Female Novel
Chapter 866
Perhaps someone else was backing the Emperor apart from Mr. Gabriel.
In order to get a clearer understanding of the situation, James would have to return to Cansington and
ask the owner of Sovereign Boutique Shop.
Although his previous attempt yielded no useful information, James had a feeling that the owner chose
not to disclose anything to him.
Putting his thoughts aside, he turned to Tobias and asked, “So, why did you bring me here? I’m sure it
wasn’t just to regale me with the story of the Ancient Four’s origins along with the Moonlit Flowers on
Cliffside’s Edge.”
Tobias merely shook his head and pointed at the painting on the wall. “The secret to the ultimate
martial arts techniques are concealed within this painting. The key to solving the puzzle is through the
18-meridian diagram. Though I have been researching it for quite some time now, despite my best
efforts, I’m still unable to break the painting’s cipher. I believe you are familiar with the 18-meridian
diagram?”
“Yes.”
James nodded. “Indeed, I was the first to open the box.”
Tobias glanced at him approvingly before continuing, “Yuo’re in an extremely dicey situaytion. Everyone
is gunning to kill you so that they can upset the already tenuous balance of power, and exploit the
fallout to their advantage. If you want to survive, you’ll need to get significantly stronger. You have no
other options available to you. I’ll graciously give you three days to see what you can glean from
Moonlit Flowers by Cliffside’s Edge.”
Tobias had brought James here to see if he had what it took to unravel the mysteries of the painting.
Although James was a denizen of the outside world, he still managed to cultivate True Energy and
reach the first rank without any guidance. The potential he possessed was extremely promising.
James uncovering the secrets of the painting would not only be beneficial to Tobias himself, but it could
also help the Cadens avert the looming catastrophe.
Even if he fails to break the painting’s cipher, the Cadens stood to lose nothing. In the worst case
scenario, the situation would only deteriorate slightly further. However, with how powerful the Cadens
were, other forces would have to think twice before antagonizing them.
James gave him a weak and bitter smile. “You overestimate my abilities. If even a learned elder like
yourself is unable to reveal the secrets of the painting, what chance do I have?”
“You’ll have to try regardless. For the next three days, Maxine will deliver your food to you during your
mealtimes. Feel free to make yourself comfortable while investigating the painting. You’re allowed to
take it down from the wall for a closer examination, but leaving the room with the painting is strictly
forbidden.”
Tobias made his exit after casually passing his instructions to James.
Silence enveloped the basement.
The lights illuminated the room.
James was interested in the Moonlit Flowers by Cliffside’s Edge. He was curious to see the kinds of
secrets it held and whether it actually possessed secret martial art techniques.
While James was trying to scrutinize the painting, he heard the sound of footsteps nearing him.
He turned his head in the direction of the noise.
A young lady in a white dress was walking over holding a small box in her hands.
It was Maxine.
“James, grandpa asked me to give you this box.”
“Thanks.”
James nodded lightly and took the box from her hands.
Maxine glanced at the painting on the wall and gave James some words of encouragement. “I believe
you’re capable of doing this. I sincerely hope you can unravel the secrets the painting holds. If you do,
grandpa will find a way to get his hands on the other three paintings so that all their secrets can be put
together and the Prince of Orchid’s millenia long mystery can finally be solved.”novelbin
“I make no promises, but I shall try my best” James was not confident that he would be able to decipher
the painting properly.
“I’ll be leaving then.”
After giving James the box, Maxine left James alone with only his thoughts.
Silence once again filled the basement.
“The Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge… A treasure scroll thousands of years old… The 18-meridian
diagram… How are all of these related?”
James wondered as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.