At that moment, the Starwing Divine Roc let out a soft cry. This time, the sound was far gentler than before, more like a greeting than a call. Slowly, it lowered its head and fixed its gaze on Rowan, as if carefully studying him.
"I think it's especially interested in you," Silvermoon said with a smile. "Maybe because you came from distant Earth. You carry an aura it has never encountered before."
Gathering his courage, Rowan slowly stepped closer to the divine beast. The Starwing Divine Roc showed no intention of retreating. Instead, its attention became even more focused on him.
When Rowan stopped about ten meters away, the massive creature suddenly gave a slight nod, almost as though it were greeting him in return.
"This is incredible," Rowan said excitedly. "It really feels like it's communicating with me."
"The Starwing Divine Roc possesses extraordinary intelligence," Silvermoon explained. "It can sense a person's heart. To receive its acknowledgment is incredibly rare. In the history of the Silverblue Empire, only those with truly noble character have ever earned its favor."
Rowan bowed deeply to the divine beast in a gesture of respect.
Seeing this, the Starwing Divine Roc cried out once more. This time, the sound carried a sense of approval and satisfaction.
By then, the sun had fully risen, golden light pouring across the mountain peak. Bathed in the warm sunlight, the Roc's feathers became even more dazzling, as if it were draped in a cloak woven from starlight itself.
Slowly, it spread its enormous wings, preparing to depart.
"It's leaving," Silvermoon said softly, unable to hide her reluctance. "An encounter with the Starwing Divine Roc is a once-in-a-lifetime blessing."
Before taking flight, the divine beast gave Rowan and Silvermoon one final look. In its ancient eyes, there seemed to be an unspoken wish.
May you both find happiness.
Then it gently flapped its wings and rose gracefully into the sky. Under the sunlight, its massive body looked like a moving star, soaring higher and higher until it disappeared into the endless blue heavens.
"Farewell, Starwing Divine Roc," Silvermoon whispered, her eyes filled with lingering emotion.
Rowan also waved toward the sky, his heart overflowing with gratitude and awe.
This encounter with the legendary divine beast deepened his understanding of the Silverblue Empire's culture and allowed him to truly appreciate the depth and beauty of its civilization.
"Meeting the Starwing Divine Roc here is something I'll never forget," Rowan said sincerely. "It taught me what true strength and dignity really are."
"In our culture, the Starwing Divine Roc symbolizes protection, wisdom, and hope," Silvermoon replied. "Whenever it appears, it's usually a sign of a bright future. I think the fact that it chose to appear before us today must hold some special meaning."
The two of them remained on the mountaintop for a while longer, quietly admiring the scenery after sunrise.
The sea of clouds had gradually dispersed, revealing the full splendor of Swordheart Star below them. In the distance, cities were beginning to awaken. Thin trails of smoke rose into the air as daily life slowly resumed. Everything looked peaceful and serene.
"Looking down from here, the whole world seems so beautiful," Rowan murmured. "No conflict, no worries. Just pure beauty."
"That's the charm of Sunrise Peak," Silvermoon replied gently. "Standing here brings peace to the heart. Many swordsmen come here to cultivate their state of mind because this place makes it easier to comprehend the true essence of the sword."
"And what is the true essence of swordsmanship?" Rowan asked curiously.
Silvermoon thought for a moment before answering.
"I believe the true essence of swordsmanship isn't merely improving one's technique. What matters more is elevating one's spirit. A true swordsman does not wield the sword to conquer others, but to protect what they cherish. Just like the Starwing Divine Roc. It possesses overwhelming power, yet uses it only to guard and protect."
Her words struck Rowan deeply.
He thought about his years of training on Earth, as well as everything he had learned since arriving in the Silverblue Empire.
Perhaps Silvermoon was right.
True strength was not about domination. It was about protection.
"You're right," Rowan said with a nod. "I think that's also why the Sword Saint acknowledged me. During our first clash, I never wanted to defeat him. I only wanted to prove the spirit and resolve of Earth's martial artists."
