Genius Noble With System
Chapter 375: Birthday Banquet(Part-1)

Chapter 375: Birthday Banquet(Part-1)

Apollo’s steps were steady, but his thoughts raced.

’Let’s see what the Sacred Elements Empire really wants.’

They came close to the imperial palace that seemed to be covered with numerous runic formations and had hundreds of guards stationed at every corner of the palace. Even it appeared to be more tightly guarded than most times.

Apollo’s gaze briefly swept over the guards and the runes. He wasn’t concerned about them, but their presence told him the Empire was treating this situation with the highest level of caution.

Commander Linus glanced back at him and spoke in a steady voice, "Please, this way. The Council Elders and the Emperor await your presence."

Apollo simply nodded, his expression calm.

As they passed through the main gates, they were led into a grand hall with towering pillars adorned with elemental crystals, each representing one of the five sacred elements — fire, water, earth, wood, and gold. The air was thick with the residual power of countless experts who had walked these halls.

At the far end of the hall, several figures were already waiting. Their auras were restrained, but Apollo could tell they were all top-tier powerhouses. Among them, three seemed to faintly touch the edge of the true god realm, while the others hovered around the early to middle Void God level.

In the centre sat an elderly man, draped in robes that bore the intertwined insignias of all five elements. His presence, though unassuming on the surface, radiated a profound sense of dominion and imperial aura.

"I am Darius, Emperor of the Sacred Elements Empire," the old man greeted, his voice steady and composed, filled with an intimidating kingly aura. "Welcome, travellers from the Eastern Continent."

Although he was just a Void God realm warrior, because of the power of the imperial aura casted for generation after generation and with the support of powerful runic formations, he can explode with true god-level strength within the capital.

Apollo’s gaze briefly swept over the assembled elites and then calmly landed on Emperor Darius. He offered a faint nod, neither arrogant nor deferential. "I’m listening."

The subtle tension in the hall remained, like the quiet before a brewing storm.

Emperor Darius studied Apollo for a moment longer, as it was clear he was the leading figure among the two, then spoke again.

"We do not usually receive travellers from the Eastern Continent, especially such extraordinary ones. But still I wanted to welcome you two as our esteemed guests."

Apollo’s faint smile lingered, his eyes calm. "I didn’t expect I would be welcomed by the emperor himself; such great luck. But I presume your majesty has called me here not simply to welcome a traveller."

The atmosphere in the grand hall remained thick with silent undercurrents. Even though Emperor Darius’s tone was cordial, no one present missed the probing weight behind his words.

The emperor’s lips curved slightly, but his gaze was sharp as a blade. "Naturally. Men of your calibre do not wander without purpose. The Sacred Elements Empire... cannot take your arrival as a small matter."

His fingers gently tapped the armrest of his throne, creating a faint rhythmic echo across the hall. "In these turbulent times, with the awakening of ancient secret realms and the appearance of hidden forces, the balance of Rion is no longer what it once was. Surely, travellers from other continents did not come all this way merely to sightsee."

Apollo’s calm gaze deepened, his tone neither hurried nor defensive. "Your Majesty seems quite concerned with my purpose. But don’t worry; we are also going along the way. There isn’t any particular reason, and it will not bring any trouble for the Sacred Element Empire."

He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "As for the matter between the eastern and western continents that has been going on for generations, we wouldn’t bother unless you mess with us. So, I will tell you directly in simple words: we wouldn’t bother anyone unless someone messes with us."

The calmness in Apollo’s tone carried a weight that made the elites around the hall instinctively tense. He wasn’t posturing. He was merely stating a fact.

For a long moment, Emperor Darius said nothing. His gaze lingered on Apollo, as if weighing his sincerity — or perhaps the sheer confidence behind his words.

Finally, the emperor’s lips curved into a faint smile as he seemed to believe it. "Direct. I appreciate that."

The unspoken understanding settled between them — neither side would provoke the other without cause. But even so, this encounter was far from over.

Emperor Darius spoke again, "Since you’ve come all this way, allow me to offer you the hospitality of the empire. Tomorrow is my youngest daughter’s eighteenth birthday."

His fingers, still lightly tapping the armrest, finally stilled as his gaze deepened. "It will be a grand celebration, with guests from across the Western Continent. I would be honoured if you two would attend as special guests."

Apollo’s expression remained unchanged, but his thoughts turned swiftly. An imperial banquet? It would undoubtedly be a gathering of the empire’s elite.

"Your Majesty is gracious." Apollo’s lips curved slightly. "I don’t usually attend such events... But this time, perhaps I’ll make an exception."

Emperor Darius’s eyes flickered with a hint of satisfaction. "I’m certain you will find it... worthwhile."

Anyway, he didn’t have much to do; staying a day wasn’t much, and who knows? He might find something interesting in the banquet.

"I shall look forward to it," Apollo replied, his tone neither distant nor overly warm, keeping the balance perfectly.

The emperor gestured, signalling the end of the formal audience. "I will have an attendant prepare accommodations for you within the capital. Please, enjoy our city. And... should you require anything, you need only ask."

Apollo gave a faint nod and turned to leave with his guardian, both of them calm, unaffected by the weighty atmosphere they left behind.

As they exited the hall, the murmurs among the imperial elites finally began.

"An Eastern Continent cultivator with such terrifying strength..."

"Why is His Majesty personally involving them?"

"The balance is shifting. The emperor... must have his reasons."

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