Yan Kingdom [Fourth update]

Before long, Yanlong brought Merlin and Santo to the Royal Capital of the Yan Kingdom!

It was known as Flame City. Seen from afar, it looked like a mass of flames, a sea of fire, with a faint, invisible force shrouding the entire city.

"Is this Flame City?"

Merlin asked quietly. This city was anything but ordinary. Even he found its barely visible protective barrier somewhat troublesome. Only someone on par with a Titled Legend could have erected it.

Wizard Santo's expression was equally grave. He said in a low voice, "Be careful. This civilization is not as simple as it seems!"

Yanlong, however, seemed to know his way around. The three fierce birds flew through the sky, then swiftly descended before a palace. All three men jumped down.

"Come along, you two. His Majesty recruits powerful fighters inside."

They followed Yanlong into the palace and found some twenty or thirty people already there. Each had a flame mark on their forehead, so Merlin and Santo stood out the moment they entered.

However, Yanlong, who had brought Merlin and Santo here, seemed to hold considerable standing. Many people looked at him with a trace of respect.

"Wait here, you two. These people all volunteered to come and be recruited."

Anyone could hear the mockery in Yanlong's voice as he spoke.

Indeed, Merlin casually swept his Mind Power over them. Although he did not know exactly what sort of power these people possessed, he could gauge their general strength from their auras. Not one surpassed Yanlong.

Soon, an imposing man in lavish robes emerged from the inner hall. Many people bowed slightly and called out, "Your Majesty!"

So this imposing man was the king. The flame mark on his forehead was much more vivid, with a faint glimmer of gold that