Chapter 27

  “You come to talk yet you already show your hostility! You have a history of leaving death and despair in your wake and you come with over a hundred demons.! Why should we believe you have good intentions?” Katar Kazilik shouted.

  Most within the crowd were still afraid to speak. But some did manage to let out shouts of agreement.

  Drakkel glared at Clan Leader Kazilik. “It's not your turn to speak yet, Katar Kazilik. Besides, you’re one to talk. Didn't you have your clan obliterate mine? And you seemed all too eager to do it as well. I can see why though. After all, your clan did take mine’s place as second strongest.”

  “That's only because—!” he was about to say, when he was interrupted by someone.

  “Isn't it only because your clan was in cahoots with you? You all destroyed the Thousand Petals Swords Clan, suppressed the people of Shadowy Ridges, attacked the Golden Peak Swords Clan and kidnapped Firo Fieren, the son of Clan Leader Ren Fieren! I mean, he’s right there!”

  Rubiella Thorne pointed at Firo Fieren’s slumped figure. “On top of this you recently killed Master Som, a merchant from Dragon’s Dwelling.”

  Drakkel was intrigued. Only a moment ago, she seemed nervous. Now she finally had the courage to talk.

  “Are you sure you want to speak, Rubiella Thorne? Aren’t there secrets that you’re hiding as well?”

  Rubiella Thorne clenched her fists and bit her tongue.

  Drakkel had a feeling that the woman knew something about the fate of his mother, but decided not to say anything. After all, if it was discovered that a woman from their clan not only got in bed with a demon, but had a child with one, could the Enchanting Fans Swords’ Clan still safely exist as one of the strongest swords clans or even be the one hosting the event today?

  It’s just that Drakkel had other matters to attend to. He would find out the truth, but only after dealing with his current issue.

  As they spoke, Ren Fieren was gazing at his son anxiously. “Please. Let him go. As far as I know, he hasn't done you any harm. You two have no grudges.”

  Drakkel let out a laugh. “The stories, it seems, have been manipulated to this extent.”

  He again gazed at all the clan leaders and noticed that a few were talkative while others were silent. He knew why Istress Iluna didn't say anything, after all her clan still did business with Drakkel even after his ‘wrongdoings’ had been made public. But for Pieres Reluva, her reasons for her countenance were mysterious.

  He looked, but actually, none of this really mattered to him.

  He had made a promise after all.

  “Master, what Drakkel says is true. He is not in control of all the demons and so is referred to as a Demon Prince, not a Demon King. Also, I was with him for all of the events that were mentioned just now. We saved the people of Shadowy Ridges, beat back the demons that attacked the Thousand Petals Swords Clan, and tried to save Firo Fieren! As for what happened at the Golden Peak Swords Clan, it was a matter of circumstance. In the end, didn't no one die and the demons disperse?

  Besides, Drakkel is not responsible for what happened to Master Som! Even if he was, that man was evil and deserved to die!

  As for his clan, there was something suspicious about the whole thing! They were known for being helpful and kind all these years, so why would they turn around and start committing evil deeds?

  Someone has twisted the stories to fit their narrative! You have to investigate this!”

  Whispers erupted from the crowd of disciples.

  “Maybe he's right. I mean, the stories that were spread while the two traveled around framed them in a positive light.”

  “Are you dumb? This is the Demon King we're talking about. For all of those instances, he could have commanded the demons in the background while looking like a hero at the forefront!”

  “Rilian Adore said he’s a Demon Prince and doesn't even have control of all the demons. Also, if he was going to do all these things, why did he wait till now? Couldn't he have done them after Rilian Adore defeated him? Or even before that? I was there during the Sacred Beast attack in one of the villages near Densai Forest and experienced his heroism myself. Why would he build such a good reputation just to tear it down later?”

  “Couldn't it all be a part of some grand scheme that we aren't privy to? After all, it was said that Demon King Fael announced that he had good intentions too. He defeated bandits and did other small good deeds. But in the end, he spent years massacring the sword fighters until our leaders wiped him and his army out!”

  Listening to this, Drakkel didn't expect much. That was why the next words out of Lorian Adore’s mouth didn't surprise him. “Rilian Adore! You speak for the Demon King, but..”

  His face took up a pained expression as if what he was about to say physically hurt him. “H…h…he did that to you! Clearly he has you under some kind of spell! There were even witnesses from Towering Heights!”

  Rilian Adore gave Drakkel a confused and disheartened look. It seemed he hadn't remembered what happened that day.

  He shook his head and continued, “The demons have no such ability! Please listen to me!”

  Lorian Adore face showed a sliver of doubt, but that doubt quickly disappeared and was replaced with resolve. “You aren't in your right mind, so your words can’t be trusted! When we get you back, we can take care of whatever spell was placed on you! So please, resist that devil’s charms and return to the clan with me!”

