Chapter 17

  As they got off the bridge connecting the main land to Lunala Isle, the differences between the place and Shadowy Ridges were clear.

  A constant stream of people walked in and out of the town, carrying various items.

  Several groups of children played near the street side participating in various games and enacting roles from theaters or from stories of the Swordfighting World.

  The buildings and stalls were well-organized and clean. In front of them, small groups of people stood, surveying their contents.

  Colorful and well-built buildings brandishing names of establishments were peppered around and street sellers smiled as they spoke happily with their customers.

  A welcoming cool breeze blew into the carriage, contrasting with the heat of the sun overhead.

  As the carriage drew closer to the water, the fragrances in the air which initially started with warm tea and perfumes, slowly began to carry the scent of the sea and many people could be seen selling fresh fish while various restaurants displaying fish-based dishes began to appear.

  The carriage slowed down a bit as people around them moved to make space.

  Although Lunala isle was an island, it was a rather large one. That was why it wasn’t until two hours passed that the carriage reached the Thousand Petals Swords Clan.

  The swords clan sat just a few feet from the water’s edge. Two stone signs placed adjacent to each other at the front, read, “Thousand Petals”. If one walked in, they would be greeted with an intricately built wooden structure made of darkened wood and decorated with many expensive fixtures.

  Rillian Adore stepped out of the carriage with Drakkel and Lord Tincaid in tow.

  After surveying the surroundings, he told the coachman that he could head back and tossed him a golden coin.

  Receiving the coin, the coachman bowed and left soon afterwards.

  The three stepped towards the manor with Rillian Adore leading, but before they could enter, they were stopped by two disciples dressed in white and red robes.

  “State your business!” One of them yelled.

  “I’m here to report an incident,” Rillian Adore answered.

  “And who should we say is reporting this?” The other disciple asked.

  “Rillian Adore.” Rillian Adore answered, pulling out a gold pass inlaid with gems from his robes.

  Drakkel recognized it as the pass that the disciple named Trin was carrying.

  The two disciples looked at the pass. Then their eyes cautiously darted up and down Rillian Adore’s figure. They gazed at his greatsword and then his blonde hair.

  When they realized their mistake, their eyes widened and their bodies began to shake with nervousness.

  Seeing this, Drakkel understood their reactions well.

  Although the Golden Peak Swords Clan was known as the strongest and most influential of the seven most powerful Swords Clans, they were also known for being overall righteous and fair.

  However, Rillian Adore alone had built a reputation for himself. He was cold and intimidating and sometimes even ruthless. Drakkel had seen this personality first hand.

  The disciple that asked them what their business was bowed and said in a nervous tone, “Sorry if we offended you Sword Master Rillian. Please follow me, I’ll take you to the clan leader.”

  Rillian Adore nodded and Drakkel followed behind him, keeping his head down and stature tightened.

  The disciple still guarding the entrance asked, “And who is this man following you?”

  Rillian Adore effortlessly and without hesitation answered, “Just a servant that I've taken a liking to. Why? Is there a problem?”

  Rillian Adore was tall and muscular Although he spoke calmly, he emphasized the last few words with a downcast gaze.

  The two disciples could feel a chill run down their spine and the one who asked the question felt his mouth dry up.

  This man’s abrupt words explained absolutely nothing but he could only shake his head in response. After all, the man had a reputation that was truly too scary. He feared what would happen if he continued to speak.

  If the Golden Blade said he had taken a liking to someone, who would dare to say anything against him?

  Hoping his clan leader wouldn't reprimand him, he exchanged a worried look with the other disciple. The other disciple nodded and answered Rillian Adore, “There is no problem. Please follow me.”

  He continued to walk towards the building with Rillian Adore and the others following behind him.

  The building was massive, probably quadruple the size of Lord Tincaid’s manor. But it wasn't unexpected. They weren’t one of the seven leading sword clans for no reason.

  As the young disciple led them around the massive courtyard in which a cherry blossom tree sat at the center, many disciples took the chance to cast a curious glance at them. However, within a few moments, they returned to whatever they were doing as if having guests was an everyday thing.

  Drakkel appreciated how disciplined they were. If it were his Swords Clan, no matter if they were used to guests or not, they wouldn’t have hesitated to approach the newcomers and inquire about what was going on.

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  As they walked, they passed several beautiful corridors and fields filled with pristine settings like stone waterfalls and small ponds.

  Drakkel gazed at the scenery in awe. There was only place he had seen anything better and it was from the clan that the person he was traveling with hailed from.

  The Thousand Petals Swords Clan was large and prominent and although its look was different, just being in the place reminded him of his own Clan.

  As he thought about them, his face fell.

  Although the clan was large, it was built for efficiency. Most paths were straight and easy to traverse. Even the disciples walking were respectful and made way for the group. So, it wasn't long until they arrived at the front of a set of double doors.

  Standing in front of the doors, the disciple that led them respectfully stated, “Clan Leader Lione, Some people here wish to see you regarding an incident. Among them is Sword Master Rillian Adore of the Golden Peak Swords Clan.”

  A calm voice replied from the other side, “Let them in.”

  The disciple opened the doors. Behind them was a man sitting in the middle of a mid-sized room.

