章 28: The Lord
"What?"
Elara's vigilance peaked as her body tensed, her eyes narrowed, and her grip on the dagger tightened. "Stay behind me," she commanded Elion and Verion with a cold, piercing tone, making them feel slightly oppressed by the powerful surge of Qi emanating from her.
Despite Elara's oppressive Qi, Darius remained unaffected. As he observed Elara's combat-ready stance and her eyes brimming with killing intent, Darius smiled and exhaled softly.
"My Lady, it seems there is a misunderstanding here. Lord Graviel did not summon you to punish your son for his actions towards Young Master Kaelan."
Even so, Elara did not relax, ready at any moment to strike Darius down. "Is that truly the case? If so, what is the real reason for bringing us there?"
With the same calm smile, Darius responded, "Lord Graviel merely wishes to meet his grandchildren."
Wait, what? We are the grandchildren of the head of the Vossmer family. That means Mother married one of the family head's children.
Elion was stunned. He had not anticipated this. If what Darius said was true, more questions immediately swirled in his mind, such as why his mother left the strongest family in eastern Murim. What had truly happened?
Unlike Verion, who was now living his second life in this world, Elion was unable to draw any conclusions from his first life in Murim. He had seen so many peculiar things in Murim that he could quickly and accurately grasp what was happening.
"Looks like we're an illegitimate child," Verion suddenly whispered to Elion.
"Oh, so that's it."
In his mind, everything started to make sense. However, Elion didn't realize that the definition of an "illegitimate child" in his old world differed from that in Murim. In Murim, "illegitimate child" referred to a child born from a relationship not approved by the family.
The marital status of the parents was irrelevant in Murim, as a man could have multiple concubines without having to marry them. They only had to marry one woman who would become their main wife.
"What is Lord Graviel truly thinking?" With a mix of confusion and anger in her voice, Elara posed the question. "After refusing to approve of our relationship, why does he now recognise my children as his grandchildren?"
"I am sorry, My Lady, but I cannot answer that, as I am merely the messenger. You will have to ask Lord Graviel directly," Darius replied calmly.
On the other hand, Verion moved closer to Elion and whispered, "Looks like we'll have to delay our plans, Elion."
Elion nodded slightly.
-----
[The Next Morning]
Since Darius had come to them at night, they couldn't depart immediately. Even though the Vossmer residence wasn't too far from Grimford City, Darius couldn't send transportation all the way to their mountain home.
So, he allowed the small family to rest and prepare to head to Grimford City the next morning. A coachman for the Vossmer family greeted them as they arrived at the outskirts of a small, rundown town.
"Good morning, My Lady. I have been tasked today with safely escorting you and your children to the Vossmer residence," said the man with long, tied-back hair. He wore a white robe with intricate dragon details and stood before a very luxurious carriage.
"Is this really necessary?" Elara enquired, concerned that the grand carriage might draw excessive attention from the residents of Grimford City.
The carriage was enormous and luxurious, made of lightweight metal painted white with golden dragon motifs at every corner, making it stand out starkly among the simple wooden carts passing through Grimford.
"It seems the Vossmer family is really rich, huh?" Elion couldn't hide his amazement. This was the first time he had seen something so grand since being reborn in this world.
Verion, standing next to him, chuckled. "Heh… they're not just rich—they're filthy rich."
As Elara feared, the grand carriage drew significant attention from the townspeople, who whispered among themselves upon recognising the golden dragon symbol representing the Vossmer family.
Amidst the commotion, the coachman opened the carriage door and extended his hand to Elara with a polite bow. "Please, Lady Elara. Lord Graviel is expecting you."
Without delay, Elara stepped into the carriage, followed by Elion and Verion. The interior was equally luxurious, with large, clear windows on both sides, plush seats crafted from the finest materials in Murim, and gold embellishments on the walls and ceiling.
Once they were comfortably seated, the coachman urged the horses forward, and the carriage moved smoothly through Grimford City's narrow streets, passing through the bustling crowds.
Only one town separated the Vossmer residence from Grimford, requiring a three- to four-hour carriage ride.
The breathtaking sight captivated Elion as they entered the gates of Dandelion City. The grand buildings stood tall and proud, reflecting the glory of the martial arts world.
This place looks nothing like Grimford City, Elion thought as he gazed through the carriage window.
Intricate carvings and powerful symbols adorned the buildings, and towering rooftops curved elegantly like blades. Massive pillars supported vast halls illuminated by golden lanterns glimmering in the sunlight.
