Although Zouren was seething with rage on the inside, his outer appearance remained calm and collected.
Zouren knew that if Izroth entered the Moonlit Dove Garden and started running his mouth without thinking, it could have a negative impact on his ultimate goal behind this gathering. No matter what, he could not allow his plans to be ruined here—even if he had to temporarily take a few steps back.
Luxia frowned when she witnessed the disturbance taking place near the garden’s entrance.
“I dare not say that I know every talented youth in the Mortal Realm, but there are very few who escapes me. Young Zouren, is this a friend you invited to join us in the Secret Realm?” Luxia inquired as she sized Izroth up.
Friend? Zouren wanted nothing more than to immediately reject this ridiculous notion. However, he held his tongue and said, “That’s right. This is a young friend I met during the second team’s selection. After seeing that he had some skills, I allowed him the honor of attending this gathering. As for the Secret Realm—I have yet to discuss this matter with him. So, I hope that the fifth princess can give me some face and not mention it before I have the chance to properly explain things.” Zouren replied smoothly.
“Nonsense. I don’t remember agreeing to anything like this. The last person who joins us in the Secret Realm must be someone without close ties to any of us. Yet, it’s clear you’re trying to turn the odds in your favor.” Agromin commented without restraint.
He then continued, “At the same time, they must also not be any weaker than us. This person clearly lacks a domain—how can he be compared to anyone at this table?”
“This bastard’s pretty annoying and doesn’t know how to speak, but he’s right. I don’t really care who joins, but we won’t have time to babysit in the Secret Realm. That aside, a domain doesn’t define one’s strength. Are you saying that I’m weak? After all, I don’t have a domain.” Hakros stated with a grin.
Agromin scoffed and responded, “You know what I mean! Everyone knows a person of the Wild Lands is born with an immense innate strength that makes up for their inability to acquire a domain. I can accept that your case is special, but that guy is obviously not someone from the Wild Lands like you.”
“Whatever the case, does it even matter? As long as he’s strong, I have no complaints.” Hakros said.
“That brain in your head is also a muscle. If you don’t learn to properly exercise it, sooner or later, you will regret it.” Agromin sighed as he shook his head.
“Maybe you just exercise that brain of yours too much. What need is there to overthink everything? If something happens, you just need to have the power to overcome it. Isn’t it just that simple?” Hakros noted.
“You- This is why I said-“
“Alright, alright. We’re all friends here. How about we leave this discussion for a later date? When it comes to training, both the mind and body are of equal importance. Without the mind, the body is but an empty vessel. And, without the body, the mind lacks a vessel to carry out its will.” Zouren interjected.
After Zouren spoke, both sides took his outlook into consideration. In the end, they decided to take a step back and cease their arguments.
“Then, since that’s settled, I will go over to greet our friend. It seems that there has been a misunderstanding that needs to be sorted. You’ll have to excuse me while I attend to the matter at hand.” Zouren said as he walked away from the table at the garden’s center and began to make his way over to the entrance.
…
After Zouren walked away, Luxia glanced over at Sychia. The next moment, Luxia’s mouth was moving as if she were speaking; however, there were no audible words that could be heard. That’s because she was using the magic spell Spoken Thoughts to privately communicate with the Thousand Blossom Maiden.
“Tell me honestly, did you make a pact with anyone else regarding the Secret Realm?” Luxia communicated through Spoken Thoughts.
Sychia closed her eyes and released a small sigh. She then responded, “If I were to respond with no, you will see it as a lie and raise your guard. Should I choose to answer with yes, the end results will not differ. Seeking both a truth and a falsehood when neither exists. You… Are precisely the type of person I hate the most.”
Sychia replied via Spoken Thoughts in an unhurried and calm tone.
“Ah, it’s just as I thought. I really can’t stand you. You’re an eyesore, so why not just drop dead for me?” Luxia stated.
However, despite her vicious words relayed through Spoken Thoughts, Luxia’s outer expression remained one of elegance as she kept a gentle smile on her face.
