Starbound Savant's expression changed in shock.

"This gift is far too precious!"

Essences of Origin Laws were peerless treasures formed when endless infernal flames extinguished over the course of immeasurable ages, their origins and laws condensing together.

They provided unimaginable benefits to the sublimation of the Heart of God and to advancement in rank.

Even for experts at their level, such a treasure was something one could only encounter by sheer luck, never something to be sought deliberately.

"I don't really have anything particularly good," the Lord of Radiant Isle said with a gentle smile, as if what he had just given away were not an invaluable treasure.

"This is about the only thing worth mentioning. Consider it a small meeting gift for that child."

Stillness Sage understood immediately.

This was most likely done out of regard for the Crossbridge Empire—and for that mysterious Emperor Aurek.

Radiant Isle lay across the sea from the Secondary Demon Realm. In the future, dealings with the Empire would be unavoidable.

By presenting such a generous gift to Fiona, who was about to marry into the Empire, he not only forged goodwill with the Empire, but also did Starbound Savant a favor—killing two birds with one stone.

"Old friend, this is a gift for your student. You should accept it," Stillness Sage persuaded from the side.

In the end, Starbound Savant accepted it solemnly. After thanking the Lord of Radiant Isle once more, he departed together with Stillness Sage for the Secondary Demon Realm.

At the same time, Natasha's encrypted report regarding the three conditions set by the dwarven clan also reached Silver City.

Inside the council chamber of Silver City, everyone gathered together.

"These three conditions aren't particularly difficult to carry out in and of themselves," Philip analyzed.

"The key issue is that once we make a move against Wings of Calamity, it's equivalent to declaring war directly on the Ossuary Court. That would definitely break our current defensive strategic posture."

Wings of Calamity was one of Otto's key subordinates, already possessing power at the Sacred Radiance rank.

In Nisno Valley of Sablecliff, it also commanded a formidable undead legion.

Killing it would amount to an open declaration of war against the Ossuary Court.

Suggwoth fell into thought, then said,

"Perhaps we could change our approach—avoid having the Empire take action directly?"

Philip and Lucio immediately understood what he meant.

Use someone else's hand to eliminate Wings of Calamity, keeping the Empire out of it.

But the problem was that, at present, the number of experts within the Empire capable of dealing with the demonic dragon was extremely limited.

There were only Ares, who had just advanced to the Sage King rank, and the White Lady, who was already at the ninth level of the Sage King rank.

If either Ares or the White Lady took action, the Ossuary Court would immediately know it was the Crossbridge Empire behind it.

As for finding an outsider strong enough—and willing—to provoke the Ossuary Court…

How easy would it be to find and persuade a Divine Radiant–level expert?

"If it really comes to it, I'll go personally," Ares said in a deep voice.

"If the Ossuary Court dares to move, then we'll crush them first."

Philip turned to Suggwoth.

"What General Ares says also makes sense."

"If we can maintain relative calm in the Holy Kare Mountains and Yuli, then even if war breaks out with Sablecliff, although it will draw attention from all sides, it may also cause the Council of the Dark Order and the Judicatory Sanctum to misjudge the situation."

"They may believe the Empire will be bogged down there, and thus relax their vigilance toward us."

A sharp glint flashed through Suggwoth's cold eyes.

"You mean to pretend that we're being tied down by Sablecliff—create an illusion to mislead the outside world?"

Philip nodded.

Lucio added,

"Philip and I may be able to assist General Ares in ending the battle quickly, minimizing prolonged entanglement."

The members of the Noble Council of the Clouds remained silent.

Instead, it was Merolle who spoke up.

"To be safe, have the White Lady go along as well, to deal with any unforeseen contingencies."

Suggwoth nodded in agreement.

The plan was finalized.

To guard against a full-scale outbreak of conflict with the Ossuary Court, Suggwoth ordered that part of the troops stationed in the Secondary Demon Realm be redeployed in secret to the Sablecliff border, ready to provide support or enter battle at any time.

