Zayden kept frowning.
’Further south of the Ruberin Kingdom?’ He did not understand for a moment before he raised his eyebrows in realization.
’Is he talking about the Sky Emperor Sect?’
That was the only explanation for why those assassins decided to stop their pursuit.
The Sky Emperor Sect was a special place in the Valdam Continent.
The sect’s territory itself was not too big, but not too small either.
Its population was also not as large as those of other powers.
However, despite not being one of the five big powers on the continent, no one dared to underestimate it.
For many people, this place was believed to be the strongest force on the continent.
The sect was so strong that even with all those years of strained relationships between the powers of the continent, they could still remain neutral.
Even when the Great War broke out.
They simply kept living their own lifestyle despite their surroundings being filled with a hostile atmosphere.
Zayden, until this moment, did not know how the Sky Emperor Sect could become such a legend and remain so powerful despite its size.
The sect had always produced many talented and powerful cultivators who could carry on the mantle of the legends that came before them, allowing the sect to continue standing tall without any power being able to swallow it.
Each time a cultivator came out from that sect to roam the world, they always left behind an incredible achievement.
And the biggest factor in Zayden’s opinion that became the deterrence of the sect to the other powers was the existence of the Sect Master of the Sky Emperor Sect.
His existence was the reason why anyone hesitated to look for trouble with the sect.
Many said that the Sect Master of the Sky Emperor Sect was the strongest person on the continent.
He was a legend of the current era.
Though Zayden did not know if that was the truth, as he or anyone else had never seen just how powerful the Sect Master himself was.
His reputation only came from the stories of his youth, when he roamed the continent and defeated many young-generation geniuses from various territories.
He was undefeated.
But ever since he came back to the sect, he had always spent his time inside the sect and never got out.
Because of that, he was forgotten in any big event happening on the continent.
Added to the fact that the Sky Emperor Sect lived a secluded life, their existence became even more forgotten.
All in all, they were considered a powerful force, but many put them aside because of their limited involvement in everything that happened on the continent.
’If Selena and Raymond escaped there, then it only makes sense for the assassins to stop their pursuit. Even they would not dare to just barge in and create trouble.’
Zayden thought.
Hearing no response from Zayden, Rick continued.
"If Sir Frederick did not know, there is a sect further south of the Ruberin Kingdom. If one keeps moving south, they will eventually reach it. They call it the Sky Emperor Sect. They are a powerful sect and a neutral power."
"Because of their strength and mysteriousness, no one dares to look for trouble with them. So you must know why the assassins stopped their pursuit."
"We thought that, most likely, Zayden’s two servants brought Zayden’s daughter to the territory of the Sky Emperor Sect."
Zayden released a long sigh.
’That is the logical and safest choice for them to escape there.’
He thought.
But then something came into his mind, and he frowned.
"What is the current situation of the Sky Emperor Sect? Are they still not involved in this war? If this goes on, the Vermion Empire will really unite the entire continent."
He asked.
"Yes, they are still curling themselves up in their territory without getting involved much. Only some of their cultivators can sometimes be seen roaming the continent, but they do not do much other than gathering experience."
Rick answered.
Zayden narrowed his eyes.
"Has the Vermion Empire still not attacked them despite having the Heavenly Sword?"
"Well, it looks like His Majesty has his own plan, so he did not attack them and attacked the others first. It looks like His Majesty is leaving the Sky Emperor Sect for last."
Zayden frowned even deeper.
’I really do not understand what they are thinking. If they still do not do anything, the Vermion Empire could really unite the continent. They should know that once the Relguis Empire falls, they will be the last target.’
’I doubt that they could withstand the power of the united powers of the continent if that happened.’
’And if that happened, the last safe haven for Mira...’
Zayden stopped thinking as Rick then continued his information.
"And I think the war with the Sky Emperor Sect will come sooner rather than later. We got information that the imperial family has already mobilized their own troops and the troops of other factions to flank the Sky Emperor Sect’s territory."
"Once the war with the Relguis Empire is finished, it’s only a matter of time before His Majesty makes his move against the Sky Emperor Sect."
Zayden gritted his teeth.
’I have to go to the Sky Emperor Sect’s territory. I have to find Mira first before the war against the Sky Emperor Sect breaks out.’
He took a deep breath.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, that’s all that we know regarding Zayden’s daughter." Rick answered.
Zayden nodded.
"Alright, how much do you—"
"No need, Sir Frederick. All of that information is free for you. This is also something that our lord said to me. If you ask about information, I just give it to you without a fee."
Rick cut off Zayden’s words.
Once again, Zayden felt confused by the Pavilion Lord of the Spider Net Pavilion’s treatment.
Why did he do that?
It really unsettled him.
But because the Pavilion Lord had already given him such convenience, why would he refuse it? He gladly took it.
He did not want to meet him anyway.
At least for now.
"Okay then," Zayden said.
Then, his expression turned solemn.
"And this is my message for you Rick. Don’t you dare disturb Zayden’s family’s graves. If I know you did something to them, I will come to you personally."
A split second later, Rick felt a gust of wind from behind him.
He did not sense Zayden’s presence anymore, and he instantly flopped to the ground.
He adjusted his breathing and wiped his sweat.
"Uuff, that was really tense. I thought I was really going to die. Damn, once I come back and meet that bastard again, I have to ask for compensation for my mental fatigue. To order me to do such a thing. He is a dragon, damnit, and a furious one."
Rick said in irritation.
He then took a deep breath.
"Whatever, I already did my job."
He looked at the still-early morning sky.
’But I’m truly wondering, why does that guy really want to rope in that dangerous being? I get what he wants after the death of Baron Dravenhart. But must it really be with that dragon?’
He took a deep breath once again.
He then looked forward.
He looked towards the direction of Zayden’s house.
’It’s okay for me to check this place, right? He already left, and he said to only not disturb Zayden’s close ones’ graves. So he let me be free to do other things, right?’
He slightly hesitated, but then mustered his courage and just kept walking towards Zayden’s house.
’Fuck it. I want to check what that man did in this place.’
’If someone from the imperial family’s side sees that there are no more corpses hanging from the poles, they must be confused. They will check the entire place to look for the traces of anyone who dared to take the corpses.’
’I will have to do something about that. I will have to let Brother Jin know about it. I don’t want to enrage that dragon any more than I already have.’
Zayden was already far away from his house and approaching Teira Town.
Using his movement technique, he quickly reached the town.
His next destination was the Sky Emperor Sect. He needed to reach that place as soon as possible, and then he could search for Mira’s traces.
’If Selena and Raymond successfully brought Mira to the Sky Emperor Sect’s territory and the people there let them stay, then my hope of finding her much sooner would increase drastically.’
Zayden was already walking amongst the bustling streets of the town as the people had started their morning activities.
He walked towards the warp station.
Zayden’s eyes were solemn.
’Mira, wait for your father. I’m coming to you.’
In an unknown place, the scenery was beautiful.
Lush green trees could be seen everywhere, the cheerful chirping of birds could be heard back and forth.
Various flowers created a beautiful, colorful field, and the sound of clean, flowing water soothed everyone’s hearts.
In the distance, a high mountain whose peak pierced the clouds created a grand sight.
The atmosphere was truly peaceful.
Near this peaceful place, existed a small village.
Villagers could be seen doing their daily activities.
Some were taking care of their crops, some were taking care of their cattle, while others were taking water from the fresh, flowing river and doing other things.
While the adults did their things, the children played in the field near the village.
Their cheerful voices decorated the village atmosphere and made it more lively.
"Catch me! Ahahaha!"
"Hey!"
"Run!"
The children were playing tag with enthusiasm.
One of the children was a little girl with green eyes and black hair that reached her shoulders.
She was about five years old.
Her adorable face showed a happy expression.
Her small body tried to run, but she could not run fast enough, which allowed the boy who was the chaser to catch her.
"Ah."
"Got you."
The others laughed, but the girl pouted. Instead, she tried to chase the boy, who was much bigger than herself.
"Ahahaha." The boy laughed.
Her little legs tried their best to make her body move faster, but she still could not reach the boy or anyone else.
"Ziyan, do you want to come along to the city or not?"
Suddenly, a woman shouted to one of the children from the distance.
One of the girls who was also playing looked at the woman with joy and nodded.
"Yes, Mother. I’ll come with you."
She then looked at the other kids.
"I will go first. See you later."
She then ran towards her mother.
"Chen! Help me bring the vegetables."
"Yuan, let’s go to the city. Help me bring..."
"Wenxuan..."
As time passed, one by one, the children were called away by their parents or family members.
One after another, they left, until only the little girl remained.
She could only watch them go.
Her small, lonely figure evoked pity as she stood there by herself.
Her eyes followed each child as they disappeared with their families, filled with a yearning she could not put into words