Chapter 19: An Audience with the Saintess

The Black Dragon Sect possessed overwhelming strength; even though they were the royal family of Anluan Kingdom, they would never dare act arrogantly. As An Wenxuan and An Fei’er approached, the elder of the Black Dragon Sect swept his sleeve, releasing a hearty laugh from his lips.

“You need not be so formal, young friends. Since fate has brought us together, why not come aboard the Black Dragon Vessel for a conversation?”

An Wenxuan was startled and turned to glance at An Fei’er. Their eyes met for a brief moment before parting. Both rose to their feet and, employing a light spell, leapt onto the Black Dragon Vessel, standing before the elder.

Now, An Wenxuan could clearly see the scene aboard the vessel. On the deck sat a luxurious chair, upon which rested a woman in a white dress and veil, surrounded by an aura of ethereal grace that obscured her features. Yet a cold aura lingered around her.

Behind her, four elders stood in two rows. The woman was idly playing with a long sword; its blade gleamed white as snow.

The elder who had invited them led the pair to the center of the deck.

“This is our sect’s Saintess, Ziyan.”

“And these two are An Wenxuan, the crown prince of Anluan Kingdom, and his sister, An Fei’er.”

With the introductions complete, the elder stepped aside.

Ziyan did not even lift her eyelids, continuing to toy with the sword in her hands.

An Wenxuan and An Fei’er were both visibly excited. The Saintess of the Black Dragon Sect! Today, fortune truly smiled upon them. If they could forge a connection with her, would Wenxuan need to worry about his position as crown prince any longer?

Such thoughts ignited a blazing fire in Wenxuan’s eyes.

He immediately spoke, “An Wenxuan, prince of Anluan Kingdom, along with my sister An Fei’er, greet the Saintess Ziyan of the Black Dragon Sect.”

Ziyan’s hands did not pause, replying coolly, “Please rise.”

“Are you two headed somewhere?”

“Ah, we are bound for the Southern Ridge Mountains,” Wenxuan explained hurriedly.

“In that case, since our paths align, let us seek a common cause. I have invited you onto the Black Dragon Vessel today precisely for this reason—I wish to cooperate with you both. What are your thoughts?” Ziyan asked.

A subtle smile appeared on Wenxuan’s face, though he strove to conceal it. Opportunity had come unbidden; the Black Dragon Sect themselves wished to collaborate. If he refused now, he would be a fool.

“Saintess, please speak. No matter the task, so long as I am able, I will not hesitate. If need be, I would go through fire and water to aid you,” Wenxuan replied sincerely.

“There’s no need for such extremes,” Ziyan laughed softly, her mirth tinged with chill.

“I simply wish to ask you both—how fare your eyes now?”

The question left Wenxuan and Fei’er momentarily stunned. They looked at one another, unable to answer immediately.

“Saintess, in Anluan Kingdom, only our monarch has cultivated his vision to the level of the Fiery Sphere Pupil. We are somewhat inferior,” Wenxuan admitted.

The secret arts of Anluan Kingdom were notoriously difficult to cultivate. Not only was exceptional talent and insight required, but countless treasures had to be gathered to enhance the process. Relying on only one of these factors rarely advanced one's realm. Moreover, even a single piece of Celestial Wood was exceedingly rare. They wished to succeed, but lacked the means—how disheartening.

Ziyan nodded, her tone unchanged, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes.

“If either of you possessed the Fiery Sphere Pupil, it would suffice...”

Wenxuan’s gaze shifted. “Saintess, may I ask whether the secret arts of our kingdom are related to this upcoming secret realm?”

Ziyan finally raised her eyes to Wenxuan. He was indeed shrewd.

“Since you have guessed as much, I will not conceal it. According to our intelligence, this secret realm may well belong to the legendary Supreme Yi Li, who once dominated the entire Martial Heaven Domain single-handedly!”

Yi Li!?

No wonder the opening of this secret realm had drawn sects from all corners, with even the Black Dragon Sect—the apex of power—arriving in haste.

Wenxuan and Fei’er were deeply shocked.

“The secret arts of your kingdom are, in fact, derived from the techniques of Supreme Yi Li,” Ziyan explained.

“I know. It is said that one of our ancestors once served Supreme Yi Li...” Wenxuan continued.

If this were true, their journey would be twice as fruitful!

Wenxuan looked up determinedly at Ziyan; this must be why the Black Dragon Sect sought collaboration.

“Thank you, Saintess Ziyan, for your guidance. Though our skill in the secret arts is not high, we do have a method to rapidly advance our abilities in a short time.”

“So, before we reach the secret realm, it is not impossible for us to attain the Fiery Sphere Pupil!”

“Oh? What method is this?” Ziyan’s interest was piqued.

Wenxuan smiled confidently. “By using the treasure that my third sister possesses.”

“Then let us set out immediately to find your third sister. It seems we will rely on you both for this expedition.” Ziyan’s smile dispelled her cold aura. “Of course, the Black Dragon Sect will not let you leave empty-handed. The rewards shall be yours to choose.”

Was this the seal of their alliance?

Wenxuan was thrilled; both he and Fei’er exchanged knowing smiles.

Truly, fortune had favored them with little effort!

“Rest assured, Saintess. We shall give our utmost!” Wenxuan responded with a smile.

The Black Dragon Vessel set off at once, heading directly toward the direction of the Fire Moon Sect.

...

Indeed, the treasure ship of the Black Dragon Sect could easily cover ten thousand miles in a day.

Before long, the vessel appeared within the territory of the Fire Moon Sect.

“Ziyan, Saintess of the Black Dragon Sect, pays her respects to the Fire Moon Sect!”

“An Wenxuan, prince of Anluan Kingdom, and Princess An Fei’er, pay their respects to the Fire Moon Sect!”

The Black Dragon Vessel hovered above the sect, and a deep, resonant voice pierced the air, reverberating across the land.

The entire Fire Moon Sect was awash with this sound.

“What’s happening? Why have people from the Black Dragon Sect arrived?”

“Is it the Black Dragon Sect I’m thinking of? The pinnacle of the Martial Heaven Domain?”

Yu Qiushui’s expression remained unchanged, though his heart was full of astonishment.

“Sect Master, could it be because of the secret realm…” Huang Xiantang whispered.

“I fear it’s more than just that. And this secret realm may not be as simple as it seems,” Yu Qiushui analyzed calmly.

“Let’s go out and see. Stay calm—we still have Elder Zhu as our backing. No matter what, do not lose composure.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, Yu Qiushui led the others out of the sect.

An Yue’er’s face was solemn; she hadn’t misheard—those who arrived alongside the Saintess of the Black Dragon Sect were An Wenxuan and An Fei’er!

How had they managed to associate themselves with the Black Dragon Sect?

Yu Qiushui was the first to exit the gate.

The Black Dragon Vessel descended slowly from midair, landing smoothly.

Ziyan rose leisurely from her ornate seat, leading Wenxuan and Fei’er down from the vessel.

“The Sect Master of the Fire Moon Sect, along with the disciples, greet the Saintess of the Black Dragon Sect and the prince and princess.”

Yu Qiushui secretly glanced at the trio before him, instantly astonished by Ziyan’s cultivation.