The Golden Pavilion is one of the most famous buildings in the capital, known for its extravagant architecture, beautiful gardens, and exquisite craftsmanship. Its fame has spread far beyond the borders of Irricester Mountain Range.

In fact, the building itself is so renowned, that many people believe that the owner of the pavilion must possess great wealth. However, the owner of the Golden Pavilion vanished mysteriously.

The building now stood grandly in the centre of the city, surrounded by a high wall. The garden within the grounds of the palace was also equally impressive, filled with colourful flowers and plants.

The scent of roses wafts through the air, making one feel like they're walking around inside a giant flower bed.

It hosts several events during the year, including music performances, theatrical shows, banquets, auctions, and the yearly Martial Competition.

As expected, tickets sold out immediately after they went on sale, leaving hundreds of disappointed patrons outside the gates.

Sung Li stares at the contract, snorting, "That doesn't make sense! Rihan, show it to them!"

Rihan snatches the contract from Sung Li's hands.

"I don't have the time for this," he quips. "Now, you may not believe it, but this is the actual contract."

"No, you're lying. Even the royals would covet this contract. It's been lost for decades," Ijohen stares at the contract.

"…" the man stares at the three of them, his eyes widened.

Sung Li smirks, snatching the man by his collar. "Do you believe me now! Do you know how to read this, or not?!"

"Let me go!" he shouts, struggling against Sung Li. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

The man stares at the three of them, stuttering, "Look kids, you can't just bring in a document like that! That's fraud you know?!"

"Yeah? So what if you're in on it? Robbing us. Are you gonna tell us off for breaking the law?" Rihan retorted.

Suddenly the door behind them opens, revealing two more guards.

"What's going on here?!" one of them demands.

The man snatches the document from Rihan's hand, shoving him aside. "Don't you dare lay your filthy hands on this paper, you stinking brat!" he snarls.

"If you don't leave right now, I'll call the High Guards to arrest you all for trespassing, and forgery! Get lost before I call more guards, you little bastards."

"You're robbing us and calling us thieves?!" Sung Li stares at the man, his face red in anger, "We didn't do anything wrong!"

Rihan stopped beside his friends, his eyes glimmering with fury. The room's temperature dropped sharply, causing everyone to shudder.

Maybe because his soul is stronger from the Soul Merging Ritual, he could feel his aura growing sturdier than ever, allowing him to display his power.

"Return the document to me, right now!" Rihan shouted.

"I don't give a damn about your stupid fraudulent contract, you little brats!" he snarls, turning to the six guards, "Get these brats out of here, NOW!"

The guards stare at the man, their faces pale. These are grown adults and most of them are Bronze Core Cultivators hired by the Hall of Land and Border.

Bullying three kids like this is a bit too much but the man continues, "You heard me, get them out of my office before they cause me any more trouble."

"You heard Sir Wennen," one of the guards orders the others, stepping forward. "Escort the three of them out, and lock the doors."

The guards move forward, their eyes wide as they watch Sir Wennen walk away, carrying the golden contract away.

"You guys wait here," one of the guards stammers, leading the trio down the hallway before stopping in front of a heavy wooden door before the Main Lobby.

He stares at Rihan's group with a stony expression, "You should be thankful you didn't get arrested. Now, you can leave. But don't come back, alright?"

"Sir Wennen…?" Rihan muttered, before remembering something. "Wait, did you say 'Wennen'?"

The guard stares at him, his eyes narrowing.

"That Wennen from the Union of Artic Tablet?" Rihan stares at the man, "The current Chief of The Golden Pavillion?"

The guards were surprised that Rihan, a little boy would know someone as important as Sir Wennen, especially the mysterious Artic Tablet.

"How the hell did you know that?" he asks.

"I'm not telling," Rihan snickers, "No wonder he's so obsessed with this silly thing. It's just a piece of parchment, what makes it so special?"

The man stares at Rihan with a puzzled look. "I don't know. All I know is, that you're lucky you weren't thrown in prison."

"Hmph. Whatever," Rihan grumbles, "I wouldn't mind being robbed by bandits or getting my wallet stolen by thieves. But to be treated like this by an official of the Hall of Land and Border, no way."

"That's what I think too," Ijohen replied.

"Hmmm, I won't say no to that." Sung Li said.

"You better stay out of our business, kid," the guard snorts, "or you'll regret it."

Rihan stares at the man, snorting. "I'm sure I will."

After all, his trip to The Great Hall was to ensnare the higher ranking Hall Officers, but to think that he would hit the jackpot with the Chief of the Golden Pavilion himself!

It looks like I have to upgrade my 'act' a little more, Rihan thought to himself.

"You'd best remember what I said." the guard stares at them with narrowed eyes, "Or else, I won't hesitate to throw you into jail."

Rihan smirked before shouting, "Wennen! You pompous old bastard! Come back here, that document is incomplete! I've got the other set here!"

The other guard stares at Rihan, stumbling backwards. "What the hell?"

Sung Li proudly stares at his friend, patting him on the shoulder, "See? He's the same old Rihan!"

"Yeah," Ijohen stares at the man, snorting. "We're still the same old us."

As Ijohen closed his eyes, he could hear the cries for help and smell the putrid smell of blood as if it just happened. His memories stirring.