CHAPTER 705: THE DEVELOPMENT AT HOME

Aldrian, already wearing his mask, raised his eyebrows the moment the Spirit Ancestor suddenly dropped to her knees and said something like that. As for the others, they were truly shocked beyond words. Even the Spirit Ancestor’s retainer and guardian could not hide their shock. This was the first time the Spirit Ancestor had ever acted like this in front of someone.

"Elder!" Her retainer and guardian stepped forward to touch the Spirit Ancestor to see if there was something wrong with her. Yet they sensed nothing unusual, and the Spirit Ancestor still remained firmly on her knees.

They then turned their heads toward Aldrian, staring at the figure who had made their elder act in such a way. Had he done something to her without their knowledge?

Aldrian stepped forward as well and touched the Spirit Ancestor’s shoulder, intending to help her stand. He felt bad seeing an old woman kneeling like this, even though it had been her own choice.

"Stand up, Elder. I truly feel bad if you suddenly act like this toward me as your first greeting," he said as he tried to help her up, but she still seemed intent on remaining that way.

"This is what I am supposed to do in front of the source of light who gives hope, in front of the bearer of the crown whose light illuminates all," the Spirit Ancestor said, which made Aldrian sigh. He then forced her to stand by using his control over the surrounding energy.

The Spirit Ancestor felt her body being forced to rise, and she could not resist it. Her closed eyes opened, and she looked at Aldrian, trembling. Aldrian then picked her cane up from the ground and placed it back in her hand. The others, who did not know what had truly happened, could only remain speechless.

"Alright, Elder, I’m truly intrigued by what you just said. Why do you act like this toward me? What do you see in me? It would be much better if we talked about it inside. It is not good for you to remain outside and watched by passing people," Aldrian said before guiding her with his hand as it touched her hunched back.

"Alright."

The Spirit Ancestor answered as she entered Aldrian’s room under the eyes of the others. They were still speechless, but then Aldrian looked at them.

"How about you all? Do you want to come in or what?" he asked, which finally broke their silence. One by one, they followed Aldrian inside. How could they refuse when Aldrian himself had offered for them to enter? Besides, they also wanted to know what had just happened and what Aldrian and the Spirit Ancestor were about to discuss.

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In the Barisan Continent, the land was already shrouded in the darkness of night, with the moon shining high in the sky. Yet the night still bustled with activity across the continent, especially in the regions surrounding the core of the Forest of Eternal Sanctuary.

The new cities’ development continued even through the night, and by now these places had already begun to take the shape of true large cities, with buildings of many styles. Towering structures made them like any major city across the continent, yet far grander and more regal.

Since they were built zero and Aldrian had already given permission to use the land without payment, many people were free to construct there, as long as they followed the guidance prepared by the kings of each territory that helping to manage the construction. These leaders did not want chaotic, disordered cities that would bring shame before Aldrian once the construction was complete.

What they envisioned were aesthetically organized cities and towns, vast enough to accommodate all beings of the continent, yet still showcasing grandeur. These places would also serve to implement the new technologies that the dwarves had developed in recent months.

With all the improvements and the strict supervision from the nine major territories, these new cities across the Forest of Eternal Sanctuary would be unlike any other major city on the continent. They would be more beautiful and far more advanced.

The glimmering lights of the cities that still under construction, could be seen on the horizon from the floating land, even more so from the upper floors of Aldrian’s palace.

Sylphia, already dressed in her nightgown, gazed at the distant scenery. Her face, illuminated by the moonlight, looked like that of a goddess walking the mortal world—flawless and radiant, her beauty at its peak.

She stood on the balcony of her and Aldrian’s room, where they usually spent their intimate moments together whenever he was present. In his absence, she could only enjoy the night scenery alone, especially the sky filled with countless glimmering stars that always reminded her of him.

While she was still enjoying the night scenery, the door to her room suddenly opened and another beautiful woman entered. Her white hair and red eyes, faintly glowing under the dim light, gave her a charm of her own. Baek Jimin, already dressed in her nightgown, approached Sylphia from behind, prompting Sylphia to turn and greet her with a smile.

"Sister Sylphia, enjoying the night sky alone?" Baek Jimin asked with a smile as she came to stand beside her. Sylphia nodded.

"Well, it always reminds me of him," Sylphia said, her gaze turning to the glimmering lights on the horizon before shifting to the starry sky. "Even though it hasn’t been a month yet, I already miss him."

"Me too," Baek Jimin said with a sigh. "I wonder how long he will be gone." Her words only deepened Sylphia’s smile.

"We are truly infatuated with him, missing him already. I’m tempted to contact him, but I’m afraid of disturbing him in his business. I believe he would instantly come the moment I said that I miss him," Sylphia said with a sigh.

"Well, it’s his fault for making us like this, so he should take responsibility for it," Baek Jimin replied.

"I’m afraid the way he’ll take responsibility is by making us unable to walk the next day," Sylphia said in a joking tone, which made Baek Jimin blush slightly before both of them burst into laughter. After a brief moment of joy, silence returned as they both gazed at the night sky together.

After a while, Baek Jimin parted her lips.

"Sister Sylphia, are you certain about the plan of the kings of the major territories for the large-scale tournament that will gather all talents across the continent? Don’t you think this kind of decision is something Aldrian should also know of and decide himself? We don’t even know when he will return."

Earlier that day, King Ladwin, acting as the representative of the other major leaders, came to the palace and informed them about the plan for all territories to hold a large-scale tournament that would gather talents from across the continent. Everyone would be allowed to participate, and the winner would receive a generous gift personally granted by Aldrian himself.

Why did they plan such a thing? It was to push the younger generation to grow much faster, especially with the future of the continent soon to be connected to the outside world, where competition would be far greater.

With Aldrian personally presenting the reward, the contestants would have even greater spirit to strive. They knew that the youth would do anything to gain Aldrian’s recognition and gain fame.

The plan was for this tournament to be held every five years, in a massive arena currently under construction in one of the cities near the core region. The arena would be able to hold millions of spectators eager to watch the battles, and it could also serve other functions if needed.

Sylphia, acting as the interim leader while Aldrian was away, agreed with the plan, the tournament would be held once Aldrian returned. Initially, they had planned to hold it as soon as the cities were completed, which was estimated to be within two weeks.

The tournament was also intended to celebrate the completion of the new cities and serve as grand entertainment for the populace across the continent, allowing everyone to witness it.

However, since Aldrian had gone outside, they had to adjust their plan and wait for his return.

Still gazing at the sky, Sylphia answered, "Sister Jimin, this kind of thing is not something Aldrian has to decide himself. He doesn’t need to be bothered by it. It’s still within our ability to decide anyway. In fact, with his character, he would agree with this plan regardless, don’t you think?" She then turned to look at Baek Jimin.

Baek Jimin sighed as she nodded. "You are truly decisive, Sister Sylphia. I don’t think I could bring myself to decide something as big as that without consulting Aldrian first if I were in your position. It really does suit him to entrust the role of leader to you while he is gone."

"Sister Jimin, this is something you must also learn. If Aldrian ever decides to place the weight of decision-making on you in the future when he is not here, then you should be able to make decisions yourself without burdening him. As long as it is something we can resolve on our own without his intervention, we should take care of it."

"We, as his women, must share his burden and know how to ease it," Sylphia said.

Baek Jimin nodded with a smile. "I’ll keep that in mind."

They continued their conversation under the beautiful night sky glimmering with stars, unaware that beyond those shining lights, a dangerous force had already begun to move toward the Ancient Blue Gate world.