"Are you looking to meet the Sect Master of our Dual Meridian Sect?" The young mistress's enchanting eyes shimmered slightly as she frowned."My grandparents are currently engaged in deep meditation within the sect. They aren't prone to casual visits from outsiders. Gaining an audience with them... will not be simple." Her voice carried a hint of frost-this was already the most courteous she could be for Daphne's sake.Ordinarily, if someone approached with a demand to see her elders, she would have lost her patience long ago."Meditating?" Leander's lips formed a slight smile. Although his spiritual sense wasn't exceptionally potent, it still far exceeded that of most Transcendent Realm Martial Practitioners. Even an Infernal Crown Transcendent might not be his match.During his journey to the Dual Meridian Sect, he had scanned the surroundings with his spiritual strength. He detected two Transcendent Realm Martial Practitioners- and they were heading towards them.Just as he was about to speak again, Daphne shot him a teasing glare. "Ander, today is Ela's suitor-selection ceremony. Why not wait until the event concludes? After she selects her future spouse, you can inquire again. It's not urgent."Leander rubbed his nose. He had no interest in the so-called selection ceremony, but since Daphne had spoken up, he simply nodded and refrained from pressing further."Hmph." The young mistress—barely an adult—let out a soft, irritated huff."Ela, try not to be upset with Leander. That's just his personality. He genuinely does have something significant to discuss with your elders," Daphne explained and smiled softly before turning back to Leander."Ander, allow me to introduce you. This is the Dual Meridian Sect's young mistress and our current generation's prodigy-Elara Whitlock," she introduced.He nodded in respectful acknowledgment. Elara returned the gesture, but inwardly, she felt unimpressed.She thought, Leander? What a joke.He doesn't appear much older than me. And I, the esteemed young mistress of the Dual Meridian Sect-what gives him the right to be addressed so familiarly?If it weren't for Daphne's warmth toward him, I wouldn't even qualify to share a table, let alone enter the Dual Meridian Sect's VIP area.What puzzles me even more is how sincerely Daphne seems to care for him— regarding him as her future partner, her lifelong companion. I simply can't fathom what Leander has done to earn the affection of Highcliffe's renowned beauty. Elara scrutinized Leander for a few moments. Silently, she circulated her inner strength to activate the Dual Meridian Sect's exclusive Dual Insight Technique. Only initiated disciples were permitted to learn it. Once engaged, it immensely sharpened her perception, allowing her to delve into a person's core essence.This was also the conclusive test performed during the Dual Meridian Sect's suitor selection ceremony. Through this technique, each individual revealed their unique light color and intensity, indicative of their innate talent and compatibility.The richer the color and the more potent the glow, the more deserving the candidate was for cultivation alongside her.Her confidence soared. Even a Transcendent Realm expert could never conceal themselves from this technique. If he held any hidden strength, it would be revealed instantly.Yet, to her astonishment, she perceived nothing.Leander was akin to a still lake: tranquil, unremarkable, entirely devoid of essence. The Dual Insight Technique revealed not a shimmer of light within him. Even Grant, nearby with his average cultivation, emanated a bright yellow glow. But he alone... exhibited nothing."How can this be? He doesn't possess even a hint of light?" She maintained a calm demeanor, but internally, she was taken aback.She believed that for him to capture Daphne's affection, he must possess some formidable power. However, it now appeared that his capabilities were inferior to those of an average person-through the ler the Dual Insight Technique, hedidn't even register a hint of a glow.What she couldn't know was that he had already attained the state of returning to simplicity, fully hiding his essence. Someone at her status wouldn't be able to detect him at all.The Dual Insight Technique functioned similarly to the Lucent Blade of Silvermoon Sect-it penetrated superficial appearances to reveal one's true essence. In the past, Claire had glimpsed Leander's inner world, but only because he had yet to enter the Transcendent Realm.Now that he had achieved the Transcendent Realm, his cultivation had sunk into complete tranquility. Even an Infernal Crown Transcendent, standing right in front of him, might not realize he was a Martial Practitioner—let alone Elara, who was simply at the Martial Sovereign."Daphne, did you really fall for this guy's facade? How could he possibly gain your trust with such a level of capability?" Elara asked.Unaware of the truth, Elara found it hard to believe. She was just about to use the Spirit Voice Technique to question Daphne when two figures suddenly manifested on the ceremonial platform.A man and a woman appeared, both adorned in traditional outfits, unmistakably a married duo.They glanced toward her and she quickly understood, bid farewell to Daphne, and ascended the stage.All the attendees in the main hall of the Dual Meridian Sect redirected their focus to the platform. Some keen observers had already identified the middle-aged couple- these were the Grandmaster of the Dual Meridian Sect and his consort."Those two must be Ela's parents. The Dual Meridian Sect is truly filled with hidden talents." Daphne expressed this with a touch of emotion in her voice.noveldrama"Indeed," Leander replied.His eyes shifted toward the stage. Both newcomers had reached the peak ofMartial Sovereign-each one powerful enough to contend with experts like Sean or