C284 The Most Precious Treasure of the Country

"What is that thing?"

On the Nimbuswing's deck, following the sudden disappearance of Yu Yuan and Yan Yu, Van Yan asked with a grave tone.

The expressions of those from the Silvermoon Empire were somber.

"It originated from the Moonfall Sanctuary, but its precise background is unclear," Lee Yuangui said, regaining his composure after feeling disoriented. "That forbidden area contains all sorts of extraordinary beings under suppression, many of which are from extraterrestrial origins. He used to be merely a soul without a corporeal form, but this encounter has changed that."

"Moonfall Sanctuary!" Van Yan scoffed. "I suspected he was in league with the alien soul archdemons from the forbidden area. His emergence, seeking him out by name, speaks volumes."

"Let's separate the issues," Lee Yuangui interjected with a frown. "He has done many things within the Moonfall Sanctuary that have benefited the Empire. Furthermore..."

He paused before continuing, "The moment he left the forbidden area and entered the Empire's borders, we were informed. The Emperor has issued a strict decree forbidding anyone from meddling in his affairs, and cultivators are not to act recklessly!"

Upon hearing the mention of the Empress, Van Yan's demeanor shifted, and he dared not speak further.

The Empress of the Silvermoon Empire commanded such respect that no one dared to defy her. Her every word and deed carried the weight of celestial authority and the principles of the Empire.

With the Empress having spoken on the matter of Yu Yuan, others had no choice but to comply.

Regardless of Van Yan's grievances against Yu Yuan, he was constrained to act within the bounds of the law.

For instance, the Lin family had allied with others to pressure the Yu family.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Moments later, Yu Yuan and Yan Yu reappeared on the deck.

The Yin-Yang Acolytes, however, had vanished without a trace.

Upon their return, Lee Yuangui's gaze immediately fell on Yan Yu rather than Yu Yuan, asking curiously, "General Yan, do you have a history with him?"

He was aware of Yan Qiling's dealings with Yu Yuan, so that was not surprising.

But what connection could Yan Yu have with that individual that warranted their abduction?

"Apologies, but that pertains to the Yan family's confidential matters, and I cannot disclose it," Yan Yu replied, her expression detached.

Lee Yuangui, taken aback, turned his attention back to Yu Yuan, "This individual has just appeared in our realm. What are his intentions? He's expressed a desire to intervene in the conflict involving Dragon Lake, Thunder Sect, Winter's Bite, and the commander of the Blackfang Legion. What exactly does he plan to do?"

"He didn't mention that to me," Yu Yuan said, spreading his hands with a grin. "General, rest assured, he bears no ill will toward our Silvermoon Empire. As for which side he'll take in the battle, I'm not entirely sure. But I can confidently say he won't target us."

"I hope you're right," Lee Yuangui muttered, his mood sour, having failed to extract any information. He was aware of the many secrets Yu Yuan harbored and the oddities surrounding him. Yet, since Yu Yuan had saved his own Lee Yuchan and Lee Yu, and with explicit instructions from His Majesty, he dared not make any rash moves.

The old general, feeling somewhat disheartened, decided not to press any further.

Yu Yuan leaned against the railing of the ship, squinting at the distant battle.

Across the battlefield, a golden river of light burst forth in the sky leading to the Sunblessed Empire.

The golden river shone brilliantly against the night sky, resembling a meteor with a golden tail, streaking directly toward the Nimbuswing they were aboard.

The cultivators of the Silvermoon Empire aboard the ship turned their attention to the spectacle.

"The Sunblessed Empire's Golden Ship!"

Those who recognized it took a closer look, then suddenly realized what it was and cried out in amazement.

"The Golden Ship!"

Bai Shenshen of the Sacred Hands whispered, "It's far more expensive than the Nimbuswing. Capable of soaring through the void, it's engraved with numerous offensive and defensive magic diagrams. Such a ship is a rarity on the other two continents as well."

A single Golden Ship was worth seven Nimbuswings.

While Nimbuswings served merely as transport for carrying people through the skies, the Golden Ship was in a league of its own. Crafted from heavy gold, it was not only faster but also far more durable. The magic diagrams etched into the ship enabled it to create a defensive shield with soulstones and were equipped with formidable ballistae.

The Sunblessed Empire was significantly more powerful than the Silvermoon Empire, with a foundation that ran deeper than even the Crimson Sun Empire.

Yet, even within the mighty Sunblessed Empire, there was said to be only one such Golden Ship—a national treasure indeed!

"Yu Yuan!"

Wei Feng, cornered and pale, reacted with alarm at the mention of the Golden Ship.

"What?" Yu Yuan responded, taken aback.

"Let me go!" insisted Wei Feng.

Before Yu Yuan could reply, the stern-faced veteran general, Lee Yuangui, interjected firmly, "No!"

"Please, let me go," Wei Feng pleaded. "Either let me go or just kill me."

Had it not been for Yu Yuan's extensive knowledge about the cast-iron sign holders, she might have already taken her own life.

The sudden appearance of the Golden Ship had thrown Wei Feng into a panic, fearing her location would be revealed and she would be captured by the Sunblessed Empire.

Yu Yuan furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Noticing his hesitation, Wei Feng grew desperate. With a fierce look in her eyes, she attempted to bite her tongue and end her life.

"Unacceptable!" Lee Yuangui snorted, striking the air with a dismissive gesture.

The disparity in their powers was vast. His casual strike sent innumerable beams of spiritual energy into her body, rendering Wei Feng immobile.

Every part of her, both physical and spiritual, was ensnared by the intricate web of spiritual energy.

At that moment, the Golden Ship, aglow and resplendent from afar, crossed the heavens with a thunderous arrival.

The Golden Ship, several times larger than the Nimbuswing and seemingly forged from gold, loomed in the night sky like a colossal golden beast surveying its lesser counterpart, inducing a sense of inadequacy among the Silvermoon Empire's elite aboard the Nimbuswing.

The comparison was disheartening.

Next to the imposing Golden Ship, the Nimbuswing seemed suddenly insignificant.

The Golden Ship's presence in the night sky, with its dazzling magic diagrams and a cascade of brilliant light, made it abundantly clear that it was leagues above the Nimbuswing in grandeur.

Yu Yuan observed the Golden Ship and the magic diagrams adorning it, recognizing several. He silently acknowledged the evident truth: even after three hundred years, the might of the Sunblessed Empire remained a dominant force in Aetherius, far surpassing the Silvermoon Empire.

Laughter echoed from the Golden Ship, its sound grating on the ears of the Silvermoon Empire's elite aboard the Nimbuswing.

The Golden Ship, capable of soaring even higher, was suspended in the sky ahead and above the Nimbuswing, forcing those on board to see only its lower half.

Who was on the Golden Ship and who was laughing remained unseen to the naked eye.

As the laughter erupted, a dozen or so remnant souls and spiritual senses cascaded down like fishing lines.

The individuals attuned to Subtlety and Lunar Spirit aboard the Golden Ship scrutinized those below without any inhibition.

Such behavior was considered extremely impolite and even hostile between nations!

Clearly, the representatives from the Sunblessed Empire on the Golden Ship were displaying an egregious lack of respect, their arrogance and rudeness unmistakable.

"Wei Feng is here!"

An exuberantly joyful voice burst forth from the Golden Ship, quickly followed by a wave of cheers.

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