  The man couldn’t have been older than 50 and yet the aura he exuded was one of an elder. He had long graying hair and a short beard sat upon his face. Taking in his aura and features one could call him handsome.

  It was hard to tell from the way he sat whether he was friendly or reserved, but from the way the disciple spoke to him, Drakkel could only assume the latter.

  The room the man sat in was basic. To one side hung a poleaxe, beautiful in make with a black handle and glistening blades. To the other, sat a banner with a proverb sewed in. It read, “With strength to lift mountains and spirit to take on the world.”

  The man sitting in the middle of the room had his eyes closed and his legs crossed. The moment they stepped in, his eyes shot open and his gaze swept over them.

  With narrowed eyes, he first looked at Lord Tincaid, then at Rillian Adore.

  His eyes lingered a bit on Drakkel after, but his gaze was full of mystery.

  Giving away nothing, Drakkel couldn’t decipher what it meant. But he at least knew his identity wasn't revealed when the Swords Clan Leader asked, “For what reason have you come here?”

  Rillian Adore pulled Lord Tincaid forward. “This Lord has spent the last three years abusing his power to torture the denizens of Shadowy Ridges. He even did it with the assistance of demons. I have righted the problem, but this man still needs to be brought to justice. There are also other matters.

  The demons disappeared while I was apprehending this man so I don't think he is the true master. The man is cowardly and submitted easily. I think he wouldn’t have dared do this alone. He callously committed malfeasance against his people as if he was sure he wouldn't be caught. Whoever is behind him must wield a lot of power. I have come to request your assistance in investigating this.”

  The Swords’ Clan leader nodded. “Of course, I'll help.”

  He glanced at his disciple and uttered “Leave”

  The disciple bowed his head and hurried out of the room.

  After he left, the Clan Leader breathed out a sigh.

  He slowly stood up and walked over to them.

  Then, suddenly and without warning, he took his palm and struck at Lord Tincaid’s heart vital point. It was so quick that neither Rillian Adore nor Drakkel could stop him in time.

  Lord Tincaid’s face contorted in pain before his eyes rolled behind his head and a line of blood escaped his mouth.

  Within a few moments, he was dead.

  Rillian Adore checked his breath and his eyes widened.

  He gently laid Lord Tincaid’s body up against a wall and lowered his eyelids.

  His head tilted downward before he stood up. Glaring at the clan leader, he spoke with a voice. leaking with rage. “You killed him! Why?!”

  Clan Leader Lione opened his mouth as if he was about to answer when a disciple furiously knocked on the door. “Clan Leader Lione! Clan Leader Lione! We’re under attack by demons!”

  The Thousand Petals Swords’ Clan Leader’s eyebrows drew close as he urgently asked, “Where is your senior, Shien?”

  “Senior has taken a few of the stronger disciples to intercept the threat!”

  Clan Leader Lione’s eyes widened. He grabbed the poleaxe from the wall and hurriedly said, “I’ll be right there.”

  He turned to Rillian Adore. “You two should leave. What’s happening here has nothing to do with you.”

  After saying this, he dashed out of the room.

  Surprisingly, Rillian Adore calmed down. He took out the evidence he had been holding and stuffed it into Drakkel's robes.

  “Hold onto this,” he said.

  He grabbed his greatsword from his back and with his empty hand, took Drakkel and ran.

  As they followed the path out the building, they spotted several disciples fighting off a horde of demons.

  They ran past them, with Rillian Adore defeating any demons that stood in his way.

  As they left the building, Drakkel saw a familiar masked hooded figure rush towards the direction of the room they met the Sword Clan Leader in earlier.

  Ignoring him, Rillian Adore said, “Sometimes, to advance is to retreat. Help should be arriving soon.”

  Drakkel was confused.

  When did Rillian Adore send for help and who did he call?

  They exited the building but there was still a small distance between the front gate and the manor.

  Only a few moments after stepping out, did Drakkel hear the loud and familiar sound of an explosion going off. Flames erupted into the air, quickly consuming the building they had just left.

  The once grand and pristine manor had become a sea of flames.

  Out of the fire stepped a line of six demons and a hooded masked figure leading them.

  Rillian Adore turned around to confront them.

  He said to Drakkel who was standing behind him, “I’ll take care of them. You leave.”

  Drakkel had fought the masked figure before so he knew. With it and the demons working together, even Rillian Adore would have a hard time fighting back.

  He shook his head. “No. You can’t handle them alone. Let me help.”

  “Can you?” Rillian Adore asked. “Your injuries aren’t healed yet.”

  Rillian Adore was right.

  Even now, Drakkel could feel the faint aches of his body with every move he made. But Rillian Adore couldn't handle the masked figure and the demons alone either.

  If the Thousand Petals Swords Clan couldn't stop them, then he would surely be killed.

  “I’ll be fine.” Drakkel answered. “The demons have been weakened. My only worry is that we still don’t know how powerful the masked figure is. Give me one of those rejuvenating pills you have. I can at least help you hold them off until the help you spoke about arrives.”

  Rillian Adore could probably tell that Drakkel wasn’t going to back down. Without further argument, he took out the pouch of rejuvenating pills and held it near him. Drakkel quickly took a pill and shoved it in his mouth.

  Then he took his place next to Rillian Adore to face the threatening array of demons.