Skyarc, the top threats listed in Astria's power rankings.He was certain that if the Dual Meridian Sect hadn't adopted such a low-profile approach for many years, the list would include two more names.On the platform, the couple stood closely together. The man stepped forward and addressed the gathering with a strong, resonant voice that resonated throughout the Hall. "Today, we have gathered here with famed young geniuses of Astria's martial world-peerless talents in your respective rights. Your presence at our Dual Meridian Sect's suitor-selection ceremony truly honors our humble sect." He started with courteous introductions, then seamlessly transitioned to the main matter. "As you are aware, since the time of our founder, our sect adheres to one principle: every generation's successor must hold a public suitor-selection ceremony upon reaching adulthood, inviting all of Astria's martial world. Today marks my daughter Ela's coming-of-age ceremony."I, Darius Ravenscroft, have neverbeen oneto dilly-dally. Given thatmost of you are here for my daughter anyway. There is but one condition for this suitor-selection ceremony: challenge my daughter, Ela. The individual who can defeat her will become the Dual Meridian Sect's son-in-law. The tournament commences now. Please take a moment to get ready," heannounced. As Darius concluded, the hall burst into applause. The energy was so palpable that even the Clarke siblings felt their blood race. The impending confrontations promised to be unprecedented, with a multitude of prodigies assembled—well beyond anything from their distant northwest homeland."Grant, did you catch that? You'd better perform brilliantly later. Aim to impress the young mistress!" Aria leaned closer and reminded Grant with urgency. "Understood," Grant replied, nodding with tension.In the VIP area, Kian's hands quivered slightly, and he thought, It's undeniable-the young mistress of the Dual Meridian Sect is truly remarkable, on par with Claire and Daphne, the two celebrated beauties of Astria's martial world. The sect's secret techniques are terrifyingly potent. Once someone masters the Dual Insight Technique, their strength skyrockets. Forget merely reachingMartial Sovereign— entering the Transcendent Realm becomes a realistic goal. Who wouldn't find that irresistible?"I must grab this opportunity... this time, definitely." He clenched his fists beneath the table, resolute in his decision. Today, he would demonstrate his abilities to the world he would claim first place.At that moment, the young Mount Sect talent next to him suddenly asked, "Kian...do you think he might join the competition too? If he does, who could even compete against him?"Kian tensed. He discreetly glanced at Leander, who was reclined in his seat, hands behind his head, eyes closed as if asleep.Only then did he chuckle softly and shake his head. "You're thinking too much. Why would he be interested in the techniques of the Dual Meridian Sect with his cultivation? Even if their most powerful elder appeared, that elder wouldn't stand a chance against him. His perspective is far beyond this level-he wouldn't stoop to participate in this juvenile contest."The girl nodded slowly, partially comprehending and partially in reverence. The hall remained quiet for about fifteen minutes. Then Darius made his way back to the stage. His voice resonated throughout the hall with a grand motion. "Everyone, the moment has come. I hereby declare the formal commencement of the Dual Meridian Sect's Seventh-Generation Suitor-Selection Ceremony!" The crowd erupted once more-cheers, shouts, and enthusiasm reverberated throughout the hall. One by one, the young geniuses drew upon their inner strength, gearing up to achieve glory.Elara stood on the stage wearing a simple snow-white gown, a veil concealing her face. She resembled a divine maiden descended to the mortal realm—calm, poised, awaiting challengers.However, amidst the hundred prodigies present, not a single individual dared to step forward. None wished to be the first to fall as the sacrificial lamb.The martial technique of the Dual Meridian Sect was enigmatic and erratic-most contestants preferred to observe, strategize, and analyze before acting. Thus, silence enveloped the hall momentarily.Aria gave Grant a firm nudge, sensing an opportunity, and encouraged him to ascend the stage. But just as he was about to move, a spine-chilling howl sliced through the air.The roar resonated throughout the hall, so intense that tables, cups, and decorations shook violently. Even Kian—one of the most formidable young contenders present—felt a jolt of alarm as his expression turned grave.The howl drew closer. A figure wielding a folding fan dashed across the courtyard like a specter and landed elegantly on the stage.He was a strikingly handsome young man, likely around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. His appearance was almost wickedly charming, and his long robe billowed like that of an esteemed scholar from a bygone era.He swiftly opened his fan with a simple flick, and his piercing, sharp gaze locked onto Elara. "A grand occasion such as the Dual Meridian Sect's suitor-selection ceremony—how could it be complete without my presence?"The young mistress of the sect is renowned throughout the land for her beauty. I have admired her for a considerable time. Today, I plan to be the first to get ahead and experience her skills for myself." His voice was relaxed and oozing confidence, and he showed no interest in anyone else present.As soon as he arrived, Elara and her parents tensed up—their expressionsdarkening instantly.The rest of the hall reacted similarly. Many gaped in astonishment at the scarlet handprint symbol marked on the young man's chest.Even Daphne, seated next to Leander, couldn't suppress a quiet gasp. "The Shadowrealm Sect..."