"This is an old system of laying down the space array for a bag, but it is highly inefficient."

He sighed at the bag's current condition, "With this adjustment, it should upgrade the ability of this bag to at least a mid-grade bag."

Then, taking out another red crystal with similar markings to the previous one, Rihan placed both crystals into a magic tool made from a natural material. It melts and shines brightly before giving off waves of heat, melting the crystals.

As the light dimmed gradually, the space bag returned to its original form. Finally, the array surrounding the bag reorganized itself together forming a more complex version.

"Done! Let's see if it worked properly," said Rihan quietly while stretching the bag larger and larger until it finally became the size of a sack, "I guess that will work."

His eyes shine as his hands move nimbly across the shelf, grabbing other bags filled with precious items including crystals, rare herbs, and all the cultivation materials within the room.

With great effort, he begins piling up all the stashes within the bag, making sure there is enough space inside.

"Oh! A Scarlet Lily and Dragon Heart Flower!" He added those two extra valuable items to his growing stash of wealth.

"All because of those arrogant bastards who selfishly hid their treasures instead of sharing them, Don't mind me, I'm just going to put them to better use," muttered Rihan under his breath.

After stuffing everything inside his newly acquired bag, Rihan looked at the bag that had finished devouring everything in sight only to realize that it was bigger than he expected.

There were many treasured cultivation crystals and herbs such as red lily flower seeds which are used for the production of high-grade healing potions.

The stash even contained a handful of dragon hearts which are highly sought after by alchemists for making superior elixirs or medicine for advanced uses like the ones used for cultivating higher-tier cultivation cores.

All of these are extremely beneficial for his own cultivation while putting a dent in the Blackwell Union's plans for the future.

"Now, this will definitely attract attention." He patted the bag on its side happily, "It will draw everyone's attention not just to my bag but also to my life. So better hide this properly."

He said as he pull the bag's cover together, closing it tight and tying it tightly so it won't come undone; then the bag the size of a sack started shrinking until it was the size of a pouch.

"Hehehe, that was a great haul. Thanks, little pup," whispered Rihan while rubbing the puppy's head before petting the dog gently.

Then Rihan took out some food from his pocket, feeding it to the hungry black puppy. "This should tide you over, for now, take care of yourself while I'm away."

With one last look at the stash of treasure that is in his pouch, Rihan made his way out of the room, pausing once again—just long enough—to see an array on the floor where the little puppy always sat on. It reorganized itself into the exact same shape as he remembered.

Back then, he didn't know what the array means and how to crack it open.

However, now with the knowledge of several hundred years as an Array Master and the secret behind those markings imprinted deep within him, all it takes is simply pointing his finger towards the symbol and it activates automatically.

He taps a quick staccato beat onto the floor, activating a hidden chamber immediately after which opened up another space behind the table.

In this new hidden area was just a single glowing orb floating amidst a thick layer of shimmering white light which formed numerous circles around its location.

***

The Grand Pavilion's Courtyard

Lord Raukaku had just returned to the Golden Pavilion and noticed something unusual.

"I sense an anomaly," Lord Raukaku said in his reedy voice.

His eyebrows puckered suspiciously as a wave of energy rolled from the direction of the Grand Pavilion. It was a subtle sensation but definitely there.

He raised two fingers to signal for reinforcements, and suddenly people burst into motion all around him.

As fast as they were coming it felt like only moments had passed since the group of people had come stumbling into the Golden Pavilion main hall and into the hidden Grand Master's hallway.

A swarm of guards began pouring through the corridors toward them. One by one they rushed past with grim looks on their faces.

They bore weapons at the ready, and if that wasn't enough, several carried heavy wooden clubs or whips dangling off their wrists.

This situation could be serious! Even though Lord Raukaku didn't need anyone telling him what was going on here today, those signs of fear certainly gave weight to his actions.

As more guards joined him, Lord Raukaku stood up straight and pushed himself up the stair, heading directly towards the source of the disturbance.

In short order, they found themselves running along another corridor full of tense warriors bracing against each other in preparation to face whatever danger awaited them.

But despite everything these guards looked strong and steady; it seemed like none of them would break rank.

Then a sharp stinging sound rang out ahead, and Lord Raukaku stood in front of the Grand Master's Room where Rihan was.

To his surprise, Grinder standing outside paled visibly when faced with Lord Raukaku's scowling countenance.

He hastily saluted. "Lord Raukaku!"

"Was there anything suspicious?" The lord demanded sternly but politely. His eyes did not leave the entrance of the room as if to remind everyone watching how much this incident could cost them later.

"No my Lord." Grinder bowed deeply from his waist while also backing away.

Lord Raukaku looked around and activated the array to open the wooden door to the Grand Master's Room.

When no sounds came from within, Lord Raukaku opened the door slowly and cautiously stepped inside, sword at the ready, searching for enemies who might be hiding anywhere.