Chapter 866


    Perhaps someone else was backing the Emperor apart from lr. Gabriel


    In order to get a clearer understanding of the situation. James would have to return to Cansington and


    ask the owner of Sovereign Boutique Shop


    Although his previous attempt yielded no useful information, James had a feeling that the owner chose


    not to disclose anything to him


    Putting his thoughts aside, he turned to Tobias and asked, “So. why did you bring me here? I''m sure it


    wasn''t just to regale me with the story of the Ancient Four’s origins along with the Moonlit Flowers on


    Cliffside’s Edge.”


    Tobias merely shook his head and pointed at the painting on the wall “The secret to the ultimate martial


    arts techniques are concealed within this painting. The key to solving the puzzle is through the 18-


    meridian diagram Though I have been researching it for quite some time now. despite my best efforts,


    I''m still unable to break the painting''s cipher. I believe you are familiar with the 18-meridian diagram?”


    “Yes”


    James nodded. “Indeed. I was the first to open the box.”


    Tobias nced at him approvingly before continuing, “Yuo''re in an extremely dicey situaytion. Everyone


    is gunning to kill you so that they can upset the already tenuous bnce of power, and exploit the


    fallout to their advantage. If you want to survive, you''ll need to get significantly stronger. You have no


    other options avable to you. I''ll graciously give you three days to see what you can glean from


    Moonlit Flowers by Cliffside’s Edge.”


    Tobias had brought James here to see if he had what it took to unravel the mysteries of the painting.


    Although James was a denizen of the outside world, he still managed to cultivate True Energy and


    reach the first rank without any guidance. The potential he possessed was extremely promising.


    James uncovering the secrets of the painting would not only be beneficial to Tobias himself, but it could


    also help the Cadens avert the looming catastrophe.


    Even if he fails to break the painting''s cipher, the Cadens stood to lose nothing. In the worst case


    scenario, the situation would only deteriorate slightly further. However, with how powerful the Cadens


    were, other forces would have to think twice before antagonizing them.


    James gave him a weak and bitter smile. “You overestimate my abilities. If even a learned elder like


    yourself is unable to reveal the secrets of the painting, what chance do I have?"


    “You''ll have to try regardless. For the next three days, Maxine will deliver your food to you during your


    mealtimes. Feel free to make yourselffortable while investigating the painting. You''re allowed to


    take it down from the wall for a closer examination, but leaving the room with the painting is strictly


    forbidden.”


    Tobias made his exit after casually passing his instructions to James.


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    Silence enveloped the basement.


    The lights illuminated the room.


    James was interested in the Moonlit Flowers by Cliffside’s Edge. He was curious to see the kinds of


    secrets it held and whether it actually possessed secret martial art techniques.


    While James was trying to scrutinize the painting, he heard the sound of footsteps nearing him.


    He turned his head in the direction of the noise.


    A youngdy in a white dress was walking over holding a small box in her hands. It was Maxine.


    “James. grandpa asked me to give you this box.”


    “Thanks.”


    James nodded lightly and took the box from her hands


    Maxine nced at the painting on the wall and gave James some words of encouragement. “I believe


    you''re capable of doing this. I sincerely hope you can unravel the secrets the painting holds. If you do.


    grandpa will find a way to get his hands on the other three paintings so that all their secrets can be put


    together and the Prince of Orchid’s millenia long mystery can finally be solved.”


    “I make no promises. but I shall try my best” James was not confident that he would be able to decipher


    the painting properly.


    “l’ll be leaving then.”


    After giving James the box. Maxine left James alone with only his thoughts.


    Silence once again filled the basement


    “The Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge... A treasure scroll thousands of years old... The 18- meridian


    diagram... How are all of these rted?”


    James wondered as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.