Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 280: Anastasia’s Probing

In the carriage, Anastasia finally stopped pinching Arthur’s side.

She pulled her hand back slowly and crossed her arms over her chest. Her expression changed from playful to serious. The smile that had been on her face moments ago was completely gone now.

"That Ava is really beautiful," Anastasia said. There was a slight edge to her voice that hadn’t been there before. "She clearly has something for you."

Arthur rubbed the spot on his side where she’d pinched him repeatedly. The area was still tender.

"There are many beautiful women who have something for me," he replied casually. His tone was matter-of-fact. "It comes with being a young talented and powerful prince."

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed at his response. Her expression became more serious. "So you’re saying you don’t care? That she’s just one of many?"

Arthur shrugged his shoulders in a relaxed manner. "I’m saying that beauty alone doesn’t determine anything. Yes, Ava is beautiful. Yes, she may have feelings. But I don’t think I truly have plans to make any commitments to anyone."

’Eve is a special case,’ he secretly thought to himself. His mind briefly went to the girl who turned out to be a child and princess of the Jade Emperor.

Anastasia seemed to want to press the matter further. She leaned forward slightly in her seat. Her mouth opened as if to continue the conversation. But Arthur cut her off gently before she could speak.

"Anastasia," he said with a slight smile. His voice was calm but firm. "Beauties will only slow down my sword. I have more important things to focus on right now."

He said it in a way that made it clear the topic was closed. There would be no further discussion about this matter.

Anastasia looked at him for a moment longer. Her eyes studied his face carefully. Then she let out a small breath and let it go.

As the only child of Emperor Markus, ruler of the Hartfield Empire and the entire Southern Continent, she understood priorities.

She’d been raised knowing that power and duty came before personal matters. And she knew Arthur well enough to know when he wouldn’t budge on something. When his mind was made up, arguing was pointless.

The tension in the carriage eased noticeably. The atmosphere became more relaxed. Anastasia uncrossed her arms and leaned back against the cushioned seat.

Her posture became more comfortable. "So where are we going next?" she asked, changing the subject completely. "Back to the palace?"

"No," Arthur replied. He looked out the window at the passing buildings.

People walked along the streets going about their daily business. Merchants called out their wares. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"We’re heading to the Three Mysteries Pavilion."

"The Three Mysteries Pavilion?" Anastasia repeated with interest. Her eyebrows raised slightly. "What for?"

"I want to obtain an official copy of the Rising Dragon Rankings list," Arthur explained. His gaze remained on the window. "The complete document with all the details."

Helia, who had been sitting quietly in the corner and observing the entire exchange, spoke up. "Young Master wants to study the competition?"

Arthur turned his head and nodded at her. "Exactly. Before the secret realm opens, I need to know who the other geniuses are. Their cultivation levels, their abilities, their backgrounds. Understanding the competition is crucial for survival inside the realm."

Anastasia’s expression became thoughtful. She tilted her head slightly. "That makes sense," she said after a moment. "If we know who the dangerous people are beforehand, we can prepare better. Or avoid them if necessary."

"Avoid? Maybe for other but nor for me," Arthur said. He looked back at her. "The Rising Dragon Rankings lists the top one hundred young cultivators across all five continents. These are the people most likely to enter the secret realm and compete for the treasures inside. Some will be allies. Others will be enemies. I just want to know which is which."

The carriage continued moving through the capital streets at a steady pace. The wheels rolled smoothly over the paved roads.

It turned a corner and headed toward the upper district where the Three Mysteries Pavilion was located.

That area of the city was where the wealthiest and most powerful organizations had their headquarters.

Anastasia watched Arthur quietly. She could see he was already thinking ahead. Planning. Strategizing.

This was the side of him that impressed her most. Not his cultivation or his combat ability, but his mind. The way he thought several steps ahead of everyone else.

Helia remained silent but attentive. Her eyes moved between Arthur and Anastasia. She’d served Arthur long enough to understand when he was in planning mode. When he got like this, it was best to simply listen and learn.

The carriage passed by wealthy merchant shops and noble residences.

Guards patrolled the streets here more frequently.

Everything looked cleaner and more organized than the lower districts. After several more minutes, they began approaching their destination.

=======================

Author’s Note: Hello everyone. It’s been a long time since I did this.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has been following and supporting this story since it’s launch.

It has been filled with ups and downs. But mostly downs. Upload speed has been slower than a snail’s. That much I know.

I’m still not in any position of stability that would give me room to consistently upload Chapters as my heart desires.

But I will do my best.

Though in my heart, I believe the time has finally come for this book to make it’s way into the library of many and eventually into their hearts.

For that to be possible, while I upload Chapters, I would need your support.

- Golden Tickets.

- Power Stones.

- Reviews and Comments (I need this more so I can write a better story, cover up possible plot holes. It would be arrogant of me to assume my story is perfect.)

- Gifts and the like.

Lastly, this is my ’first’ serious novel and it has a special place in my heart.

I hope to give the best reading experience I can.

Once again.

Thank you all...this book wouldn’t truly exist without you guys.

You’re the best.