Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1616 Towards the Violet Star Palace!

Max surveyed the assembled group once more.

Slightly more than thirty true disciples were gathered on the immense platform, each radiating a potent aura and the self-assurance of an individual chosen from the clan's younger generation.

However, considering the considerable scale and esteemed reputation of the Black Dragon Clan, the number felt unexpectedly meager.

He turned his attention to Lucia.

"Is this truly everyone?"

Lucia lifted an eyebrow.

"Everyone?"

Max gestured subtly towards the assembled disciples.

"I mean, is this the total count of true disciples within the Black Dragon Palace?"

Lucia promptly grasped his meaning and offered a smile.

"No, certainly not."

She crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping across the platform.

"These are exclusively the true disciples who qualify to participate in the Smelting Trial."

Max's eyes narrowed slightly.

"There are prerequisites?"

"Naturally."

Her tone held a hint of amusement, as if explaining the obvious.

"The Smelting Trial is no mere excursion. It is an arena where gifted disciples from numerous factions contend for opportunities, legacies, and resources. Dispatching less capable disciples would only bring shame to the clan and squander valuable spots."

She then clarified further.

"For this particular event, only true disciples whose cultivation has reached the fifth level of the Law Manifestation Realm or higher have been selected."

Max acknowledged this with a nod.

This revelation accounted for the evident strength of almost everyone present.

Those falling below this specified cultivation threshold were likely excluded, irrespective of their innate talent. The clan's clear intention was to send only those possessing the immediate power to contend effectively.

Lucia then regarded him with a playful smile.

"Of course..."

"You are an exception."

Max met her gaze with a neutral expression.

"I had surmised as much."

Lucia chuckled softly.

"You should have."

She moved a step closer, her voice dropping.

"You are attending due to your standing as the Saint of the Black Dragon Clan."

Several disciples in the vicinity reacted subtly upon hearing this title.

Although many were already aware, hearing it articulated carried a distinct weight.

Lucia continued.

"Your cultivation may still reside in the Law Awakening Realm, but your position is unique. You are not a typical disciple judged solely by one's realm."

She gave him a meaningful look.

"The elders are also acutely aware that your genuine combat prowess cannot be solely determined by your cultivation level."

Max offered a faint smile.

"So, I was granted entry through special privilege."

Lucia scoffed.

"If it were merely privilege, many individuals here would voice their objections."

Her gaze swept across the assembled disciples.

"The reason no one openly complains is that they acknowledge you have already demonstrated sufficient merit."

Max followed her line of sight.

Indeed, several disciples were observing him with a mixture of emotions. Some exhibited curiosity. Others harbored doubt. A few displayed open competitiveness.

However, none seemed openly dismissive enough to challenge his presence.

Lucia then added a concluding remark.

"Nevertheless, being the exception carries its own implications."

"Such as?"

"It means a greater number of eyes will be upon you, anticipating your failure."

Max let out a soft laugh.

"And should I succeed?"

Lucia's smile widened.

"Then their animosity towards you will only intensify."

Isabella, who had been listening nearby, nodded with seriousness.

"That assessment appears accurate."

Max considered the gathered elites of the Black Dragon Clan, then turned his gaze towards the distant palace spires beyond them.

Soon, powerful auras began to descend sequentially over the Central Region.

The assembled true disciples immediately adopted a solemn demeanor as elders of the Black Dragon Clan materialized in the sky above the platform. Each elder remained suspended calmly in mid-air, emanating both strength and authority. Their mere appearance instilled a palpable sense of tension and discipline among those below.

Subsequently, seven figures advanced to the forefront of the elders.

The instant they appeared, recognition dawned on everyone simultaneously.

These were the patriarchs of the Seven Great Families, the veritable ruling pillars of the Black Dragon Clan.

At the very center stood Mathew Grimes, the leader of the Grimes Family and the current highest-ranking authority overseeing the clan.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his presence as unyielding and profound as a mountain. His sharp gaze swept over the gathered disciples, silencing the final vestiges of murmuring below.

When absolute silence permeated the area, he began to speak.

"The Smelting Trial commences now."

His composed voice resonated throughout the entire region.

