Leo briefly observed his surroundings before beginning his cultivation.
During this period, Leo had not stopped cultivating. Only with sufficient strength could he protect himself and those around him, and find Sophia.
Time always passed quickly during cultivation. When Leo opened his eyes, seven to eight hours had already gone by.
Leo exhaled a breath of white air, and the High-Quality Spirit Stone in his hand turned to powder.
“Elder Mike, how much longer?” Leo asked.
“Lord, we should reach the capital in about a quarter of an hour,” Mike replied respectfully.
“Open the carriage curtains.”
“Yes,” Mike responded and opened the curtains of the carriage.
Leo emerged from inside.
Seeing Leo come out, Mike quickly stood up respectfully.
Leo looked around. The sky was clear with no clouds in sight, and the air was fresh.
Looking down, he saw lush, towering forests below.
From within the forest, faint roars of beasts could be heard.
Leo could clearly feel that the spiritual energy here was more abundant than in Clearwind Town, and the air was more humid.
Seeing Leo observing the surroundings, Mike said respectfully, “Lord, the capital is close to Star Moon Lake, so the air is more humid than in Clearwind Town.”
Leo nodded slightly.
“Lord Leo, we will soon arrive at the capital,” Prince Caius said as he also emerged from the Beast Carriage and looked at Leo.
A few minutes later, a massive city appeared in Leo’s view.
The city was vast; Leo estimated it to be at least ten times the size of Zratol.
Mike pointed ahead and said, “Lord, that is the capital.”
As they approached the capital, the golden lion pulling the carriage began to slow down. Leo looked down and observed that the city was filled with tall buildings, wide streets, and bustling traffic, far more prosperous than Zratol.
Prince Caius smiled and said, “Lord Leo, only my father’s chariot and a very few others permitted by him can fly over the capital. If it weren’t for your company, I wouldn’t be able to fly over the capital either.”
Leo nodded. Flying was generally prohibited over major cities in the Martial Dynasty, and the capital was no exception.
Soon, the grand and majestic imperial palace came into view as the golden lion began to descend.
Quickly, two carriages and a group of Golden Lion Guards landed outside Sunstone Gate.
Winston, riding a vulture, also landed.
The lions were familiar with everything and needed no commands as they pulled the carriage towards Sunstone Gate.
Outside Sunstone Gate, many people were already waiting.
It was clear that before departing from Clearwind Town, Prince Caius had informed the capital in advance.
Leo looked ahead and his gaze focused slightly.
At the front of the crowd stood a middle-aged man dressed in golden robes and wearing a golden crown.
The golden robes were intricately embroidered with luxurious patterns, and at the center was a majestic golden lion king.
The middle-aged man exuded an aura of authority from long-term power, his eyes sharp and face stern.
Behind him stood three dignified individuals who Leo estimated to be at least Spirit Saint level experts.
Behind them were officials dressed in official robes.
“Lord Leo, it is my father leading the officials to welcome you,” Prince Caius said softly to Leo.
Prince Caius was quite shocked because it was the first time he had seen his father personally welcome someone so grandly.
This showed how much importance his father placed on this small-town lord.
Leo was also surprised by the Martial Dynasty Emperor personally welcoming him but maintained a calm demeanor.
As for Winston, his expression remained grim. The emperor’s grand gesture indicated that any plans to retaliate against Leo in the capital were unlikely to succeed.
Prince Caius muttered to himself, “I didn’t expect Uncle, Big Brother, and Vice President Shane to be here too.”
Hearing this, Leo looked at the people behind the Martial Dynasty Emperor.
Behind him was a middle-aged man dressed in purple robes and wearing a purple crown. The center of his robe also featured a majestic golden lion but without wings like the emperor’s.
The middle-aged man’s eyes were deep and his demeanor extraordinary. A slight smile played on his lips, but the glint in his eyes revealed a cunning nature. This must be Prince Caspian, Prince Caius’s uncle.
To Prince Caspian’s left stood a young man slightly older than Prince Caius. He had sharp eyebrows and eyes like stars, dressed in silver robes similar in style to Prince Caius’s. This must be the crown prince.
According to Leo’s knowledge, the Everlasting Trade Association was backed by Prince Caspian and the crown prince. Their presence here made things interesting.
To Prince Caspian’s right stood an elderly man in alchemist robes. His skin was well-maintained with a healthy complexion and a hint of pride as an alchemist in his eyes. This must be Shane, Vice President of the Alchemist Association.
The golden chariot stopped ten meters away from the Martial Dynasty Emperor. All eyes turned to Leo standing on the chariot.
Seeing that the legendary Fourth-rank Alchemist from Clearwind Town was indeed a young man surprised many people.
They did not mistake Mike for an alchemist because he stood behind Leo when the chariot stopped.
“Lord Leo, please,” Prince Caius gestured invitingly to Leo.
Leo nodded slightly and stepped down from the chariot.
Mike followed closely behind him.
Prince Caius and the elder beside him also disembarked from their carriage.
Seeing the new lord of Clearwind Town and Fourth-rank Alchemist standing before him, a flash of surprise crossed the Martial Dynasty Emperor’s eyes. But he quickly smiled warmly and approached with a hearty laugh, “Seeing is believing. Lord Leo is indeed young and promising. I’ve heard much about you!”
“Your Majesty flatters me,” Leo replied with a smile and returned the gesture.
Leo’s calm demeanor impressed the Martial Dynasty Emperor even more. If this young man was truly a Fourth-rank Alchemist as rumored, he was certainly worth serious consideration.
At this moment, Prince Caspian and the crown prince also approached.
The Martial Dynasty Emperor introduced them, “Lord Leo, this is my younger brother, Prince Caspian.”
“Lord Leo, I’ve heard much about you,” Prince Caspian said with a deep look at Leo and smiled while cupping his hands in greeting.
Leo returned the gesture with a smile.
Prince Caspian continued, “Lord Leo’s Starfall Shop is renowned throughout Martial Dynasty. The continuous Pill Thunder over Lord’s Manor has been astonishing. I am very impressed.”