The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1799

Dalton stood under the tree and watched Wynter and "Logan" in the distant pavilion, but he didn't approach them.

His identity made him unsuited for mingling with others. Moreover, regardless of the sect, everyone knew he was the boy toy Wynter had brought back from the Wretched Ground.

Compared to these noble scions, he was worthless. To put it bluntly, he was just a servant who attended to her.

Dalton smiled faintly, a hint of mockery in his expression and his dark eyes cold. Yet, he made no move.

Wynter, dressed in snow-white robes, sat across from "Logan", who was dressed like a noble. Her eyes curved as she smiled when she poured tea for him with her delicate hands.

Dalton didn't know what Wynter had said to make "Logan" blush, his gaze soft and tender.

The spring breeze carried the scent of peach blossoms, but to Dalton, it felt overwhelmingly pungent.

He looked down at the fruit he had picked for her earlier. Now, it just tasted bitter, the astringency seeming to spread from his throat to his heart. This made him frown slightly.

He knew Wynter's tricks well. Back in the Wretched Ground, when she wanted to bring him up the mountain, she had said plenty of sweet words, too. An inexperienced nobleman like "Logan" would be easily flustered.

But not long ago, she had told Dalton he was the only one. Now, she was using the same tactics on another man. Dalton came to the conclusion that sweet words couldn't be trusted.

With this in mind, Dalton tossed the fruit onto the stone table under the corridor and turned to leave.

But just then, he heard Wynter's voice behind him. "Dalton? Where are you going? Come here."

He paused but didn't turn around. He wasn't acting like a boy toy, but he also wasn't tired of playing these games yet.

"What's wrong?" Wynter hurried over, her dress fluttering like butterfly wings. She reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Did someone upset you?"

Wynter knew that in such settings, a mortal—especially one brought as an offering—would attract a lot of speculation.

But Dalton was always aloof, looking down on everyone and treating cultivators like trash. So, it probably wasn't about that. But Wynter couldn't understand what was making him upset.

Wynter tilted her head, trying to read his expression more closely, her hand naturally cupping his face.

Dalton watched as her fingers brushed against his cheeks, the tips still damp from pouring tea earlier.

He suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, and for reasons he didn't understand, he avoided her touch. Nevertheless, his expression was still as noble and aloof as ever. "No one has upset me. You're overthinking it."

"Really?" Wynter eyed him suspiciously, then added, "I ran into an old acquaintance. He might join us during the training later."

Dalton's already cold eyes grew even frostier. Even the usual smile at the corner of his lips disappeared, his gaze dark and serious. "If Your Highness thinks he's suitable, then bring him along.

"But I must remind you, every sect will be watching this training session at the Arcane Way Forum. But I guess it doesn't matter as long as Your Highness can deal with that."

Wynter knew Dalton was right, but "Logan's" appearance made her wary. She didn't believe it was a coincidence. Every face in the Human Sacrificial Formation that resembled someone from outside the formation required her attention.

This was especially so for someone like Logan, whose horoscope made him a target for soul-switching wherever he went.

"His cultivation and understanding of the Arcane Way are above mine. It should be fine," Wynter said, trying to reassure Dalton. "We're old acquaintances, and he's a good person. He might actually be able to help me."

For instance, as bait to lure out the mastermind.

Unexpectedly to Wynter, Dalton's demeanor grew even more distant. He remained as pristine and unapproachable as ever. "As long as Your Highness is happy."

Wynter was stunned, confused as to why Dalton was suddenly addressing her so formally.

Just as Wynter was about to speak, a wave of chants echoed from the peak of the sect. "The time has come! All sect apprentices, enter through the East Gate and prepare for the Arcane Way training!"

The host of this year's Arcane Way Forum was none other than Jervis, who had just visited Mt. Nyxvarn a few days prior.

As one of the four leading sects, Mt. Lunther always enjoyed being the center of attention. Today, Jervis certainly looked the part—standing at the highest point, stroking his beard with an air of wisdom.

"This training is for yourselves, as well as for the greater world. Recently, demons have been wreaking havoc along the eastern shores, aided by an unknown deity demanding human offerings. I hope all of you will uphold justice, subdue evil, and protect the people!"

His words were noble and righteous. But in reality, once the training began, most would focus on improving their cultivation.

Some sought golden encounters—legendary swords buried in ancient battlegrounds or mystic herbs capable of bringing the dead back to life. These encounters were often found in places infested with savage beasts and demons.

After the training, apprentices would be ranked accordingly. Last time, Mt. Lunther's prodigies, Jaylene and Carlton, emerged victorious—one obtaining a legendary sword, and the other acquiring a rare mystic herb.

Jaylene had used her prize to curry favor with Mt. Lunther, but that alone wasn't enough for her. She even betrayed Mt. Nyxvarn, stealing Ailithir's Aegis Mirror before leaving.

Wynter felt nothing but disgust toward her. Although Jaylene was now hailed as a prodigy among the sects and had recently broken through to the Seventh Realm, she was nothing more than a scheming bitch to Wynter.