“If you have the ability to kill me, you are welcome to try your hand at it. As for dropping dead at your request, I refuse.” Sychia responded as her outer appearance stayed unmoved and indifferent.
“It’s not that I lack the ability. I merely detest the thought of dirtying my hands here today. Besides, who knows what the future may hold?”
…
Meanwhile, near the entrance to the Moonlit Dove Garden…
At the moment, a group of young men was blocking Izroth and Azalea’s path into the garden.
After Azalea dealt with Hyran, just as Izroth expected, nothing happened due to Hyran not being a customer of the Twin Fang INN, but a guest.
Once the path was cleared, the two entered the Moonlit Dove Garden; however, those who were close by witnessed Hyran’s fate.
While Hyran was a nobody in their eyes, he was still someone Zouren assigned to guard the entrance. Naturally, this meant that killing Hyran was no different from not showing any face to Zouren. And, based on their unknown identities, those present knew immediately that Izroth and Azalea were not well-known figures among the younger generation.
In other words, this was not a place they belonged nor could they afford to cause trouble here!
Nevertheless, if they dared to still cause problems while knowing the identity of the person behind this gathering, then their status was no small. That’s why, even though the group blocked Izroth and Azalea’s path, they did not attack without forethought.
“You two—may I ask to see your invitations?” The person at the head of the group spoke out.
The one who spoke was a handsome young man named Julius. He was dressed in refined attire and conveyed his words in a tone that was neither arrogant nor submissive.
“If I can handle this matter without fault, Young Zouren will see me in a brighter light. If I can form a solid connection with the future master of the Eight Heavens, it will open up many doors for me.” Julius internalized.
“Invitations? From my understanding, the Moonlit Dove Garden is available to all residents of the Twin Fang INN and their guests.” Izroth stated in a carefree manner.
“Friend, it is better not to create problems that are beyond your ability to solve. Do you know the identity of this gathering’s host? He is the Third Disciple of the Eight Heavens, Young Zouren. The person you just killed may not have any status, but even if the dog bit you, it is not for you to punish without its master’s approval. I suggest the two of you crawl over to Young Zouren and beg for forgiveness. Maybe then you can still leave Devil’s Sanctum with your lives.” Julius suggested; however, his tone was no longer balanced. Now, it contained a clear hint of arrogance and disdain.
From Izroth’s response, Julius knew that these two before him were just some nobodies staying at the Twin Fang INN. Even if they had a bit of money, it was just that. It could not compare to the power and influence of those at this gathering.
Azalea’s eyes turned cold. How could she allow someone to insult her teacher right in front of her face? Julius wanted them to crawl and beg for forgiveness? How audacious!
Azalea did not care about the rules of the Twin Fang INN. That person had to pay the price for insulting her and her teacher! But, before Azalea could make a move…
BANG!
Out of nowhere, the sound of a loud crash rang throughout the garden. The next moment, Julius was faced down unconscious on the ground!
Everyone was dumbfounded. Not because of Julius’ abrupt defeat, but rather because of the person responsible for his miserable state.
“Who gave you a right to cause trouble at my gathering?” Zouren said with his foot pressed onto the back of Julius’ head.
Surprisingly, it was Zouren himself who took action against Julius! However, this left everyone involved in blocking Izroth’s path riddled with fear. If Zouren was willing to personally make a move for the sake of two other two—just what were their identities?
Zouren’s directed his gaze at Izroth. He had to control the situation at its core; therefore, punishing Julius was a way to, at the very least, display his intentions.
Needless to say, Zouren’s actions surprised Izroth. The two of them were not on friendly terms by any means. In fact, it would not have been strange if Zouren had come to reinforce Julius’ position. But, instead, Zouren quickly silenced the young man and shifted the blame of causing trouble from Izroth to him! Given the arrogance Zouren displayed during their previous brief encounters, this piqued Izroth’s interest.
‘Oh? Just what are you up to?’
