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The announcement of the Prince of the Hartfield Empire's arrival spread like wildfire throughout the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Disciples and elders alike were consumed by curiosity and speculation, their thoughts buzzing with questions and assumptions.
"What could this visit mean? Is it a political alliance?"
"Could the Hartfield Empire be seeking our assistance in a conflict?"
"I heard the prince is quite influential. Maybe he wants to establish a connection with our sect."
As the sect buzzed with uncertainty and anticipation, Arthur's footsteps halted, his eyes gazing into the distance.
A sense of determination filled his expression as he released his spirit power, extending his senses to observe the situation.
With a quick scan, his sharp perception pieced together the puzzle. His lips curled into a knowing smile.
"So it's Kaiser's bastard son, Julius Hartfield," Arthur muttered, recognizing the familiar face.
Julius was the son of the cousin of Arthur's adopted father, the Emperor. Their family history was entangled with secrets and power struggles.
Arthur pondered the reason for Julius' visit, wondering what is the plan of the father and son duo.
The arrival of the Prince at this particular moment piqued his interest, and he resolved to keep a close watch on the unfolding events.
Turning to Balor, Luke, and Sun Wukong, Arthur motioned for them to continue walking.
They moved forward, their footsteps echoing with a sense of purpose, even as their minds remained alert.
Meanwhile, Julius Hartfield, surrounded by his entourage, stepped out of the flying boat.
He stood before the grand doors of the hall where the sect leader and the others awaited him.
The sect leader, along with the elders, approached with a mixture of respect and wariness.
They exchanged formal greetings, their words laced with a subtle tension.
"Welcome, Prince Julius. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" the sect leader inquired, his voice maintaining a cordial tone while his mind brimmed with curiosity.
Julius, his demeanor calm yet imposing, offered a diplomatic smile. "I am here for a brief visit, Sect Leader. I would be honored to have a private meeting with you."
The sect leader's heart skipped a beat, his suspicions growing stronger.
He anticipated this request, knowing that the Prince's intentions might involve more than mere pleasantries.
"I would be delighted to speak with you, Prince Julius," the sect leader replied, his voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension.
He turned to the gathered elders and dismissed them with a nod.
As the elders retreated, their gazes filled with curiosity and concern, the sect leader couldn't help but wonder about the Prince's true intentions.
His request for the vice sect leader to be present only heightened the sect leader's suspicion.
Could the Prince and the vice sect leader be working together, united by a hidden agenda? And if so, what could be their true motives?
These questions swirled in the sect leader's mind as he led Julius Hartfield into the hall, their footsteps echoing with both formality and underlying tension.
As the sect leader led Julius into the hall, he gestured towards a table set with tea, a customary gesture of hospitality.
But to the sect leader's surprise, Julius politely declined, explaining that he was currently practicing a special technique that required abstaining from food and drinks for a while.
The sect leader chuckled, remarking, "It must be quite a peculiar technique if it necessitates such strict discipline."
Julius simply nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "It is not nearly as great as the Heavenly Sword Technique of your sect, Sect Leader."
With the pleasantries exchanged, the air grew heavy with anticipation as both parties knew it was time to delve into the true reason for Julius' visit.
Breaking the silence, Julius spoke with a measured tone. "I would like your permission to enter the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm."
The sect leader's brow furrowed, a flicker of concern crossing his face. Beside him, the vice sect leader remained expressionless, his eyes fixed on Julius.
"Prince Julius, I must inform you that the secret realm is strictly reserved for the disciples of our sect," the sect leader replied firmly.
"This rule is followed by all the sects on the continent, as well as the Hartfield Royal Academy, where you are a student."
Julius pressed on, undeterred. "I am willing to pay a price for this privilege, and I assure you, I will not cause any trouble."
The sect leader was prepared to reject the request once again when the vice sect leader unexpectedly interjected, his voice calm and composed. "I believe allowing him entry will not bring any harm to our sect."
The sect leader's gaze narrowed, suspicion and caution seeping into his thoughts.
He contemplated the implications of the vice sect leader's statement, pondering the hidden motives that could lie behind his words.
Just as the sect leader was about to voice his objection and assert his authority, a voice resonated within his mind. "Let him come, I will take care of him. Do not worry."
The sect leader's eyes widened in astonishment as he recognized the voice.
It was Arthur's voice, unmistakable and filled with a hidden power that surpassed his understanding.
'How could do a soul transmission without being detected. Is his soul that powerful? more than mine?' he wondered with a bit of trepidation.
'But if he has such power then I have no cause to be worried,' the sect leader relaxed.
He knew of how the relationship between Arthur and the Princes were so he knew he could trust Arthur with this.
In that moment, a newfound trust blossomed within the sect leader's heart. He decided to follow Arthur's guidance, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.
But in his heart, Arthur's status had risen. Because whether it was by his own soul power or by a secret technique, Arthur must have som powerful means in his arsenal and besides, they were in an alliance.
Clearing his throat, the sect leader spoke, his voice steady. "Prince Julius, are you here by yourself?"
Julius met the sect leader's gaze, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and intrigue. "My father sends his greetings," he replied, hinting at a deeper connection behind his visit.
The sect leader grappled with conflicting thoughts, torn between his initial suspicions and the unexpected intervention of Arthur's voice.
He understood that there might be ulterior motives at play, but he also recognized the potential benefits that lay within this proposition.
As he weighed his options, Julius broke the silence, his voice laced with calculated intent. "As long as you allow me entry, my father has promised to allow one of your outstanding disciples to enter the Hartfield Secret Realm. But we will be the ones to choose which disciple will have that honor."
The sect leader's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to connect the dots.
This arrangement seemed like a calculated move by the vice sect leader, a means to secure his son Crixus' position.
With a measured tone, the sect leader finally spoke. "I will agree to your request, Prince Julius, on one condition. You will allow two of our disciples to enter the Hartfield Secret Realm, and I will personally choose one of them."
Julius fell silent, his gaze shifting between the vice sect leader and the sect leader.
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in agreement. "Okay, I will agree on my father's behalf."
The tension in the hall remained palpable, each participant aware that this agreement carried risks and uncertain outcomes.
Their individual motives and hidden agendas danced beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed in the depths of the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm.
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------------End of Chapter------------
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