Chapter 582: A Summons to the Imperial Palace

The Blackflame Ice Flower Sword added 1,000 Attack and increased Marcus’s total Attack by another 200%. The moment he saw the numbers, he immediately swapped out the Corpse Demon Dark Soul Sword and equipped the icy flower-shaped Divine Artifact.

With all his buffs still active, his Attack stat shot straight past ten thousand. ’Amazing!’

With a one-handed Divine Artifact in his possession, he could finally put away the two-handed Ice-Fire Twin Dragon Hoe and return to his favorite class setup: a Knight wielding a massive shield in one hand and a powerful sword in the other. It felt much more natural to him.

Marcus examined the Blackflame Ice Flower Sword again. It even possessed the Iceflame Black Serpent Men’s signature skill, Blackflame Ice Flower, which he’d already experienced firsthand. The ultimate skill, Ice Flower Blossom, was even more impressive. Not only did it put him into a powerful defensive state, but it also restored 5,000 Health every second.

This trip to Twin Wing Island had been a huge success. Of course, the sword was only a Level 50 Divine Artifact, so compared with some of the truly outrageous equipment that existed in the game, it could only be considered mid-tier. That only made Marcus more eager to find something even better.

Unfortunately, Divine Artifacts weren’t exactly common. They had poured an enormous amount of time, effort, and resources into forging this one, and even then, they’d started with a completed blade blank. The truly legendary equipment was on an entirely different level and would be far more difficult to obtain.

Still, Marcus had no reason to complain. The relatively low level requirement was precisely what allowed him to equip such a powerful weapon at his current level. Practical gear was the best gear.

Marcus couldn’t help grinning as he looked toward his ladies, and judging from their expressions, they were even happier about the new weapon than he was.

After bidding farewell to the blacksmiths, Marcus returned to his Dragon’s Roar mansion and spent some time soaking in the hot spring before going to say goodbye to the Town Lord. It was time to return to the mainland.

There was already far too much waiting for him now that he had reached Level 50. He still had the Golden Rabbit King’s treasure map to deal with, the mystery surrounding the missing Roaring Tiger Squad, the materials Alana wanted him to gather, and the Blood-Fiend Fruit he needed to deliver to the Dragon Dynasty.

Then there was his trip into Demon Clan territory to search for the dark treasure required to hatch the Dark Violet Sky Dragon, not to mention Elven Canyon. One thing after another had piled up until his list of things to do seemed endless.

"Brother, once we’re back on the mainland, it won’t be so easy for us to return here. The girls and I are going to stay a few more days before we head over."

Amber gave him the update. They still hadn’t gotten their fill of Twin Wing Island’s beautiful beaches and other attractions, and with all of them hovering around Level 46 now, they were also reluctant to leave just as they were approaching the level needed to make their way onto the leaderboards.

"Fine by me."

After saying goodbye, Marcus activated a Town Portal Scroll and returned to his mansion in Dragon’s Peak Citadel. The moment he arrived, however, he activated Wanderlust.

The skill wasn’t affected by the Storm Seal at all. It simply bypassed the restriction entirely. A shimmer of light flashed, and Marcus appeared right back on Dragon’s Roar Island, standing in front of his ladies once more.

"Brother! Your Wanderlust skill isn’t restricted!" Amber practically cheered when she realized what had happened.

Marcus was thrilled as well. ’So what if Twin Wing Island was sealed?’ As long as Wanderlust remained unaffected, he could still come and go whenever he pleased.

"Ladies, if you need me, just send me a message. I’ll be there in a flash." He flashed them a grin, earning a round of mock-outraged looks in response, before activating another Town Portal Scroll and returning to his mansion in Dragon’s Peak Citadel.

"Master, you’re back!" The moment he appeared in the courtyard, Alana spotted him. Dressed in white, she immediately ran toward him with unconcealed joy. There was something almost butterfly-like about her graceful movements, her delicate figure seeming to sway gently in the mountain breeze.

"Alana!" Marcus opened his arms and pulled the graceful beauty into his embrace. The familiar floral fragrance surrounding her immediately filled his senses.

"Did you miss me?" Alana looked up at him, her delicate features and beautiful eyes making it difficult for him to look away. Her Hundred-Flower Body naturally carried that enchanting floral fragrance, and after being away for so long, Marcus found himself even more drawn to her than usual.

He tightened his arms around her slender waist and kissed her soft lips. "Master..." Alana relaxed in his embrace, her affection and longing impossible to hide. She quietly returned his kiss and allowed herself to be held close, her lips parting beneath his as the two of them lingered together for a moment.

Marcus’s desire flared almost immediately. For days on Twin Wing Island, he’d been surrounded by twelve stunning beauties in swimsuits, wandering along golden beaches and spending time together under the sun.

He’d had more than enough temptation in front of him, but circumstances had never given him a chance to act on any of it. Now that he was finally alone with Alana again, all that pent-up desire came rushing back.

His hand slipped upward, instinctively seeking the warmth of her body as he held her close. But just as the moment began to deepen, Alana gently kissed him again before whispering against his chest, "Master... not now... please."

"Alana? What’s wrong?" Marcus lowered his gaze to her dreamy eyes and flushed cheeks. His heart sank a little. ’Not last time, and not this time either.’ At this rate, he was beginning to wonder when he’d ever get the chance.

Still, he wasn’t going to pressure her. If she was stopping him, there had to be a reason.

"Master, I’m yours forever..." Alana snuggled closer, gently kissed his slightly pouting lips, and then softly explained, "But I have to go to the Imperial Palace now."

"The Imperial Palace?"

"The Imperial Palace of the Dragon Dynasty?" Alana nodded.

Marcus was stunned. Why did Alana need to go to the Imperial Palace? That wasn’t somewhere just anyone could simply walk into.