Hours earlier.
While the girls were fighting for Delia's life, an emergency meeting was taking place in the city lord's mansion, convened personally by Matthew Evergreen. The spacious, brightly lit hall was filled with the most influential powers of the city. Among those present were the leaders of the Great Clans, the head of the Mercenaries' Guild, and two prominent figures from other key organizations.
The first was Cullen Tars, the Captain of the City Guard—a massive man with thick red hair and a freckled face. His imposing build and straightforward, wall-like stare demanded respect. His armor was polished to perfection, gleaming so flawlessly it seemed untouched by battle. This sharply contrasted with his rough, commanding demeanor of a man long accustomed to giving orders.
The second was Alexander Gias, the third most influential figure in the Merchant Hall. His elegant appearance stood out among the rest: ash-colored hair, neatly styled, accentuated his sharp features, and his cold, detached blue eyes observed the hall with icy composure.
Matthew swept a stern gaze over the assembly.
— You know why we are here, — he began, his deep, steady voice echoing across the hall. — The tournament that was meant to showcase our city's strength and unity has turned into a tragedy. More than half the participants are dead. The Lin Clan suffered the worst losses—only one of their people survived.
— The rift that opened in the forest revealed a network of tunnels. The survivors encountered multiple threats: the Deluge Dragon, which vanished before anyone could locate it; knights disguised as the Empress's Silver Legion; and the actions of a mysterious group calling itself the "Hell Palace."
His words sent a wave of whispers through the hall. Lin Bo remained grimly silent, unlike the patriarch of the Wang Clan, Wang Xian. Though elderly, his voice was steady, yet burdened with pain.
— You're right, Matthew. This "Hell Palace" has been sowing chaos in our city for months. And now they've dared to kill my grandson, Wang Dun. This will not go unanswered.
His words hung heavy in the air. His hands tightened around his cane, and the oppressive aura of a peak Earth Rank cultivator pressed down on those around him. His gaze occasionally shifted toward Du Aiwei, matriarch of the Du Clan. It was her daughter who had reported the involvement of the Hell Palace. He trusted her… but a sliver of doubt remained.
Matthew nodded calmly.
— Elder Wang, I understand your grief. But for now, we lack sufficient information about the Hell Palace. Our priority should be the so-called "imperials."
Wang Xian gave a heavy nod, suppressing his emotions.
Xue Shen, patriarch of the Xue Clan, lifted his head.
— I've heard about the knights from my people. We even recovered some of their gear. But what makes you so certain they were impostors?
Matthew raised his hand toward the round disk lying on the table.
— This.
He channeled spiritual energy into it. The runes along the edges lit up, projecting a three-dimensional image into the air.
Before the assembly appeared a silver-armored knight. His armor was impeccable, his expression unnervingly calm—almost lifeless. His distorted, monotone voice filled the hall:
— Fourteenth. Real name: Chen Wei. Disciple of the Heiufang Sect.
After a short pause, the voice continued:
— We intended to leave evidence pointing to the Holy Empire: part of the equipment, their insignia, the body of the real captain of the Legion whom we kidnapped and killed. We also planned to inform the imperials of his "location."
Another pause.
— Orders from the Sect Leader. The others involved: Li Qian, our commander known as Second; Liu Ming, Lei Zhei, and Ma Liang — Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth. The remaining ten are from Yunlanmen and Yushenggu.
When the recording ended, the projection faded. A suffocating silence settled.
— Interesting as this is, Lord Evergreen, how can we know it's not fabricated? — Lin Bo asked coldly.
— False or not, it must be verified, — Du Aiwei interjected sharply. — This information must reach the Alliance capital and the Holy Land of Tianlongmen. These sects belong to their jurisdiction.
Lin Bo snorted.
— Perhaps we should conduct our own investigation first?
— Too much is at stake to rely solely on ourselves, — Du Aiwei shot back, her eyes flashing.
Matthew lifted a hand to quiet them.
— Enough. We have enough to act. We found the real imperial captain's body. And this Chen Wei is in custody—unconscious, but alive.
His expression hardened.
— And I'm concerned about the person who interrogated him. Whoever they were, their strength is immense. The barrier over the rift was likely also their doing, along with the alert we received. We must remain vigilant.
Cullen stepped forward.
— I'll work with all of you to uncover who's behind this. And Elder Wang — I will personally assist in dealing with the Hell Palace.
Wang Xian inclined his head slightly.
— Thank you, Cullen. This concerns not only my grandson, but the safety of our city. Those rats must be eradicated.
Finally, Alexander Gias spoke with icy detachment:
— And what of the dragon? That matter concerns me most.
— Witnesses claim the knights and a man in black—likely from the Hell Palace—were fighting over it. Who obtained it remains unknown, — Cullen replied. — Without a spatial artifact of massive capacity, hiding it would be impossible.
Alexander nodded, indifferent.
— I'll report it to Lady Irina. Her decision will determine our next steps.
Matthew rose, his voice filling the hall with authority:
— I leave for the capital immediately. The rest of you — prepare. We cannot allow another tragedy.
The assembly dispersed, each lost in their own thoughts.
At the exit, Du Aiwei approached Wang Xian.
— Elder Wang, I am truly sorry for your loss. You have our support.
— Thank you, Wei'er. But I must return to the clan.
She watched him depart, then adjusted her sleeves and hurried home. In her mansion, she went straight to her office and shut the heavy door behind her.