Chapter 566: Entering the Riftland

"Every world has certain laws that cannot be broken by the beings born there. These laws are called World Laws," the Sovereign revealed as he pushed himself up to lean against the bedrest. Maximilian supported him, helping him lift his head as he continued, "The restrictions on entering the Riftlands and flying over the Abyssal Sea are the World Laws created by Vyoman to separate the cultivators across the continent and the two realms. Even a human at the True Sage Realm or a beast and demon at the Primordial Realm must follow these laws. The reason Dragons and Phoenixes ignore these laws, travelling freely between continents and the two realms, is because..."

"We are not native to Vyoman," Maximilian finished in a low, shocked tone. Although it was an unbelievable theory, it also explained the unfathomable strength of the Almighty Sovereign and the Fire Phoenix. A world never allows its inhabitants to gain enough strength to harm it. Yet, an all-out attack from a Divine Dragon was catastrophic enough to damage the world itself.

Taking a pause of a few seconds to let the revelation settle in Maximilian’s mind, the Sovereign continued, moving a finger over the jade tokens in Maximilian’s hands. "I found these jade tokens in the Riftlands during my last visit. I believe the artifact our ancestors used to arrive in this world might be hidden there, along with the lost treasures and secrets of our race. The information to surpass the limit of the Divine Ascendant Realm and reach the Realm of Immortality might also be hidden there."

"The realm beyond the Divine Ascendant Realm..." Maximilian murmured, chills surging through his body at the mere thought. If there truly was such a realm, would Vyoman be able to contain a being of such power?

"Enough. Don’t give it too much thought," the Sovereign said, pulling Maximilian out of his thoughts. "You are still only at Level Seven of the Transcendent Stage. Focus on reaching the Celestial Realm first."

He withdrew his hand from Maximilian’s and ordered, "Go now. Your journey is just beginning."

Maximilian gave a slight nod, rising from the edge of the bed. "Take care, Father."

After bidding farewell to his father, Maximilian, along with his wife, Evangeline, left Valcyrion, the Dragon City.

Seven dragons, one representative from each Clan, followed them under the Sovereign’s orders to ensure they entered the Riftlands.

An exemption period of one year had been granted to them. Within this time, they had to hide themselves in the Riftlands. Once the period ended, the dragons would be allowed to begin the hunt for them.

"We are here," Maximilian murmured, standing atop a hill beside Evangeline. Waves of rugged forested mountains stretched behind them while the mountains ahead were completely barren. They were dark, just like the sky above, covered in smoking clouds. A blanket of grey mist shrouded the land below, revealing only the peaks of the rocky mountains.

Even with his Divine Sense, Maximilian could not see what the grey mist was concealing.

"Your Highness," Frederick called from behind. As Maximilian turned around, Frederick drew a miniature golden pagoda from his storage pouch, the air around it rippling with the waves of energy it radiated.

The other six dragons from their respective Clans gasped upon seeing the invaluable treasure.

"Th-that is the Soul Cleansing Golden Pagoda," the dragon from the Flamme Clan exclaimed. "It can drive away aggressive souls and monsters tainted by Death Energy while also cleansing the souls of those staying inside it."

"You know quite a lot about this treasure. Thank you for the explanation, Lord Armon," Frederick chuckled, his long white beard swaying with the motion. "You saved me the trouble."

He gently pushed the pagoda forward. It floated through the air before coming to rest in Maximilian’s hand.

"How could I not know it?" Armon snapped. "It is the priceless treasure of the Flamme Clan, used to cleanse the yang energy of the young Fire Dragons. How could you simply give it away?"

"Careful with your words, Lord Armon," Frederick said, a chilling aura enveloping his body. "It is no longer the Flamme Clan’s treasure. I won it fair and square after defeating your Clan Leader in a duel five hundred years ago. It is up to me whether I keep it, destroy it, or give it away. Besides, how could any treasure compare to the safety of His Highness?"

Armon wanted to beat this old man to death right then and there. How dare he increase the Psycho Prince’s chances of survival by giving him the Golden Pagoda? He was not even from the Éclair Clan, yet he was their most loyal dog. Not to mention, his prowess was second only to the Almighty Sovereign. Armon could only swallow his fury.

The other five dragons seemed equally displeased by Frederick’s decision to give the life-saving treasure to Maximilian.

"Thank you, Uncle Frederick," Maximilian said with a slight bow before placing the pagoda into his storage pouch.

"It’s fine, it’s fine," Frederick chuckled. "May the heavens’ blessings be with you, Prince Maximilian, Princess Evangeline."

The duo nodded in response. As they turned toward the Riftland once again, Maximilian asked Evangeline, "Are you nervous?"

"With you by my side, how could I be nervous, my lord?" Evangeline replied, looking at Maximilian with a faint smile.

"I like that answer," Maximilian said, his tone laced with pride. He grabbed her hand, a coat of Death Lightning enveloping their silhouettes from head to toe. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," Evangeline nodded, intertwining her fingers with Maximilian’s. The small gesture instantly quickened his heartbeat, a faint rosy hue spreading across his cheeks.

"Alright then," he said before suddenly pulling her closer, his arm holding her waist from behind, her back pressing against his chest.

"M-my Lord?" Evangeline gasped, taken aback by the sudden movement.

"Less Death Lightning will be consumed this way," he whispered, though his shy eyes betrayed the true reason he was trying to hide.

"Then, are you intending to carry me while flying through the hills?" Evangeline asked, raising an eyebrow as she read him like an open book. "I cannot use my wings like this."

"It’s alright," Maximilian declared as he jumped off the edge of the hill with her. His dark wings spread wide behind him as they descended, their figures disappearing into the grey mist.