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?”