Jared lifted his cup, sipped, then let the porcelain kiss the table again. “Your praise flatters me, Sir, but I suspect your invitation is about more than wine and compliments. What do you really want?”
Ieuan’s approving smile deepened. “Very well… I shall be frank. I want you to remain in the kingdom and serve at my side.”
“Serve at your side?” Jared echoed, letting the words hover. “The king has already asked me to investigate the stolen Roaring Storm Bell. If I tether myself to you, wouldn‘t that contradict His Majesty’s wishes?”
Ieuan’s tone softened, yet a flick of disdain colored it. “His Majesty is kind… Perhaps too kind… The kingdom now throbs with threats inside and out…”
“The Roaring Storm Bell is missing, demonic souls gather, and the Celestial Palace watches like a hungry hawk. Stand beside me, and once I hold the reins of power, I will name you the Great General, grant you ten thousand acres of land, and pile mountains of celestial stones at your door. All the rare resources your Golden Dragon Bloodline craves will be yours.”
His gaze slid to the pouch at Jared’s waist, greed flickering. “They say you carry the Dragonslayer sword. Allow me a glimpse, and I will even place a portion of the Guardian Army under your command.”
Jared’s amusement stayed behind his eyes, a curl of frost that never reached his lips.
So that is his game, purchase a man, seize a sword, and play experiments with the Golden Dragon Bloodline…
Jared set the cup down with a click. “I appreciate the offer, Sir, but I am a partner to the kingdom, not a subordinate. Dragonslayer is my own blade. It never leaves my hand, and I must ask you not to mention it again.”
The smile evaporated from Ieuan’s face, replaced by shadow. “So you refuse me? I invite you in good faith, and you answer with such insolence?”
Jared rose from the stone bench with unhurried grace.
Sunlight, filtered through the lattice of the pavilion roof, flashed across the silver filigree on his sleeves as dusted his palms together, the gesture almost casual. “I appreciate your hospitality, Ieuan, but we walk different roads. There’s nothing more to discuss. I’ll be taking my leave.”
Ieuan’s voice cracked through the still air like splintering glass. “Leave?”
He slammed his palm onto the marble table. A thunder-loud boom rippled outward, shaking teacups and birds alike.
In the very next breath, black-clad cultivators poured in from every side of Lunar Hall, their auras locking onto Jared with predatory precision.
Ieuan’s eyes narrowed to icy slits. “l’ll grant you one last chance, stay and serve me, or brace yourself for what follows. Make the wrong choice, and I’ll show no mercy.”
Jared let out a short, scornful laugh. “Show no mercy?”
A faint spark of dragon-gold flickered behind his pupils. “Sir, do you truly believe this handful of guards can detain me?”
“I’m well aware of your strength,” Ieuan replied, his smile a shadow. “Commander Rylan himself couldn’t best you.”
He leaned forward, silk sleeves whispering against the tabletop. “But do you imagine I came unprepared? I Invited you here for one purpose only, the Dragonslayer and the Golden Dragon Bloodline lurking in your blood. Once I claim that power, the whole kingdom will bend beneath my hand.”
His final word had barely settled when runes the color of dying embers blazed to life around the pavilion. Sheets of light curved overhead, sealing Lunar Hall inside a shimmering formation.
Black runes crawled across the barrier like living Ink, each symbol jetting a chill that dampened spiritual energy and turned every breath heavy as wet sand.
“The Spiritual Barricade Array… Designed to smother an expert’s spiritual energy.” Ieuan’s grin widened. “Even with Golden Dragon Bloodline, you’ll manage scarcely a third of your strength in here. Hand over the blade and that divine soul, Mr. Chance, and I might leave your corpse intact.”
Lightning crackled as Jared flicked his wrist. Dragonslayer leapt Into his grip, silver arcs dancing along its edge.
He swept the sword in an argent fan, forcing three encroaching guards to stumble back. Yet, the formation clamped down on his spiritual energy like iron shackles. The blade’s thunder dimmed, its roar reduced to a rumble.
“Stop him!” Ieuan’s order rang out, bolstered by a surge of murderous intent. His shout rebounded off the rune-etched walls, spurring the black-clad cultivators forward like hounds unleashed.
Dozens of weapons and spells tore through the air at once-arcs of jade fire, orbs of shadow, chains wrought from raw spirit.
A brawny Earthly Immortal Realm Level Eight cultivator swung a war-axe the size of a door, sending a crescent of gold energy crashing toward Jared’s skull.
Another hurled a midnight net that ballooned overhead, its woven threads glistening with curse marks eager to cocoon their prey.
Jared side-stepped the axe’s glare, wind screaming past his hair. In the same heartbeat, slashed Dragonslayer upward, cleaving the cursed net in two before its fangs could close.
