[ The Snow Mountain Hermit ] shook his head and gently advised, "Since your heart is not in this, what use is my punishment? However, you must remember that in this world, only the truly strong can control everything. Back then, Emperor Yassin of the Zenit swept across a million miles without an opponent, single-handedly transforming a small vassal state into a powerful empire. He relied not on political maneuvering and scheming, nor on a large army and population, but on his powerful personal strength. Your father, Emperor Chivu, was able to bring the nearly destroyed Ajax Empire back to the forefront of the surrounding region." The rise and fall of powerful nations also relies on strong individual martial prowess. Over the past century, looking at powerful nations within a vast radius such as Zenit, Ajax, Spartak, Eindhoven, and Saint-Germain, their rise and fall were inextricably linked to the martial arts prowess of their respective emperors and the martial arts strength of their royal families. Since you aspire to the throne of the Ajax Empire, you should diligently cultivate your martial arts. Otherwise, even if you eventually ascend to your father's position, without sufficient personal strength, you risk losing power and plunging the Ajax Empire into internal strife.
This was the first time that Fairenton had heard his master give him such heartfelt advice, and he was filled with both gratitude and shame.
He had never considered these words from the [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] before, nor had anyone ever spoken to him like this before. They even contradicted the views of many mainstream powers within the empire. However, he knew that his master was not trying to flatter him. Upon careful consideration of the examples the [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] had given, he realized that it was indeed true. Perhaps it was because his master's status and position were different that he had a clearer and deeper understanding of the situation on the continent.
"This... this disciple understands." Fairenton bowed again with utmost respect.
The man in the red robe looked intently at Fairenton's expression, then sighed, "I hope you truly understand. In this world, the pinnacle of martial arts is where everything is controlled." He then seemed to remember something and changed the subject, saying, "Alright, tell me, what's the deal with that King of Chambord Alexander? When did such a freak appear in the Zenit vassal state? Why haven't we heard of him in recent years?"
"Yes, Master. This King of Chambord Alexander is Zenit expert who has only recently risen to prominence. According to the records of the Military Department investigation files, his rise is definitely a legend..." Speaking of Sun Fei, Fairenton a beat. He carefully recounted the detailed information he had gathered about Sun Fei, and finally added, "This person is very good at hiding his strength. Many people previously thought he was only Six-Star Class level, but judging from his performance in his duel with Master today, he has probably reached the Nine-Star Class Peak. I wonder if he is still hiding his true strength..."
"You mean, before the age of eighteen, this person was just a muddle-headed fool who couldn't even control his own vassal state, let alone possess any martial arts skills?" [ Snow Mountain Hermit ]'s eyes gleamed with a strange light, as if he had thought of something.
"According to multiple investigations, this is indeed the case." Although he himself found it hard to believe, Fairenton facts were undeniable, and he had no choice but to say so.
"Could it be that he actually reached his current level of martial arts cultivation in less than a year?" [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] murmured to himself, his expression revealing undisguised shock as he thought of this.
"This is impossible!" Fairenton and Murdoch exclaimed simultaneously.
"I'm just guessing. This person must have many secrets... Hiding his strength? What I can't see might not be hiding his strength, but rather that his strength is increasing rapidly every moment, so the information you receive is always lagging behind. According to your description, he was only Six-Star Class strength not long ago, and when you met him, he had already firmly suppressed your Eight-Star Class strength. But today, your four Nine-Star Class senior brothers couldn't even withstand a single move from him, and even Doni was no match for him... The strength he displayed today is probably unmatched by anyone within the New Moon Class Lower Stage Fifth Level." [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] said, his eyes shining brightly, seemingly lost in thought.
"If that's the case, why don't you kill him today, Master?" Doni's originally handsome and fair face was completely ruined by his expression of jealousy and resentment. Ever since Fairenton first introduced King of Chambord, he had been filled with displeasure. After hearing the [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] speak so highly of King of Chambord, he could no longer suppress his jealousy, and there was also some fear deep in his heart. Finally, he couldn't help but ask.
"I told you, this person is to stay and hone your martial spirit. My actions today are merely to teach him a lesson," [ Snow Mountain Hermit ] rebuked Doni, shaking his head, a profound meaning flashing in his eyes, and smiled, "But I never expected that I would discover something strange, and even more unexpectedly, that I would alarm an old friend who hasn't shown his face in a long time."
"An old friend? You mean that mysterious expert in Twin Flag City? Is that person your friend, Master?" Fairenton.
The man in red robes nodded and slowly said, "Yes, it's him. For so many years, many people thought he was dead. I didn't expect him to be alive and well. Hehe, well, it's time to settle some old scores..." At this point, [ The Snow Mountain Hermit ] suddenly became solemn, looking intently at Fairenton, and instructed, "In the next few days, your army should refrain from attacking the city. If I'm not mistaken, within three days, more and more peak martial arts experts will arrive here. Even your reclusive and extremely mysterious father, Emperor Chivu, might be tempted to come and try his luck. Several important figures from the Zenit Empire, as well as experts from other major empires in the surrounding area, will also arrive... Haha, then this desolate and lonely Gobi Desert will truly be bustling."
"What?!" This news was truly unexpected, shocking the three people inside the tent, who were momentarily speechless.
"You'll understand soon enough. In these three days, take good care of yourselves and maintain your peak condition. After three days, I will take you to a place. Alright, that's all for now. You three may leave." [ The Snow Mountain Hermit ] waved his hand, closed his eyes, and said no more.
"Yes, Master." The three bowed respectfully and left the tent.
As a newly promoted Moon Class expert from the Great Snow Mountain, Doni originally wanted to show off his power today, but reality made him lose face. In addition, since he was not of the Ajax Empire blood, he had always disliked Fairenton and Murdoch. He snorted coldly, said nothing, and was the first to turn around and leave.
Seeing this, Murdoch, the chief disciple of the Great Snow Mountain, simply shook his head in silence.
Like many disciples of the Great Snow Mountain, he never understood why his master would take such special care of Doni, a guy with mediocre martial arts talent, a frivolous, impatient, arrogant and conceited personality. He even went so far as to sacrifice his own Dou Qi and the Great Snow Mountain's many years of sacrifices to forcibly elevate Doni's strength from the Six-Star Class to the Moon Class. It was such a waste of so many precious potions and magic stones.
"Junior brother, be careful these next few days. Something big must be happening. Since Master hasn't given any specific instructions, you should report this matter to the Imperial Military Department immediately." Like Fairenton, Murdoch, though usually taciturn, was also a fanatical supporter of the rise of the Ajax Empire, and his first thought was always the interests of the empire.
"Ah?... Oh, okay... Don't worry, senior brother, I will definitely send flying cavalry to explain this matter to the Military Department first." Fairenton replied absentmindedly and vaguely.
He seemed to have a vague idea of what was going to happen, which should be related to the mysterious building beneath the boundless waters of this desert. The strangeness of the well and everything that his personal guard Inler, had discovered when he dived underwater the day before proved that there should be an undeveloped [ God and Demon Ruins ] in the waters. If that were the case, it would indeed be a super event, enough to stir up the Storm Riders of the entire continent and attract those top experts.
Originally, Fairenton wanted to keep this secret and explore it slowly, but now it seems that it is no longer possible to monopolize that [ God and Demon Ruins ].
All Your Highness can do is prepare well. If you can get a share of the spoils from the many powerful figures with the help of the [ Snow Mountain Hermit ], that would be the best outcome.
Murdoch took his leave and went into his tent to begin his intensive martial arts training.
When Fairenton arrived at his commander's tent, his mood was extremely heavy and solemn. No wonder his master had brought so many experts from the Great Snow Mountain here; it turned out that they had come for the mysterious building beneath the water. As for his actions today, it was just a coincidence.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, something terrible has happened..." Just then, a rider suddenly galloped from afar, shouting in a panic.
"Shut up! What's the matter that you're so flustered?" Although Fairenton approachable, he couldn't help but be furious at the sight. The army had suffered a defeat in today's siege, and morale had plummeted. This messenger scout's shouting and yelling was only further damaging morale.
Seemingly realizing his lapse in composure, the scout hurriedly shut his mouth, then ran all the way and knelt down with a thud in front of Fairenton.
"Speak, what is it?" With Fairenton released his Dou Qi aura, making their conversation inaudible to outsiders.
First update.
Red tickets, la la la!