From Secret Clan to the Divine Dynasty

Byrne, left alone, was filled with vigilance, fearing that if the guild leader suddenly attacked, it might take only one blow to kill him, and he might not even have time to react or negotiate.

Despite his extreme nervousness, Byrne still nodded respectfully on the surface, smiling as he bowed deeply. Stay connected via empire

"May I ask what you need of me, esteemed guild leader, that I should remain alone?"

Seated above, the mysterious and inscrutable guild leader was silent for a long time before finally speaking, "I am about to breakthrough to a higher level and will need your power at that time."

Upon hearing this, Byrne fell silent for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying with a resolute look in his eyes,

"You mean my 'Destiny's Trajectory'?"

The guild leader nodded gently and continued, "Yes, I can see it, your key can help me overcome the first great challenge."

"I see."

Byrne realized that his own power was also effective in breaking through to Heavenly Enlightenment, and after remembering this information, he still shook his head.

He calmly stated, "The 'Treasure Key' of 'Destiny's Trajectory' can only take effect if I willingly use it, no one can force me if I am unwilling."

"I am sorry, esteemed guild leader, but your strength is too great, and my 'Treasure Key' will consume my lifespan."

"If it is a 'great help' in breaking through to the Heavenly Enlightenment Level, it might directly take my life... so I do not wish to do so."

After expressing his thoughts, Byrne pondered within, uncertain of the guild leader's next attitude, whether it would be coercion or enticement with bargaining chips?

Either scenario would reveal the guild leader's true character, and it would also determine the different approaches Byrne would have to take.

Ultimately, he did not want to break the contracts with families like the Romanns; if he were to sacrifice all his lifespan for the guild leader, even if he stood to gain handsomely, it did not align with Byrne's personal principles of conduct.

The guild leader's voice came once more, still as ethereal and profound as an unfathomable cloud.

"Mithril, you have not yet heard my specific requests and conditions, so why reject so hastily? But never mind, should you need this deal in the future, you can always come to find me."

"..."

Byrne was silent for a while before he nodded gently and said, "I understand."

The absence of threats or bribes only intensified the sense of danger he felt.

Before Byrne was sent away, the guild leader's voice came for one last time.

"And you must understand one thing, I may not necessarily need all your lifespan..."

Byrne felt a slight stir in his heart upon hearing these words.

——

In the southern part of Cyart.

Inside a manor in Emerald Lake Province.

The interior of the manor featured immaculately trimmed lawns, surrounded by numerous elaborate fountains and powerful stone sculptures made of marble.

Wide paths meandered through the manor, leading to fragrant gardens.

In the garden, brimming with floral fragrances, blossomed flowers of starkly different types, filling the entire manor with intoxicating aromas.

The scent was delightful, soothing, and steadying the heart; standing in any corner of the manor was enough to feel its tranquility and serenity, as if time stood still there.

An elderly man in black clothing and with a determined expression stood placidly in the manor, his eyes calmly fixed on the sun in the sky.

And there stood the "Dragon Taming Lord" Aldrich, "Stars Mortal" Ariel, and "Blazing Fire" Amos, who was about to break through to Monarch, all looking towards the man they deeply admired with sorrowful expressions.

Duke Black Iron.

The most legendary figure of Cyart, revered by many across the four eastern nations, even enemies could not help but praise him.

But now, he was preparing to make arrangements for his own final affairs.

In fact, ever since he was defeated and expelled by Lorne citizens, no one truly defeated Duke Black Iron again, and his eventual death was certainly not due to losing to someone, but to time itself.

Like many legends before him.

The highly esteemed elderly man with a tranquil expression began to speak slowly,

"The most disheartened I ever felt was a hundred years ago when the Ten Great Families were disastrously defeated by the Lorne citizens. At that time, many warriors of our Ten Great Families fell in battle, and the Heavenly Enlightenment powerful experts of both the Hovern family and the Adley family were tricked into vanishing without a trace..."

"To this day, no one knows their whereabouts."

"If it hadn't been for the gods issuing an oracle to bring an end to the war, the ten great pillars of the East would have been completely eradicated by 'Iron Blood Marshal' Horatio Wesley back then. At that time, I had just stepped into becoming a Monarch and witnessed the deaths of most of my family members in the war. My heart was almost in despair."

"I was filled with hatred for the Lorne citizens, yet I also failed to understand that I, alone, was utterly powerless and that I had to continue the family legacy; only then would there be a chance for a comeback."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Taking revenge on an empire of such magnitude could take hundreds, or even thousands of years..."

"Thus, I supported the Cyart King and fought alongside him, leading the people of those territories to migrate eastward across the continent, eradicated the barbaric natives, and eventually founded a new country."

The three listened silently; they all knew that history—every Cyrat person was well aware.

"As of today, my life is also coming to an end, and the landscape of the East that has been in place for a hundred years is probably about to change... Haha, well done, kids of Fischer!"

Duke Black Iron took a deep breath.

"In fact, I must tell you something; that is, the Cyart King's mental state is not quite right."

"This matter is of utmost importance!"

The three were startled, then Aldrich immediately asked, calmly, "I'd like to know, exactly which aspect you're referring to that is not right?"

Duke Black Iron turned and looked at the three, saying, "In the war against the Rhea, he used a mighty Forbidden rare artifact, at the cost of permanent distortion to his mental state."

Aldrich nodded thoughtfully.

"I see, that explains it..."

"No wonder in recent years, you haven't visited him, and rumors about your falling out have been spreading from the outside world..."

Suddenly, the old man's voice grew louder, and his speech was filled with strength.

"No matter what, you must all remember one thing, that is, to remain loyal to Cyart and our King. The Romann family needs to help the King manage the country properly; that is the mission of our Cyart nobility!"

"Even if his mind is a bit unstable, still, I know very clearly that the Cyart King's heart for the country is unchanging; no one cherishes this country more than him!"

Aldrich nodded earnestly and said, "I understand, unless it's absolutely necessary, the Romann family will definitely not betray the Cyart King."

The voice of Duke Black Iron was low as he slowly said, "If there's room for reservation in loyalty, then it's not true loyalty, Aldrich."

Loyalty that is not absolute, is absolutely not loyalty.

However, Aldrich firmly said:

"Should the Cyart King betray us first, I will not allow the Romann family to fall into hell!"

"Alright."

Finally, Duke Black Iron conceded and continued, "Ariel, from today onwards, you are the head of the Romann family; you must always remember not to act out of anger, but to think for the benefit of the family."

Ariel took a deep breath, opened her mouth, and finally nodded her eyes already slightly moist.

"I understand."

The old man nodded gently and then looked towards the youngest, "Blazing Fire" Amos.

"Forge your own path."

He did not close his eyes but focused again on the sun in the sky.

Years had gradually passed, filled with countless events, be it slain enemies or departed loved ones—each one surfaced one by one before his eyes.

What the old man found most unforgettable was the time spent migrating east with the Cyart King; Duke Black Iron always remembered their words.

"Do not be blinded by hatred and dejection anymore, Romann, you are a strong person; if that is so, then forget the failures of the past, and use your own strength to create a new future."

At that time, Duke Black Iron was still a young man, and he looked at the equally young, confident, and proud man, a questioning expression on his face.

"Who are you?"

The young, confident, and proud man laughed heartily and continued.

"Actually, we have met before; can't believe you really forgot who I am?"

"Alright, let me formally tell you, I am the new head of the Adley family, who will also be the future Cyart King, the man with the God of Salvation's blood running through my veins. Romann, join me in building a new country!"

"And you shall become a part of the legend!"