"Exactly," Silvermoon agreed warmly. "That state of mind earned the Sword Saint's respect. And it's also why the Starwing Divine Roc favored you. True nobility can't be faked. It naturally reveals itself and is recognized by those with wisdom."
As the sun climbed higher, warmth gradually replaced the chill of the early morning mountain air.
The two decided to enjoy the breakfast Silvermoon had prepared.
From her backpack, she took out several delicate foods unique to the Silverblue Empire: Morningglow biscuits, mountain flower honey tea, and fresh fruit.
Though simple, the meal tasted especially delicious in such a breathtaking setting.
"Having breakfast on Sunrise Peak is amazing," Rowan said while tasting one of the biscuits. "The flavor is really unique. It has such a refreshing fragrance."
"Morningglow biscuits are made using Morningglow Grass, which grows only on Sunrise Peak," Silvermoon explained. "The grass can only survive at high altitudes and must be harvested at sunrise, so it's extremely precious. People say eating these biscuits can enhance mental strength and aid cultivation."
"No wonder I feel unusually refreshed," Rowan said with a smile. "Every food in the Silverblue Empire seems to have special properties. It's incredible."
As they ate, they continued chatting about everything from cultivation to life itself. The atmosphere was light and relaxed.
In a place like this, all worries seemed to fade away, leaving behind only peace and happiness.
"Rowan," Silvermoon suddenly said, "I have an idea."
"What kind of idea?" he asked.
"Today we encountered the Starwing Divine Roc. That's an incredibly auspicious sign," she said softly. "So I was thinking... perhaps we should make a wish here and ask the Roc to bless our friendship forever."
"That's a wonderful idea," Rowan replied immediately. "Let's do it together."
The two stood side by side, facing the direction where the Starwing Divine Roc had disappeared. With their hands clasped together and eyes closed, they silently made their wishes.
Neither of them spoke the contents aloud, but the expressions on their faces made it clear how much those wishes meant to them.
Afterward, they sat down once more and quietly enjoyed the tranquility of the mountaintop.
Far below, the world had fully awakened, and people had already begun their busy daily routines. Yet high above the clouds, time itself seemed to stand still.
"I wish this moment could last forever," Silvermoon whispered. "Being here with you, looking at this beautiful scenery... it makes me feel truly happy."
"I feel the same way," Rowan replied honestly. "My time in the Silverblue Empire, especially these days spent with you, has brought me a kind of happiness I've never experienced before."
Their eyes met once more.
For a brief instant, it felt as though electricity flowed silently through the air between them.
As the sun continued to rise, the scenery atop Sunrise Peak transformed again.
The clouds completely vanished, revealing the full landscape of Swordheart Star. Endless mountain ranges stretched across the horizon, lakes shimmered like mirrors beneath the sunlight, and distant cities appeared orderly and harmonious.
Everything reflected the beauty and peace of the Silverblue Empire.
"It's time for us to head back down," Silvermoon said after checking the time.
"Alright," Rowan answered, though a trace of reluctance lingered in his heart. "This trip to Sunrise Peak has been perfect."
They packed their things and began descending the mountain.
The journey down was easier than the climb, but both of them walked slowly, as though neither wanted the moment to end.
Along the way, they continued talking about the Starwing Divine Roc and the many legends of the Silverblue Empire.
"You know," Silvermoon said thoughtfully, "according to our legends, the Starwing Divine Roc has the ability to see into people's hearts and glimpse their future. The kindness it showed you today may mean you'll have a wonderful future here in the Silverblue Empire."
"If that's true, then I'm incredibly fortunate," Rowan said with a laugh. "But no matter what the future holds, today's experience alone has already left me completely satisfied."
When they reached halfway down the mountain, Rowan suddenly stopped walking.
"Silvermoon, there's something I want to tell you."
She turned to face him. "What is it?"
