607 A Heaven-Defying Pill

Beyond the Thundering Highlands, a stretch of flat land could be found from the east, reaching to the north.

In the past, this stretch of flat land used to be filled with rocky hills. However, it had been leveled for human settlements and agriculture. In fact, this stretch of flat land possessed the largest farmland in the western region.

And it all belonged to one person – Zaahid Armstrong.

Zaahid Armstrong was the Duke of Dragonmoor and the current reigning emperor's third younger brother. He was also one of the few legendary figures in the empire to have transcended human limits and reached Rank 5 Body Refiner.

In honor of his achievement, he was bestowed the name 'Dragonchild' by the previous emperor. As such, he was mostly known as Zaahid Dragonchild or Duke Dragonchild.

At that moment, Zaahid was watching the farmlands, which lay beyond the city of stone, from the balcony of his castle on the fifth floor with a proud look. It was his habit to do so during this specific time of the day.

Only when the sun was setting could he see the splendor and beauty of his life's achievements – the farmlands.

The land used to be barren; there was nothing more than rocks and sand as far as the eye could see. Naturally, it wasn't a place fit for humans to live. It was he who, with the help of his people's blood, sweat, and tears, transformed it into a land of vegetation and life suitable for human habitation.

It might have taken half his life to achieve, but it was still his proudest work.

"Hm?"

Zaahid furrowed his brows upon discovering a shadowy figure in the distant sky, approaching from the direction of Sunrock Bazaar. As it drew closer, he recognized it to be a Wyvern Rider.

'A Wyvern Rider from Sunrock Bazaar? I wonder if my nephew is asking me for food supplies again…' Zaahid muttered to himself.

Nevertheless, despite recognizing the Wyvern Rider coming from Sunrock Bazaar, he did not prepare to receive the guest. Instead, he continued to enjoy his view freely and calmly without concern.

"My Lord, Lord Chaska sent Sir Deiahmar to deliver a letter addressed to you," a female servant shortly informed. She held a wooden tray and extended it forward with her head lowered.

Zaahid picked up the single letter from the wooden tray without much thought and read it. But as he read it, he raised an eyebrow with a more serious look. By the end of the letter, his expression was surprisingly calm.

Zaahid did not react the same way as his nephew Chaska. In truth, there was a moment when he did reveal some anger in his eyes while reading.

However, it was quickly replaced by calmness and interest the further he read.

After some thought, Zaahid ordered his servant to go and summon one of his best guards – Bakram, a Mid-level Rank 4 Body Refiner, to his study room.

"You called for me, my Lord?" asked a sturdy Dunean Warrior in black leather armor after entering the study room with heavy steps.

Zaahid didn't say anything and simply handed his nephew's letter to him. Although Bakram was taken aback, he quickly understood his lord's intention and accepted the letter.

"This…"

After reading the letter, Bakram frowned. He felt uncomfortable— but for a different reason from Chaska and Zaahid.

'How bold of this person to claim the name 'Pendragon' for himself… What qualifications does he have to own such a name? If anyone deserves to be called Pendragon, it should be my lord!' Bakram thought.

"Since you have finished reading, I want you to find this person and test him, Bakram. It would be best if you could force him to reveal his full strength," Zaahir instructed as he opened a drawer to fetch an item.

"If the person refuses a normal challenge, you may use this as a wager for a Blood Exchange. The value of this item should provide enough temptation." Zaahir casually handed a fist-sized sandalwood box to Bakram.

"T-This…!" Bakram's eyes bulged in shock the moment he peaked inside the sandalwood box. His hands couldn't help but tremble nervously as if they were suddenly holding a large chest of high-rank mana stones.

"Are you sure you want me to use such a valuable item just to test some random young warrior, my Lord?" Bakram asked carefully

"Why? Are you not confident in winning?" Zaahir grinned with amusement.

Bakram kept his mouth shut instantly. His eyes suddenly glazed with determination before he swore to carry out his lord's task.

The sandalwood box only contained a single pill. However, it was also precisely this pill that was worth thousands of high-rank mana stones. It had a high demand but no stable supply. It wasn't something one could buy with wealth alone.

It was a Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill.

The Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill could easily elevate the strength of a Rank 4 Body Refiner by a minor stage. If a normal Rank 3 Body Refiner took it, their strength would be promoted to the peak of Rank 3 Body Refiner or possibly breakthrough to Rank 4 Body Refiner.

But at the same time, if a normal Rank 3 Body Refiner with weak foundations ingested such a heaven-defying pill, the violent potency could easily kill them.

Nevertheless, such dangers didn't make the pill any less desirable.

Bakram couldn't help but feel envious as he left the study room with the pill box. He wondered why his lord would take out such a precious pill for some unknown warrior.

…

After Bakram left, Zaahir returned to his balcony and peered into the distant dark clouds in the sky with a thoughtful look.

A Rank 4 Body Refiner who was only in his twenties was a talent that couldn't be found even if one searched the entire empire.

'I wonder if this child will be the impending storm that will change this nation like the Black Rose Kingdom and Holy Knight Empire… Will he bring good fortunes or a great disaster? I hope he doesn't disappoint me…' Zaahir mused.