And yet, Jaylene still had the audacity to approach her.

"Wynter, you should go back. The training site this time is beyond your level." Jaylene spoke as if she still held some sense of kinship, but her tone was condescending. "Though the Arcane Way Forum is open to all, Mt. Nyxvarn has always ranked last. Why take such a risk?"

"I'm here to reclaim the Aegis Mirror you stole," Wynter replied lazily, twirling the purple sugilite flute at her waist. "How is that a risk?"

According to the Arcane Way Forum's rules, the victor could claim any treasure of their choosing. The sects had countless artifacts—an Aegis Mirror was nothing special. Yet, Wynter deliberately asked for it. She even used the word "stole".

The surrounding apprentices paused whatever they were doing, all eyes turning toward Jaylene.

Jaylene's hands clenched into fists, face turning deathly pale. "Wynter, I know you dislike me for leaving the sect, but you can't falsely accuse me like this. The fact that Mt. Lunther chose me over you proves everything."

"Proves what, exactly?" Wynter chuckled. "That Mt. Lunther doesn't care about moral integrity? That much, I'll give you."

Jervis had yet to leave. Hearing these words, his expression darkened. Mt. Lunther's apprentices were also seething, gripping their swords in fury.

As for the other sects—especially those who had tasted Mt. Nyxvarn's famous grilled fish—they took a moment to size up Wynter again.

She was still as fearless as ever. They wondered if she hadn't realized that she might not even survive this journey without Mt. Lunther and Mt. Verfait's protection, let alone gain a golden encounter. And yet, she dared to talk about winning. How absurd.

Jervis maintained a kind smile. After all, there was another thing Mt. Lunther needed to confirm. They needed to know if Wynter had truly succeeded in making mystic spirits acknowledge her as their master, or if she had simply stumbled upon a golden encounter.

If it was the former, then Mt. Lunther must bring her into their sect—whether she liked it or not. And if she refused? Then they'd find a way to destroy her.

With these thoughts hidden behind a gentle expression, Jervis spoke up. "Courage is admirable, but making bold claims without the strength to back them up only invites ridicule. Mt. Nyxvarn's apprentices still have much to learn."

"Carlton, Jaylene," he called for them.

The two stepped forward. "Mr. Manley."

"When you arrive, be sure to showcase Mt. Lunther's strength and discipline." With that, Jervis waved his sleeve and left.

Dalton neither refused nor agreed, only glancing at her indifferently. "Your Highness has so many people to protect. I don't know who comes first or last. Let's talk when we get there."

Wynter was once again left speechless. He was giving her an unusual amount of cold shoulder today.

…

Knowing she was bringing a mortal to the training ground, the apprentices from nearby sects kept their distance. They were afraid they might end up in the same place when they mounted their magical brooms.

According to the Arcane Way Forum's rules, the more demons one slayed, the greater the chance of winning.

Of course, quantity wasn't everything—there was also the level of the demons. There were malevolent spirits, evil spirits, and mystic spirits. Plus, it would be a completely different story if they reached the ninth level.

But no one was foolish enough to provoke such beings. At most, the bravest might go and see if there were any golden encounters.

"They say it's exceptionally dangerous this time. Yet, she's bringing a boy toy."

"Who cares? She won't amount to much anyway."

"They'll probably all die in there."

These words didn't mean anything to Wynter, but it was different for "Logan".

He turned and glared at the gossipers. "What boy toy? He's just a servant. Don't spread rumors before the outcome is clear."

Hearing the word "servant", Dalton lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

That smile almost made Crow, who was passing by, fall from its perch. He had finally found his lord, but he couldn't believe his ears. Crow couldn't understand the nonsense these cultivators were spouting.

A servant? Did they mean Dalton? Really?

The sects were pragmatic. They scattered after seeing a high-ranking nobleman speak up.

But Jaylene sighed. "Raleigh, she might not appreciate your help. After all, the whole cultivation world knows about the boy toy."

"Logan's" expression turned cold. "She's royalty, so it's not unusual for her to have servants by her side. Let's not bring this up again. If she really wanted a boy toy, why didn't she take me up the mountain?"

This statement created an interesting atmosphere.

As the "protagonist", Wynter felt a headache coming on. She couldn't believe what they were doing. They were about to face demons yet were still gossiping about romance. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of Primordial Arcane these people were cultivating.

"We're here." Wynter finally spoke up.

The group had indeed landed in the same place, as if by some twist of fate. As soon as they arrived, they encountered a Bone Burial Formation.

Wynter looked at the skull in front of her, its placement strange and exuding an eerie energy.

She paused for a moment and was about to warn Dalton to be careful when she heard a crunch.

Dalton had stepped forward, crushing the skull into powder with a single step. Then, as if nothing had happened, he calmly walked over the pile of dust.

Wynter was stunned. He had just stepped on the formation and turned it into dust.