Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1385 Questions!

Without any prior warning, an intense pressure crashed down on Max the moment he positioned himself squarely in front of the Black Dragon Palace's leaders. It felt like the entire sky had collapsed onto his back, bearing down with ruthless intensity.

His breaths grew labored, his blood thickened in his veins, and his bones creaked beneath the unseen force weighing on him. Right then, Max sensed himself as a mere insect facing timeless deities, his life nearly wiped out just by their overwhelming aura.

But that feeling dissipated nearly instantly after it struck. From deep inside, a profound and timeless serenity welled up, flowing through his frame like a soothing wave that steadied everything. The Primordial title hummed quietly within, grounding his being against the crushing power that sought to dominate him. His posture aligned once more, his eyes focused sharply, and his pulse evened out steadily.

Once the pressure lifted, Max remained upright and serene, behaving as though the intense event had never taken place.

The assembly caught every bit of this occurrence. The seven family heads positioned at the forefront, together with the thirty-six hall masters and the numerous elders trailing them, all squinted their eyes in subtle astonishment. Even veteran core disciples typically faltered under the subtle pressure emanating in this chamber, frequently sweating profusely or automatically lowering their heads in submission.

However, Max revealed zero discomfort, no shake in his form, and not a trace of dread in his stare. The poised assurance he exhibited stirred a wave of shock among the gathered crowd.

"No surprise that the Sword Sovereign's blade selected him," Matthew Grimes, leader of the Grimes Family, whispered quietly, giving an approving nod while his eyes fixed on Max.

In that instant, a man in his middle years advanced from the hall's front. Though his demeanor stayed composed and controlled, it held a profound essence that outmatched nearly everyone else there.

"Max Morgan," he announced distinctly, his words resonating across the expansive space effortlessly. "I am Charley Waller, serving as the Grand Elder of the Black Dragon Palace. Make this clear: the Black Dragon Palace and the Black Dragon Clan differ as separate powers. I represent the Palace as its Grand Elder. Feel free to call me Elder Waller."

"Greetings, Elder Waller," Max responded with respect, inclining his head promptly.

With a single nod, Grand Elder Waller proceeded. "Today, you've been called to the Black Dragon Palace's main hall due to your success in claiming the Sword Sovereign's sword. This event impacts not just our palace but the power dynamics across the Verdant Sky Realm."

He halted for a second, letting the gravity of his statement sink in. "The assembled leaders will pose a few questions to you. Simply respond with honesty. Does this suit you?"

"No issues here," Max answered steadily.

"Good then," Grand Elder Waller stated, shifting his body a bit as his tone amplified to reach everyone present. "The Black Dragon Court now begins."

"Max Morgan, what scheme did you employ to convince the sword to leave with you?" The initial query came steadily from a middle-aged figure among the seven family heads. Though his bearing appeared casual and his face impassive, the biting sarcasm laced into his words stood out clearly, implying he already viewed Max's achievement as rooted in trickery instead of true worth.

Max held the man's stare firmly, briefly pondering the overt antagonism, until Lady Virelia's gentle voice reached him via mental transmission. "That's Garry Heron, head of the Heron Family."

Upon recognizing the name, clarity hit him at once.

A subtle smile curved Max's lips as he directed his complete focus back to his interrogator. "I questioned the sword if it planned to stay eternally hidden in the Treasure Hall, collecting dust, or if it preferred to join me and slice through all obstacles in this realm. I assured it that by my side, it wouldn't serve as a distant display piece but as a weapon whose reputation alone would strike fear into foes. I named it Dragonheart, and it decided to follow."

Silence blanketed the hall for a fleeting instant. Garry Heron's eyes bulged a touch before his control slipped. "Are you ridiculing us?" he challenged, his pitch elevating involuntarily. "Do you really think we'll swallow that a legendary sword surrendered to simple talk? If it was so easy, the Black Dragon Palace wouldn't have gone without it for millennia."

Max gave a casual shrug, his voice relaxed. "You posed the question, and I gave a straightforward reply. If the truth doesn't sit well with you, that's beyond my control."

"How bold of you to address me like that?" Garry bellowed, his fury breaking free as his energy flared threateningly.

"Garry, hold it there." Matthew Grimes interjected smoothly from his position, a slight grin playing on his mouth as he eyed Garry. "He responded to your query plainly and stayed within bounds. No cause to stir things up."

Garry Heron shot Matthew a fierce look for a few beats, his teeth clenching, then huffed dismissively and settled back into his chair, opting for quiet rather than escalation.

A gentle clearing of the throat filled the space as yet another leader moved ahead. "I go by Henry Lumin, chief of the Lumin Family," the middle-aged individual declared, his manner much more balanced. "Something else piques my interest. In a hall brimming with weapons, what made you pick that specific sword? Did a unique quality attract you to it?"

Max dipped his head a fraction. "Elder Soren from the Treasure Hall informed me that weapons placed higher up indicated superior caliber. With that in mind, I targeted the topmost one available. Nothing more concealed my choice."

Henry Lumin gave a gradual nod, contemplation etching his features. "Understood. That makes sense."

Next, another voice rang out, resonant and straightforward. "I'm Victor Veron, leader of the Veron Family." His gaze pierced into Max with keen focus. "Be direct with me. Would you ever direct your sword toward the Black Dragon Palace or the Black Dragon Clan?"

The question's directness sparked a quiet murmur among the elders. Max hesitated just a second, then replied with assured poise. "I lack any motive to challenge the Black Dragon Clan. As a mortal taken in as a Black Dragon Palace disciple, I feel thankful, not bitter. I envision no scenario where I'd wield my blade against the Palace."

Victor Veron observed him quietly for a moment, then offered a single nod of acceptance. "Fair enough."