Magical Beast Mountain Range

The Black Lion Kingdom, its capital being Black Lion City. Likewise, this is also the location of the Holy Capital of the Dark Church.

In Black Lion City, the area occupied by the Dark Church cathedral is no less than that of the royal palace. Its geographical location is even superior, making the kingdom seem like a mere backdrop.

The cathedral is divided into three sections: front, middle, and back.

The front section is where believers can enter to pray at any time, and it is also the most expansive area. The middle section is for receiving distinguished guests and serves as the primary activity area for church personnel.

As for the back section, it is the core area of the church, including the residence of the Pope. Even the act of communicating with the so-called Lord of Darkness takes place here. Not even the royal family of the kingdom has the qualifications to enter.

In the back section, inside a uniquely shaped conical building.

A man with skin as fair as a woman's stands quietly on a high platform, while below him is a black-robed bishop responsible for the church's external affairs.

"Your Holiness, the mission of the third squad has failed."

The black-robed bishop speaks respectfully, "While in the Tumu-ke Kingdom, they encountered a Saint-level Tyrannosaurus, which snatched those two people away."

The Tumu-ke Kingdom is one of the six major kingdoms within the Dark Alliance, with strength second only to the Black Lion Kingdom.

"A Saint-level Tyrannosaurus?"

The Pope of the Dark Church, Affleck, frowns slightly and mutters to himself, "Why would a Saint-level Tyrannosaurus appear in the Tumu-ke Kingdom?"

A Saint-level Tyrannosaurus is at minimum a peak Saint-level existence. To the Dark Church, while a Saint-level Tyrannosaurus is troublesome, it is not a major problem.

However, why would a Saint-level Tyrannosaurus suddenly abduct their target?

Affleck has naturally already figured out the identities of the Doham brothers; otherwise, he would not have specifically sent people for them.

To their church, these are two Saint-level thugs. If they can even find a way to make their bodies stronger, perhaps they could descend higher-level Fallen Angels.

A two-winged Fallen Angel only possesses the strength of an early Saint-level, but a four-winged Fallen Angel possesses the strength of a mid-level Saint. A body with level-seven intensity is fully capable of bearing the descent of a mid-level Saint angel.

And if one reaches level-eight intensity, they could host a terrifying six-winged Fallen Angel, which possesses peak Saint-level strength. Moreover, they would be among the elite, second only to those at the limit of the Saint-level.

As for Affleck himself, he is only at the second tier of peak Saint-level, not yet at the Saint-level limit.

One can imagine the Dark Church's intentions for the Doham brothers; there is a high probability of gaining two peak Saint-level thugs for the church, so they naturally cannot give up.

"Have Fudolin and Clem bring those two back."

Affleck says directly.

Regardless of why this Saint-level Tyrannosaurus appeared, those two must be brought back.

However, since a Saint-level Tyrannosaurus has appeared, the people sent naturally cannot be weak. Fudolin is a special deacon of the Dark Church with peak Saint-level strength, ranking in the top five within the church.

Clem, on the other hand, is a four-winged Fallen Angel.

Sending such powerhouses is enough to show the importance Affleck places on this.

"Yes, Your Holiness."

The black-robed bishop bows respectfully and then carefully retreats.

"A Saint-level Tyrannosaurus... could it be the one from the Sunset Mountain Range?"

Affleck frowns slightly.

The Holy Union only borders the Magical Beast Mountain Range, but the Dark Alliance is different; its southern part borders the Sunset Mountain Range, and its eastern part borders the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Naturally, they pay extra attention to the powerhouses within these two mountain ranges.

There are not many Saint-level Tyrannosaurs, and the most powerful among them is the one in the Sunset Mountain Range.

However, the primary activity area of the Sunset Mountain Range's Saint-level Tyrannosaurus is in the east of the Sunset Mountain Range; why would it come to the Dark Alliance?

Could something have happened in the Sunset Mountain Range?

The Holy Union, Fenlai Kingdom.

Ernst Institute.

Vice Principal's office.

Delante looks at the letter delivered by a swift hawk, his heart filled with slight confusion, "An inter-academy exchange? Why did this Wester Academy suddenly think of this?"

It is not that there are no exchanges between academies, but they are infrequent. Especially with Wester Academy; although it is considered a somewhat famous magic academy, it is simply too far from the Ernst Institute. Even if they wanted to seek an exchange, they would usually go to the magic academies of the Yulan Empire.

Vice Principal Delante falls into deep thought.

