Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1474 Joe's Curiosity!

The subsequent smile held a true sincerity that his prior faces had lacked, featuring the open surprise of someone still processing their own astonishment. "I was shocked myself when this was announced," he confessed.

"If you're looking to thank someone, you might begin with the youth who claimed the sword of the Sword Sovereign," he remarked, his voice shifting to a more measured and profound tone than the light-hearted rejection he'd shown since entering. "Though the Sword God Palace hasn't revealed their view on this yet, I'm certain they watch this Max closely, just as the whole Divine Realm does."

The meaning hidden in those statements was far from minor, and he offered no attempt to ease it or wrap it in kinder words.

Without hesitation, he went on, "From the rumors I've gathered, your Black Dragon Clan would normally be deemed too feeble to join this gathering, but the mere presence of a young talent among you who can wield the Sword Sovereign's sword—a blade held by your clan for millennia without a single soul able to master it—sufficed to secure your group's spot in the event."

He allowed that to sink in before continuing with the remainder, his smile reappearing. "You must grasp what this conference really means. In essence, it's merely a setup for the Grand Ascension Conference, and a power like yours wouldn't typically get an invite to an affair of such scale. Treat this opportunity with utmost seriousness, for rare are the moments when luck favors a faction such as yours in this manner, and those clever enough to seize them often reap the greatest rewards."

In the short quiet that ensued, Mathew and the other clan leaders glanced at each other, their looks conveying a wordless discussion filled with recognition of the importance in the news they'd received and a collective resolve on their course of action.

As one, they faced Joe again.

"We appreciate Elder Joe bringing this invitation letter," Mathew stated, the steadiness in his tone now fully authentic, unlike the forced calm he'd held back amid Joe's earlier barbs.

Everything clicked into place now. They comprehended the reason behind an elder from the Violet Star Palace showing up unexpectedly at their testing ground and meddling in the activities without any heads-up or introduction, and with that clarity, any remaining bitterness over his abrupt entrance or cutting remarks faded away.

Beyond that, a subtle, inward sense of thanks rippled among the clan leaders upon realizing that the elder tasked with delivering such vital news to their group was none other than Joe.

A figure they already knew through prior dealings and rapport, instead of some unknown from the Violet Star Palace whose motives and mood they'd need to decipher from scratch.

"Hmm." Joe's eyes wandered toward the Combat Legion Tower, examining it with the evaluating gaze of a traveler who'd journeyed far and planned to gain every bit of worth from the trip.

With the natural poise of someone used to his interests being met without challenge, he addressed the clan leaders. "Since I'm here now, I'd like to witness your clan's disciples in combat," he declared, his words phrased as an offhand ask that truly demanded compliance. "Tell me, is the Max youth present, and if yes, will he climb the combat tower?"

After a quick exchange of glances, Mathew faced Joe with steady composure. "He is taking part in the trial to climb the combat tower," Mathew replied evenly.

Joe's response was a subtle grin, distinct from the mocking and superior looks he'd displayed upon arrival, revealing a hint of real curiosity beneath his polished detachment.

"That's excellent," he commented, relaxing into the contentment of someone whose schedule had aligned perfectly. "Having traveled this distance, I need to witness firsthand the power of the prodigy who seized the sword of the Sword Sovereign."

On the surface, the statement seemed straightforward, yet it carried substantial depth, for the Sword Sovereign's sword wasn't an item casually referenced anywhere in the Divine Realm.

Moreover, an elder from the Violet Star Palace journeying to this world just to glimpse the youth tied to it highlighted Max's importance more than any official statement ever could.

As his final words faded into the atmosphere, a seat formed purely from solidified divine essence appeared behind Joe, manifesting with the slow certainty of an intent that bent reality to its command without resistance. Joe sank into it with the majestic leisure of one claiming a rightful seat, positioning himself in utter ease as if this location on an alien world would remain his perch for however long he desired.

The youth with the haughty expression stepped to Joe's left side, while the elderly man with white hair took his place on the right, the trio forming a striking scene that exuded dominance the Black Dragon Clan's disciples and elders found hard to ignore.