Emperor Dominic froze on the spot.
Then, he slumped heavily onto his Dragon Throne.
His face was filled with pure shock.
A hidden expert like this... exists within my borders?
Someone who can make a True Dragon submit?
What kind of existence is that?
Dominic himself had a profound cultivation base, and he kept a Flood Dragon in the palace. But even he, the Emperor, had to treat that little Flood Dragon with respect. He didn't dare show any arrogance.
But now, Julian was telling him that someone made a True Dragon act like a pet?
Naturally, Dominic was shook.
He almost couldn't believe it.
"Julian, you weren't hit with an illusion spell, were you?" Dominic looked at his guard suspiciously.
Julian laughed bitterly. "My Emperor, the person is right there on Cloud-Drifting Mountain. If you don't believe me, you can go see for yourself in a few days."
"Why a few days?" Dominic frowned.
"Think about it, Your Majesty," Julian explained. "Hidden experts usually prefer peace and quiet. I just went there and disturbed him. If Your Majesty goes immediately, it might annoy him."
Dominic nodded thoughtfully.
"You make a good point. Introverts hate being bothered."
He pondered for a moment.
"Alright. I will visit Cloud-Drifting Mountain personally in half a month."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Half a month later.
Broken Sky Mountain.
This was the highest peak in the Heavenly Martial Empire and the traditional venue for the Three Sect Tournament.
Today, the tournament was in full swing.
The Mystic Sword Sect, Nine Soul Sect, and Titan Sect had all gathered here.
High in the sky, three figures were locked in intense combat.
Below, disciples from all three sects watched nervously.
The three fighters were the Sect Leaders. They had been battling for the time it takes to burn an incense stick.
Still no winner.
Just when everyone thought the fight would drag on, suddenly—
Whoosh.
Three figures landed on the ground simultaneously.
One of them was Lance Xu.
"Sect Leader Xu, your cultivation is profound. I admit defeat," an old man in purple robes said, cupping his fists with a helpless expression.
Another old man in white robes also bowed to Lance.
"I, Gary Gongsun, thought I could suppress both of you this time. I didn't expect Sect Leader Xu to still be a cut above the rest."
These two old men were the leaders of the rival sects: Gary Gongsun of the Nine Soul Sect, and Chad Chen of the Titan Sect.
Both were famous powerhouses in the empire.
But today, they both lost to Lance Xu.
Lance was beaming. He tried to hide it, but a smug smile crept onto his face.
"You two let me win," Lance said politely, cupping his fists back.
"Tell us," Chad Chen asked, staring at Lance. "How did you break through so quickly?"
Gary Gongsun also stared intently. They were dying to know.
Both of these old foxes had broken through recently. That's why they rushed to hold this tournament early—they wanted to bully Lance while he was still weak.
But surprise!
Not only did Lance catch up, but he also surpassed them.
The two old men were depressed.
"How did he do it?"
Lance smiled mysteriously.
"Sect secret. No comment."
Want to know my secret? Dream on!
Gary and Chad looked at each other and forced awkward smiles.
The Three Sect Tournament ended.
The Mystic Sword Sect crushed the other two and became the Number One Sect in the empire.
Sure, it might be temporary. But for now, they were the kings.
As soon as the event ended, Lance grabbed Dustin, Bobby, and Serena.
"Quick! Take me to Cloud-Drifting Mountain. I must personally pay my respects to the Expert."
Lance was excited.
In his mind, his victory today was 100% thanks to Quinn Ye. Without those "vegetables" (Heavenly Treasures), he never would have broken through in time.
He owed Quinn big time.
If he could build a good relationship with this Hidden Master, the future of the Mystic Sword Sect would be limitless.
Dustin and the others didn't dare to delay. The group set off immediately for Cloud-Drifting Mountain.
Meanwhile, at the foot of Cloud-Drifting Mountain.
Hundreds of armored guards were escorting three women up the path.
Two of them were Princess Tiffany and her maid Chloe.
The third woman wore a white dress. She had delicate, gentle features and beautiful eyes, looking as pure as an orchid.
Her name was Bella Bai.
She was a disciple of the Nine Soul Sect and Tiffany's best friend.
Bella had heard from Tiffany about the "Hidden Expert" on this mountain and was curious. Since Tiffany was visiting again, Bella tagged along.
"Bella, listen to me," Tiffany warned seriously on the way. "That Expert has a quirky personality. Don't talk nonsense when we get there, or I won't be able to save you."
Bella smiled faintly. "If he really is an Expert, I will respect him. But if he's a fraud... I won't be polite."
Tiffany sighed helplessly.
Her best friend was great, but she was a bit arrogant. She always thought she was the smartest person in the room.
As they hiked up, a sound broke through the air above them.
Whoosh!
Several figures landed nearby.
It was Lance Xu and his three disciples.
Tiffany and Bella were stunned.
Bella reacted quickly, dismounting her horse and bowing.
"Junior Bella Bai greets Sect Leader Xu!"
As a disciple of the Nine Soul Sect, she had to show respect to the leader of a rival (but allied) sect.
"What are you doing here?" Lance asked, confused.
Bella looked at Tiffany.
"I am accompanying Princess Tiffany to visit a worldly expert."
Lance paused.
"You guys are here to see the Expert too?"
Tiffany and Bella froze.
"Sect Leader Xu... you too?" Tiffany asked blankly.
Lance nodded.
Bella's eyes widened in shock.
Even someone like Lance Xu came personally to pay respects?
Could it be... is the person on this mountain really a Hidden Master, just as Tiffany said?
Just then, a Dragon Chariot flew through the sky.
A majestic aura descended, making even a powerhouse like Lance change his expression.
"The Martial Emperor has arrived!"
A long shout echoed.
The Dragon Chariot landed right in front of Lance and the others.