Regardless of why Wester Academy suddenly wants to come to the Ernst Institute for an exchange, as the number one magic academy on the continent, the Ernst Institute cannot afford to lose face.

Therefore, this exchange must not only be accepted, but they must also demonstrate the strength of the Ernst Institute.

This matter requires some thought.

As the Vice Principal of the Ernst Institute, his authority is quite significant.

The Principal of the Ernst Institute is a powerful Saint-level expert and the core of the academy. However, Saint-level experts generally do not let worldly affairs disturb them and are often not even at the Ernst Institute. Thus, Delante handles most of the affairs of the Ernst Institute.

Opening the second page of the letter, Delante looks at the list for the exchange, "Edita, Sorel? These two are leading the team?"

Although Delante is also a powerhouse who has stepped into the ninth level, he cannot help but feel surprised upon seeing the names on the list.

He knows Sorel; he is just an ordinary instructor at Wester Academy. But this Edita is different—she is a genius.

The greatest genius in the history of the Yulan Continent was a Saint-level magus from over eight thousand years ago who reached the level of a seventh-level grand magus at the age of sixteen. As for this Edita, three years ago, she broke the record for the second-best in history, reaching the level of a seventh-level grand magus just as she turned eighteen. Now, three years later, she might already be an eighth-level magus.

They were even speculating that in the future, this Edita might become the dean of Wester Academy.

However, he was not particularly worried. Even if Edita was a genius, exchanges between academies primarily depended on the students; no matter how impressive the instructors were, it would be of no use.

Soon, Delante summoned the heads of the first through sixth grades.

He handed the received letter to them, saying, "Take a look first, and we will discuss it after you've finished."

Several of the heads took the letter and began to read.

"Wester Academy?"

Someone expressed surprise.

"What is Potter doing? To suddenly pull a stunt like this."

The head of the sixth grade frowned as he spoke.

"Alright, regardless of what they are doing, since they want to hold an academy exchange, Ernst Institute cannot back down."

Delante waved his hand to quiet the group, then said, "You should select some of the more outstanding geniuses from your respective grades. It is time to let others see the current state of Ernst Institute."

Hearing this, the heads all smiled. "Rest assured, Ernst Institute has had many geniuses these past few years. Especially the latest enrollee, Dixie; he is a genius among geniuses. In less than a year, he has already reached the level of a third-rank mage. In my opinion, he is even close to the fourth rank. A nine-year-old fourth-rank mage!"

When it came to geniuses, they wouldn't dare claim to have gathered all the geniuses on the continent, but one-third of them were at Ernst Institute, and they were all the most elite among them.

Delante nodded. He also knew of Dixie; after all, he was currently recognized as the number one genius of Ernst Institute. "That is good. Prepare in advance. For this competition, prepare some prize money; it can be considered an encouragement to the students."

In the first-year wind-element magic class.

A sixth-year student with long golden hair named Trey stood on the podium. At Ernst Institute, sixth-year students were permitted to serve as instructors for the first and second grades.

"Before we begin today's magic lesson, I have an announcement to make."

Trey glanced at the students in the class and then said with a smile, "The senior students already know that Ernst Institute has a rule: there is a grade tournament in the last month or two of every year. That is the liveliest time in the academy, and winning the grade tournament makes it easier to be rated as an outstanding student upon graduation. When that time comes, even the four great empires will extend invitations to you."

"A grade tournament?"

The new students were hearing this for the first time, and their hearts stirred with excitement. After all, everyone here was a genius; winning the grade tournament would prove that they were a genius among geniuses.

The senior students, however, were somewhat surprised, as the tournament was still four or five months away. In the past, they were usually notified only two or three months in advance.

Below, a brown-haired boy was also somewhat surprised. This boy was Linley, who had been enrolled for half a year.

At this moment, Linley had already reached the peak of the first-rank mage level and could enter the second-rank mage realm at any time.

If he participated in the first-grade tournament, he had a high chance of winning. But to him, such a competition was not as useful as diligent cultivation.

"Of course, this year's grade tournament is a bit different. Besides you, there will also be students from Wester Academy of the Rhine Empire."

Trey continued to add.

As soon as these words fell, everyone was astonished. Even the senior students looked toward Trey.

"Rhine Empire? Wester Academy?"

"Why would there be students from Wester Academy at our grade tournament?"

For a moment, many students were surprised.

Although some of them came from places very far from Ernst Institute, no one was from the Rhine Empire. After all, the Rhine Empire was truly too far away, even further than the Yulan Empire. Traveling from the Rhine Empire to the Holy Union was practically crossing the continent diagonally.

