There was a sprawling bamboo forest by the Eastern Sea's shore. The green stalks seemed to loom over every living being as they tried their best to pierce the sky.One could find large bamboo leaves flitting down to the ground as the bamboo stood in defiance against man. Yet, if one looked closer, they would be able to find a cabin tucked away between the mountain groves.This bamboo forest with its dangerous beasts was supposed to be a no-man's land. Yet, someone was actually living here.The cabin wasn't much to look at as it was made entirely out of bamboo. It seemed hewn together somehow without a single nail or peg to hold it in place. The cabin felt like a building built out of LEGO blocks, with how seamlessly the bamboo interlocked with each other.It was obvious that whoever built it was a master craftsman.There were a few split logs scattered on the ground, and a hatchet stuck in a block of wood. Still, what was supposed to be a messy courtyard exuded a strange sense of harmony.Meanwhile, the few household items that could be seen through the window had been neatly arranged. Everything seemed to be where it needed to be, with not a single speck of dust in sight. That could only mean that the owner was likely to be a meticulous person.However, they were nowhere to be found.Moss had crawled up the massive rock outside the cabin. Nevertheless, the words etched on the rock could still be seen as clear as day-Verdellis Cabin.The calligraphy didn't seem like anything special. Still, one would notice a seemingly defiant aura exuding from it if they took a closer look. It was an aura that could sweep whoever was standing before it right off their feet with the force of a cavalry 10,000 strong.Just then, a tall figure could be seen ambling through the bamboo forest. He had six scars on his scalp, scars that could only be formed through scarification. He had a long white beard, a string of rosary beads around his neck and wrists.His lips were moving as he wandered around the bamboo forest.Oddly enough, he made no sound despite stepping on the thick blanket of bamboo leaves, making him ever so mysterious.A few minutes later, he finally made his way to the cabin, clasped his hands together, and murmured solemnly, "Amen."Then, he continued, "I have come a long way, old friend. Aren't you going to invite me in for tea?"Leander would've recognized this mysterious man if he were here. After all, this was none other than Master David Branson. The same person who had gone all the way to Highcliffe to stop Galen from blowing himself up.Nonetheless, David had also been a good friend of the most powerful man in Astria -the Dragon Emperor.When he spoke, his words seemed to echo through the valley. However, it did not carry any malice. Rather, his voice seemed to meld with nature itself.Alas, all he got in return was silence. David continued to stand by the cabin, silently waiting.The bamboo leaves danced with the wind, filling the air with their whispers. David didn't budge as he felt the breeze flutter. Instead, he thumbed his rosary beads as he murmured hymns under his breath.This stall lasted for 30 minutes. Yet, he had never once taken another step toward the interloper.Suddenly, a figure appeared deep in the bamboo forest, his gait uneven and tentative. It was a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard. He looked unkempt with his long, messy hair that he'd thrown over his shoulders.He was carrying a stack of firewood on his back. Now that he was closer, one could tell that his swaying steps were just an illusion. Instead, his steps were steady as he strolled through the bamboo forest like just an ordinary Joe.Still, it was strange how he, too, made no sound despite trampling the leaves on his way home.He brusquely walked past David, saying nothing. The two men continued doing whatever it was they were doing, behaving as though they were mere strangers.The middle-aged man's eyes shone. His eyes didn't seem to fit the rough hemp clothes he was wearing. Regardless, he didn't bother offering David a stool, nor did he question David. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and went about chopping wood.Alas, it didn't look like he had the strength to do so, what with how his hatchet had only left a shallow cut on the bark.It took him a good 20 minutes just to complete a task that a full-grown man could've finished in minutes. Yet, he kept at it anyway, continuing what seemed to be an arduous activity for little gain.David never once moved a muscle despite how wooden chips would come flying his way.The silence between them seemed to stretch on forever. By the time the middle- aged man had finally gone through all the firewood, the sun was already readying itself for bed.Only then did he set his hatchet aside as he started bunching the logs together. Although he had been hard at work for hours, his hands showed no signs of stress. His fingers looked like works of art as he continued to work the logs together.Soon, a stool was formed under his deft hands. He had somehow hewn the logs into place without any glue or nails. He was so skilled that even the world's finest carpenters could only watch in awe.A smile bloomed on his face as the stool came to be. Then, he slid the furniture to David."It takes quite a bit to make a sturdy chair. Thank you for your patience, David."He had referred to David as though they were good friends, his tone casual and friendly.It was actually quite daring of him. After all, David was in charge of the Ancient Lingster Sanctum and was known to be one of the strongest people alive. He had achieved unimaginable heights with his cultivation.So much so that he could eliminate Infernal Crown Transcendent martial artists with a flick of his fingers.His name was known far and wide for at least a century. Furthermore, most, if not all, of the martial artists in Astria had received his teachings. Yet, this middle-aged man was referring to David without his rightful title?What was even crazier was that David didn't mind at all! Instead, he merely smiled and sat on the stool."It's been 70 years. Yet, I can see that you haven't lost your touch," David replied with a slight bow.The man chuckled as he grabbed a flask of wine from his belt. "You're in luck. Not only do you get to sit in a new chair I've just made, but you could also have a taste of this fine drink I have with me."Then, he took a swig from the flask before tossing it over to David.David, who had been serving the Lord for decades, didn't bother with pleasantries and courtesies. Instead, he tossed his head back and chugged it down as though he was just another drunkard by the streets.After a beat, he smacked his lips and remarked, "This is some fine wine. I didn't think you'd be able to master the skill of brewing whilst working on your carpentry. I can already imagine the pain of yearning for a wine as fine as this once leave." PelThe middle-aged man plopped himself on the ground as he faced David with a genuine smile on his face. The two men painted a strange picture After all, who would ever picture a rustic Villager with O someone as renowned as David? Yet, it was obvious that they had a relationship that went way back."It's called Verdelle Springs. I brewed it with the spring water I specially curated from this grove. So, it's naturally going to be one of the best wines you could ever taste in your lifetime," he said lightly, his voice devoid of any signs of bragging. Just then, something caught his attention. He had noticed something off with thestring of rosary beads in David's hand. There was one bead missing.His eyes narrowed at the sight."David, you—"David stopped him with a raised palm, his lips curling into a serene smile. Suddenly,a strong force burst forth, shattering all his rosary beads."The man you knew as Master Branson is no more. Call me David, the Wanderer. I've decided to leave seclusion. What about you, Dragon Emperor?"That scruffy man in front of him was no mere villager at all. Instead, he was once amighty man who'd ruled over Astria's martial realm. He was none other than the Dragon Emperor of Astria, Caelius Valedrake.noveldrama