"You have been selected because you represent the pinnacle of this generation. At Violet Star Palace, you will encounter prodigious talents from numerous factions. Some will underestimate you. Others will challenge you directly."

He paused briefly.

"Never forget that when they observe you, they are seeing the Black Dragon Clan."

Many disciples instinctively straightened their postures.

"Perform admirably. Attain victory wherever possible. Uphold the dignity of our clan."

His eyes narrowed with intensity.

"And should anyone presume we are easily intimidated..."

A subtle pressure emanated from his presence.

"Prove them wrong."

The blood of numerous disciples instantly pulsed with anticipation.

Then, Mathew raised one hand towards the heavens.

"Prepare for departure."

His brief command given, Mathew Grimes lifted his hand and calmly swept it through the air.

The very space above the Central Region began to distort.

A deep, resonant hum echoed across the platform as a colossal star shuttle materialized from a fold in space high above. Its sudden appearance immediately commanded the attention of everyone present.

The vessel was truly immense.

Its hull was constructed from a dark, metallic substance that glistered with faint, runic illumination. Intricate formations pulsed across its surface, resembling living constellations. The outer hull was adorned with carved dragon motifs, and a pair of black crystal wings extended from either side, lending the craft the appearance of a mythical beast poised to traverse the cosmos.

The palpable pressure radiating from it was undeniable proof that this was no ordinary mode of transport.

This was a genuine clan vessel, engineered for interstellar journeys and equipped with defenses against the perils of the void.

As it descended, powerful gusts of wind billowed across the platform. The shuttle then halted its descent just above the ground, extending a broad staircase of light towards the assembled disciples.

An Elder stepped forward, his voice firm as he announced,

"All selected true disciples, board the vessel immediately."

Without delay, activity commenced.

The disciples advanced in disciplined lines, entering the star shuttle one by one. Despite their status as proud geniuses, none dared to act impulsively in the presence of their family heads and Elders.

Max observed the scene serenely for a moment before stepping forward.

Lucia moved to his side, her characteristic composure unwavering, while Isabella walked on his other side, her demeanor exuding a renewed confidence following the awakening of her Imperial Bloodline.

The trio approached the brightly lit staircase together.

As Max set foot upon the bridge of light, he cast a glance at the colossal vessel overhead, unable to suppress his admiration for the Black Dragon Clan's resources. Even a comparatively weaker third-rate power possessed a strength and wealth that far surpassed ordinary organizations.

They soon found themselves inside the shuttle.

The interior was astonishingly vast, far exceeding the vessel's external dimensions. Expansive corridors, rows of seating, dedicated cultivation chambers, private quarters, and specialized formation rooms had all been incorporated. The walls thrummed with protective runes, and a dense spiritual energy flowed through the craft like unseen currents.

As Max, Lucia, and Isabella proceeded deeper inside, Max's gaze was drawn towards another entrance.

There, Lady Virelia was also stepping aboard the shuttle, accompanied by several Elders.

Their eyes briefly met.

Lady Virelia offered him a composed nod, a gesture that conveyed both her approval and a subtle admonishment.

Max returned the nod respectfully.

It was evident she would be accompanying the younger generation on their journey to Violet Star Palace.

The remaining disciples continued to board in succession until the final selected prodigy entered the vessel. Shortly thereafter, the light staircase retracted, and the shuttle's main gates sealed with a heavy thud.

Within the shuttle, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.

Some disciples closed their eyes, entering a meditative state. Others conversed quietly with their companions. A few gazed out through the crystalline viewing portals, their minds already envisioning the experiences that lay ahead.

Then, the star shuttle's internal formations fully activated.

Runes across the vessel's structure ignited with brilliant luminescence.

A low vibration resonated through the deck beneath their feet.

Outside, the colossal craft slowly ascended above the Central Region of the Black Dragon Palace. Elders and clan members below watched intently as the vessel climbed higher and higher into the sky.

Then, with a sudden surge of stellar light, the star shuttle propelled itself forward.

It carved through the atmosphere like a falling star, breached the cloud layer in mere moments, and vanished into the boundless expanse of the cosmos.

The voyage to Violet Star Palace had officially commenced.