Chapter45-The Malicious Third Prince
45 Chapter45-The Malicious Third Prince
Diana, seemingly noticing the peculiarity in Owen's eyes, took the initiative to explain:
"I am not involved in these matters; I came here on my own. My visit to the secret realm is merely to broaden my horizons, much like my reason for attending the Grand Magus Academy."
Finn, brimming with confidence, grinned broadly: Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"Mr. Owen, saints hold an exalted position in our kingdom, revered as honored guests by the five great kingdoms. They naturally needn't bother with these trivial matters."
Owen's mouth twitched slightly, feigning annoyance:
"So, this saint of dragons is considered inferior to a human saint?"
Finn's smile instantly froze, and he hurriedly appeased with a forced laugh:
"Mr. Owen, you misunderstand my words."
Eager to move past this topic, he pulled out a piece of silk from his robe:
"Sir, this is the fragment of the Eternal Nirvana Flame. Please, take a look."
Owen, who wasn't really upset, took the silk:
"It's not the original?"
"Mr. Owen, I don't have the privilege to view the original, but I can assure you that the contents on this silk are identical to those on the stone slab."
Owen, unconcerned with the authenticity, turned his attention to examining the silk.
The silk was bordered with gold, exuding immense value.
The words written upon it spoke of the rejuvenation of the human race. To the uninitiated, it might seem like a mere scholar's lament written in times of hardship for humanity.
Finn handed Owen another scroll, containing the cipher.
Following the method described in the cipher, Owen finally uncovered the cultivation method for the Eternal Nirvana Flame.
For the initial cultivation, the practitioner needed to find a quiet and spacious area, preferably in the wilderness or atop mountains.
The practitioner must first calm their mind, regulate their breathing, and enter a state of tranquility.
Next, they should take deep breaths, absorbing the surrounding arcanergy, connecting with the energy of nature.
Once the practitioner feels the flow of arcanergy, they need to focus their attention on their own...
Owen narrowed his eyes and tossed the silk into his spatial ring:
"Diana, have you ever seen the Eternal Nirvana Flame?"
"Of course, I have seen it. Though what I saw was also incomplete, not yet compiled into the fragment."
Diana spoke with a gentle smile on her face, her earlier arrogance now subdued.
Owen nodded slightly, without a word.
Before long, the group had arrived at the core area of the Laine Kingdom – the royal palace.
A towering wall, several tens of meters high, obstructed their path.
Only after Finn's men presented the correct pass were they allowed to proceed.
Entering the palace, the first thing that caught their eye was a radiant marble avenue, stretching out across a vast square.
Crossing the marble road led to the Laine Kingdom's palace, its high spires reaching into the clouds, each inlaid with sparkling gems that radiated unparalleled brilliance.
The exterior walls of the palace were carved with complex and exquisite reliefs, depicting the kingdom's history and legends, as if immersing onlookers in a world of myth.
The carriage came to a stop, and Finn dismounted:
"Mr. Owen, we must proceed on foot from here. I hope you're not too tired."
"A journey this short? How could it tire anyone?"
Owen, understanding the importance of local customs, knew that a person aware of the rules could thrive anywhere.
Standing within the palace, he could truly appreciate its grandeur.
The magnificent architecture and lavish decorations showcased the kingdom's wealth and nobility.
It was indeed the mightiest of the five great human kingdoms.
Finn led Owen through the palace gates and into the awe-inspiring royal hall.
A massive crystal chandelier hung above, casting a soft glow that illuminated the court scenes painted on the walls.
The hall's floor was covered in luxurious carpets, each step feeling like an indulgence in extravagance.
Finn nodded slightly:
"Sir, we may need to wait a moment."
"Alright."
Owen wandered around the court, admiring the wall paintings and contemplating the differences of this isekai human society, when a grating voice interrupted:
"Who is this rustic youth, touching everything? He knows no manners."
Owen instantly looked towards the entrance.
A robust man strode in from outside the palace, sunlight glistening on his black curls like a halo, exuding an untamed aura.
His tall and elegant figure was both graceful and powerful, deep blue eyes adding a touch of brooding to his face.
His features were sharp and arrogant, as if born with the right to rule the world.
