Evening, in the square before the Great Holy Hall.
The Secret Realm Trial of each Holy Tree Festival was, without a doubt, the most anticipated event of all. Although most Imperial capital cities had live broadcasts, the best seats were definitely here at the Great Holy Hall in the Holy Tree Palace.
This was because it was the closest one could get to the Holy Tree Illusion—truly, right under the watchful eye of a Celestial God.
Viewing stands had already been erected around the square. Countless citizens, tourists, foreign dignitaries, and attendants moved among them, chatting in low voices, awaiting the grand event that happened only once every three years.
Above the square hovered dozens of open-air floating platforms, like banquet tables suspended in the sky.
Only the Imperial nobility were qualified to occupy these floating platforms, with seats assigned according to status.
Although the Branch of Prosperity was at odds with the Imperial system, it was still an important pillar of the Empire, and so it had its own dedicated floating platform.
"Duke Qinghui! Over here, over here!"
As soon as Westheid set foot on the floating platform, he heard a vibrant, energetic voice. Following the sound, he saw the elegant and enchanting Luyetan.
The Yuanxi Lord was wearing a moon-white, knee-length lace dress with gold trim, her dangling calves dazzlingly fair. Behind her stood Rozana in a black-and-white maid's uniform, along with other servants.
"So you really are acquainted with the Yuanxi Lord, Brother?"
Yolanda said in surprise. "I thought you were just joking to threaten me."
"Has my credibility in your eyes really fallen that low?"
Westheid sighed. "It seems I'll have to re-establish my image as the wise, martial, scholarly, and brilliant Patriarch who is a beacon for all."
Leading Yolanda over, Westheid sat down next to Luyetan. This platform was exclusively for the Branch of Prosperity, so it felt quite empty. Only members of the Branch of Prosperity were qualified to sit here.
Sitting next to them as well was a tall, thin figure in a violet-black cloak.
The tightly wrapped cloak had a texture like flickering flames, yet it also merged with the shadows, looking completely out of place in the bright, glamorous surroundings. Beneath a high top hat was a jet-black veil that covered his entire face.
Beneath the veil, a pair of eyes that blazed like rising flames turned to Westheid. They first emitted a crackling sound, followed by an old but steady voice:
"Hmph... Duke Qinghui. I have long heard of your great name. It is an honor to finally meet you today."
Luyetan was clearly familiar with the old man. She made the introduction, "Duke Qinghui, this is another member of the Branch of Prosperity. Unlike us young folk, the Shadow Flame Duke is a rather formal old gentleman."
"Oh, hello."
Westheid's reaction was quite bland. He frowned slightly, unable to recall any such person within the Branch of Prosperity.
However, the Shadow Flame Duke didn't seem to mind. He appeared to be a rather cultured old gentleman and simply gave a slight nod.
The Yuanxi Lord twirled a lock of hair by her ear with a slender, pale finger and said with a charming laugh,
"And the Shadow Flame Duke is also a member of the Branch of Prosperity who wishes to help rebuild the Qinghui Territory. It's just that... it seems Duke Qinghui doesn't need the help?"
The moment Luyetan's words fell, Westheid could feel a prickly gaze from behind him. Yolanda's sharp intake of breath felt like it was right on the back of his neck.
Needless to say, a certain platinum-blonde young lady of the Qinghui Clan was emotionally unstable and was already putting pressure on her Patriarch.
But Westheid had to bite the bullet and stand firm.
"Yuanxi Lord, stop probing. I'm not going to change my mind."
"I have heard that thou hast graciously declined aid to reclaim thy homeland. This is unwise of thee, and not the righteous path for one of the Branch of Prosperity."
The Shadow Flame Duke's fiery eyes blinked, and he said earnestly,
"We are all Friends of the Oath. We should watch over one another and, more importantly, abide by our duties. The Purity Forest was destroyed by the Chaos Tide. As a member of the Branch of Prosperity, thou shouldst take it upon thyself to rebuild the Barrier of the Oath. Why dost thou act so dissolutely, allowing thyself to be subject to mockery and shock?"
"I intend to extend a hand to a Friend of the Oath and help create the great tale of Qinghui's restoration. There is no matter more unwise than abandoning the land of one's ancestors."
Behind Westheid, Yolanda nodded her head furiously. Although etiquette prevented her from interjecting, she used her actions to show her agreement with the Shadow Flame Duke.
'Now *this* is an Exemplar of the Branch of Prosperity!'
However, Westheid just chuckled lightly.
"The old gentleman speaks very well. Next time, don't. I know the consequences of losing the Qinghui Territory better than anyone, and I also know what needs to be done."
The Pure Holy Spirit was currently being ravaged by Chaos. Once the Holy Spirit fell, Westheid would be corrupted on the spot—a miserable fate worse than death.
