Veyron rely nodded slowly. He understood the boundaries of their relationship—though he wanted to know more, he had no intention of crossing the young man's line of privacy.
"Apologies if my words just now sounded like I was prying, Young Master Lein," he said in a calm tone. "But if you truly need them, I can personally escort you to the nearest five-star trading chamber. At the very least, it might help speed things up for you."
Lein shook his head gently, his smile thin but polite. "No need to trouble yourself, Lord Veyron. I can handle it myself. But I do appreciate your kindness."
His voice was light, but firm. There was no hesitation—only the quiet confidence of soone who didn't need to prove anything.
Veyron nodded once more. He still wanted to strengthen his ties with this young man—his wealth was incredible, and his aura strong. But if Lein declined, insisting would only ruin the relationship.
"Very well," Veyron said as he brushed off his cloak. "Before we part ways—if you truly intend to look for them, head to Zenithra Realm. That's the trade hub of the Dominion's outer regions. Every five-star chamber can be found there."
Lein and Efan expressed their sincere thanks. That information was indeed useful—they wouldn't have to waste ti guessing the right location.
After a brief farewell, the two left the restaurant. Their steps soon led them to the main teleportation area of Sanctus Realm, where they set their destination to Zenithra Realm, just as Veyron had advised.
***
The Isle of Elders.
Before the towering statue of a giant angel piercing the light mist, Laras sat cross-legged in ditation. Her small fra was encased in a transparent bubble that reflected the colors of the sky. She looked like a child resting in a womb of divine light—calm, serene, and sacred.
Her hands were folded neatly over her chest, eyes closed as though she were peacefully asleep. The energy from the massive statue flowed gently into her body—like a calm river rging into her pores and ridians. Every drop of that power brought warmth, and every breath she took caused a soft white glow to wrap around her skin.
Ti passed. The sun slowly climbed to its peak, and without a sound, a shift began.
Laras's fingers twitched lightly. Her eyelids lifted slowly, revealing eyes that now carried a deeper, sharper gaze than before.
She looked around, then set her sights on the angel statue before her. A glimr of awe sparkled in her eyes, followed by a quiet whisper that slipped from her lips.
"...I advanced?" she murmured, her voice soft with gratitude. Her body felt different. Lighter, yet more solid. A new strength flowed through her veins.
As her awareness returned fully, her gaze pierced the bubble's wall and spotted two elderly n standing at a distance, silently watching over her.
One of them stepped forward slightly. With a warm smile and calm, glowing eyes, the old man spoke. "Congratulations on your breakthrough, Young Lady."
Laras squinted slightly. She recognized that voice. It belonged to Thurok—one of the Grand Elders of the Invictus Sect and the guardian of this angel statue. A figure revered by countless cultivators.
She dipped her head slightly, showing her respect from within the still-intact protective bubble.
"Greetings, senior. Thank you for your blessing," Laras said sincerely, her voice echoing gently from inside the shimring barrier.
She stepped forward. The mont her foot touched the bubble's edge, the energy layer dissolved slowly, as if willingly allowing her passage. The outside air greeted her—warm and light, as if welcoming a guest returning from a long journey.
Laras's attention shifted to the other elderly man standing near Thurok. The aura he exuded was far more powerful—the spiritual pressure he gave off felt heavy, yet not hostile, like a king quietly concealing his throne.
"Excuse , senior… who are you?" Laras asked politely but cautiously. She knew soone with such power wouldn't be here without reason. And if he could stand beside Thurok, a Grand Elder of the Invictus Sect, then he was no ordinary man.
"I am Dragnar, Lady Laras. I was assigned by Lord Lein to protect you," the man replied with a slight bow. His tone was respectful, his deanor far more composed and honorable than during his first encounter with Lein. Ever since witnessing the young man's strength firsthand, he no longer underestimated him. In fact, in silence, he considered eting Lein a great stroke of fortune in his life.
Laras was startled inwardly. Dragnar was no ordinary na—she had heard it ntioned in various intelligence reports as one of the rare Tier-4 Kings. But since he referred to himself as Lein's subordinate, her surprise vanished as quickly as it had co.
"Of course it was Lein," she thought, letting out a small sigh. "With him… everything really is possible."
"Alright," Laras said suddenly, her voice a little shy. Her stomach gave a soft rumble. "I'm hungry… I'd like to eat."
"Please, my lady. The servants have already prepared lunch at your residence," Dragnar replied without hesitation. His tone was calm and respectful—like a seasoned butler serving a high noble.
anwhile, Thurok could only stand frozen. He had been feeling ignored all this ti—like a lamp post in the corner of the room. At first, he had intended to offer Laras the chance to beco his personal disciple. But with Dragnar present, whose strength clearly surpassed his own, that thought instantly vanished. He began to question the courage he'd felt just monts earlier.
"We'll excuse ourselves now, Lord Thurok," Laras said lightly, still offering a polite bow before descending from the sky with Dragnar.
Below, a group of attendants was already on standby. They carried dical supplies, protective artifacts, and various tools in case sothing unexpected happened to Laras. A sudden power breakthrough—especially one this rapid—was never without risks.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, Laras took in a familiar view. This was the sa place she had first arrived at upon entering the Isle of Elders—a wide courtyard, a peaceful garden, classical-style houses, and the large platform where the main portal stood.
"Allow to escort you to your residence, my lady," said a female attendant, walking ahead with light, respectful steps.
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