Owen guessed this man was likely a prince like Finn, so he didn't pay much attention.
What intrigued him more was the man accompanying the haughty newcomer.
The man by the prince's side wore a hood that obscured most of his face, giving him a mysterious air.
Owen's gaze was sharp, catching a glimpse of the man under the hood.
Hidden within the wide robe, his skin was as smooth as white jade, with a hint of pallor, seemingly enveloped in an indescribable aura of mystery.
Owen inexplicably felt a stagnation in the flow of arcanergy around him.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Finn scoffed coldly:
"Oliver, my brother, it seems you still haven't learned manners. Your lessons at the Royal Warrior Academy haven't fostered any growth in you!"
Oliver, hearing the mention of the Royal Warrior Academy, became infuriated:
"Finn, don't think that just because you're my brother, you can talk down to me like this. You have no right. And by the way, I've already dealt harshly with that blind fool."
"Ha, with the help of your minions, as usual. Still fond of bullying others with your power."
"You... hmph," Oliver flung his robe dismissively, quickly regaining his composure with a snort, "My dear brother, don't be too arrogant. Just wait until we enter the secret realm. You'll see."
"I hope you'll have the chance to meet me there," Finn retorted without backing down.
"With just you? And this country bumpkin," Oliver pointed at Owen, "whose arcanergy is barely at the diamond-tier? Finding such a person to help you suggests you're truly desperate."
Finn, his face stern, said firmly:
"Oliver, show some respect to the guests of our kingdom."
Seeing Finn invoke the kingdom's authority, Oliver could only snort coldly and remained silent.
After all, as princes of the Laine Kingdom, they represented its dignity.
Those who assisted them were indeed guests of the kingdom, no question about it.
Yet, Oliver's gaze towards Owen was still filled with disdain.
Owen, observing the brothers' antagonism, thought to himself:
"It seems the struggle for succession in the Laine Kingdom has reached a point of irreconcilable hostility."
Finn, turning to Owen with an apologetic smile, said:
"Mr. Owen, I'm truly sorry. I hope you won't take Oliver's words to heart."
Owen's lips curled slightly, casually remarking:
"Just a child throwing a tantrum, it's normal for them to be hot-tempered."
Owen didn't bother to conceal his words from Oliver.
Immediately incensed, Oliver drew the sword at his waist:
"Who are you calling a child?"
At that moment, a more profound voice resonated:
"Oliver, drawing your sword in the court... Have we, your elder brothers, spoiled you too much?"
The voice arrived before the man did.
Everyone turned towards the entrance.
A man even more robust than Oliver walked in.
His tall and commanding figure stood out prominently, dressed in a deep red suit that highlighted his dense black hair and dark green eyes.
His face was sculpted to perfection, with sharp, well-defined features. A subtle smile lent him an air of elegance and confidence.
Even his rebuke of Oliver seemed gentle.
His demeanor was dignified and composed, like a refined nobleman.
Each step he took was filled with strength, every movement exuding control over power and authority.
He wore a magnificent and majestic sword, its blade adorned with precious gems, and its hilt carved with exquisite patterns.
The sword gleamed, like a noble and unrivaled dragon snake, shining brilliantly in his hand.
His presence rendered the atmosphere in the court solemn and dignified, with everyone instinctively casting respectful glances at him.
Without a doubt, Owen knew this must be the Crown Prince of the Laine Kingdom.
Finn and Oliver slightly bowed their heads:
"Big brother!"
"Hmm." He uttered just a syllable, then continued with a smiling face, "There are many guests in our house today. Do you really want to embarrass yourselves in front of them?"
Despite being a reprimand, his words felt as gentle as a spring breeze to those present.
Owen's eyes lit up slightly:
"This Crown Prince really does have the makings of a sovereign."
Finn whispered to Owen:
"That's my elder brother Chrisman, holding a general's position, stern and dignified. We used to fear him the most. He returned to Stellaria only because of our father's summon."
Owen raised an eyebrow slightly:
"Just the three of you as princes?"
In his memory, human kings typically had numerous concubines and sons, with the lesser having seven or eight princes, and some even dozens.
Finn's lips curled into a mocking smile:
"Those others are just for show, not fit for public appearance."
"The King arrives!"
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