Westheid was well aware of this; he didn't need anyone to remind him.
It was just that the Qinghui Territory was the first territory to fall to the Chaos Tide. Before that, no one knew the truth of the Branch of Prosperity, nor the grave consequences that would follow a territory's fall.
Thus, seeing Westheid's resolute attitude, the Shadow Flame Duke silently shook his head and said no more.
Luyetan, however, caressed her cheek and changed the subject.
"Duke Qinghui is as resolute as ever. Let's end this unpleasant topic. Tonight, we get to admire the grand stage built by the Divine Ancestor."
"Speaking of which, I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy the show quietly with you two. I'll be participating in the Trial as well. It would be too much of a shame to miss such a grand event. As for the Celestial God's grace, I'd like to compete for it myself."
Westheid said, looking at the other two members of the Branch of Prosperity. "Aren't you two planning to participate?"
"Participate in the Secret Realm Trial? It is indeed a rather interesting diversion. Unfortunately, my strengths lie in command, management, large-scale Technique deployment, and Domain creation. If I don't bring an entire legion with me, I'm afraid I won't be able to display my full strength. I'd rather not make a fool of myself."
Luyetan's words were less humility and more a subtle display of her immense and wealthy resources.
The Shadow Flame Duke tapped his cane lightly on the platform and said,
"The Secret Realm constructed by the Divine Ancestor is magnificent and dreamlike, and I too yearn for it. Alas, I have already ascended to the [Hero] Tier and am thus ineligible for this journey."
"..."
'What is going on? Why am I getting this 'I'm the only one who sucks' vibe?'
Luyetan looked at Westheid, blinked innocently, and covered her mouth as she feigned a frown.
"Oh my, I'm sorry. Were our words a bit too hurtful to Duke Qinghui?"
Westheid said, "So everyone else is a total badass, and I'm the one dragging us down, is that it?"
With neither deep family resources nor formidable personal strength, Duke Qinghui could only accept the fact that he was the most pathetic member of the Branch of Prosperity.
"We never said that. You said it yourself, Duke Qinghui."
Luyetan smiled beautifully, but the teasing look in her eyes made it clear she had intentionally brought up the Qinghui Clan's current situation.
Yolanda cried, "Yuanxi Lord! You are mistaken! Qinghui..."
"Yolanda, don't get tilted."
Westheid soothed the trembling, platinum-blonde girl behind him with practiced ease, then took out his card box.
"Looks like we still have a while to wait. How about a couple of games?"
The Yuanxi Lord was not one to sit still. Westheid could see that beneath her glamorous exterior, this member of the Branch of Prosperity possessed a rather mischievous and cynical heart.
Westheid wasn't afraid of her, but to keep Yolanda from fainting from anger, he decided to cut her off.
Luyetan's golden eyes lit up. "Speed chess? Then I'll have to think about how to get my revenge."
Compared to continuing to tease the amusing Duke Qinghui, the Yuanxi Lord found chess more interesting.
Although she had appeared calm and composed about her last defeat, it was truly one of Luyetan's rare losses. The frustration of being so thoroughly crushed had kept this member of the Branch of Prosperity from sleeping well for several nights.
The speed chess rules for Endless War Chess required a winner to be decided within twenty rounds, with no more than five seconds of thinking time per turn.
Luyetan believed that while Westheid's strategic overview was superior to hers, his rapid thinking might not be as strong. She thought she might be able to reverse her previous defeat.
And then she was utterly demoralized by the master of the war chess domain.
"Let's stop here. More losses than wins again. Tsk, I really can't accept this."
Luyetan pouted and stretched lazily.
The Shadow Flame Duke, who had been watching the game, commented:
"Is this the amusement with which you youngsters pass the time? I do not understand it well, but Duke Qinghui's skill is nonetheless pleasing to the eye, as if honed over a great many years into its own unique style."
"Old Deng's got a good eye. Too bad I won't be able to teach you how to play."
Westheid gathered his cards, stood up, and patted down his windbreaker, preparing to go down with Yolanda to participate in the Trial.
The brilliant Holy Tree Illusion above the Holy Tree Palace had now unfurled across the night sky. The god who resided high in the Sanctuary above the firmament would, at this rare moment, overcome the attrition from the world's Barrier and transmit Its great power into the Mortal World.
Everyone was craning their necks in anticipation, waiting for the illusion above the Great Holy Hall to officially descend. Only then would the Secret Realm Trial truly begin.
However, at this solemn moment, a commotion suddenly erupted before the Great Holy Hall. Squads of the Royal Guard rushed over urgently.
Luyetan frowned. "What's happening over there? Who would dare cause trouble at a time like this?"
Westheid also looked toward the sound, and then he froze.
"Reiya?!"