Nester and the other elder were the last to get out of the mountain after the others had run off.
The moment they were out, the flame mountain shook violently as if smashed by a terrible force.
Enormous stones rained down, followed by a surge of dust that covered the entire ground. It was
followed by an intense energy that surrounded the entire area and released a powerful tremor
underneath the earth.
After what seemed like a lifetime, the destruction stopped and it was all calm and quiet.
"Our work here is done, now that we have the spiritual treasure. We have accomplished the mission
that His Majesty appointed us to do. The Hell of Dragon Fang is not a safe place. We have to head out
as soon as possible. Once we're far from here, then that's the only time that it would be safe for us to
relax." Nester suggested, and then looked at Alyssa for approval.
Alyssa nodded in agreement. The Hell of Dragon Fang made her feel uneasy, and all she wanted was
to get as far away from the place as possible.
The treasure hunting teams did not waste any more time and hurriedly pulled out of the Hell of Dragon
Fang. They were led by Alyssa and the two elders who were also very eager to leave the place.
It took them three days and nights to leave that terrible place.
After less than a day's rest, Alyssa and the two elders went back to report that they had successfully
completed the mission. The treasure hunting teams also went back to Timber Deity Empire. They were
in high spirits and looked forward to a grand celebration.
Woods was on cloud nine because it was his team who got the spiritual treasure. As soon as he and
his team members arrived at the capital, Woods ordered his servants to set up a fabulous celebration
party in the grand hall of his residence. He invited everyone that was part of his team to come.
By nightfall, the entire mansion was adorned with bright, colorful lights. The servants were busy as a
bee and made sure everything was perfect for the grand celebration.
Inside the grand hall, members of the treasure hunting team sat on both sides of the table. In front of
them was an array of all kinds of delicious food and expensive wines. Servants tended to their every
need as they raised a toast to each other and chattered happily.
"I am grateful to all of you! If it wasn't for your hard work and determination, I could never get my hands
on the spiritual treasure. I promise that all of you will be generously rewarded for your contribution
tomorrow. With this cup of wine, I would like to thank you for your loyalty and support. Cheers!" Woods
stood up and raised his glass.
All the guests stood up and raised their glasses. They were all pleased with Woods' declaration and
promise.
"For my next toast, I would like to honor the fallen champions who died in this treasure hunting mission.
We cannot forget their contributions. They are our heroes. They may not be here, but their families will
bask in the glory of their courage. Their deaths will not go to waste. For our heroes!" Woods declared.
"For our heroes!" everyone said in unison.
"Obtaining the spiritual treasure was a joint effort of all of you. Still, I want to recognize and express my
gratitude to the following exceptional masters. Master Lucas and Elder Brook, thank you so much for
putting your shoulder to the wheel. It was your wisdom and abilities that aided us in this endeavor."
Woods then looked at Lucas and Elder Brook, both of whom were sitting on his right side.
"That is very kind of you, Your Royal Highness. Keep in mind that we are always here to help you. If
this will aid you ascend to the throne, then I am more than willing to face any danger and lay down my
life for you!" Elder Brook declared fervently, and then bowed his head to show respect.
Lucas also bowed his head and smiled lightly towards Woods.
"Of course, I also want to thank the Cao Clan and Chief Lucilla. Your clan provided the most number of
people in the treasure hunt and also suffered a tremendous loss. Moreover, it was Miss Queenie who
captured the spiritual treasure. I can say that the Cao Clan contributed greatly to the success of this
mission! Thank you! I will forever be grateful to your clan!" Woods then raised his cup and looked at
Lucilla and Queenie, who were both on the other side.
"Thank you! It is an honor for the Cao Clan to be valued by Your Royal Highness. It was my younger
sister who snagged the treasure, but she would not have done it without the help of Mr. Rookie," Lucilla
said and raised her cup towards Rocky. He was seated next to Woods and was considered as a
distinguished guest.
"Seriously? And what was his contribution? I don't agree! I risked my life to get it, and what he did was
merely help!" Queenie expressed her objection, and then made a face at Rocky.
"Please don't undermine your own power and capabilities, Chief Lucilla. Miss Queenie was indeed
brilliant during the treasure hunt and no one can surpass her determination. She was fearless amid a
dangerous and complicated situation. Definitely, she has made a valuable contribution to our success.
And then Mr. Rookie. He appeared at a critical moment to assist her and prevented the spiritual
treasure from being stolen by others. Indeed, both of them made priceless contributions. Everyone,
let's toast to Mr. Rookie and Miss Queenie!" Woods declared to pacify Queenie.
"That's fair enough!" Queenie grumbled in an indistinct voice. Her face lit up as she forced herself to
smile. She took two sips of wine, and right away her face became red, which made her more attractive.
Rocky smiled and said nothing.
"Mr. Rookie, forgive me for being rude to you before. I misunderstood you. I hope we can both forget
about the past." Elder Brook came over and greeted Rocky with a wide smile. He used to be annoyed
with Rocky and did not hide his disrespect towards him.
"You flattered me." Rocky nodded with a smile.
"Mr. Rookie, I actually have a question that I have been meaning to ask you. I think now is my time to
ask, and everyone must be very curious too." Lucas turned to Rocky and asked in a serious tone of
voice.
"Go ahead, Master Lucas. You can ask whatever you want," Rocky replied calmly as he touched the
rim of his cup.
"We saw you summoned the spirit-manipulated beast inside the arena before, and this time we all
witnessed how powerful it was. I want to know, where did this mysterious spirit-manipulated beast
come from?" This question had bothered Lucas for a long time, but he never had the chance to ask
Rocky. It tortured his mind not being able to figure out the origin of a spirit-manipulated beast. Now that
he had the chance to know, he would not let it pass.
Lucas was not alone. Rocky's spirit-manipulated beast was a mystery to everyone, and they were
grateful Lucas asked the question. Everyone fixed their eyes on Rocky and waited for him to answer.
"To tell you the truth, it was not my spirit-manipulated beast and it will stay in my Magic Spiritual Space
just for a time," Rocky replied with no reservation. He told them part of the truth, but he could not tell
them everything. The ancient spiritual beast was not his spirit-manipulated beast, but he could summon
it anytime. It would come to protect and rescue him at any moment, with the help of the Dragon-shaped
Soul Beast.
Rocky's answer astonished the surrounding people. It was not the answer they expected, but it made
sense. Rocky already had two spirit-manipulated beasts, and both of them were extremely powerful
and difficult to possess. It would be impossible for him to own a third one, especially when it was as
powerful as a Divine Stage master.
"That makes sense. Thank you, Mr. Rookie!" Lucas nodded.
"Well, let's not talk about business tonight. Let's all have a delightful time. Please enjoy!" Woods quickly
came to Rocky's rescue. He knew Rocky wanted to keep his identity in the dark and discussion about
the mysterious spirit-manipulated beast was a dangerous topic.
With this, Woods instructed his servants to bring in more food and wine. Before long, the merriment
shook off the people's curiosity.
Rocky never enjoyed such occasions. Shortly, he notified Woods, and then quietly slipped out of the
hall.
The air was fresh and a cool breeze accompanied Rocky outside.
'My time here is up. It's time for me to leave. I need to go back to the Holy Dragon Empire!' The radiant
blue moon spilled light into the surrounding and his sorrow drifted away with the wind. Rocky's thought
of returning to Holy Dragon Empire was met with mixed emotions. He was excited to go back, but he
knew he had to face Lena and other countless adversities.
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