Rainbow Sky City, Mind Warlock Society.

After a moment of calm, ripples spread through the surrounding forested environment. Soon after, Saga and Tixil emerged, followed by a creature whose appearance exuded malevolence.

Its slender form was covered in a slimy, glossy layer of mucus, and from its chin hung four long tentacles—a Mind Flayer, also known as a Heart Devourer.

Not only did its appearance suggest evil, but in fact, the Heart Devourer belonged to a malevolent faction, and not just any malevolent being—it was of a caliber that could serve as the mastermind behind the scenes in many a legend.

“It was a pleasure communicating with you, quite enlightening. I look forward to our next discussion on the path of psychic energy at the Mind Warlock Society.”

The voice of the Heart Devourer resonated directly within Saga and Tixil’s minds.

Its tone, as polished as the tailcoat-like robe it wore, was a stark contrast to its evil alignment and appearance.

“Augustus, we have also found the exchange most beneficial,” Saga nodded in response.

He and Tixil had just engaged in a pure exchange of research with other sapient beings at the Mind Warlock Society, including the Heart Devourer named Augustus.

In the realm of psychic energy, this Heart Devourer’s prowess was unfathomable, having stepped into the realm of legends.

Its unique insights into influencing the mind and controlling willpower were something even the Gemstone Dragons lacked in their draconic heritage.

In a distant era, the Heart Devourers had once created an empire that spanned many worlds and planes, enslaving countless sapient beings with their formidable psychic energy, tyrannically exploiting numerous slaves. But that was past glory; the empire of the Heart Devourers had long since been washed away by the tides of time. Now, while still considered a powerful species, they were generally hunted and on the brink of extinction.

For the Heart Devourers fed on the brains of sapient beings.

Wherever they existed, mysterious deaths often occurred.

Due to this irreconcilable conflict, any normal sapient nation would classify Heart Devourers as high-risk beings, to be exterminated upon discovery.

So the question arises: why would a Heart Devourer appear here?

The answer is simple: the Skyrealm Empire is no ordinary nation. It dares to welcome even the scheming, ambitious, and mad Heart Devourers, even granting them citizenship.

Like Augustus here, who is not just a temporary resident of Sky City but a bona fide citizen of the Skyrealm Empire.

Saga and Tixil were encountering a Heart Devourer for the first time.

Due to the extensive targeted killings, sightings of Heart Devourers had become rare.

Contrary to the image portrayed in the legends, Augustus gave the impression of a polite scholar deeply versed in the ways of psychic energy.

However, it was not ruled out that this might just be a facade, and who knows what nefarious schemes it might be plotting behind the scenes.

“Since you’re new here, would you like me to show you around Rainbow Sky City? I’ve lived here for decades and know it quite well,” the Heart Devourer’s tentacles on its chin wiggled as it spoke.

“No need,” both Saga and Tixil declined the offer.

“Very well, we’ll have another chance to explore the path of the mind together,” the Heart Devourer did not insist.

After a pause, its octopus-like head and eyes revealed a faint smile, “By the way, you and Tixil are participating in the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty’s competition, right?”

“Coincidentally, I’ve also entered due to recent boredom. We’ll meet on the field.”

Saga and Tixil exchanged glances, then looked more closely at the Heart Devourer.

Tall and slim but not sickly, rather robust and vigorous, its skin was smooth with a faint lustrous sheen, and its psychic tentacles were of optimal length and thickness. Despite being from an evil race, its modest and gentle demeanor was, frankly, quite appealing to Saga, who appreciated beauty across all species.

“I know of a psychic ritual that can accentuate one’s features, making one’s appearance and aura even more outstanding. Are you interested?” the Heart Devourer asked in a calm and natural tone.

Tixil wasn’t particularly invested in the competition, just participating for fun.

Saga, while not overly concerned with looks and more focused on strength, was well aware of his own attractiveness and had no interest in further enhancement through rituals.

They both declined.

“See you at the competition,” the Heart Devourer mentioned casually before bidding farewell to Saga and Tixil, then quietly watched them leave.

Gradually, Saga and Tixil walked out of the magic academy area and headed back to their inn.

“There are even Heart Devourers in Sky City.”

“It seems we could encounter any species here and it wouldn’t be surprising,” Tixil blinked and commented.

