Chapter 380


    No one truly knew how many mighty warriors the Iron n possessed. They were scattered across


    the realms, polishing their magic and rarely returning home. Only when a member of the Iron n


    fell prey to treachery did they converge from all corners to exact vengeance in force.


    "Indeed, over thirty years ago, the White Lion Estate met a grim fate for ying three valiant kin of


    the Iron n. Ten dayster, a host of over fifty, armed with iron des, stormed the estate. Not a


    soul was spared among the three thousand inhabitants. The Lord of the White Lion Estate was


    impaled atop the highest peak and drained of his blood. It was a sight most ghastly to behold. In


    those days, the White Lion Estate was a renowned power, scarcely less formidable than Amber


    Valley now.


    “Since their rise, the Iron n has built their fearsome reputation on such ruthless acts. Their infamy


    is not confined to the Nortnds; they have wrought tragedies in other domains as well. Throughout


    the Royal Realm, the name of the Iron n is one to be reckoned with. I never imagined they would


    venture here and in such numbers."


    "I recall now, the Iron n held their family councilst month! Every two years, kin from all over


    gather for this event, then resume their wanderings. They must have just concluded their council


    when they received the news and hurried here."


    The sudden involvement of the Iron n also rmed the Eight Orders Commanders and the Five


    Lords.


    "The Iron n!" They were well aware of the Iron n''s might, and even the face of the Ster


    Precepts Commander grew solemn. He saw the patriarch of the Iron n, their top warriors—nearly


    all the notable names hade.


    It was rare for them to meddle in the Nortnds'' affairs, and they never interfered with the doings


    between the Eight Orders and the Five Lords before. Today marked an unprecedented first.


    "Lord Iron, I trust you are well," greeted the Ster Precepts Commander with a light smile.


    In the wilderness, at the forefront of the Iron n''s ranks, was a formidable man with a greatsword


    slung over his shoulder. His strides were sure, his features stern yet striking, exuding innate


    authority. His wild mane fluttered about, and his narrow eyes glinted sharply through the tangles of


    hair. With a mere cold lift of his gaze, he disregarded the others, leading his kin toward Stormcast.


    "Lord Iron, this matter concerns the Eight Orders and the Five Lords. You would do well to remain


    uninvolved," warned the Hidden Essence Commander coldly. "You may be powerful, but not more


    so than the Eight Orders, nor the Five Lords. This is not your stage for arrogance."


    The Iron n''s patriarch halted, casting a sideways chilling look toward the sky, as behind him, his


    nsmen gripped their war des tighter, poised to lift them in unison, their aura growing even


    more formidable.


    The Hidden Essence Commander furrowed his brow deeply. After a tense standoff, he said no


    more.


    The Iron n''s patriarch stared him down a moment longer, then continued on with his people


    toward Stormcast.


    "The Iron n of the Nortnds, as imposing as ever," murmured an Elder from the Blessed


    Citadel, perched atop the Sunfire Lion. As the overseer of the Nortnds, he had dealt with the Iron


    n years ago and investigated their true strength. They were a family as mighty as any royal


    house, with myriad connections both within the Nortnds and without. No one knew the full extent


    of their ties to the solitary practitioners and recluses of the hidden world.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    As the Iron n''s procession neared Stormcast, the Archmages above grew tense, sensing an


    opportunity. Should the Iron n intervene, they could exploit the chaos to strike. The more


    tumultuous, the better. The victor would be whoever seized vin.


    The Five Lords signaled each other, ready to advance or retreat as one.


    The Ster Precepts Commander, the Hidden Essence Commander, and the Skyborne Rivers


    Commander reached an unspoken agreement. Should a true battle erupt, regardless of who took


    vin, they would join forces to handle the situation; no single power could escape with vin


    unscathed otherwise.


    As the air outside the city bristled with drawn swords and nocked crossbows, a heartyugh


    suddenly rang from the southern gate of the ancient city. "Cedrick, my apologies for the wait.


    Esteemed members of the Iron n, greetings."


    Balder stood upon the battlements, saluting with a fist from afar.


    "Open the gates, and wee our guests." Lucan himself pushed open the massive southern gate,


    lowering the drawbridge to greet the approaching Iron n.


    From within their ranks, Cedrick strode forth, leading the patriarch and the n elders across the


    bridge and into the ancient city under watchful eyes.


    At that moment, the faces of the Archmages in the sky turned a most interesting shade as they


    realized—the Iron n had been summoned as vin''s allies. Thisplication was unexpected


    indeed!


    Onlookers from afar buzzed with excitement, murmuring among themselves. It seemed the Iron


    n had been invited. Such honor Stormcast had, to call upon them.