They sat at the side of the golden palace, surrounded by familiar faces—the younger generation from various veins, such as Baron, Lisa, and Laura.Albert looked listless, his gaze wandering boredly outside the golden palace, where the clear, loud calls of the reception deacons echoed every now and then.He had little interest in such grand feasts. If it weren’t for the Black Yellow Dragon Aura Pond, he would much rather have stayed in Dragon Fang Vein to cultivate.Dale, sitting beside him, asked curiously, Little brother, I heard you stole the show last night and became the center of attention?He had even less interest in that banquet than Albert. After the discussion for the Legion Commander position, he’d made an excuse to slip away, and it was only that morning that Isabelle had told him about Albert’s spectacular performance the night before.Albert nodded lazily and said, It was nothing much. That Verity took a fancy to my looks and gave me a ten-million gold coin tip. But do y

The real reason Patty has come to the Dragon Blood Mountain Range to offer her birthday greetings is likely to catch a glimpse of the son of Andrew and Charlotte.Yet even though the boy named Albert had neither parent by his side, his most formidable grandfather—Thomas—was present. Moreover, to welcome back this grandson who had been stranded far from home, Thomas had already made it clear that the grudges of the past belonged solely to the older generation. Thus, if Patty tried to bully the young Albert with her superior strength, Thomas, seated on the high dais, would surely not allow her to act with impunity.In the sudden hush, Albert rose to his feet with a calm expression and addressed Patty: Albert greets Hall Master Patty.Within the golden palace, numerous gazes flicked over to him in secret. Clearly, they were all somewhat curious about this son of Andrew and Charlotte, who had returned from the Outer Divine Continent.After all, Andrew and Charlotte had once blazed so brig

Albert’s gaze shifted once more to where Verity stood, and his eyes narrowed slightly at once—the energy fluctuations emanating from her washed over him with an intense sense of pressure.A pressure even stronger than that from Baron.As Albert studied Verity, she seemed to sense his stare. Her cool, mountain-spring-like gaze locked onto his, and their eyes met.A warm smile spread across Albert’s face as he spoke: Lady Verity, your strength is extraordinary. It’s clear you’ve set your sights on the Golden Dragon Pillar. And Commander Baron is a gracious host—he might even step back and yield the pillar to you.Baron, standing not far away, twitched at the words. Though he had indeed been somewhat attentive to Verity, he would never dare hand over the Golden Dragon Pillar so easily on such an occasion—it would bring utter disgrace to the Dragon Blood Vein, and his elders would surely punish him for it afterward.Grimacing, he said: Commander Albert, do not speak nonsense. Lady Verity

Laura shot him a sideways glance and said, You’re Verity’s target. You can run now, but once we cross the isolation barriers, there’ll be nowhere left to hide.Albert smiled. I’m not afraid of her. I just don’t want to be held up outside the barriers and miss the chance to claim a Coiled Dragon Pillar.All talk. Laura shook her head, writing it off as Albert putting on a brave face to save his pride.She prepared to leave, warning Albert as she did so: Don’t follow me from here on out. We go our separate ways. We’re not even from the same vein, and right now, we’re still competitors.Disappointment flickered across Albert’s face as he sighed. I thought we’d forged a bond of battle camaraderie.Laura was equal parts annoyed and amused. The boy had a shameless streak a mile wide.Don’t follow me!Gripping her glazed staff tightly, she waved it at Albert, putting on a fierce act that, surprisingly, looked a little cute and childish.Without waiting for his reply, she moved in a flash and