Sastra Wijaya had clearly weighed every possibility carefully before making the monumental decision to launch an assault on the Sastrajingga Kingdom. For several months he had been contemplating in detail every step that must be taken to smooth the path for his boundless ambition.It was not without reason that he chose Sastrajingga as his target. The Sastrajingga Kingdom was not only the greatest among the surrounding realms—holding dominion over three other kingdoms—but its strength had recently been weakened. The land had just emerged from a devastating war. It was impossible for its economy to recover in merely two months.The number of soldiers had undoubtedly diminished as well. According to the latest intelligence he received from Wisnu, Sastrajingga’s army now counted no more than seven thousand men. Even if the kingdom hurried to recruit more soldiers, their strength would not increase significantly in such a short span of time.Now Sast

Ki Mangkubumi walked ahead with calm and steady steps, while Arya and Ratnasari followed closely behind him. The three of them made their way through the stone corridors of the Heavenly Peak Sect until they reached a private chamber—Ki Mangkubumi’s own quarters, a place where only a handful of people had ever been allowed to enter.Once inside, the three sat facing one another. The chamber was simple yet dignified, with shelves of ancient scrolls, a stone table, and faint incense that filled the air with a tranquil fragrance. While waiting for the food to be served, Ki Mangkubumi began explaining to Arya in greater detail about Sanggabhumi, the mysterious youth who had caught the Prince’s attention earlier.“Perhaps one day, if Your Highness truly wishes to meet Sanggabhumi’s father, I shall personally escort you to his distant kingdom,” Ki Mangkubumi concluded, his voice firm yet gentle.Arya, curiosity gleaming in his eyes, asked, “If his fathe

“Just yesterday, Your Highness spoke the same words,” Ki Mangkubumi began, glancing briefly at Rengga. “In fact, yesterday the Prince even sparred with one of my disciples.”“It seems the Prince wishes to ensure that any official entering the palace circle is truly capable,” Ki Mangkubumi continued, his voice calm but filled with meaning. “He also mentioned that it would be your friend who oversees the selection process.” He smiled gently at Rengga, who looked both surprised and burdened.“Why must it be me, Master?” Rengga asked, confusion shadowing his features. He felt the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him—an entire kingdom hung in the balance.King Dharmalaksana interjected, his voice measured and thoughtful. “Perhaps your martial skills do not yet match those of my son. But he has spoken of your intelligence. Therefore, I believe this selection is not only about physical strength or combat ability, but also about mental acuity and s

After completing the selection process at The Heavenly Peak sect, Rengga, accompanied by Elder Wiyasa, returned to the Sastrajingga royal palace. With the permission granted by Ki Mangkubumi, one hundred and twenty-five members of The Heavenly Peak sect who had passed the selection also accompanied them back to the city of Sastrajingga, joining the journey to the royal capital.Meanwhile, Arya’s efforts to unite the four elements within his body faced considerable difficulties. Until now, he had become accustomed to the fire element, which had accompanied him since he first arrived in the Panguripan Valley. Naturally, he now had to adapt to three additional elements, each with its own unique characteristics and energies.The real challenge, however, was the limited time available. If Arya failed to merge all four elements in the next few days, it was certain that his body would be trapped forever within the Dragon God’s realm.Ananta Shesa, who had be

After carefully tucking the sacred scripture given by Ananta Shesa back into the folds of his robe, Arya slowly made his way toward the mouth of the cave.The days he had spent inside the cave had been stifling and suffocating, the air thick and heavy as though pressing down on his chest. But now, stepping closer to the entrance, he finally tasted the freshness of open air again. The breeze swept gently into his nostrils and down into his lungs, and he exhaled with relief, as though each breath carried away the exhaustion of his training.That afternoon, the sky stretched wide and unblemished. Not a single cloud dared to gather, leaving the sun to pour its golden brilliance upon the land. Arya paused at the threshold of the cave, casting a lingering glance at the surrounding forest. Strangely, there was no sign of any disciple from the Sacred Peak Sect in sight—no one he could call to ask a question or exchange a word.A long, steady sigh escaped him, as if letting go of the weight st