"Rhine Empire."

"Wester Academy?"

Doehring also emerged from the Coiling Dragon ring. When he was alive, Wester Academy did not exist. Even the Rhine Empire did not exist.

"Quiet down."

Trey spoke, suppressing the noise in the classroom, and continued, "The rewards for this year's grade tournament are also different from previous years; they are extremely generous. The third-place winner will receive a reward of fifty gold coins, and the second-place winner will receive one hundred gold coins. As for the first-place winner, they can receive a reward of three hundred gold coins! Therefore, those who wish to sign up, come find me as soon as possible."

"Wow~"

"Three hundred gold coins!"

Most of the students were tempted upon hearing this reward. After all, not every student at Ernst Institute was wealthy.

Three hundred gold coins were enough to cover their expenses for a long time.

Linley's heart was also moved.

He knew very well the current difficulties of the Baruch clan, which was why he had always been so diligent in his cultivation. If this competition had no reward, he certainly would not participate; to him, participating in various competitions was not as good as hard training.

But with three hundred gold coins for first place, he was tempted!

If he had three hundred gold coins, he could alleviate much of his father's pressure.

Thinking of this, Linley clenched his fists slightly. He had to win those three hundred gold coins.

"Linley, do you want to participate in this grade tournament?"

Beside Linley was Delia, who had long golden hair.

She had been paying attention to Linley, and through some of his expressions, she could judge some of his thoughts. She believed that in Ernst Institute, no one understood Linley better than she did.

Sometimes, she could even guess things just from a single look from Linley.

Hearing Delia's words, Linley came back to his senses. He did not intend to hide his thoughts. "I plan to give it a try."

Delia flashed a cute smile. "You'll definitely take first place."

"Thanks."

Linley smiled as well.

Given his current level of mastery, even without advancing to a second-rank mage, he could easily defeat other first-rank students.

"Alright, discuss this after class. For now, let's begin the lesson."

Trey suppressed the students' chatter and prepared to start today's lecture on wind-style magic.

Magical Beast Mountain Range.

Over half a year had passed.

The group from Wester Academy had crossed the Yulan Empire and traveled west from the buffer state between the Yulan Empire and the O'Brien Empire, finally arriving at the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

They only needed to cross the Magical Beast Mountain Range to the west to enter the Holy Union.

Leading the group was Edita, dressed in sky-blue mage robes, along with a man around thirty years old wearing earth-yellow mage robes. This man was Sorel, an earth-style magic instructor at Wester Academy and a seventh-rank grand mage.

"So this is the Magical Beast Mountain Range."

Some students looked at the forest before them and spoke. This was their first time at the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

The Rhine Empire bordered the Sunset Mountain Range, so whenever anyone from Wester Academy wanted to train, they went to the Sunset Mountain Range. This was just like how students from the Ernst Institute went to the Magical Beast Mountain Range for training.

"Everyone, be careful. The danger level of the Magical Beast Mountain Range is no less than that of the Sunset Mountain Range. Furthermore, for us, the Magical Beast Mountain Range is likely even more dangerous."

Edita warned them.

Although the Sunset Mountain Range was also dangerous, they trained there often and were familiar with certain areas. But for the Magical Beast Mountain Range, all their knowledge came from records.

Moreover, unlike training trips to the Sunset Mountain Range, they needed to traverse the entire Magical Beast Mountain Range to reach the Holy Union. The probability of encountering high-level magical beasts was very high. Therefore, they had to be extremely cautious.

"Let's rest for the night and set off tomorrow."

Sorel spoke up at this moment. "After traveling for so long, these students are tired. Besides, even if we enter the mountains now, we won't get very far. It's better to adjust our state."

Edita nodded upon hearing Sorel's suggestion. "Fine, we'll rest for the night. I'll have the students set up camp; you see if you can find a local who knows the area."

Finding a guide would reduce some of the danger. Since they weren't here for training, there was no need to seek out magical beasts to fight. Avoiding them was naturally the best course of action.

Sorel understood this and nodded. "Agreed."

Following this, the students began to set up camp under Edita's direction, while Sorel headed off to a nearby area to find someone.

Before long, Sorel returned with an uncle named Pu.

While living near the Magical Beast Mountain Range was dangerous, it also offered many opportunities. For instance, just by leading the way for a stretch, one could earn a gold coin.

In other places, this was basically impossible.

