บท 45: Double casting?
The fight between the Imperial Sentinels and the Li Family was still underway! By now, the entire Yunyun Stronghold and the Samfeng Province had heard of the conflict, and they were under chaos! To think that the two mightiest pillars in the Xingyuu Empire would fall out with each other again. No one knew why it happened again, nor could they decide who to support. Both were monumental titans capable of toppling civilizations by themselves. But everyone understood that the times were changing. A new era was approaching!
The Perception Realms clashed with indomitable force with neither side budging. Just witnessing the fight from afar, one would feel shivers. It was quickly growing out of control! Qiang was somber. He had planned to end this decisively by capturing Minister Linshi. That way he could avoid the worst-case scenario of clashing with the emperor. For this, he had amassed the strongest experts under his wing and snuck into the stronghold. However, Minister Linshi was just as prepared, bringing ten Imperial Sentinels to arrest the Imperial Princesses.
Qiang realized how disadvantageous the situation was becoming. The soldiers were slowly converging here and encircling them. If they delayed any longer, then it would become truly chaotic. Needless to say, Xiuying and Ming noticed this as well. The two were idly standing in the rear with their uncle, but they knew they could not stand around any longer. They had to fight! Xiuying brandished her sabre, while Ming wielded a random spear. With all the Perception Realms occupied in their own duels, they were now the strongest combatants! Xiuying led the way forward, slipping past the fights, with Ming in tow. Their eyes were on Minister Linshi!
The woman was somewhat surprised but showed no outward signs of panic or fear. In fact, she did not even bother moving or defending herself… The two princesses were confused but did not slow down. They flanked Linshi from both sides with impeccable precision. Ming might have been overshadowed by her sister in terms of combat power, who achieved Half-Perception Realm at such a young age, but she was still not to be bullied! She was well along in the Fundamental Realm, and having grown up alongside Xiuying, the two exhibited a frightening understanding of each other. Their timing and actions were nigh perfect.
"Call the Imperial Sentinels to stand back, Minister Linshi," Ming demanded.
"We won't hurt you if you do," Xiuying added.
Linshi could not hold back her chuckle. "The Imperial Princesses need me to call back the Imperial Sentinels. What a comical sight."
"I won't repeat myself again," Ming threatened.
"Laying hands on me is equivalent to laying hands on the entire Imperial Council. Are you sure about this?"
"We will not forgive anyone who dares to scheme against the Xingyuu Empire," Xiuying said. "Even if you're from the Imperial Council. That is our duty as Imperial Princesses!"
"Then come arrest me," the minister humored.
"You don't have to tell us twice!" Xiuying shouted as the two girls simultaneously dashed in.
Obviously, they were not aiming to kill her, but capture her. But that did not mean she would go unharmed! With the facts now revealed that Linshi was the manipulator behind two emperors, neither Xiuying nor Ming were intending to go easy. After all, it was their father she toyed with! The Xingyuu Empire was thrown into disarray because of her! They could not let this go. All their instincts were screaming out that she could not be left to roam freely! Xiuying's sabre and Ming's spear flew in to strike non-lethal parts. However, right before the weapons hit, all their momentum was forcibly destroyed. Like hitting a solid wall, they could not push their weapons further!
Arcania? Ming was dumbfounded. Why does Minister Linshi know Arcania?
Xiuying was shocked as well but smirked. Even if she has a barrier, she cannot be that proficient in Arcania! There's no way she can defend against our assault!
As if reading her mind, Ming nodded. The two fully focused on destroying the barrier. Barrier Arcania was somewhat uncommon in this world as it had a high taxing requirement on Cores. It was difficult to sustain a barrier in the long run. In exchange, it offered extraordinary defensive power that could negate attacks like a shield would. Armies would frequently employ a barrier battalion, that could cast their barriers to protect against a barrage of arrows or spells. This was one of the many reasons why Arcanists were being seen with increasing importance.
Slash after slash rained down on the translucent glass-like barrier. Both Xiuying and Ming wielded their weapons fluidly and fast, reminiscent of a dance. Some of the Imperial Sentinels wanted to help, but they were thoroughly pinned down by the Li Family. They could not turn their backs! Soon though, Ming started to frown. They had struck the barrier over a dozen times now, yet it showed no signs of weakening. Normally, an Arcanist using Barrier Arcania would be farfetched to last so long. Ming found it hard to believe that Linshi specialized in Barrier Arcania while working as the Minister of Information. Both required a tremendous amount of effort.
Who is she? For once, Ming started to have doubts on who 'Linshi' really was. There was something more than meets the eye, even with all that they had uncovered.
Eventually, their stamina let up and the two girls pulled back to breath. Their faces were covered in sweat and their hands were sore. Hitting a wall repeatedly hurt! Moreover, they usually left matters to their Protectors, Chang and Tai. They rarely had to involve themselves.
"Done so soon?" Linshi smiled. "Then you won't complain if I retaliate, right?" The woman raised her hand to the sky and three large brilliant magical circles formed.
"Xiuying!" Ming shouted to coordinate with her.
Now that Linshi focused on attacking them, that meant that her barrier was down. What better time to strike than now? The two princesses took a deep breath and catapulted forward. The already short distance disappeared in an instant as their blades whizzed through the air. Cut! Yet just when they were about to impact, once again, their assault was cut short by a barrier.
Double casting spells? Ming was thoroughly stunned.
Oh no! Xiuying cried as Linshi completed her spell.
A large ball of light coalesced in Linshi's palm. It was small, and looked weak and unimposing, but every one of the princesses' instincts were screaming out. Goosebumps rose on their backs. Even without Magical Perception, they could tell. It was dangerous! The conflict between the princesses and Linshi did not go unnoticed by the others. The various fights between the Perception Realms stopped as they casted their eyes over. A sense of wariness appeared on all their faces. Chang and Tai saw Xiuying and Ming in danger, and ignored their opponents as they sprinted in. Similarly, Jingyi and Juan of the Li Family retreated to protect Qiang. It happened in an instant. A bright flash swallowed the room followed by a tremendous explosion.
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