Chapter 800: Gathering of Elders and Geniuses

A week was indeed a fleeting moment, vanishing as quickly as a breath, and so it passed, leaving the towering spires and radiant banners of the Great Ruler Empire gleaming under a pale sun.

In the heart of Ruler City, the Grand Assembly Hall stood vast and solemn. At this moment, a rare gathering filled that hall—a gathering that even the average citizens of the Great Ruler Empire would speak of in hushed reverence for days to come.

Inside stood not only the five elders of the Empire but also two protectors whose very names struck awe, and at the highest place upon a dais, the leader of the Great Ruler Empire himself, Emperor Hermes, robed in magnificent robes of black and crimson. His eyes swept the chamber with a quiet authority that could make even Legend Rank experts lower their gazes.

Standing closest to him was Elder Drew, the First Elder of the Empire, an elderly man with an unhurried bearing and white hair flowing down his back like silk, his aura calm yet unfathomably deep.
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Beside him stood Elder Cedric, the Second Elder, a sharp-eyed man whose mere glance seemed to cut through lies like a blade through cloth.

Elder Maelis, the Third Elder, was a slightly stooped old woman in sky-blue robes, known for her vast knowledge of formations and spatial arts.

Elder Thorne, the Fourth Elder, exuded heat even without unleashing his flames, his skin dark as bronze and eyes blazing with an inner fire. Lastly, Elder Ben, the Fifth Elder, was a slender man whose presence seemed ephemeral, like mist.

The two protectors, stalwart warriors of the Great Ruler Empire, stood behind the elders like silent guardians. Protector Garlan was a towering man clad in black scale armor, his arms crossed and muscles coiling beneath his skin like resting serpents; his mastery of body arts and raw physical power was famed throughout the Middle Domain.

Next to him was Protector Seraphine, a woman with silver hair and cold violet eyes, cloaked in flowing black robes; she was an expert in assassination and shadow arts, and many believed that if Seraphine targeted you, you were already dead.

At the front of the assembled crowd stood five young figures radiating formidable power—five of the Great Ruler Empire’s brightest stars, all 3-star geniuses whose reputations were already spreading through the Middle Domain.

The first was Alaric Stormrider, a dignified young man with obsidian hair tied in a jade ring, whose sword aura was so dense it seemed to ripple the air around him. He stood at the 7th level of the Legend Rank.

Beside him was Seraphina Emberfall, a woman in brilliant red robes embroidered with phoenix patterns, flames flickering faintly around her delicate fingers; she, too, was at the 6th level of the Legend Rank.

Another was Kael Drakemantle, a tall youth with a silver dragon tattoo winding around his neck, his aura crackling with draconic might, standing firmly at the 5th level of the Legend Rank.
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Beside him stood Elara Frostveil, a serene young woman in flowing white robes, whose aura carried a chilling stillness—her mastery of the ice concept was said to be unmatched, and she was also at the 6th level of the Legend Rank.

Lastly, there was Lucan Goldwind, a slender young man with flowing golden hair, whose smile seemed carefree but whose eyes burned with sharp cunning; he was a rare dual-path cultivator standing at the 7th level of the Legend Rank.

Beside them, there were also fifteen other 3-star geniuses from the Middle Domain were entering.

A low hum of discussion filled the hall as they gathered for this momentous occasion.

These five while weren’t the strongest 3-star geniuses, they were the ones with the most potential aside from the peak Legend Rank 3-star geniuses.

"I trust you have all heard the final verdict," Elder Drew spoke, his voice resonant yet gentle. "The secret domain will stabilize within two days. We must finalize the list of those who will enter."

"Alaric, Seraphina, Kael, Elara, Lucan..." Elder Cedric recited the names gravely, his eyes glinting. "You five are our foremost and beside you lot there will be other 3-star geniuses. The Great Ruler Empire’s honor rests upon your shoulders. But remember—this is not merely a trial. This is a battlefield. Do not assume even other forces of the Middle Domain are your allies once inside."

"Indeed," Elder Maelis interjected, her frail voice quivering with hidden strength. "The spatial fluctuations in the domain are unpredictable. You may be separated, trapped, or worse. Treasures are one thing—but your lives are far more precious."

Protector Seraphine spoke next, her tone as sharp as a blade. "We have intelligence that several Heaven Grade geniuses from the Seven Overlord Forces and the Four God Nation are confirmed to enter. They will not hesitate to kill you for an advantage. Assume that every person you see in that place might be your enemy."

Protector Garlan cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing like distant thunder. "If you get into trouble, fight. Do not cower. Show them that the Great Ruler Empire is not fodder for anyone’s ambitions."

Emperor Hermes, the leader of the Great Ruler Empire, finally raised his hand, silencing the hall. His voice carried an ancient, weighty resonance. "This secret domain may shape the balance of power for decades to come. We must seize every advantage. Yet I will say this to each of you: live. If you must abandon treasures to save your lives, do so. I would rather see you return empty-handed than never see you return at all."

Alaric Stormrider bowed respectfully. "Leader, Elders, Protectors. We will not fail you."

Seraphina and the others nodded.

Elder Lucien, silent until now, opened his eyes, dark pools of unfathomable depth. "Remember: in that domain, the only law is strength. May yours be enough."

The five geniuses exchanged glances, a mixture of grim resolve and eager anticipation in their eyes.

"Elders let’s depart early." Seraphina suggested seeing everyone present in the hall.

The five elders smiled wryly hearing her and turned to look at the Emperor Hermes.

"We are waiting for one more participant who will enter the secret domain with you lot." Emperor Hermes said.

Hearing him, everyone became silent and waited for the last individual’s arrival, with some geniuses thinking, Who could be that person who could make the entire Great Ruler Empire, including the elders and even the Emperor, wait?.

They became highly curious about the last individual.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay