Two weeks after Lucy left Losha's mountain, things became more chaotic in the capital. Many young talents and powerful individuals clustered in the city, preparing for the opening of the dragon's lair. Their cultivation will be reduced and sealed but those with enough experience will easily be able to overpower the newbies. Some famous youngsters that belonged to the High-Realms appeared in the Imperial Capital, causing a lot of uproars.

Nonetheless, the ones that were more even popular were the initial residents of Green-Leaf, whose fame already stretched to all corners of this world.

For example, the Flame Crown Prince of the Five Phoenix Kingdom or the Sacred Priest of the Holy Academy. Some friction between these young talents started surfacing but it wasn't that big of a deal as the Crown Prince held everyone in check.

Though these young talents hailing from powerful places are arrogant, they still treated the Crown Prince, a mortal, with utmost respect. It is not mere luck that a mortal Royal Family managed to reign Green-Leaf for such a long time. Moreover, the guardians that are protecting the royalty are not something to laugh at. It is rumored that there is at least one Overgod protecting the King.

******

Fortunately, Jian Si managed to finish the task Arthur had given her. Just by continuously depleting her energy for three continuous weeks, she managed to increase her cultivation by a whole grade. That was, however, nothing compared to her improvements in terms of Sword mastery.

With her sword finally back in her possession, Jian Si became delighted as she caressed the red sword. Almost unconsciously, Nether Energy stretched from her finger and wrapped around her sword, surprising her.

She now understood the meaning behind Arthur's words. This energy was soon replaced by a sharp and formless Sword Essence that boosted her power.

Just like Arthur's illusory Makaze, the ground under her red blase was cut by the formless Sword Essence. As she was rejoicing upon her breakthrough, an Outer Disciple came to her mountain, informing her that she's got a special visitor.

Confused, Jian Si waited for this visitor to be escorted here only for her face to distort once she saw this unwelcome guest.

The visitor received a cold glare from Jian Si, who didn't know why the top disciple of the Mirage Era Hall would pay her a visit, after all, they weren't even friends!

Shu Ru politely cupped her fists in greeting then looked around as if she was expecting to see someone else beside Cold Sword.

Noticing her strange actions, Jian Si said

"What do you want?"

Shu Ru furrowed her brows as she could only sense Cold Sword's presence. After walking toward the visibly irritated girl, Shu Ru showed a friendly smiled as she answered

"I was looking for someone. I was sure that he must be here."

"What brings the angry miss all the way here?"

A voice came from behind her, startling Shu Ru, who abruptly turned her head only to see both Arthur and Lucy standing some distance away.

Lucy was as expressionless as ever while Arthur was mockingly grinning at her. The girl pouted and puffed her cheeks while retorting

"Who's an angry miss? It's your fault to begin with!"

Her sudden outburst was a surprise for Jian Si, who never saw her act like this. Shu Ru is known to be a calm and kind girl.

'I guess he has a talent for angering women.'

It wasn't just Shu Ru, every women Arthur meets, he will surely anger no matter what he says.

"Me? I certainly did nothing."

Arthur raised his hands in innocence while quickly changing the topic

"So, you couldn't have come all the way here just to throw a tantrum, right?"

Still incensed, Shu Ru took a deep breath to calm herself down then said

"The opening of the dragon's lair is approaching. I was wondering if you'll go?"

Arthur firmly shook his head and gave her a straight and clear answer

"No, a lot of prying eyes and too much trouble."

A bit disappointed, the girl's shoulders dropped but she didn't give up yet.

"Everyone entering will have their cultivation reduced and sealed. You don't need to fear them, moreover, the treasures and artifacts laying in that Realm will benefit you greatly."

Still uninterested, Arthur waved his hand dismissively, clearly indicating his final answer. With no choice but to switch her target to Lucy, who shook her head without saying anything.

In fact, Losha did tell her that a powerful protective talisman that can protect her from soul-attacks in the dragon's lair, however, it's too big of a risk.

Since their last cooperation went to well, Shu Ru wanted to venture inside the dragon's lair with Lucy and Arthur, however, it wasn't possible. Dejected, she could only bid farewell and leave the mountain, after all, she has to prepare a lot of things before going to the secret Realm.

When only the couple and Jian Si were left on the peak of the mountain, Cold Sword looked at Arthur and curiously asked

"You're really not going?"

Arthur nodded his head, not bothering to repeat his words. After a short while, he seemed to remember something as he asked her

"I heard you're going, is that true?"

Jian Sir firmly nodded her head and said:

"There's no better battlefield than that place. There will be a lot of strong fighters."

'Oh yeah, she's a battle freak.'

He almost forgot that she's a person who goes around fighting and killing people. As she followed a peculiar Sword Dao, it's indeed beneficial for her to venture in such a dangerous place.

…

Claud Venis, who was watching what's happening from within the ARK, clicked his tongue and leaned next to a white table in front of him while resting his chin on his hand.

'I wonder for what reason he'll go to the dragon's lair… It's a shame prophecies show only what will happen, not why.'

******

The dark and gloomy manor was as silent and creepy as ever. The sun that used to hung above was devoured by the bright light that came from the godforsaken room Saly was in.

Astrith was nowhere to be seen, as for Leiu, he came back after a while, exactly when Saly woke up from her long and peaceful slumber.

Without even knowing what happened to her or processing where she is, she was held by the back of her neck and dragged to the unimaginably big courtyard.

She looked at the dark world with astonishment, she could barely see anything. She glanced at the youth clad in dark armor next to her and was about to ask something only for her to see a strand of white hair fall in front of her eyes.

Her hair, which had grown very long, was as white as snow. Moreover, the color of pupils became sky-blue, though she didn't notice that. She could feel herself full of vigor and much stronger than before. Unfortunately, Leiu denied her the time to enjoy her newly acquired power.

"Don't start gloating yet. You're still as weak as an ant."

He paused for a split second after he confirmed that her attention was focused on him.

"Normally, I would train you but I know a very good instructor, the best one, in fact."

Just as he said those words, the world of darkness was illuminated by a red, white and grey light which descended from above. The light remained for only a few seconds before it was replaced by a white figure.

He wore a weird costume and had tattoos under his eye. His lips were actually violet, either done by a lipstick or something else.

"Hello Hello!"

He cheerfully waved his hand to the dazed Saly. He walked in a swaggy manner as he chuckled to himself.

The Joker hugged his arms in excitement while saying

"Ahhhh I can't believe you called me to train a Fenrir. This make me soooooo moved!"

Leiu's face remained deadpan as he gazed at the Joker. He quickly left after saying

"I leave her in your care."

The Joker responded with a thumbs-up.

"Don't worry, I will educate her properly."

Saly got shivers down her spines but she didn't show any signs of fear as she remained motionless, staring at the incoming strange man.

The Nameless Knight left, leaving only the two of them. The Joker squatted to the same level as the little girl and inspected her from head to toe while nodding his head

"Mhmm I see a forced bloodline awakening mixed with some body strengthening, not bad considering how poor he is."

Saly didn't know what he was rambling about, she bowed her head and said

"Hello I'm S-"

He cut her off before she could even introduce herself

"Saly MoonStar, of course I know you! Now let me introduce myself!"

He stood up and took a comical pose. He inclined his back and raised one leg, one hand on his temple while the other pressed on his hips.

"The Magician 'extraordinaire', Infamous Trickster and Godslayer. I am none other than The Joker himself! Master of all and Jack of none!"

Seeing her try to hold back her laughter, the Joker frowned as he thought that his introduction was the best in history.

"Now, let us not waste our precious time."

He even backed away a few steps and beckoned her with her hand

"Come now, little sapling."

Confused, Saly tilted her head only for him to add:

"Attack me. Use all your might."

Saly hesitated for a few seconds which led him to speak again

"Didn't you say you wanted to get stronger? You've but passed the easiest hurdle. My job is to teach you how to fight."

Hearing this, Saly mustered her courage and lunged herself at him, her speed was drastically faster and her the strength behind her incoming punch was monstrous too.

Unfortunately, before she could hit him, she was sent flying by a kick that landed on her abdomen. The Joker, still smiling, retaliated against the little girl without holding back.

The little girl held her stomach as she groaned in pain while laying on the dark ground.

"What? Suffering already? Alright, I'll give you one last chance. You can give up and we'll stop."

He crossed his arms and voiced his thoughts to which Saly slowly got up while gasping for breath. Her eyes showed her strong resolution.

"Are you absolutely sure? This will be not be a walk in the park. I'm not as merciless as Leiu, even though you're the daughter of a brother."

Still unwilling to give up, Saly slowly made her way toward the Joker. In response, he burst out in laughter while staring at the little girl with a strange gaze

"Very well, let us proceed."