"The Four Gods Sect reacted swiftly. Less than a day after the light membrane stabilized, their joint vanguard, composed of members from the Sect of Wind and Sect of Fire, arrived. At least two Level 2 Magic Masters led the way, establishing a forward camp three kilometers from the relic and marking a restricted area. Yet, they seem troubled by the light membrane as well; their attempts at attack have been ineffective, leading to counterattacks from purification beams. Currently, they appear to be researching methods to break it, with no aggressive force used yet."

"The players are in an uproar," Robert continued, his tone carrying a slight lament for his compatriots’ behavior, "The forum is buzzing, with everyone thinking it’s an epic event. Now, the number of players gathered around the outskirts of the relic is close to two thousand and still increasing.

The Four Gods Sect’s ban is of limited effect. Players aren’t afraid of death; they die and resuscitate to return. Although resurrection costs rise with higher levels, it doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Currently, it’s mostly high-level players and large guild teams leading the charge."

"Is there substantial intelligence about the interior of the relic?" Duke was more concerned about this.

"There is!" Robert said, Spirit lifted, "Three days ago, a team of top player thieves used advanced stealth and special items to successfully pass through the light membrane, entering the outer region. They sent back some blurry images and text before being collectively killed and resurrected. Based on their final messages, some structures inside the relic remain well-preserved, with the light energy in the air so dense it feels fog-like.

Most importantly, they saw from afar what appears to be an altar in the central area, above which floats an intensely pulsing, extremely bright pure golden sphere of light, surrounded by glowing runes. Just a fleeting glance caused them immense pressure, and they were subsequently killed by guardians composed of light energy that suddenly appeared."

A pure golden, pulsing sphere of light... Duke’s eyes gleamed as he pondered silently.

"The player forum has been in an uproar," Robert added, "Everyone’s speculating about what the light sphere is; some say it’s the Ancient Light Heart, others a divine artifact core, and still others a law node.

Regardless, everyone believes it to be a top-tier treasure. Now all major guilds are desperately collecting light resistance items and survival materials, preparing to organize elite groups for the next wave of assault. The Four Gods Sect must have received similar intelligence; their camp has been actively mobilizing these past few days, likely preparing for action as well."

Duke gently tapped the scarred wooden tabletop with his fingers, the situation was clear to him.

The core treasure has emerged, its high value attracting many contenders.

The Four Gods Sect is the formal army, while the players are the fearless chaotic horde.

"Can you, as a player, access that light sphere?" Duke asked.

Robert shook his head with a wry smile: "Sir, it’s very difficult. Not to mention the unknown guarding mechanisms around the light sphere, even if you break through the guards, there are countless eyes watching it now. Players are of mixed levels, and all major guilds are wary of each other, while the Four Gods Sect keeps a watchful eye from the perimeter.

Acting alone or in a small team, the chances of success are slim to none. Even if one miraculously takes it, you’d likely become the target of all, with the best outcome being death and returning to the city."

Duke nodded; this was within his expectations.

Robert’s value lay in intelligence and organization, not in direct engagement at that level of competition.

"Continue to utilize your guild and player networks. At all costs, gather more detailed internal information—patterns of guard activity, weak points in energy flow, terrain around the altar, and the Four Gods Sect’s specific action plans. You may release some lower-level resources that we don’t need, but can enhance exploration success rates, sell them at high prices. This not only supplements our funds but also encourages more players to scout the way for us."

"Yes, Sir!" Robert accepted the order.

"Also, mind your own safety. Your in-game strength as a First-level Knight is adequate for most situations, but do not easily engage with the core forces of the Four Gods Sect or top player teams. Your real-world identity and the organization channel here are more important than temporary gains."

"Understood, and thank you for your concern, Sir," Robert said, bowing his head.

"Go, and maintain contact. Notify me immediately of any major changes."

Robert respectfully saluted and quietly exited the small backroom, disappearing into the rising morning hustle of the market as though he were just an ordinary early customer.

Duke sat alone in the dim lamplight, his gaze seemingly penetrating the walls to the distant East.

Leaving the Star Embers Potion Shop, Duke did not head straight out of the city towards the Ash Mountains.

Before personally venturing into danger, he needed to acquire more core, possibly more ancient intelligence from another key source, from within the Light Sect, from the Holy Daughter, Dali.

He needed to know what the pure golden pulsing sphere of light was, as referenced in the Light Sect’s sealed tomes or the secret lore passed down by word of mouth.

Duke did not go to the Light Sect’s prominent yet visibly aging main cathedral in Azure Vault City. Instead, he followed the secret path information conveyed earlier through the Divine Status link by Dali, circling to the side and rear of the cathedral complex.

There was an inconspicuous door here, etched with fine, fading Light Runes, easily overlooked without intentional guidance.

He knocked at the door in the agreed rhythm, and after a moment, the door silently opened a crack. A middle-aged cleric, clad in simple monk robes with clear, keen eyes, glanced at him warily.

The cleric’s pupils slightly constricted upon seeing Duke, and he stepped aside, speaking in a low voice: "The Holy Daughter has been expecting you. Please follow me."

They passed through a few quiet arcades and arrived at a building surrounded by tall stone windows.

One side of the building was a heavy stone wall, the other faced a small courtyard enclosed by high walls and filled with tranquil white flowers.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting dappled light and shadow on the polished stone floor.

The Holy Daughter, Dali, stood alone under one of the stained glass windows, the light and shadows adding a soft contour to her elegant plain clothes and silver hair.

She seemed to be in contemplation; upon hearing footsteps, she turned around.

Upon seeing Duke, she placed her right hand over her chest and slightly bowed, performing a sect internal courtesy meant for distinguished guests or important figures, and softly said, "Lord Duke, you have arrived."

The guiding cleric silently retreated, leaving only the two of them in the corridor.

"Time is limited, speak directly," Duke didn’t engage in pleasantries. After setting a small soundproof Witch Array, he directly asked, "Does the sect’s ancient texts or traditions have any clear record regarding the pure golden sphere of light appearing at the Ash Mountains relic core?"

Dali took a moment to organize her thoughts before her voice, clear yet gentle, replied: "Sir, based on your description—pure golden, continuously pulsing, exuding an aura of origin, situated on an altar...

Dali urgently reviewed the remnants of the ’Ancient Radiance Chronicles’, texts accessible only to the Holy Daughter and a few cardinal figures, and held private discussions with several hermit elders specialized in ancient ritual studies who are absolutely loyal to the sect."

She raised her gaze, her eyes appearing especially earnest in the interplay of light and shadow: "Judging comprehensively, it is likely to be more than an average Holy Artifact but rather what comes close to legendary sources of holy radiance, known in even earlier terms as a Light Seed."

"A Light Seed?" Duke’s focus was keen.

"Yes," Dali nodded affirmatively, explaining the information assembled from the ancient scrolls, "According to the remnants, at the dawn of belief, our ancestors conducted grand reverent worship at natural Light Law nodes. When they were fortunate to receive a resonance from a Plane, they might coalesce this highly concentrated, nearly solidified pure light origin crystal.

It is considered a seed of the Light Law manifesting and taking root in the place, possessing properties of self-pulsation, slow growth, and continuous purification and nurturing of the surrounding territory. It is not an artificial creation, but a miracle produced by the convergence of timing, geology, and harmony, making it the ideal core foundation for constructing a lasting Holy Land of Light. It’s just... for nearly a millennium, even within the sect, it’s been regarded almost as myth."