บท 54: fn
Chapter Title: A Game of Shadows
In the grand arena, the Realm King sat silently, his face an unreadable mask. His golden eyes, sharp as an eagle's, gazed into the distance, though no one could tell what thoughts stirred behind them. Around him, the Domain Rulers exchanged cautious glances, their confusion growing with every passing moment. The air was thick with unspoken tension. Normally, the Realm King was a man of few but decisive words—today, however, there were no orders, no speeches of encouragement, no gestures of command. Just silence.
Suddenly, the Realm King stirred, rising slowly from his ornate throne. The gold-and-silver embroidered cloak that adorned his broad shoulders shimmered in the light, the intricate pattern of dragons and clouds flowing like liquid metal as he moved. His expression remained neutral, but there was something in his eyes, a flicker of calculation.
Without a word, he raised his hand, subtly signaling to Xiao Long, who sat quietly among the Celestial Clan. The Celestial prince gave a single nod, understanding the silent command immediately. The Realm King turned away, excusing himself from the arena with a low murmur, though it was clear he had no intention of offering explanations.
The Domain Rulers, seated around the arena's central platform, exchanged puzzled looks. One of them, the ruler of the Eternal Clan, leaned over to whisper to the Zenith ruler, "What's happening? Why would he leave in the middle of the test?"
But no one had answers. The Realm King's actions were always deliberate, yet today there was an unusual unpredictability about him. Nevertheless, the rulers turned their attention back to the enormous screen hovering above the arena, showing scenes of warriors from both the Celestial and Immortal Clans, battling mighty beasts in the depths of the hunting grounds.
Powerful Immortal youths brandished their weapons, calling forth dazzling techniques that shimmered with golden light. Celestial warriors, dressed in their sky-blue robes, moved with graceful speed, their celestial powers flaring with every swing of their swords. The arena echoed with murmurs of approval as the Domain Rulers observed the battles, the warriors showcasing their might and their bloodlines.
But despite the vivid action on the screen, a question lingered in everyone's minds—where were Yang Feng and Xiao Mei? The screen showed nothing of them, not a single flicker of their presence. Both of them were nowhere to be seen, lost somewhere in the vast expanse of the hunting grounds.
Far below, seated among the Immortals, Yang Feng's mother, Lady Bai Xiang, felt a deep sense of unease settling in her chest. She was the Immortal Queen, a woman of regal beauty with silver hair cascading down her back, her calm and composed demeanor the envy of many. Yet, today, her serene expression had faltered. Her brows furrowed slightly as she glanced toward the Celestial elders, noting the peculiar smirks tugging at their lips.
Something was wrong.
The Celestials had never been known to hide their disdain for the Immortals, especially during the tests, but today there was an air of smug satisfaction among them—something she hadn't seen before. Lady Bai Xiang's sharp eyes fell on the First Elder of the Celestials, Xiao Mei's father, Xiao Tian. He sat comfortably, his posture relaxed, but the glint in his eye revealed more than he intended. He was smiling, as if victory was already theirs.
She turned away quickly, her mind racing. Why are they so confident? The Immortals had won the last ten tests in a row. Yet, there was no trace of bitterness on the Celestials' faces. Only cold certainty.
One of the Immortal guards standing beside her noticed her discomfort and leaned in. "Your Majesty, is something amiss?"
Lady Bai Xiang shook her head, her voice steady. "No. It's nothing."
But her heart told a different story. Something dark was unfolding, something that she couldn't quite grasp yet. She could feel the undercurrent of deceit, the quiet plotting behind the Celestials' calm exteriors. A chill ran down her spine, but she maintained her composure, unwilling to show weakness in front of their enemies.
Xiao Tian, still smiling, glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Ah, Bai Xiang, he thought. You don't even realize how unfortunate your future looks. How tragic. His eyes glinted with malice, knowing full well what was at stake. With Di Lóng's awakening and the sabotage of the slumber elixir, the Celestial Clan had put everything on the line. It didn't matter how many lives were lost today—if they could eliminate Yang Feng, the Immortal Clan's future would crumble. And with it, Bai Xiang's hopes.
---
Far below the arena, deep in a secret chamber hidden beneath the grand structure, the Realm King entered a shadowy room, Xiao Long following closely behind. The room was dimly lit, the cold stone walls echoing with the sounds of distant battles and the occasional rumble from the hunting grounds above.
The Realm King, his face twisting in anger, slammed his palm against the wall, his Qi rippling outward in waves of fury. "Yang Feng!" he spat, the name seething with hatred. His voice echoed through the chamber, laced with years of buried resentment.
Xiao Long, calm and composed as always, stood at his side, a smirk playing on his lips. "Patience, your Majesty," he said smoothly. "No matter how powerful he is, Yang Feng's fate is already decided."
The Realm King's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but he took a deep breath, calming himself. "Are you certain? He has survived worse before. This… this time, it must be different."
Xiao Long chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with malevolent satisfaction. "Yang Feng may be strong, but even he cannot survive the full power of Di Lóng. The slumber elixir was sabotaged perfectly. His body will crumble, and with it, the last hope of the Immortal Clan." He stepped forward, conjuring a seat from his Qi with a casual wave of his hand. "Let us enjoy the scene."
The Realm King hesitated, but eventually nodded, conjuring a chair of his own. They both sat down, their gazes fixed on a smaller screen in the corner of the room, one that revealed what no other eyes could see—the battle between Yang Feng and Di Lóng.
Yang Feng was burning, his body engulfed in flames, seemingly consumed by the overwhelming power of the Earth Qi Lightning. The Realm King's lips curved into a vicious smile as he watched the Immortal Prince suffer.
"Look at him," the Realm King sneered. "Burning to a crisp. Finally, the Immortals will be rid of their so-called prince."
But Xiao Long, leaning back with his arms crossed, remained calm. "Not yet," he murmured. His smile widened. "If Yang Feng could die so easily, he would not be the Immortal Prince."
As he spoke, the screen flickered, showing a sudden surge of blue lightning. The storm above the battlefield intensified, and a bolt of heavenly lightning descended, striking Yang Feng with immense force.
The Realm King's celebratory mood evaporated in an instant. "What is this?! Why is he still alive?" he barked, his face contorting with fury.
Xiao Long rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing as he watched the scene unfold. Yang Feng, battered and bloodied, but still alive, still fighting. "Do not worry, your Majesty," Xiao Long said, his voice eerily calm. "No matter what happens, Yang Feng's fate is sealed. Death is already knocking on his door."
He turned to leave, his robes swaying gracefully as he ascended the stairs leading back to the arena above. The Realm King, still seated, called after him, "Where are you going?!"
Xiao Long's voice echoed back, cold and confident. "I can feel her presence. My sister, Xiao Mei, is coming this way. Clean up the mess before she finds out."
The Realm King's eyes widened in shock. Xiao Mei… here? He cursed under his breath, hastily preparing to hide any evidence of his involvement.
As Xiao Long disappeared up the stairwell, a smirk played on his lips. "Yang Feng," he whispered to himself, "I'm always one step ahead."
---
End Chapter.
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