Between these grand structures lie open training grounds, filled with young men and women practicing synchronised movements. Each motion they executed sent gusts of wind rippling through the air, further enhancing the powerful and majestic aura of the city.
As Elion became deeply absorbed in his awe, a sudden system message floated before his eyes, piercing his mind and startling him.
[You have arrived at Dandelion City.]
[Warning! A powerful entity is watching you!]
An unseen force suddenly enveloped his body, pressing down with such immense weight that he felt as if the weight of the world was forcing him to his knees. His knees quivered, and his breath became trapped in his throat.
"W-What the hell?" He muttered, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion.
Noticing Elion suddenly shaking under the mysterious pressure, Elara rushed to his side, her face filled with concern and worry. "Elion, what's happening? Are you alright?"
"Is this motion sickness from the ride, Elion? That's lame." Verion teased lightly, his curiosity barely concealed beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, the invisible force continued to bear down on Elion, like shackles testing his resolve. With considerable effort, he lifted his gaze to see his family, who appeared completely unaffected. His eyes flashed with a storm of confusion and anger. Was this happening only to him?
Suddenly, the oppressive pressure lifted as the carriage passed through a grand gate adorned with golden dragon patterns and halted in the middle of a wide open courtyard surrounded by majestic buildings. However, Elion was in no state to admire the surroundings, his mind swirling with questions.
What the fuck just happened?
Before Elion could gather his thoughts, the carriage door swung open, revealing Darius with a courteous smile. "Welcome, my Lady and young Masters. We have arrived at the Vossmer residence. I will now escort you to meet Lord Graviel," he said, bowing slightly.
"Thank you, Darius," Elara said as she stepped down from the carriage.
Verion paused behind her, realising Elion was still deep in thought. "What are you doing, Elion? Come on, get down. We've arrived."
Though still confused, Elion climbed out of the carriage, following his mother and twin brother's lead.
Darius then led them through the grand courtyard toward the main entrance, where the massive hall of the Vossmer family head was located. Towering pillars and intricate carvings of golden dragons lined the path, seemingly watching their every step.
As they reached the entrance, Elion, Verion, and Elara were suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful surge of Qi, making it difficult for them to breathe.
"Ugh—" With their knees trembling and cold sweat streaming down their faces, the three of them struggled to find words. Despite the danger of collapsing to the floor, they managed to hold on with all their remaining strength.
Elion's eyes widened in recognition—this was the same suffocating pressure he had felt before. The realisation struck him: it was the Qi of Lord Graviel, a Martial Deity, the pinnacle of power in Murim.
Shortly afterward, a deep, commanding voice echoed from within the hall, vibrating through the walls and causing a ringing in their ears.
"Enter."
Obeying his master's command, Darius pushed open the heavy doors, and for a brief moment, Elion, Verion, and Elara stood frozen, lost in their own thoughts.
As they finally stepped forward, the doors closed behind them with a resonating thud. Unbeknownst to them, a sly, enigmatic smile played across Darius's lips.
Inside, the grand hall exuded an air of majesty and power. High ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers cast a warm, intimidating glow. Ornate tapestries depicting battles and legendary feats hung from the walls.
At the far end, Lord Graviel sat upon a high-backed chair resembling a throne, exuding authority with every breath. His sharp gaze bore down upon them.
Elion's mind raced. So this is the man who exerted that pressure on me.
The room was not empty. Several elders of the Vossmer family stood to the sides, their eyes filled with disdain as they stared at Elion, Verion, and Elara. Though the room was silent, the contemptuous looks and sneers of the elders were deafening.
In the oppressive silence, Elara lowered herself to one knee, placing a fist over her heart in the traditional Murim salute. "May the heavens guide your path, Lord Graviel. If I may be permitted to ask, What purpose do you have in summoning us here?" She enquired, her voice steady but wary.
Graviel did not immediately respond. He studied the three of them, his eyes cold and unreadable.
Behind her, Verion and Elion remained standing, their gazes fixed on Graviel with sharp, wary eyes. As Elion sank into his thoughts, contemplating the suspicious nature of their situation, the system message suddenly reappeared, delivering a warning he hadn't anticipated.
[Be careful, host. Your life is in danger.]
And almost simultaneously with the system's warning, after what felt like an eternity, the family head finally spoke in a casual yet commanding tone.
"Kill them."
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