บท 179: Mischief, Masters, and Mayhem
Raja stood with his arms crossed, eyeing Cang Wanhe with a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "Wait a minute. Gu Qiuhong? The guy you trusted with your life? He's the one who put a Soul Devouring Life Binding Parasite in you?"
Cang Wanhe sighed, his pale face looking even more worn. "Yes, three years ago. It's nearly undetectable unless you have specialized knowledge. That explains my... prolonged illness."
Lan Xueruo's mouth hung open. "But Father, the imperial family has always been on good terms with Gu Qiuhong! Why would he do this?"
Raja's mind whirred. "It's obvious. Politics, betrayal, a juicy conspiracy. Take your pick. Let me guess: Crown Prince? Third Prince? Or maybe the Xiao Sect or Burning Heaven Clan are involved?"
Cang Wanhe nodded gravely. "Your instincts are sharp. I suspect this parasite was part of a larger scheme. But they avoided assassination because of our ties to the Heavenly Sword Villa. A direct attack would bring them down upon our enemies like a storm."
Raja raised an eyebrow. "Heavenly Sword Villa? Sounds fancy. What's their deal?"
Lan Xueruo explained, "The Heavenly Sword Villa is connected to one of the Four Great Sacred Grounds. It was founded by a former member of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. Their strength alone is enough to keep other sects in check, even if their official ranking doesn't reflect it."
Raja scratched his head. "Alright, so they play the slow game. Poison instead of swords. Cowards."
Lan Xueruo bit her lip. "Is there a cure?"
Raja smirked. "Oh, there's a cure. But it's not exactly lying around in the imperial pharmacy. You'll need a Burning Soul Flower. Rare as hen's teeth, and only ten exist on this continent."
Cang Wanhe's weak eyes brightened with a flicker of hope. "Then there is a chance?"
Raja nodded. "If you can get one, it'll work. But finding it will be... let's just say challenging."
Lan Xueruo's determination was palpable. "I'll do whatever it takes to find this flower, even if it means turning the Blue Wind Imperial Family's resources inside out."
At that moment, a eunuch burst into the room, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Princess, an envoy from the Heavenly Sword Villa has arrived. Ling Yun, the Young Villa Master, wishes an audience."
Cang Wanhe immediately stiffened. "No one must know about the parasite. Especially not the Heavenly Sword Villa. Their connections could spell disaster."
Raja clapped his hands. "Understood. Let's play it cool."
Meeting Ling Yun
Lan Xueruo and Raja stepped into the receiving hall, where a poised young man stood with his equally spirited younger brother.
Ling Yun exuded calm authority, bowing respectfully. "Princess Lan Xueruo, it is an honor. This is my younger brother, Ling Jie."
Ling Jie's eyes sparkled with mischief as they landed on Lan Xueruo. "Princess, your beauty is even greater than the tales! I must ask—will you marry me?"
Lan Xueruo blinked, momentarily stunned. Raja stepped in with a grin. "Sorry, kid. She's already taken."
Lan Xueruo shot Raja a glare as he casually grabbed her hand, raising it for effect. Ling Jie frowned. "Taken? By him?!"
Raja nodded smugly. "Yep. Tough luck, buddy."
Ling Jie's jaw tightened. "Then I challenge you to a duel! Let's see if you're worthy of the princess."
Raja leaned back, feigning contemplation. "Hmm. You're what, fifteen? How tough can you be?"
Jasmine's voice echoed in his mind. "Much tougher than you think. He's at the third level of the Spirit Profound Realm, and his swordsmanship is masterful."
Raja's smirk widened. "Oh, this'll be fun." Raja who hide his cultivation to 10th level True profound Realm.
The Bet
Ling Yun stepped forward, trying to mediate. "This isn't necessary. The difference in your strength—"
Raja waved him off. "No worries. Let's make it interesting. Three strikes. If you land even one, I won't interfere with your pursuit of the princess. But if I block all three, you'll be my subordinate."
Ling Jie's face lit up with overconfidence. "Three strikes? You're asking for humiliation. Fine!"
Raja held up a single finger, covered in dark Haki, and gestured for Ling Jie to begin.
Ling Yun frowned. "This is unwise—"
"Let the kid have his fun," Raja interrupted, grinning.
The Duel
Ling Jie unsheathed his sword, its edge gleaming with profound energy. His first attack was deceptively simple—a straightforward strike. But the power behind it was anything but.
Raja casually raised his Haki-covered finger, meeting the blade head-on. The resulting clash created a shockwave that sent furniture flying and cracked the marble floor.
Ling Jie stumbled back, his eyes wide. "What... what was that?!"
Raja yawned. "That was me blocking your first strike. Two more to go."
Round Two
Determined, Ling Jie adjusted his stance. "You won't block this one!"
He launched into the Heaven's Might Sword Formation – Elegant Upheaval, his blade unleashing a flurry of sword silhouettes. The air buzzed with energy as the attack descended upon Raja like a storm.
Raja's response was simple yet devastating. He reached out with his Haki-covered hand, catching the blade mid-swing. The force shattered Ling Jie's attack, sending him skidding across the floor.
Ling Yun, watching from the sidelines, couldn't hide his amazement. "His strength... it's not ordinary."
Ling Jie, now furious, shouted, "Enough playing around! My next strike will finish this!"
The Final Clash
Ling Jie channeled every ounce of his profound energy, his blade glowing with a fiery intensity. "Sun Piercer!" he roared, his sword transforming into a beam of destructive energy.
Raja's expression changed. "Alright, kid. Let's see what you've got."
As Ling Jie lunged, Raja activated Tempest Breathing. His movements became a blur as he countered with the Thunderstrike Palm.
The clash was cataclysmic. Energy exploded outward, ripping apart the walls and shattering windows. The imperial guards rushed in, only to be waved off by Lan Xueruo, who seemed more annoyed by the mess than worried.
When the dust settled, Ling Jie was on the ground, his sword shattered. Raja stood unscathed, brushing off his sleeves.
"Three strikes," Raja said smugly. "Looks like you're my subordinate now."
Ling Jie groaned. "This isn't over..."
where as Ling Yun looking at Raja with Jaw dropping on the floor.
Lan Xueruo sighed. "You've proven your strength, Raja. But next time, maybe try not to destroy the palace?"
Raja grinned. "No promises."
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