical texts about Fran Continent that during the Unified Era of Huabao, most humans had black hair and black eyes, which is different from today.
I thought it was merely an ancient rumor, but unexpectedly today I encountered someone with the same skin color as mine. Who is he? What kind of identity does he possess?" Bu Xin's eyes revealed confusion as he gazed at Ya Heng leading the way, seemingly trying to discern something while also staring aimlessly.
The group was surrounded by a squad of soldiers as they approached the city gate. The crowd along the way parted, stopping to cast various glances at them. Faint voices of discussion could be heard.
"This is already the third batch of people. From Lord Ya Heng's address earlier, it seems that these contestants are from Sparta City. Look... do you see that person? He is a big shot, sent here by Holy Light Academy as a Judge."
"Of course! Who doesn't know that? The first two batches that entered the city not long ago were contestants from Sharl City and Arthur City. That leading Judge rides an Azure Pigeon Hawk and a Storm Sparrow—top-tier beasts among Intermediate Beasts."
"This Judge's Contract Beast is no simple creature either; it's an adult Fearsome Sparrow Beast. Although it looks a bit ugly, its strength is impressive."
As the discussions reached his ears, Bu Xin snapped back to reality from his thoughts and realized that they were indeed part of the third batch to arrive.
Before them, the participants from Sharl City and Arthur City, both of which are among the Twelve Great Cities, had already arrived.
Curious, Bu set aside his thoughts about Ya Heng and turned to listen carefully to the news being shared by the crowd around him.
"Hey... you may not know this. Among the three participants from Arthur City, there is a member of the Arthur Royal Family. It is said that he is an outstanding descendant secretly nurtured by the Arthur Royal Family, being prepared as a candidate for the next generation heir. This individual possesses astonishing strength and can be considered a prodigy, making him a strong contender for the championship in this Peak Showdown."
A low-level Mercenary Man spoke mysteriously to those nearby.
"Is that true? Hasn't it been a long time since any direct descendants of the Arthur Royal Family have been active? In the last few Qualification Challenges, there were no participants from the Arthur Royal Family," questioned a Red-Nosed Old Man beside the Mercenary Man, who nodded in agreement with others.
Seeing that he couldn't convince them, the Mercenary Man seemed a bit anxious, his face turning red as he spoke hurriedly: "This news is absolutely true! My uncle's son's friend's brother is a Patrol Captain in the inner city. He saw it with his own eyes and even heard the lord of the inner city mention it."
"The lord himself said so?" The Red-Nosed Old Man looked surprised and exchanged glances with those nearby before nodding: "If it was mentioned by the lord himself, then it must be true. I didn't expect that after years of inactivity, the Arthur Royal Family would send descendants to participate in the Qualification Challenge."
"It seems that this Peak Showdown will be more competitive than ever," they all shook their heads in lamentation, seemingly wary of the Arthur Royal Family.
"The Arthur Royal Family..." Bu Xin's mind stirred as he glanced subtly at Kalandor.
Warren Earl had already informed Bu about Kalandor's identity, so upon hearing about the Arthur Royal Family, Bu instinctively shifted his gaze toward Kalandor to observe his reaction.
As he secretly watched, Bu noticed that Kalandor's expression was somewhat gloomy. Although he still wore a smile, to Bu, that smile seemed cold.
This coldness was filled with suppressed hatred, silent anger, and deep pain—a desire to explode after being repressed for so long.
Bu found it hard to imagine how someone who always appeared cheerful and seemingly content with life could harbor such intense hatred deep within.
This hatred is often unnoticed, buried deep within the heart. But once triggered, everyone who sees it cannot help but feel a chill inside.
"What kind of person is he? What kind of past does he have?" Bu Xin thought curiously, unable to resist glancing at Kalandor a few more times.
As if sensing the gaze, Kalandor slightly furrowed his brows and turned his head to look over, only to find that it was Bu who was looking at him. Kalandor was taken aback for a moment, then relaxed his brows, forcing a disinterested smile as he greeted Bu, before lowering his head to ponder.