In addition—

The Aetherian Sanctuary had already secretly delivered all the required materials.

Among them was the crucial Celestial Divine Gold.

Within the Divine Sanctuary, aside from the Gold Giant Gate—which was forged entirely from Celestial Divine Gold—the main structures or key components of most core temples also incorporated this divine metal.

Delivered together with it were demonstones seized from the Giant Elephant demon race, Rule-Engraved Pebbles, and that Ancient Star Beast Bone, all prepared to be fused with the Divine Carapace Natasha already possessed.

The goal was to forge a true holy armor to further enhance her defensive capabilities.

The ten god-tier elixirs had also been fully prepared.

As for the conditions proposed by the dwarven clan, Aurek did not concern himself with them.

To completely resolve matters in the Abyssal Demon Realm, any price was worth paying.

Because the ultimate gains would certainly far exceed the cost.

Aetherian Sanctuary.

Aurek was still in the midst of advancing his rank.

Josephine was overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the imperial palace.

Elizabeth, who had previously managed such matters, did not intervene this time. Instead, she devoted all her energy to her own rank advancement.

Regarding Fiona's entry into the Divine Sanctuary, Josephine had already given her consent.

After Lucio reported the relevant details in full, she saw the situation clearly.

If gaining one more imperial consort could recruit a Sacred Radiance–rank expert, she was more than happy to see it happen.

This was the breadth of vision befitting an empress of the Empire.

The Empire was destined to require countless powerful experts as its pillars.

So long as the Empire's fundamental interests were not harmed, and Aurek's grand ambitions were not impeded, she did not oppose gathering strength through such means.

Noble Council of the Clouds.

Tredy, Joshua, and Antoine had just returned to the council when a director at the God King rank came to report.

"The Sage has arrived."

Antoine did not dare delay and immediately headed for the main hall.

Tredy and Joshua followed closely behind.

Inside the hall.

Steam curled gently from the cups of water beside Starbound Savant and Stillness Sage.

"Mentor!"

Antoine entered the hall and hurriedly bowed when she saw Starbound Savant.

"Greetings, honored sirs!"

Tredy and Joshua also inclined their heads in salute.

Starbound Savant looked at Antoine and deliberately put on a stern expression.

"So, you've learned how to scheme against me now, have you?"

"Go on—why did you specially call me back this time?"

A trace of sly amusement appeared on Antoine's face.

"As expected, nothing can escape your notice, Mentor."

As she spoke, she also bowed to Stillness Sage.

"You've already advanced to the God King rank! Not bad at all!"

Stillness Sage teased Starbound Savant with a smile.

"I really envy you—every one of your students turns out to be exceptional."

Starbound Savant felt secretly pleased, but his expression remained serious.

"Where is Fiona?"

Joshua answered,

"My lord, Fiona has already entered the Crossbridge Empire and has formally become an imperial consort. She is not here at the moment."

"Imperial consort?!"

Starbound Savant feigned displeasure.

"Have you all forgotten that Firmament Sage fell at the hands of the Crossbridge Empire?"

Antoine's expression turned solemn.

"Mentor, there are things you may not know."

"Fiona's mother was killed by Gustav—this is a blood feud!"

"I once advised Firmament Sage and Hankley not to get involved in the Dawonru Empire's conflict, but they refused to listen."

"When two nations go to war, life and death are unavoidable."

"Hankley invaded the Eura Continent first, attempting to destroy the Empire—that is what brought disaster upon him!"

Starbound Savant looked at Joshua. After a moment of silence, he finally asked,

"Then tell me—what exactly do you want, making such a commotion just to bring me back?"

Joshua took over, his tone earnest.

"My lord!"

"Fiona has just entered the palace and has no foundation to stand on."

"So we wish to ask you to lend her your support."

Starbound Savant's eyes narrowed slightly.

Help Fiona establish herself in the imperial court?

In other words—

They wanted him to pledge his allegiance to the Crossbridge Empire.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.