The Shining Star Above The Heaven

What Aldrian said was true, as what he did could also be done by cultivators who reached a certain cultivation stage. To accomplish it on the same scale as him, they would have to step into the divine realm, since it involved faith energy, which already belongs to the scope of divinity.

Only Aldrian is special, as he can sense faith energy even at his current stage.

"Is that so? But I don't think there is anyone who would regard me as their goddess," Sylphia said.

"Well, not yet, love. Not yet. Who knows? You may gain many believers in the future," Aldrian replied, which made Sylphia smile.

They continued their conversation, and while they were at it, they also met with Angelica, who had just finished her daily training. Since she could walk and see for the first time, her character had become much more open and cheerful, her smile now sincere. The first time Aldrian saw her, although she smiled, that smile still carried her own sadness and regret.

"Angelica, congratulations on your advancement to High Duke stage," Aldrian said, which made Angelica's smile brighten.

"Thank you, young master. But all of this is because of the good environment. This place is truly the best I could ask for, with its huge concentration of energy."

Aldrian nodded. "Anyway, I heard that you have new activity now. You like to venture out by yourself, disguising as a vagabond physician, healing anyone who needs your service for free. Rumors about you have spread in the southern region of the Vindas Kingdom."

Sylphia had already told him about Angelica's new activities when she explained what he had missed while he was gone. Angelica, the saintess of the church, disguised herself and started her own adventure. The first time Angelica wanted to do that, Sylphia intended to send some of the assassins from the Thunderous Shadow Pavilion to accompany her, but Angelica refused.

She said that she wanted to enjoy her journey without anyone following her, as she wished to see the world on her own. In the end, Sylphia could only let her go, since Angelica truly seemed determined. The guards were meant only as assurance for her safety, but Sylphia thought it was fine to allow Angelica to roam by herself.

She was still a Duke stage cultivator after all, and that was considered a high level on the Barisan continent. Not many would dare to offend someone of that cultivation. Moreover, ever since Aldrian took the reins, troublemakers such as bandits either stayed in hiding or stopped their activities altogether out of fear of Aldrian's judgment.

"Yes, young master, I decided to venture outside because I want to see more of the world. I can't just stay here and do nothing besides cultivating. I also want to pursue something that has long been my aspiration, something that would bring benefit to many people. Now that the time has come when no great problem threatens the continent, I wish to take an adventure by myself," Angelica said.

Aldrian nodded. "Still, be careful. Although I believe nothing will harm you with the continent's peaceful atmosphere, there is no harm in being cautious of the unknown factors."

Angelica nodded. "Alright, young master. Anyway, I heard that you ventured outside the continent. I'm truly curious about your stories and would like to hear them. Would you mind telling this humble lady some of young master's experiences beyond the continent?"

Aldrian smiled. "Of course. Let's move to a better place, this will be a long story. I also want to hear your story about venturing out as a vagabond physician."

The three of them then sat in one part of the palace's garden and listened to Aldrian's stories. Although Sylphia had already heard them yesterday, she did not mind hearing them again. Their conversation went on for hours, as they paid no attention to time and simply enjoyed each other's stories and presence.

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A week later, an announcement was made that caused an uproar across the continent. The major territories would hold a grand tournament in a city near the core region of the Eternal Sanctuary Forest. The tournament was meant to celebrate the opening of the new cities, as well as mark the beginning of a new era. It would also be the very first grand tournament of the Aster Empire.

The grand tournament was open to talents from all across the continent, regardless of their background, with only one restriction, a maximum age limit. There would be categories for cultivators ranging from the beginner stage up to the marquess stage, and participants would have to compete through several phases of the tournament before the winners of each category were chosen.

The most exciting part was that the tournament would be overseen directly by the emperor himself, and the winners would receive rewards personally granted by him. With such an opportunity, there was no one who would not be tempted to register. It was the perfect chance to display their abilities and gain fame, especially before the emperor.

The emperor's rewards were certain to be generous, as they came directly from his own treasure vault. No one could afford to miss it!

After the announcement was made, as expected, many people began registering at the designated places spread across the cities and towns of the continent. The registration sites instantly became crowded with eager participants, and the officials in charge of the process were quickly overwhelmed by the people's enthusiasm.

However, later that day, another shocking event occurred, one that caused an uproar not only in the Barisan continent, but across the entire Ancient Blue Gate World.

Suddenly, the voice of Aldrian the Great resounded throughout the world, shocking its populace. The voice echoed everywhere, and all could hear it clearly, as if it descended directly from the heavens.

"To the people of the Ancient Blue Gate World, I, Aldrian Aster, ruler of the Aster Empire and sovereign of the Barisan continent, make this announcement so that all of you may hear it clearly."

"Starting today, I declare that the Barisan continent is open to the world. The Barisan continent will establish normal connections with the outside world. All of you from beyond the Barisan continent may visit freely, but I must warn you of a few rules."

"The first rule is this, everyone arriving by interstellar vessel must land and station their vessels at the coastline of the continent, where we have already prepared special areas for this purpose. I will not allow any interstellar vessel to fly deeper into the Barisan continent. If you wish to continue your journey inland, you may use smaller cruisers, or you may use the teleportation portals we have already prepared."

"Second, you must respect the people of the Barisan continent. I will not allow outsiders to enter and cause disorder. At the very least, you are expected to act with proper behavior and courtesy. If any of you harm my people without justification, or attempt to flaunt your power, family, or status, believe me, such things will not work here."

"If any of you do so, I will punish you according to your crime, and you may share the same fate as those who tried to infiltrate the Barisan continent before this day, which is death. I do not care about your background, your power, or your influence. If anyone feels my words are arrogant and dislikes them, then feel free to come and challenge me. And do not think you can hide anything from me. I will know everything you do, even if I am not standing beside you."

"However, I will not punish you for harming one of my people if there is a justified reason. As I said, I will know everything, and I am not so rigid as to ignore what is right and what is wrong."

"Third, do not try to bring your influence here. If you intend to exploit my people for your own benefit and cause disharmony in the Barisan continent, I will punish you as well. Once again, I will know everything you do. But if your purpose is to do business or pursue cooperation, then that will be permitted."

"Fourth, I hope you will enjoy your stay in the Barisan continent. We hope to build good relationships with you all. Since we have only just opened ourselves to the world, my people know little about the outside, and there is much for them to learn. We want to live among you without being treated differently from the other continents of this world."

"That is all for my announcement. Have a good day."

After that, the world fell silent once more.

Not long after Aldrian's announcement, as expected, it caused an uproar across the world. The news also spread to other stars on the very same day. Many people thought that Aldrian's words were truly arrogant, as if he believed he could do whatever he wanted without facing any consequences.

However, given his reputation, many also felt that what Aldrian said made sense, and that his words were backed by his strength. If someone wished to challenge Aldrian, they would be glad to see it, for they wanted to know whether his declaration was true.

For the next few days, people across the Ancient Blue Gate World spoke of nothing but Aldrian, and several powers began to move in its direction.