Chapter 804: Gathering of the Seven Overlord Forces - 1

At the very deepest part of Misty City, nestled in a secluded area shrouded by swirling white mists and ancient towering trees, there stood a small hill around which a massive purple-colored portal spun and churned like a vortex of liquid light, its surface shimmering with countless rippling patterns that gave off an otherworldly glow.
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While powerful waves of pressure radiated outward from the portal’s core, causing the nearby trees and the thick forest to sway and tremble wildly, their branches whipping back and forth as though caught in a violent storm, leaves swirling through the air like a flurry of green and gold.

Suspended high in the sky around the hill and the portal, thousands upon thousands of figures hovered in disciplined formations, filling the air with a tense and expectant atmosphere, their flowing robes and battle armor glinting beneath the pale sunlight filtering through the mist; each of these figures was a warrior or an expert hailing from various powerful guilds, clans, and forces scattered throughout the Middle Domain, their sharp eyes fixed intently on the swirling gateway that represented the entrance to the long-awaited secret domain.

Just as the buzzing murmur of the crowd continued, a gleaming void shuttle—its surface etched with faintly glowing runes and carrying the crest of the Great Ruler Empire—came streaking through the sky before it gradually slowed and came to a graceful halt in midair right in front of the purple portal, and the figures within began to emerge, stepping out into the open air one after another.

Max’s eyes widened in genuine astonishment as he looked around, completely stunned to see so many people gathered in one place, his voice unconsciously rising as he exclaimed, "So many people?!"

Seraphina, standing beside him and wearing a gentle smile, leaned closer to him in a way that reminded him of an affectionate older sister as she explained patiently, "Little Brother Max, whenever a secret domain is discovered in the Middle Domain, people from all over the thousand regions come flocking to it because no one wants to miss the chance to enter a place that could change their destiny overnight; sometimes a single lucky opportunity in a secret domain is enough to transform an ordinary people into a peerless expert, so naturally everyone wants a share of the treasures and fortunes inside."

Hearing her words, Max nodded thoughtfully and then glanced sideways at her, his tone turning a little awkward as he asked politely, "Oh. You are Miss...?"

Seraphina let out a delicate, tinkling laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she teased him gently, "Miss? Why so formal all of a sudden? I’m also someone recruited by Princess Lyra, so from now on, you’ll have to call me Big Sis Sera."

Max scratched his head with a wry, embarrassed smile and nodded, saying obediently, "I understand, Big Sis Sera."

Just then, a hearty and booming laugh echoed through the sky, drawing everyone’s attention, and a middle-aged man with thick red hair, dressed in ornate red robes embroidered with golden patterns, came floating forward with an imposing presence, his eyes alight with friendly warmth as he called out, "Hahaha, if it isn’t my old friend Hermes!"

Emperor Hermes, standing tall and exuding the calm dignity of a ruler, chuckled lightly and replied, "Orion, it seems like the Eternal Sun Guild is the first of the seven overlord forces to arrive here."

The red-haired man, who was none other than Guild Master Orion, let out another big laugh and replied in a booming voice that carried a note of pride, "You know me... I’m always the first when it comes to these kinds of things."

As the two leaders continued exchanging lively words and laughter, their easy camaraderie clear for all to see, Max found himself quietly observing them, unable to suppress a small smile as he muttered under his breath, "They’re talking like old friends."

"Because they are old friends," Princess Lyra’s gentle voice came from beside Max as she drifted closer, the soft folds of her flowing robes brushing lightly in the breeze stirred by the swirling portal, and she paused to look toward her father, Emperor Hermes, and Guild Master Orion, who were still laughing and exchanging lively words as though they were reminiscing about times long past.

Her eyes reflected a mix of affection and pride as she explained, "My father and Uncle Orion have been friends for centuries. Because of this, our Great Ruler Empire and the Eternal Sun Guild have always shared good relations too."

Max blinked in surprise, nodding slowly as he absorbed this new information, realizing that he hadn’t known any of it before. His gaze shifted around to take in the sight of Seraphina, Alaric, Kael, and the other top geniuses of the Great Ruler Empire mingling freely with the geniuses of the Eternal Sun Guild, talking and laughing in relaxed tones.

Sensing the slight concern still lingering on Max’s face, Princess Lyra smiled warmly and said, "You don’t have to worry about any geniuses from the Eternal Sun Guild. They won’t do anything to the members of the Great Ruler Empire. In fact, our two forces have formed alliances on many occasions, both in times of perils and in exploration of secret realms."

Max exhaled lightly and gave her a thoughtful nod, murmuring, "I see," as understanding dawned in his eyes.

Just then, the peaceful atmosphere was broken by the sudden arrival of another large void shuttle descending from the skies in a blaze of bright, silvery light, its hull glowing with powerful inscriptions as it hovered to a stop in front of the churning purple sphere.

The shuttle’s doors slid open with a deep hum, and from within emerged a group of experts whose very presence seemed to slice through the air, for around them radiated an intense, razor-sharp sword aura that made even the swirling mists retreat as if cut by invisible blades.

Someone among the gathered crowd called out loudly, "People from the Absolute Sword Palace are here!" and all eyes turned toward the newcomers, whose robes bore the insignia of crossed swords blazing like silver lightning.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay