But he was undoubtedly favored by the eldest princess.
And the eldest princess—
Was a terrifying monster who might step onto the imperial path in the future and truly enter the Emperor Realm!
Myriad Treasure Pavilion.
Blood Tavern.
And the Princess of the Verdant Lantern Empire.
With the backing of these three forces, Ethan's future achievements were boundless.
"Master," Isolde Stonebridge transmitted softly, "Ethan is not someone who breaks his word. Since he has said this much, the status of our Endless Mountains Holy Land within Skyreach Territory should not change in the future."
"I hope so," Atlas replied mentally, letting out a long sigh.
Once upon a time, the Holy Land of Endless Mountains stood at the pinnacle of Skyreach Territory, overlooking all other forces.
Now—
They were choosing to stand behind someone else.
But what choice did they have?
The momentum of the times could not be resisted.
Behind Ethan stood too many terrifying backers.
With the protection of the three, Ethan could walk unimpeded through Skyreach Territory and even the surrounding regions.
Aligning with such a person was not necessarily a bad thing.
Perhaps—
This was the opportunity for the Endless Mountains Holy Land to step into an even broader future.
After sorting through his thoughts, Atlas Ashmount looked at Ethan again.
"Mr. Ethan," he asked, "when do we set off?"
"Now," Ethan replied without hesitation.
He raised his hand, and a blue immortal boat appeared above the lake.
Its body shimmered with flowing runes, the aura steady and vast.
A top-tier flying spiritual weapon.
A trophy seized from Iris.
"Everyone, come aboard."
Ethan stepped onto the bow of the boat first.
Atlas and Isolde exchanged glances, then leapt up together, landing on the immortal boat.
"Sister, let's go up too," Zeon said.
In the next instant, Zeon, Liora, and Magnus vanished from their original spots.
When they reappeared, they were already standing on the deck.
"Hold steady."
Ethan injected divine power into the immortal boat.
In an instant, the boat transformed into a streak of blue light and shot forward, tearing through the sky.
Standing to the side, Liora sensed the power flowing from Ethan and felt a subtle shock.
She was extremely familiar with this aura.
This was divine power.
And not the half-transformed kind—
But completely refined divine power, pure and flawless.
"This man…" Liora thought inwardly.
"An Intermediate Supreme who has fully transformed his energy into divine power."
"That means his true combat strength is already comparable to an Ultimate Supreme!"
Her heart rippled slightly.
Even her own spiritual energy had not yet fully transformed into divine power.
Between divine power and spiritual energy—
The difference was heaven and earth.
This also meant that in a true fight, she might not necessarily be Ethan's opponent.
"Brother Ethan," Zeon said cheerfully, patting Ethan's shoulder, "let me introduce you. This is my sister."
"I see," Ethan replied calmly.
He paused for a moment, then cupped his hands toward Liora.
"I am Ethan. May I ask for your name?"
"Liora Verdant," she replied, returning the gesture.
"Of the Verdant Lantern royal family. I have long heard of Mr. Ethan's extraordinary talent and strength. Seeing you today, the rumors were not exaggerated."
Hearing this, Ethan's expression grew a touch solemn.
He hadn't expected Zeon's sister to be a princess of the Verdant Lantern Empire.
Which also meant—
Zeon himself was a prince of the Verdant Lantern royal family.
No wonder this fellow spent money like water.
Ethan came back to his senses and smiled lightly.
"It's just an empty reputation."
"Mr. Ethan is too modest," Liora said.
"I wonder—have you ever considered heading to the outside world?"
"The Verdant Lantern Empire lies at the center of the continent. Its territory is vast, opportunities countless. It may be more suitable for Mr. Ethan's development."
"The Verdant Lantern Empire…"
Ethan fell into brief contemplation.
His ultimate goal was the pinnacle of cultivation.
That was not something that could be achieved by remaining in Skyreach Territory forever.
The Verdant Lantern Empire, as a super giant at the heart of Oceanreach Continent, was naturally a place he wished to see.
But—
Not yet.
There were still too many unresolved matters.
"The Verdant Lantern Empire is prosperous, and I do wish to see it one day," Ethan replied honestly.
"But there are many things I must handle first. After everything here is settled, I will consider leaving."
"Very well," Liora nodded.
"When the time comes, I'll invite Mr. Ethan to taste the finest tea in the Verdant Lantern Empire."
Zeon squinted slightly at his sister.
This was the first time he had seen her treat someone of the same generation with such courtesy.
Clearly—
She had recognized Ethan's potential.
Which was exactly what Zeon had hoped for.
"Mr. Ethan," Liora said again, "I still have important matters to attend to. I won't be accompanying you to Noble Sun City."
"That's fine," Ethan replied calmly.
"Eldest Princess, take care."
As the eldest princess of the Verdant Lantern Empire, her words and actions could represent the will of the imperial family.
It was only natural for her not to intervene directly in the affairs of Skyreach Territory.
Liora stepped into the air, then looked back at Zeon.
"Zeon, I'm leaving Skyreach Territory. Be careful and don't cause trouble."
"Don't worry," Zeon waved.
"Brother Ethan is protecting me."
With that, Liora disappeared into the distance.
After her departure, Atlas's expression subtly changed.
He had assumed that the eldest princess would also join them in dealing with the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and other forces.
Her sudden departure made him uneasy.
With only Ethan and himself—
Could they really win?
and two Inferior Supremes against such a lineup?
"Holy Lord Atlas," Ethan asked calmly, "do you know the details of what happened in Noble Sun City?"
"I know some," Atlas Ashmount replied.
"Tell me."
"Alright," Atlas Ashmount nodded.
"The ones who acted were the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and the Vernal clan of the Vernal Dawn royal family."
"They joined forces specifically to target you—and the artifact in your hands."
"As far as I know, the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets dispatched two Upper-level Supremes from their main pavilion."
"The Vernal Dawn royal family sent one Upper-level Supreme and several Intermediate Supremes. That Upper Supreme has already reached the peak stage."
He paused briefly, then continued with a heavy tone.
"In addition, they have united several forces within Skyreach Territory."
"There are at least three Upper Supremes, at least five Intermediate Supremes, and ten Inferior Supremes."
A/N:
Extra chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters
Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters
Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters
Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
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