It was clear that not many people used this entrance to Aethelgard.
After all, there were only a few Aetherbinding practitioners across all of Amerosia, and most of them accessed Aethelgard through the other two known gateways. If not for Chris gathering the nine fragments of the Dragon Emblem, he wouldn’t have even known that Aethelgard existed.
Soon, Chris and the others arrived at a vast clearing.
In the center of the open space stood something resembling an ancient altar.
Chris, wide-eyed with astonishment, asked, “Is this… the gateway to Aethelgard?”
Oriana explained, “This is the teleportation array of the Aetherbinding world. Through this array, one can travel to Aethelgard.”
Chris was stunned.
A teleportation array?
It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
Oriana knew that Emily had undoubtedly gone to Aethelgard. However, finding her there would be no easy task-Aethelgard was vast.
Chris asked, “Can we use this array to enter Aethelgard now?”
Oriana sneered, “While this is indeed the entrance to Aethelgard, it’s impossible for you to enter through it.”
Chris was taken aback. “Why not?”
Oriana explained, “To activate the teleportation array, you need Essence Stones as the power source. Essence Stones are the currency of the Aetherbinding world, and only Aetherbinding practitioners possess them. Even within the Aetherbinding world, Essence Stones are incredibly rare. Families like the Jefferson family, who specialize in Aetherbinding, wouldn’t casually part with them.”
Hearing this, Chris exchanged a glance with Lord Valerian.
Chris had never even seen an Essence Stone before-he’d only come across mentions of them in online novels. He never imagined they truly existed in the real world.
Oriana continued, “Ordinary Aetherbinding practitioners in Amerosia don’t have Essence Stones. That’s why they choose to access Aethelgard through the Jefferson family’s or the Flower Clan’s entrances. Without Essence Stones, even if they know this is an entrance, they can’t use the teleportation array.”
“Damn it!”
Chris couldn’t help but curse under his breath.
Without Essence Stones, how was he supposed to get to Aethelgard?
With this thought, he turned to Oriana and asked with a smile, “Miss Silverstone, do you happen to have any Essence Stones on you?”
Oriana rolled her eyes. “Of course, I have Essence Stones. But they’re incredibly precious to me. Why would I waste them on you?”
Chris silently grumbled. Oriana was so stingy!
What he didn’t realize was just how important Essence Stones were to Aetherbinding practitioners.
Essence Stones weren’t just the currency of the Aetherbinding world; they were also a key resource for cultivation.
More importantly, they were vital for alchemy, crafting, and activating various teleportation arrays.
Essence Stones were only found in specific mineral veins. Due to the thin spiritual energy in the modern world, such veins were extremely scarce. Most of them were controlled by major Aetherbinding families and sects, leaving ordinary practitioners with little to no access to them.
Even if someone offered gold, it would be nearly impossible to buy an Essence Stone.
Chris pleaded, “Miss Silverstone, your sister went missing while looking for me. I want to go to Aethelgard to find her. Could you lend me some Essence Stones? I promise to return them once I obtain more in Aethelgard.”
Oriana chuckled coldly. “Chris, do you think Essence Stones are so easy to come by? The Essence Stone veins in Aethelgard are controlled by powerful Aetherbinding sects. For ordinary practitioners, obtaining them is nearly impossible.”
She continued, “And don’t forget, Aethelgard is twice the size of Earth. Finding my sister there would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fine, I’ll lend you the Essence Stones-on the condition that you help me find my sister.”
Seeing Oriana relent, Chris and Lord Valerian exchanged relieved smiles.
Suddenly, Chris thought of Esther and Tiger. “Miss Silverstone, could you lend me a few more Essence Stones? I’d like to bring more people to help search for your sister.”
Oriana scoffed. “Chris, do you think anyone can just stroll into Aethelgard? It’s a dangerous place, even for me. Ordinary people going there would be walking to their deaths.”
Hearing this, Chris sighed deeply.
Oriana reached into her cloak and pulled out three white Essence Stones. “I only have three Essence Stones. They’ll only be enough for the three of us to enter Aethelgard.”
Chris studied the Essence Stones in her hand.
They radiated a dense spiritual energy, and just inhaling the aura made him feel invigorated.
“Miss Silverstone,” he asked in amazement, “are these Essence Stones?”
Oriana nodded. “That’s right. These are Essence Stones. They’re formed from the condensation of spiritual energy and contain an abundance of it. This is why they’re so valuable to Aetherbinding practitioners.”
As Chris stared at the Essence Stones, a thought struck him.
He began rummaging through his belongings.
After a moment, he pulled out a white Essence Stone. “Found it!”
Oriana looked at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected Chris to have an Essence Stone.
This particular Essence Stone was something Chris had come across by chance years ago. At the time, he didn’t know what it was-he’d only kept it because it seemed extraordinary.
He’d never imagined it was one of the rare and precious Essence Stones of the Aetherbinding world.
Oriana said, “Since you already have an Essence Stone, you can bring one more person with you to Aethelgard.”
Hearing this, Chris called Tiger.
Because there was no signal in the mountains, Chris had to step outside to make the call.
After speaking with Tiger, he also called Esther.
On the phone, Chris told Esther that he was heading to Aethelgard and might not return for some time.
Hearing this, Esther urged him to be cautious.
Chris also made calls to a few other acquaintances, informing them of his journey.
He didn’t know how long he’d be gone-or if he’d even survive. Aethelgard was perilous, and Chris wasn’t sure he’d make it back alive.
An hour later, Tiger and the others arrived.
Tiger looked at Chris and asked, “Boss, I heard you’re going to Aethelgard. Can you take us with you?”