"I'll say this first: I'm only leading the way for one day."

Uncle Pu said this as soon as he saw Edita.

One gold coin for a day was definitely a high income.

"Don't worry, we won't have you go too deep."

Edita assured him.

Early the next morning, Edita's group packed their gear and prepared to depart.

"Follow me."

Uncle Pu had risen early and had already checked the surroundings.

As a local, he was very familiar with the habits of magical beasts. He could judge the presence of beasts based on the environment, allowing them to avoid them as much as possible.

They hadn't walked for long before the trees in the Magical Beast Mountain Range began to grow dense. Many of the trees were incredibly thick, some so large that three or four people might not even be able to wrap their arms around them.

"I've lived in these parts for over twenty years, so I know this area very well. You were right to come to me."

Uncle Pu said, "This way."

Although Uncle Pu was just an ordinary person, his experience was truly sufficient. Up to this point, they had barely encountered any magical beasts.

Even Edita was somewhat impressed by Uncle Pu. This wasn't about strength, but pure life experience; even with her high level of power, it was difficult to achieve this.

Suddenly, Uncle Pu, who was walking in front, raised his hand. "Wait."

Everyone stopped in their tracks.

Uncle Pu carefully stepped forward to examine some plants and faint traces on the ground, his expression turning grave.

"What is it?"

Seeing Uncle Pu's serious expression, Sorel stepped to his side and asked in a low voice.

Uncle Pu didn't answer. Instead, he picked up a piece of animal dung from under a small patch of bushes, sniffed it, and his expression darkened further. "This is the dung of a fourth-rank Wind Wolf!"

"Wind Wolf?"

Sorel frowned slightly.

A single Wind Wolf wasn't a particularly powerful magical beast. However, these creatures were pack animals and usually appeared in groups of several dozen.

Of course, even if they appeared together, it would be useless against their team.

He could easily deal with a pack of Wind Wolves all by himself.

"There weren't any Wind Wolves here before."

Uncle Pu's voice was somewhat grave. He then looked at Sorel and said, "You all need to be more careful on the road ahead; the situation I described yesterday may have changed."

After all, he had accepted a gold coin, so last night, he had specifically told Edita and the others about areas where high-level magical beasts might appear.

"Oh?"

Sorel was a bit puzzled.

"I just smelled the droppings of these Wind Wolves, and there was a distinct scent of urine on them. This is how they mark their territory. In other words, these aren't just passing Wind Wolves; it is very likely that a pack of Wind Wolves has migrated here."

Uncle Pu explained, "For a pack of Wind Wolves to migrate from the depths to this area, it means there is a high probability that a more powerful magical beast has occupied their previous territory. Magical beasts have a strong sense of territory and won't change it unless there are special circumstances, so a formidable magical beast may have appeared in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. At the very least, it would be one capable of suppressing a pack of Wind Wolves."

"If it were just that, we could simply go around this area. However, I am worried that a powerful magical beast has appeared deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range, occupying the territories of other beasts and forcing them to migrate outward, eventually affecting the Wind Wolves. If that is the case, then the situation I described yesterday will certainly have changed."

Listening to this analysis, Sorel admired Uncle Pu's powers of observation. For an ordinary person, being able to do this was truly impressive. "Rest assured, Uncle Pu, we are confident. Please continue leading the way."

Even if there were high-level magical beasts, as long as they didn't encounter a Saint-level magical beast, they didn't really have much to worry about.

He was well aware of Edita's strength; an ordinary eighth-rank mage was no match for her. In his view, Edita had likely already reached the peak of the eighth rank.

With him added to the mix, along with a few hidden cards, even if they couldn't defeat a ninth-rank magical beast, escaping shouldn't be much of a problem.

"Alright."

Seeing Sorel so confident, Uncle Pu didn't feel it was appropriate to say anything more. After all, he was only considering things from the perspective of an ordinary person.

The group then continued to head deeper.

And in the depths of the direction the group was traveling, a small bird with crimson feathers and golden plumes on its head flew by and landed on the tallest tree.

A look of satisfaction flashed in the small bird's eyes. "This Magical Beast Mountain Range is truly not bad; it really is a paradise for magical beasts. Even the elemental energy of heaven and earth is much denser than at Mount Everest."

This small bird was none other than the Crimson Feather Golden Phoenix that had flown over from the Dark Forest.

Beirut had not restricted her movements, so after leaving the Metal Castle, she had inquired along the way and eventually arrived at the Magical Beast Mountain Range.