"The specific cultivation methods may vary among the seven families. Though the internal strife between them is intense, as a returning descendant of the bloodline, I believe you won’t be easily targeted. Fortunately, I have business dealings with the Kaiyang family of the Seven Star Castle. Rest assured, even if you’re not of their direct bloodline..."

I certainly hope I won’t be schemed against—I’m too weak to endure the blows of true experts.

At least this elder still has connections within Seven Star Castle. Connections always make things easier.

"Harvey, you're coming with me this time, to broaden your horizons!"

"Deal! One of the Seven Great Bloodline Families—how could I miss this chance?" Harvey was truly envious of such a prestigious place.

After just a day of rest at Harvey’s house, the matter of Dick’s journey took priority. Harvey’s father didn’t waste any time.

There was no need to board a ship; Harvey’s family had flying magical beasts. Even though they were common, first-tier ostrich beasts, they were still impressive. These creatures were much faster than any carriage.

This was Dick’s first time riding a flying beast, and it was far quicker than 21st-century airplanes. The bird’s back even had a carriage, shielding them from the wind. It was incredibly comfortable.

Harvey was showing off his newly acquired third-tier magic staff, its ornate, shimmering gems making quite the statement.

They hadn’t come empty-handed either; Harvey had stored the goods in his spacious second-tier spatial bag. It held far more than any slow-moving sea vessel could manage. With Harvey around, making use of the spatial bag was a breeze.

That black dot in the distance—there it was, Seven Star Castle.

As they drew closer, the coastline appeared with a simple wall, nothing too remarkable. Perhaps the true essence lay hidden beneath the surface, like a treasure unassuming at first glance.

Many ships lined the shore, and people moved in and out of the gates, giving the place the air of a regular bustling town.

The guards at the gate, after examining Harvey’s father’s special merchant permit, let them pass. Dick followed behind, walking through the gates into a courtyard lined with neat rows of houses. Soon, the area became livelier, resembling a bustling market.

Wasn’t Seven Star Castle supposed to be shrouded in mystery? Yet here were countless ordinary folk, warriors walking the streets, and even robed mages carrying staffs.

“There are many descendants within the Seven Families who cannot cultivate. Year after year, there are those born without the ability to practice the higher bloodline arts. Some, with lesser talents, train in ordinary warrior techniques; others, lacking the gift for combat, choose the path of magic,” Harvey’s father explained, filling Dick in on the basics of Seven Star Castle.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Does the castle also teach magic arts?" Dick inquired.

“Of course. The noble bloodline inheritance of the Seven Families far surpasses the reach of a mere Yan Kingdom. Even here, there are **-tier Grand Mages.”

Seriously? This place is that powerful? The Yan Kingdom only has one seventh-tier mage!

“Three hundred years ago, when the last Saint Knight of Seven Star Castle fell, there hasn’t been another bloodline Saint since. The bloodline arts seem to have gradually declined, and the brilliance of the Saint Knights has dimmed. Some families have even reformed, and now, many **-tier mages and warriors are descendants of ordinary bloodlines.

"With limited resources for cultivation, internal conflicts have become inevitable. Those who excel without the higher bloodline arts naturally believe they should receive a greater share of the resources. Thus, a struggle between the old guard and the reformists has emerged."

Dick understood the meaning behind Harvey’s father’s words: strength reigns supreme. If a branch of the family without access to higher bloodline arts grows stronger, they will naturally lay claim to more resources.

"Dick, I’ve often heard Harvey speak of you, praising your intelligence and quick wit. Once you’re in the castle, focus on your cultivation. Endure when necessary."

"Thank you, Uncle, for your advice."

As they passed through the lively outer town of Seven Star Castle, they eventually arrived at the gates of a towering black fortress. Above, the massive emblem of the Seven Stars glittered in silver, a testament to the glorious legacy of the castle.

At the gate, mid-level warriors stood guard. Harvey’s father dutifully registered their entry and presented a token—proof of his long-standing business relationship with a Kaiyang family elder.

"I'm sorry, Elder Fan Yun of the Kaiyang family is not present. You cannot enter," the guard, a third-tier mage, stated. Though he seemed young, he represented the mighty Seven Star Castle.

"This..." Harvey’s father was flustered, knowing it wasn’t a personal slight but simply the rules of the castle. He glanced at Dick, hesitant. "Should we come back another time?"

"No need." Dick thought for a moment. He was at the gate already—what reason was there to sneak around? “Sir, I am a descendant of the castle’s bloodline, raised outside. My mother always hoped I would return to Seven Star Castle..."

"Are you now? And you have proof of your bloodline?"

"Yes, here is the cultivation manual my mother left behind. The last two pages only reveal themselves when I spill my blood on them.” Dick handed the manual over to the mage.

"Mary... of the Yao Family!" The mage glanced at the final page’s signature. “From the Yaoguang branch, I see.”

Dick watched the mage closely, but the man’s emotions didn’t fluctuate. It was clear there was no enmity between him and the Yaoguang family.

“You possess proof, though further bloodline testing will be required for formal recognition. I will notify Lord Huo Guang of the Yaoguang family, who serves as an instructor to the mid-level warriors.” The mage spoke into a slip of paper, casting a spell before the paper flew away.

A voice transmission talisman, just like in the fantasy stories!

“Dick, you may wait in the reception hall for further instructions.”

"As for you two, you may take your leave."

Dick bowed deeply to Harvey’s father. “Thank you, Uncle, for escorting me.”

“I’m ashamed I could not do more. Dick, take care of yourself!”

“Dick, send word when you can!” Harvey waved his goodbye as well.

Following a warrior, Dick was led inside a hall and told to wait.

"You're Dick?"

"Yes, Senior, I am Dick." The elder before him showed no outward signs of strength, but that only made it more certain—this man was no ordinary mortal.

"Don’t be so formal. I am Huo Guang, a bloodline instructor of the Yaoguang family," the elder said, arriving quickly. “According to procedure, all external practitioners like you must undergo bloodline verification. Follow me.”

Still within the same hall, Dick followed Huo Guang into a deeper chamber.

"Lord Huo Guang!" At the entrance to a large green door, warriors and mages stood on guard.

"Open the Yaoguang family’s bloodline chamber. The cost is on me."

"Understood!" The door was unlocked, revealing a corridor lined with seven smaller doors, each corresponding to one of the Seven Star Castle’s bloodline families.