"These past days, your kindness and care have truly touched me," Rowan said sincerely. "It's not just the food you shared with me or the places you showed me. More importantly, you helped me experience the warmth and kindness of the people here in the Silverblue Empire. Especially today. Watching the sunrise with you and meeting the Starwing Divine Roc... these memories will always remain among my most precious."
Emotion flickered across Silvermoon's face.
"I'm happy too," she said softly. "Meeting you has made my life more exciting, and I've learned so much because of you."
"I hope our friendship lasts forever," Rowan said earnestly. "No matter where I go in the future, I'll never forget these beautiful days in the Silverblue Empire."
"Neither will I," Silvermoon replied with a nod. "Never."
They continued down the mountain together, both carrying a warm feeling in their hearts.
Night eventually fell.
Moonlight shimmered across Silvermoon Lake, and all of Swordheart Star was wrapped in peaceful silence.
After dinner, Rowan returned to his room and began organizing the recordings he had taken at Sunrise Peak earlier that day, reliving the miraculous encounter with the Starwing Divine Roc.
The room was illuminated by the Silverblue Empire's unique luminous pearls, which cast a soft and gentle glow.
Rowan carefully documented everything that had happened, intending to share these incredible experiences with his friends back on Earth one day.
He had just reached the part where the Starwing Divine Roc nodded at him when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.
At first, he paid little attention, assuming it was simply pedestrians passing by.
But the footsteps grew louder and closer.
More unsettling was how synchronized they sounded. This was clearly not an ordinary crowd. It was a disciplined unit.
Rowan set down his notebook and walked to the window.
Outside, a squad of guards in silver-blue uniforms had appeared on the street. They carried energy weapons, their expressions grim as they marched directly toward Silvermoon's home.
Leading them was a middle-aged man with a broad build and a stern face. On his chest was the insignia of a high-ranking Imperial Guard officer.
"What's going on?"
A bad feeling immediately rose in Rowan's chest.
Then came a heavy knock at the door.
"Open up! Imperial Guard investigation!"
Rowan's heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm as he walked to the door.
"May I ask what this is about?"
"Open immediately! We are taking Rowan and Miss Silvermoon in for questioning!"
The captain's voice came through the door coldly, leaving no room for argument.
Countless questions flashed through Rowan's mind.
Why were the guards targeting them?
Had they broken some law?
Nothing unusual had happened during their trip to Sunrise Peak.
At that moment, Silvermoon also stepped out of her room, confusion and worry written across her face.
"Rowan, what's happening?"
"I'm not sure," Rowan replied, shaking his head. "The Imperial Guards say they're taking us in for questioning."
Silvermoon's parents were awakened by the commotion and hurried out of their bedroom.
Her father's expression immediately darkened.
As a senior official within the Silverblue Empire, he understood very well that the Imperial Guards would never mobilize without serious cause.
"I'll answer the door," he said grimly. "Let's find out what this is really about."
The moment the door opened, the captain strode inside, followed by over a dozen heavily armed guards.
They quickly spread throughout the living room, keeping everyone within their line of sight.
"I am Karl, captain of the Third Imperial Guard Division," the man announced sternly. "By order of higher authority, Rowan and Miss Silvermoon are to accompany us immediately in connection with a serious criminal investigation."
"What criminal investigation?" Silvermoon's father demanded angrily. "My daughter and her friend are innocent people. There's no way they committed any crime."
Captain Karl gave him a cold glance before pulling out an official arrest warrant.
"According to reliable intelligence, this morning Rowan and Miss Silvermoon made direct contact with the Empire's guardian beast, the Starwing Divine Roc. Several hours ago, the creature began showing severe symptoms of poisoning and is now in critical condition."
"What?!" Silvermoon cried out in shock. "The Starwing Divine Roc was poisoned? That's impossible!"
"The evidence currently indicates that the two of you were the only individuals to have close contact with the guardian beast today," Captain Karl continued coldly. "In addition, multiple witnesses have confirmed this. Therefore, you are now suspects in the attempted harm of the Empire's guardian beast and must cooperate with our investigation immediately."
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