“So many different species gathered together, including many chaotic and evil ones. If the Skyrealm Empire weren’t so powerful, it would have self-destructed long ago,” Saga mused.

Indeed, there must be casters who act without fear of death or punishment, and they are not few in number.

In fact, Sky City often had problems.

But due to the strength of the Skyrealm Empire, most were quickly resolved without causing significant damage, and to the Empire, a solvable problem was trivial.

As they walked, Saga and Tixil paused, then simultaneously looked ahead.

A familiar, burly figure stood before them, staring at them with hostile eyes.

The oppressive aura of storm and thunder hit them head-on.

Before them was the legendary Storm Giant they had seen being taken away by the guards of Rainbow Sky City.

After the previous commotion, it had paid a hefty fine, equivalent to the entire treasury of some small countries, nearly emptying its savings to be released. Moreover, it was expelled, ordered to leave Rainbow Sky City within three days and not to enter any Sky City for ten years.

“Out of the way, mutt,” Saga raised an eyebrow, his words a blatant provocation.

Although he didn’t know the exact punishment the legendary giant had received, it certainly wouldn’t have been taken lightly. Otherwise, the rules of Sky City would have no deterrent effect, especially for legendary beings who, if not restrained by rules, would inevitably cause chaos.

On the other side, the legendary giant’s eyes twitched at Saga’s tit-for-tat provocation.

But having learned from its previous mistake, the giant did not rage this time. Having just caused trouble, it was now under the watchful eyes of many legendary guards. If it broke the rules again in such a short time, it would face execution by Rainbow Sky City.

Staring intently at Saga and Tixil as if to memorize them, the giant then revealed a dangerously cold smile and strode away, heading for the exit of Rainbow Sky City.

Expelled, the legendary giant left Rainbow Sky City without looking back.

But it didn’t leave entirely.

Outside Rainbow Sky City, the Storm Giant summoned a cloud and settled within it, patiently waiting.

“You’d better stay in Rainbow Sky City forever,” it whispered, gazing at the city from afar.

Once you leave Rainbow Sky City, foolish dragons, how will you face me? Surely the champions of the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty won’t accompany you outside the city. The storm roared, and the giant lay in wait.

Meanwhile, inside the inn, listening to the melodious tunes of the Aarakocra singers, Saga recalled the legendary giant’s last smile filled with danger and malice.

“Saga, that legendary giant seems to have set its sights on us.”

“It might attack us once we leave Rainbow Sky City,” Tixil spoke up.

Saga nodded, “I’m thinking the same.”

He smirked, unconcerned, “But this guy clearly doesn’t understand the power of looks. He probably thinks the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty only cares about what happens at their doorstep.”

“Heh, when we’re about to leave Rainbow Sky City, let’s ask the champions of the Temple to accompany us. They won’t refuse. Then we’ll see how that giant copes.”

To Saga, the Storm Giant was just a newcomer to legend, its presence barely at the first or second tier.

The Storm Giant thought it could crush a dragon not yet legendary.

But that was wishful thinking.

The renowned King of the Near Seas would not fear a giant of such caliber. Even without the protection of champions, Saga had the confidence to fight and win.

But for now, he was somewhat enjoying the privileges that came with high looks—why not use them if they’re free?

“You’re so naughty.”

“That giant is going to be furious,” Tixil chuckled, imagining the giant’s shocked and angry face.

Without lingering in the inn’s lobby, Saga and Tixil quickly returned to their room.

At that moment, Charlotte had transformed into her little dragon form, adorned with a variety of gemstone ornaments on her scales, looking dazzling and flamboyant as she stood before a large mirror, swaying her claws and tilting her head, constantly changing poses to admire herself—and it seemed she had been at it for quite some time.

“You’re back.”

“Look how beautiful I am, a visage that could even make the gods envious,” the Hatchling Dragon lifted her head proudly.

“How long have you been like this?”

“What?” Charlotte didn’t hear clearly.

Saga shrugged, not bothering to explain.

Charlotte didn’t press further, but suddenly her expression turned to shock.

“What’s wrong?” Tixil, noticing Charlotte’s change, asked.

The little dragon looked serious and said, “I just realized, what if my beauty threatens the Goddess of Beauty, causing her displeasure? Would that mean I can’t win the championship?”

