Pillar of Yita

”In fact, that’s exactly why I’m here. Participating in this contest is merely part of the process, not the goal. My journey to Fanric was primarily to investigate the conspiracy of the Dragon Worship Sect. This, my teacher Mr. Ande can testify.”

The crowd instinctively looked at the former Speaker of the Elfendo Council.

Ande just nodded lightly, causing an uproar among the crowd.

However, Count Westwood Sibika still furrowed his brow and asked, ”But you say you can sense a dark aura. I’ve never heard of anyone having such an ability. Not even Master Ande can testify to that, right?”

Fang Hong fell silent.

This was indeed what had troubled him the most all along, because perception is too subjective. He couldn’t very well say, ”It’s because I have the Dark Dragon Soul and absorbed Nikopolas’s Strength.” If he were to say that, it might result in the crowd wanting to attack him even before Rolin did anything.

But it was at this moment a voice chimed in:

”I can testify to this for the Star Patron,” the voice was deep and powerful, like the sound of metal clashing. The crowd turned to see that it was Tada Ritualist of Ka Cuilan, who squinted his small eyes and said, ”The Star Patron has received Asuka’s blessing.”

”Dark Knowledge Guardian!?” Upon hearing this, someone couldn’t help but exclaim.

These Grand Artificers mostly belonged to Eteliria’s top tier, well-versed across the seas, with some even knowledgeable of the Numelin Era and the history of Xinsas. Naturally, they had heard of Asuka’s Dark Blessing.

The Lizardman nodded slowly.

The crowd looked at Ade with renewed interest, seeming to remember that he was, after all, a Star Patron. Although most people were indifferent to the concept of Star Patron from Guda Suoke, this identity at least meant that the three major Lizard Clan supported him.

That was significant.

However, Fang Hong couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed, because his ability to sense dark forces didn’t actually come from Asuka’s blessing. Though it might have some influence, the main reason was due to the Ring of Golden Flame. Of course, these blunt truths he dared not reveal.

He could only go along with this ’coincidence.’

Upon hearing this, the Count even took a step back, feeling slightly shaken. He clenched his fists and remained silent.

Then Su Changfeng helped push matters further: ”Regarding the Dragon Worship Sect’s plan, I can confirm to everyone that it’s true. In fact, Stargate Port is currently conducting an investigation related to this matter. Prior to this, my men detained some Shadow Throne members and extracted some relevant information from them. If anyone has any questions—”

Fang Hong was a bit surprised listening to this, not expecting Sophie to contact the military and for them to act so swiftly. He thought the military would need time to verify the information, considering he should be seen as an unidentified source of intelligence at Stargate Port.

”No need,” Ande interrupted Su Changfeng, ”Time is of the essence, regardless of any reasons, and whether this matter is related or not, the priority is to find Rolin.”

”George?” He looked at Count Westwood Sibika, seeking the opinion of this student and colleague. The Count tiredly nodded, as his current thought was also to swiftly locate his student and ask him directly about the matter in person.

Once the two reached consensus, the others made no further objections and collectively passed the decision. Meanwhile, someone wanted to plead for Pudra, but Ande merely waved it off indifferently, indicating the matter could be discussed later.

He told Su Changfeng, ”Most ordinary artisans of the Elfendo Council are not skilled in combat, but finding someone shouldn’t be a problem. You can leave the Elfendo side to us.”

Su Changfeng nodded before looking at Fang Hong.

...

When Fang Hong returned to the square, he still couldn’t quite believe it.

He glanced at the direction where the military personnel and a group of Combat Artisans had departed, coincidentally where a battle took place a few days ago. His gaze swept toward that direction, where he could see the golden dome of a tall building from afar. It was a historical museum—one of the tallest buildings in the vicinity.

He still remembered the scene when Sophie and Xi launched an attack on the Bone Giant from atop the dome, and the incredibly powerful Bone Dragon disintegrating under the assault of the Elfendo Barrier.

Little did he know that the seemingly invincible City Barrier at the time would crumble today due to internal reasons.

And he thought of the Princess from Silver Weslan, who was the source of his disbelief.

Because Su Changfeng told him that Sophie was his daughter.

Fang Hong was dumbfounded at the time, staring blankly at this military person. Su Changfeng showed a proud look, patting his shoulder: ”Don’t go anywhere. I’ll have some questions for you later. You don’t intend to run away from the Morning Dawn Star incident for a lifetime, do you?”

With that said, he turned and left.

Leaving Fang Hong standing there, stupefied.

Su Changfeng’s task for him was to gather the Adventurers as a backup force, which wasn’t difficult. After all, it wasn’t free labor, and the Elfendo Council was offering double high rewards. This aligned with Eteliria’s general rules for dangerous tasks.

Moreover, after the contest, everyone recognized his status, so he only had to come forward, and the Invokers would readily agree to the terms proposed by the military.