Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1609 Smelting Trial

"It is in the hands of the Violet Star Palace," Lucia stated, her voice steady, carrying a hint of reverence. "They are recognized as one of the most formidable third-rate factions within this particular region of the Divine Realm."

Max echoed the name softly.

"Violet Star Palace…"

The words resonated faintly within his memory, like a gentle disturbance on tranquil waters. A slight frown creased his brow as he delved into his thoughts, and then, a scene materialized in his mind.

"Wasn't there an elder from that faction who visited our trial grounds previously?"

Lucia offered a subtle nod.

"Indeed. He came to see Cyrus personally."

Her gaze drifted towards the transparent crystalline barrier of the star shuttle, through which an endless flow of starlight cascaded. The vessel navigated the profound darkness of the void with effortless grace, silent and unwavering, as if traversing an eternal ocean.

"He extended an invitation to our Black Dragon Clan for the upcoming Smelting Trial."

Max turned his attention to her completely, a clear spark of interest igniting in his eyes.

"Smelting Trial?"

The term was novel. It possessed a certain gravitas, yet he had never encountered it before, a fact that immediately piqued his curiosity.

"What precisely is it?"

Lucia appeared unfazed by the question. Instead, she shifted her position and spoke with the patience one might employ when explaining a universally understood concept to an uninitiated individual.

"The Smelting Trial is a major preparatory event, conducted across numerous territories of the Divine Realm in anticipation of the Cosmic Ascension Conference."

Her tone grew progressively more serious.

"The Cosmic Ascension Conference brings together the preeminent prodigies from countless factions, clans, palaces, and ancient lineages. It is a crucible where reputations are forged, alliances are established, and destinies are determined. Naturally, no faction would wish for its younger generation to be unprepared."

She paused momentarily, allowing the weight of her words to settle.

"That, in essence, is the purpose of the Smelting Trials."

Max listened intently, remaining silent.

Lucia continued, the distant glimmer of stars reflected in her eyes.

"These trials are designed to temper disciples through immense pressure and perilous challenges. Some unfold within transient secret realms that materialize only once every few decades. Others are ancient ruins, laden with forgotten legacies and concealed treasures. Still others are battlegrounds meticulously prepared by dominant powers, where participants vie for resources while engaging in combat under codified rules."

A subtle smile touched her lips.

"In simpler terms, they serve to refine raw potential into tempered strength. Innate talent amounts to little if it remains untested. Untapped potential signifies nothing if it has never confronted adversity. The Smelting Trials transform gifted youths into formidable instruments before they ascend to the grand stage."

Max nodded slowly.

"So, it’s a final opportunity to grow stronger before the conference."

"Precisely."

Lucia’s expression shifted once more, adopting a slightly colder hue.

"The majority of Smelting Trials are orchestrated by second-rate factions, often in collaboration with the most potent third-rate forces allied with them. Hosting such an event demands substantial resources, expansive territories, intricate formations, a contingent of guards, healers, and sufficient prestige to ensure adherence to the established protocols."

She let out a soft, almost rueful chuckle.

"As for our Black Dragon Clan…"

Her voice faltered for a brief instant.

"We are considered among the lesser third-rate powers. Under typical circumstances, an invitation would be highly improbable."

Max glanced at her, already anticipating the direction of her narrative.

"But this time, we did receive an invitation." Lucia’s eyes glinted with amusement. She raised a finger, pointing directly at him. "It was because of you."

Max raised an eyebrow.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

Now, a distinct blend of admiration and playful teasing colored her expression.

"You claimed the Sword Sovereign’s blade and gained renown throughout the entire Divine Realm. Virtually every star realm became aware of your name. Six months ago, it would be no exaggeration to say you were the most talked-about young man in the entirety of the Divine Realm. Regardless of whether people lauded you, feared you, or resented you, everyone knew who Max was."

She crossed her arms.

"And as your notoriety surged, so too did the standing of the Black Dragon Clan."

Max remained silent.

Lucia continued in a measured tone.

"Numerous external powers now regard our clan with altered perception. Some speculate we possess concealed foundations, preserved through generations. Others believe our younger generation has begun to produce true prodigies of exceptional caliber. Still others simply wish to ascertain the veracity of the circulating tales firsthand."

She gave a slight shrug.

"Regardless of their underlying motivations, the outcome remains unchanged. The Violet Star Palace extended an invitation for us to participate in the Smelting Trial."

A faint smile graced Max's lips.

"So, I inadvertently elevated the clan’s status."

Lucia emitted a soft snort.

"You've also managed to make quite a few enemies unintentionally."

"That doesn't sound particularly glorious."

"It's certainly more truthful."

A brief moment of shared laughter passed between them, easing the tension within the shuttle. Even the immense darkness outside seemed a little less chilling.

Lucia's expression then became focused once more.

"You need to understand something clearly, Max."

Her voice lowered slightly.

"This invitation isn't merely an honor."

Max's demeanor turned serious.

"It's also a test."

His eyes narrowed in thought.

Lucia nodded in agreement.

"Many of the participants will wish to gauge your strength. Some will aim to achieve fame by defeating you. Others will seek to shatter your reputation before the Cosmic Ascension Conference even commences. And still others might offer smiles to your face while forging plots in the shadows."

A heavy silence followed her words, filling the cabin.

Max turned his head, gazing out through the crystal-clear wall at the boundless expanse of stars that blanketed the void. Countless celestial bodies blazed like silent witnesses to the aspirations of all sentient beings.

Then, a smile touched his lips.

"That sounds more intriguing than perilous."

Lucia closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.

"I had a feeling you'd say something like that."

"Haha, speaking of which, you've grown considerably stronger since we ventured to Orion," Lucia remarked, observing Max with a more critical eye. "The eighth level of the Law Awakening Realm already? Your rate of progression is truly astonishing."

Undeniable awe colored her tone.

When they had first arrived on Orion, Max was merely at the peak of the Rebirth Realm. In a duration that, for many cultivators, would be considered extraordinarily brief, he had ascended eight levels as if such milestones were commonplace.

For the vast majority, advancing even a single level in that realm might necessitate years of diligent accumulation, profound insight, and significant fortune.

Yet, for Max, it seemed to occur every time he ventured into perilous territories.