Saga: …

Tixil: …

“Very good, very confident!” Saga patted her claw, encouraging his companion.

“But Charlotte, don’t worry, I believe a high deity wouldn’t be so petty.”

It was just a casual remark; Saga knew his words might not be entirely true.

Deities don’t necessarily equate to magnanimity.

Some gods are incredibly petty.

The Goddess of Beauty, a supreme lookist, obviously had an abnormal personality.

“Let’s hope so,” Charlotte’s clear eyes revealed worry—worry that her excessive beauty might provoke divine jealousy, but at the same time, she was proud that her beauty could make even a deity envious.

Saga and Tixil both admired her inexplicable confidence.

If she lost the competition, Charlotte would not be too disappointed. Instead, she would stubbornly believe she was too beautiful, even making the Goddess of Beauty jealous, leading to behind-the-scenes manipulation to prevent her from winning.

In this regard, she had developed a mature and self-consistent logic.

“Where did you and Tixil go?” the little dragon-shaped Charlotte, lying on the bed with her claws tucked in, curiously asked.

“The Mind Warlock Society.”

“Oh, anything interesting happen?”

“We met a rather strange Heart Devourer.”

“A Heart Devourer? A creature even more evil than a Chromatic Dragon in Rainbow Sky City?” Charlotte was slightly taken aback.

“The individual is even a formal citizen of the Skyrealm Empire,” Saga and Tixil explained.

“Not surprising for the Skyrealm Empire, daring to take in Heart Devourers without fear of having their brains quietly eaten.”

“But I’ve never seen a Heart Devourer, only heard of them in the legends.”

“Take me to see it after the competition,” Charlotte was a bit curious.

Saga shook his head, “No need to wait until after the competition; that Heart Devourer will also participate in the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty’s contest. You’ll see it then.”

“Okay, a Heart Devourer participating in a beauty contest is quite interesting.”

Considered a psychic tyrant and evil slaver, could it be that the Heart Devourer also secretly loved to beautify itself? Charlotte mused internally.

“And you? Have you been in the inn room the whole time?” Tixil asked Charlotte.

“Yes, I’ve been captivated by my own beauty.”

Charlotte said cheerfully.

“But… in the middle, a snake woman knocked on my door, all secretive, saying she had a way to enhance beauty and asked if I was interested. I refused.”

“Does my beauty, Charlotte, need further improvement? What a joke.”

“Afterward, she knocked on other doors. Those not pretty enough probably have thoughts, heh, all rubbish. No amount of external help would make a difference.”

The little dragon snorted disdainfully through her nostrils.

Hearing this, Saga and Tixil thought of the Heart Devourer’s last mention of a psychic ritual that could also improve beauty levels.

But neither paid much attention.

After all, there are many such methods, and dragon shape-shifting can also adjust one’s image, but such unnatural adjustments are detectable and not recognized by the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty. Moreover, offering ways to enhance beauty to those entering a beauty contest is not out of place and quite reasonable.

Two days later, the day of the competition arrived.

Saga and Tixil left the inn and headed to a beautifully landscaped outdoor fountain square with exquisite gardens and flowing streams, the venue for the contest.

The competition was not held inside the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty but chosen to be at the fountain square surrounded by many casters.

The reason was simple: the Temple aimed to attract more attention and convert it into a portion of faith. Naturally, the more spectators, the better.

Outdoor Fountain Square.

Colorful magic fountains sprayed water droplets that shone with enchanting brilliance, making the place look magnificent.

But even more beautiful than the environment were the stunningly attractive sapient beings.

The contestants had mostly arrived.

A powerful empire, besides having outstanding combat capabilities, would generally develop in aesthetics, poetry, music, painting, and other fields. Building a spiritual civilization is an essential part.

Rainbow Sky City fully supported the competition held by the Temple of the Goddess of Beauty.

The entire outdoor fountain square was magically sealed, now only accessible to the Temple’s personnel and contestants, serving as the competition venue.

The area around the square had temporarily lifted the flying restrictions, allowing casters to enjoy the view from better angles.

As time passed, the gathering of so many beautiful beings here drew more and more attention, and the number of onlookers outside the barrier steadily increased, creating a lively atmosphere.

“The championship is mine to claim.”

Standing in the spotlight with Saga and Tixil, Charlotte lifted her head, brimming with confidence.