God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 530: Martial Palace’s Invitation

Sophie's fingers momentarily rested upon the report laid out before her.

This marked the second visitor within a mere week, a detail that caused her eyes to narrow subtly beneath her veil. Initially, it was her uncle. Now, a representative from Tianlan had journeyed all this way, adding a layer of mystery to the situation.

She placed the document down with careful precision.

The sole occasion New Dawn had any interaction with cultivators from Tianlan was during the guild inter-display event, and even that history was not substantial enough to warrant a personal visit. The timing of this encounter heightened her intrigue.

"Bring her in," Sophie commanded.

The guard inclined his head and stepped aside deferentially.

Rather than waiting, Sophie herself exited the administrative room, her movements graceful and unhurried. The evening air within the camp had grown cooler, and the clamor from the training grounds had subsided into a subdued murmur of activity, commands, and distant footfalls. Upon seeing her approach, several members instinctively straightened and cleared her path without a word.

Upon reaching the receiving area, she came to a halt.

The woman standing there was indeed familiar.

It was Evelyn.

Sophie immediately identified her as Liang's second-in-command, the vice guild leader of Martial Palace. This fact alone amplified her surprise. However, what truly captured Sophie's attention was that Evelyn had arrived unaccompanied.

No retinue.

No visible guards.

No effort was made to present the visit as more significant than it was.

Evelyn turned, noticing Sophie's approach. Her bearing remained composed, and after a brief pause, she offered a polite nod.

"Lady Sophie," Evelyn stated. "It has been some time."

Sophie returned the nod.

"I did not anticipate seeing you here, especially alone."

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. She reached within her sleeve and produced a small token, flicking it through the air without preamble.

Sophie caught it with innate reflexes.

The motion was fluid and refined. Her gaze immediately fell upon the object in her hand, revealing it to be no common trinket. The material was ancient, weighty, and etched with unfamiliar symbols, yet the palpable aura surrounding it confirmed its extraordinary nature.

Evelyn observed Sophie for a moment before offering an explanation.

"This pertains to the Buried God’s Tomb," she disclosed. "Tianlan has initiated a restricted mission connected to it, with only ten invitation slots available."

Sophie lifted her eyes from the token, giving Evelyn her full attention.

Evelyn continued in her measured tone.

"As the most prominent guild in Tianlan, Martial Palace secured two of those coveted spots. Our guild leader has elected to bestow one of them elsewhere."

Her gaze briefly shifted to the token held in Sophie’s hand.

"That particular slot is designated for Broken Dawn."

Evelyn rested one arm against her waist and added, "Initially, the intention was to offer it to another party. Given Gabriel's prior affiliation with the Adventurer Guild when Vice Leader Liang first encountered him, that invitation was meant for them. However, upon learning of his establishment of his own guild, Vice Leader Liang reconsidered."

A brief silence ensued.

"In essence," Evelyn concluded, "Broken Dawn has received an invitation to participate."

Sophie glanced again at the token. A mission with only ten openings, involving Tianlan, Martial Palace, and the mysterious Buried God’s Tomb, was an opportunity not to be dismissed lightly. More crucially, she understood Gabriel well enough to know that he would not refuse such a prospect if he were present.

Thus, she did not hesitate.

"We accept."

Evelyn appeared unfazed by the swift acceptance. If anything, her expression suggested she had anticipated such decisiveness from the outset.

"That simplifies matters," she responded.

Sophie tightened her grip on the token. "What essential information should we be aware of before proceeding?"

Evelyn kept her explanation concise. Her visit served a specific purpose, and she adhered strictly to it.

"The route and requirements will be provided at a later juncture," she stated. "This token serves as your proof of entry. Guard it carefully. Without it, participation is impossible."

Sophie gave a single nod. "Thank you. I am certain Gabriel will be most appreciative of this."

For a fleeting moment, it seemed the exchange had concluded. Evelyn turned slightly, preparing to depart, but paused before taking a step, looking back.

"There is one further matter," she announced.

Sophie's brow furrowed slightly.

"Vice Leader Liang still expresses his desire to spar with Gabriel. He had mentioned it previously and has not wavered in that intention. If it is feasible, he would be pleased if Gabriel could attend in person," Evelyn conveyed.

That...

Gabriel was not present. In fact, his current whereabouts were unknown. All they knew was that he was believed to be within the Stellar Kingdom; as for his activities there, no one had any clue.

Sophie’s grip on the token subtly tightened, yet her outward demeanor remained completely unreadable. She had absolutely no intention of confiding in Evelyn about this matter until she had a chance to speak with Gabriel personally.

"I understand," Sophie replied calmly.

Evelyn scrutinized her for a moment, possibly sensing a hidden depth to Sophie’s response, but ultimately decided against pressing the issue further.

"Excellent," Evelyn stated. "That concludes our conversation."

With that, she turned and departed. A few guards in the vicinity cast glances her way as she passed, undoubtedly recognizing the presence of someone significant, yet none dared to inquire further.

Sophie remained rooted to the spot for several seconds after Evelyn had vanished from sight.

The token was still clasped in her hand.

While the invitation held weight and Liang’s message was also crucial, one priority eclipsed all else at this moment: Gabriel needed to be informed immediately.

Without a hint of hesitation, she pivoted and made her way deeper into the camp. Several individuals swiftly parted ways as she approached, her determined expression conveying the urgency of her mission.

Before long, she located both Cassie and Bunny.

They were engaged in resolving a minor disturbance near a central area, but upon noticing Sophie advancing directly towards them, Cassie halted her actions and stood to attention.

"What’s occurred?" Cassie inquired, a slight crease forming between her brows.

"Convene a meeting," Sophie declared with utmost seriousness. "Only the core members should attend. A significant development has arisen, and our immediate priority is to establish contact with Gabriel."