Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 276: First on the Rising Dragon Rankings

The Golden Pavilion Restaurant was one of the finest establishments belonging to the Jade Palace in Hartfield Capital City.

The building stood three stories tall with ornate architecture.

Inside, wealthy merchants and influential nobles sat at expensive tables made from rare wood.

The dining area was decorated with silk curtains that hung from the ceiling in elegant waves.

Jade ornaments sat on every surface. Small sculptures. Decorative vases. Wall hangings.

Everyone present held significant power in the Hartfield Empire, which ruled the entire Southern Continent.

"Did you hear about what happened at the tournament?" a middle-aged merchant asked his companions.

His voice carried across the private room they occupied on the second floor. He set down his wine cup with a soft clink.

"The rebels were completely crushed," another man replied.

He wore expensive robes that marked him as a sect elder.

The fabric was embroidered with golden thread.

"But the strange thing is how little information spread about it."

A woman in elegant dress nodded in agreement. Her hair was styled elaborately with jade pins. "No one knows exactly how it was achieved. The emperor’s forces moved quickly and quietly."

She picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks. "Very unusual for such a large operation."

"I heard Prince Arthur played a major role," the merchant said.

His eyes showed curiosity and respect. He leaned forward slightly. "Some say he defeated multiple Martial Emperors single-handedly."

The sect elder leaned forward as well. His expression became serious. "More than a major role. He’s now ranked first on the Rising Dragon Rankings."

Gasps came from around the table. Wine cups paused halfway to lips. Chopsticks stopped moving.

The Rising Dragon Rankings listed the younger generation who were expected to breakthrough to the Martial Emperor Realm soon.

Being first on that list meant Arthur was now considered the strongest among them. The most talented. The most likely to succeed.

"First place? Above even the geniuses from the Central Continent?" someone asked in disbelief.

Their voice rose slightly. "That’s impossible. The Central Continent has been dominant for centuries."

"According to the latest update, yes," the sect elder confirmed.

He pulled out a jade slip and showed it to the others.

"Published just yesterday. Prince Arthur displaced the previous first place holder."

People at nearby tables overheard the conversation.

Whispers spread through the restaurant.

Prince Arthur.

First place.

Rising Dragon Rankings.

The words repeated throughout the dining area.

The conversation at the merchant’s table shifted to another important topic. "The Martial Emperor Secret Realm opens in a month," the woman said. She set down her cup carefully. "Everyone is preparing to enter."

"That’s the real opportunity," the merchant agreed. His face showed excitement.

"Whatever happens inside will determine the future powers of the continent. New alliances will form. Old powers will fall. New ones will rise."

Others nodded. The secret realm opening was the biggest event in decades. Perhaps centuries. Everyone with sufficient cultivation wanted to enter.

At that moment, a royal carriage passed by outside on the street below. It was large and decorated with the imperial family’s symbols.

Golden dragons coiled around the exterior. Guards rode on horses beside it. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight.

"Look, a royal carriage!" someone near the window exclaimed. They pointed outside.

Other diners rushed to the windows. People craned their necks to see. Some stood up from their tables completely.

"I heard Prince Arthur is inside," a server whispered to the guests. She carried a tray of dishes but paused to look outside as well.

Whispers spread through the restaurant quickly.

Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the new first place on the Rising Dragon Rankings.

But the carriage moved past smoothly. Its wheels turned steadily.

The guards maintained their formation. Within moments, it was gone from view.

"Did you see him?" someone asked.

"The curtains were closed," another replied with disappointment.

Inside the carriage, which looked more like a small room than a vehicle, sat three people.

Cushioned seats lined the walls.

Small tables held refreshments. Soft lighting came from spirit stones embedded in the ceiling.

Arthur sat comfortably on one of the cushioned seats. His posture was relaxed.

Beside him was Anastasia, Emperor Hartfield’s daughter. She sat with perfect posture befitting a princess.

Across from them sat Helia, Arthur’s friend and personal maid. She held her hands folded in her lap.

Anastasia looked at Arthur deeply for a long moment. Her eyes studied his face. His expression. Then suddenly she pinched his side hard. Her fingers found a spot between his ribs.

"Ouch!" Arthur pretended to be hurt. He rubbed the spot where she pinched him. His face showed exaggerated pain.

Anastasia humphed and turned her head slightly away. Her arms crossed. "You hid your strength from me," she complained. Her voice carried clear annoyance. "And all those secrets you kept. I thought we were close."

Arthur laughed at her reaction. The sound was warm and genuine. "I had my reasons," he said with a smile. His hand continued rubbing his side.

"What reasons?" Anastasia demanded. She turned back to look at him. Her expression showed frustration mixed with curiosity. But her anger was already fading. She could never stay mad at Arthur for long.

Arthur reached out and gently patted her head. His hand moved smoothly through her hair. "I promise to give you a great gift when we enter the secret realm," he said. His tone was sincere. His eyes met hers directly.

Anastasia’s expression softened immediately. Her arms uncrossed. "You promise?" she asked. Her voice became gentler. Hope showed on her face.

"I promise," Arthur confirmed with a nod. "Something that will help your cultivation significantly."

Anastasia smiled then. A real smile that reached her eyes. "Fine," she said. "I’ll forgive you this time." She paused. "But no more secrets."

Arthur just smiled in response. He didn’t make that promise.

Helia watched the exchange with a small smile. She’d seen Arthur and Anastasia interact many times. Their relationship was comfortable. Easy. They understood each other well.

The carriage continued moving through the capital streets. Outside, people went about their daily business.

Merchants called out their wares. Children ran and played. Guards patrolled. But inside the carriage, the three passengers sat in comfortable silence.