Step felt awkward, as if he had been caught doing something shameful. Fortunately, Kalandor did not make him uncomfortable, but he also felt it was inappropriate to disturb him further and suppressed his curiosity.
The various pieces of information heard along the way benefited everyone. Although Reynold maintained a calm demeanor, when he learned that one of the three participants from Arthur City was a direct descendant of the Arthur Royal Family, known for their exceptional talent, his pupils momentarily contracted.
In just a short while, the group passed through the tall and wide city gates and entered the city. With a squad of guards leading the way, they encountered many crowds along the route who did not obstruct them. Upon seeing the group, they recognized them as important figures and all stopped to make way.
"Lord Sean, the Duke will host a banquet at the palace tonight to entertain the esteemed guests sent by Holy Light Academy and many participants of this Peak Showdown. At that time, please bring these three distinguished individuals to the palace for the feast," said Ah Heng.
The four of them followed Ah Heng to a luxurious carriage parked beside the street in the city. Several young men and women dressed as servants respectfully bowed to them. Ah Heng approached Sean Sterling and bowed respectfully before turning to smile warmly at Bu and the others.
Sean Sterling nodded slightly and replied calmly, "I understand. Now, please lead us to our arranged accommodations; we need to freshen up first."
Ah Heng nodded in response, "Of course. The Duke instructed me to wait for your arrival and arranged for me to protect you during the Peak Showdown. Given your extraordinary strength, I dare not claim to guard you, but I can assist with other trivial matters. Please get in the carriage with these three distinguished individuals."
After finishing his words, Ah Heng bowed in invitation. The servants had already skillfully opened the carriage door, arranged the seats, and laid down blankets.
Sean Sterling said nothing as he stepped into the carriage. Kalandor and Reynold followed suit. Step took one last deep look at Ah Heng; under his smiling gaze, he was the last to board the carriage.
This carriage was of very high specification, surpassing even the most luxurious carriage of the Aldra Family by several measures. The horses pulling it were well-trained low-level magical beasts known as Silverhorn Horses.
The Silverhorn Horse possesses remarkable stamina, capable of traveling a thousand miles in a day. Its elegant physique and appearance make it a noble breed among horses. Furthermore, this horse is extremely difficult to breed, resulting in a scarce population, and even fewer can be tamed, making it worth its weight in gold—only top-tier powers can afford to own one.
Even if an ordinary force manages to acquire one, they would not be able to enjoy it. This is because the Silverhorn Horse is incredibly picky, refusing to eat anything but rare herbs and drink anything but the essence of spiritual springs, making it a true money pit.
Four Silverhorn Horses snorted loudly as they pulled a wide and luxurious carriage, moving with graceful steps and extraordinary majesty. Two handsome young Servants sat at the driver's seat of the carriage, skillfully wielding the reins and steering.
Yaheng rode a large stallion ahead of the carriage, his posture straight and his demeanor striking. Following closely behind this caravan was a line of guards marching swiftly in perfect formation.
Such a grand mode of travel made pedestrians and noble carriages alike dare not obstruct the road; upon seeing them, everyone hurriedly made way. Most people understood that the Peak Showdown was approaching, and important figures from the Holy Light Academy would soon arrive in the imperial capital. No one would be foolish enough to block the road.
Inside the carriage was a jade table about a yard long, adorned with fine wine, pastries, fruits, and cooked dishes. Two skilled maids poured wine for the four individuals before standing elegantly to the side, waiting for orders.
Bu sat at the table, pouring his own drink with an air of nonchalance. Kalandor appeared lost in thought but remained silent. As for Sean Sterling and Reynold, they were both tight-lipped.
Sean Sterling, being a magician, believed that one must always maintain a calm mind regardless of time or place; thus, he abstained from alcohol and sat on the sofa chair with his eyes closed in meditation.
Reynold clutched his long sword tightly, repeatedly rubbing a piece of fur with intense focus. His concentration drew eye rolls from Bu, who could not help but set down his Azure Morning Sword onto the Jade Table.
Comment 0 Comment Count