9 Talent Plus Beauty!

Sam's laughter echoed through the bustling streets of Starlight Haven City as he exchanged words with his friend Alex. "That is right, we'll make a big splash. However, you will need to be careful when going out in the next few days."

His friend raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Hmm? You mean David?"

Sam nodded, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Indeed, he would seek revenge, but not openly. His techniques will be secret. We'll have to cross that bridge."

If David chose to drop the matter now, everything could be settled.

However, if he opted for secret plots or sent assassins after them, Sam harbored no reservations about returning the favor. Nevertheless, he preferred to avoid such drastic measures.

After all, David's father held a powerful position as the Lord of the Defense Martial for Starlight Haven City. Any scandal involving them could spell disaster.

The fair was held on the borders of Starlight Haven City, the center of major business deals. A major fair was held here every year, attracting martial masters from surrounding kingdoms in pursuit of rare artifacts.

As Sam reached the fair's entrance, he was struck by the busy crowd and the diverse range of things on exhibit. This was a wealthy area, a shelter for royalty and masters. A Pulse Condensation Stage martial artist engaging with the crowd was not uncommon.

As Sam observed the crowd's movements, a commotion erupted, diverting his attention. He turned to witness a luxurious white carriage drawn by magnificent Draconic Snow Horses arriving at the fair's entrance. These horses were a rare breed, prized for their speed and endurance. A single horse could fetch a price of ten thousand golds, a sum that even young masters of wealthy families hesitated to pay.

Who could be inside such a wealthy carriage? Sam wondered. Could it be a member of the royal family?

His companion, Alex, joined in with information. "Do you notice the carriage's crest, which depicts a knight with a golden spear?" That is the property of the Warlord's Haven."

"Warlord's Haven? You mean Warlord's Chamber?" Sam inquired.

Alex nodded. "Who else could it be? There's only one Warlord in all of Starlight Haven Kingdom."

The highest position in the kingdom Martial's hierarchical structure was Warlord, obtained through extraordinary feats. Eighty years ago, the Starlight Haven Kingdom was attacked by the Eastern Sun Kingdom.

Throughout the turmoil, Warlord Henry, the Kingdom Protector, had stayed firm, commanding the Hen Subordinates and receiving numerous awards.

He was instrumental in regaining lost territory and rescuing the northern inhabitants from desperate difficulties. The Eastern Sun Kingdom was defeated three years later, and Henry was given the title of Warlord. Warriors of the martial arts founded the Starlight Martial House that same year.

Warlord Henry, with his martial cultivation at the Post-Celestial Stage, middle phase, was a legend. For most martial artists, the Post-Celestial Stage and levels beyond the Pulse Condensation Stage were distant dreams.

As the carriage came to a halt, Sam couldn't help but inhale deeply. Could it be that Warlord Henry himself was inside? Such a man was a living legend!

The carriage's curtains parted, revealing a young woman, and Sam was taken aback. This unexpected passenger was breathtakingly beautiful.

The young woman donned a white dress, her long black hair cascading down to her waist. Her skin possessed the ethereal glow of jade, and her features were flawless. Her eyes sparkled like autumn waters, and her slender neck and graceful chin added to her perfection. She exuded an aura of wisdom and purity, leaving anyone who beheld her in awe.

All eyes converged on her. Her lavish carriage, her extraordinary beauty, and the legacy of the Hen family, which had endured for over eighty years, made her the center of attention.

Only when the young woman disappeared from sight did Alex finally avert his gaze, a wistful look in his eyes.

Sam turned to his companion and asked, "Who is she? Do you know her?"

Alex responded, "I do know her, but she doesn't know me. She is Henry's granddaughter, Hen Portia . Truly... perfect."

Sam gave a nod of understanding. He had already suspected her identity, but he had asked out of curiosity.

Alex continued, "That girl is a Grade Six Martial Talent."

Sam was stunned. "Grade Six Talent? Are you sure?"

The highest talent Sam had encountered before was Grade Four. Grade Five Talents were exceedingly rare, and there were none in Green Mulberry City.

Perhaps Starlight Haven Kingdom had a few, but they were a minority. Now, he was told that the young woman passing by possessed Grade Six Talent. It was an unimaginable revelation for him!

Alex anticipated Sam's reaction and added, "Brother Sam, don't you think her looks are even more amazing than her talent?"

Sam replied thoughtfully, "I believe her talent is even more astonishing—a Grade Six Talent! That's unheard of! But, what martial stage is she at?"

Alex shrugged. "I don't know, but it must be incredibly high. With such talent and her family background, reaching the Physical Training Fourth or Fifth Stage wouldn't be surprising. However, Brother Sam, why are you only interested in martial matters? After seeing such a perfect beauty, doesn't your heart stir?"

The question caught Sam off guard. He was not emotionless, but he had come to realize that achieving lasting happiness with a loving family required strength.

With his current level of power, such pursuits seemed futile. He turned the question back to Alex, asking, "Do you like her?"

Alex chuckled. "Nah, I'm just an admirer. She's too distant from someone like me, and I harbor no such thoughts. I doubt any of the men in Starlight Haven City are worthy of her. She'll probably join a prominent clan like the Seven Profound Valley in the future. In fact, she's already a core disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House. Mortals like us can't hope to match her. But what makes me most envious is that she's also an Inscription Master."

"Inscription Master?" Sam confessed his limited knowledge of unique professions, explaining that such pursuits required substantial talent and soul force, along with significant financial investment.

Alex elaborated, "Yes, an Inscription Master can engrave arrays and symbols on weapons using special materials, enhancing their capabilities. It's a profession that demands talent and soul force, but once you become skilled, making money becomes as easy as breathing!"

"Unfortunately, most martial artists never get the chance to pursue this profession. Even if they have the talent, the cost of materials is prohibitively high. Hen Portia, with her family's resources, has excelled in Inscription Techniques. She's unrivaled among her peers and can even surpass many from the older generation."

As Alex shared his knowledge, he noticed Sam deeply engrossed in thought.

"Brother Sam... are you really not moved at all by her?" Alex teased.

Sam waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing."

In reality, Sam's mind was racing. All those arrays, inscriptions, engravings, symbols, and mysterious characters he had previously overlooked were connected to inscriptions. These items held tremendous value that he had underestimated.