  Drakkel let out a hearty laugh and stepped towards Lorian Adore. “Ah, Lorian Adore. Even with your favorite disciple in front of you, you refuse to see reason and admit your faults. Today, I will prove to you all that my clan and I were innocent. Then you will see if you can answer to your ancestors in death after wrongfully killing others!”

  He signaled first for Enzo to be brought over along with Tifu.

  Once Enzo was kneeling in front of the Clan Leaders, Drakkel commanded him to speak.

  Enzo’s whole body was shaking as he said, “Ye…Yes… I was Lord Tincaid’s closest servant in Shadowy Ridges. He was working with someone to force people to extract meteoric stone from the mine. The mine was illegal and the conditions were terrible. I happened to glance at some letters while he was working one day. They were titled to three merchants who lived in the capital. They were… Master Som, Master Tifu, and Mistress Fina…”

  “And what does that have to do with anything?" Lorian Adore asked.

  “Ssh.” Drakkel said, placing a finger to his lips.

  Lorian Adore was shocked by the disrespectful display. But he knew he couldn't act rashly.

  Drakkel said, “The three mentioned, knew of who was behind the Meteoric stone mine. And I have one with me right now.”

  He waved his hand and another demon brought Master Tifu forward.

  Drakkel glanced at Master Tifu and he lowered his head in response.

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  Drakkel had already had a talk with the man. The man was intelligent, but also a coward. He would rather stay alive in a dungeon forever than face death. So, he went along with Drakkel, deciding not to lie. “I… I was acquainted with Lord Tincaid! I invested in his mine and yielded some profits. But… the major investor and beneficiary, the one who provided the demons for work was…” He wanted to look up at the leader of the clan he was about to reference, but didn't dare to. For he feared that upon utterance of the name of the clan, just looking at the man would kill him on the spot. He lowered his head deeper and continued. “The Golden Peak Swords Clan.”

  Gasps came from the crowd. Surely, it couldn't be right?

  Many couldn't help but think it, but wouldn't dare say it aloud.

  If the Golden Peak Swords Clan was responsible for the events, then framed Drakkel for all of it, wouldn't it be too depressing? Even if they each paid for 100 lifetimes, it wouldn't be enough to compensate for this man's suffering.

  Lorian Adore could feel the sentiments changing. He quickly looked around.

  “That makes no sense!" He shouted. "Have you all ever seen me with a demon?”

  He moved his gaze to Master Tifu. “Tifu, is it? If this demon is making you say things against your will, you can tell me!”

  Another familiar voice said something. It made Tifu’s heartbeat quicken. “Don't worry, Clan Leader, I will handle this.”

  Surprisingly, the one who stepped forward was Lorian Adore's assistant who had been standing silently by his side the whole time. “We can help you escape. All you have to do is tell us the truth.”

  Tifu’s heart shattered into a million pieces. Fear now held him in a death grip. Truly he felt as if he didn't go along with what the man in front of him said, his soul would leave his body in the next moment. However, Drakkel stepped in front of him, blocking the view from the man. “Calm down, I still have more to say.”

  He waved his hand forward and the box of papers were brought forward.

  Upon seeing it, Clan Leader Ren Fieren’s eyes widened, but no one else noticed.

  “In this box is proof of Clan Leader Adore’s past. It would show that he has a motive for doing all this. He was rumored to hold a different identity before he became who he was today.”

  He opened the box and lifted out the papers. “Here, we have the certificate of sale for Clan Leader Adore, a name change document, and a birth certificate.”

  He held up the papers for all to see. They showed that Lorian Adore used to be called Duon Drik and that he was sold to the Hidden Desires Swords’ Clan. On top of that, he was born to a woman called Delia Drik.

  They were far away, but if they honed their sword energy, all in the crowd could see the papers held by the Demon King. Many wondered if it was true and if Drakkel really was wronged. However, Lorian Adore was prepared.

  “I implore all of you to look here!” He said.

  All eyes landed on him.

  He brought out a piece of paper with Rilian Adore’s name on it and unexpectedly, the handwriting was the same as on the papers Drakkel brought out.

  “I always keep this on myself to remember my disciple while he's out. But, do you all see!? My disciple, while being under the influence of the Demon King, must have fabricated evidence to use against me!”

  The crowd was skeptical at first. Many whispered and talked saying that they had never seen the Golden Blade's handwriting, so how would they know if Lorian Adore was telling the truth?

  Suddenly, someone spoke up. It was the Leader of Swordsmith VIlla, Clan Leader Ren Fieren. “Although Lorian Adore and I are old friends, I would never speak up if I thought he was in the wrong. Truth be told, I have seen Rilian Adore’s handwriting as I watched him grow up. That…” He pointed to Lorian Adore’s paper, “Is indeed it.”

  Gasps erupted from the watching disciples.

  Like the changing of seasons, one witness and a single piece of paper instantly influenced the tides of opinion.

  Many in the crowd revered the Golden Blade, but they were the strongest Sword Fighters in the Empire, practicing daily and making strides in their cultivation.

  Despite all their practice, they couldn't catch up with Rilian Adore and so, along with their reverence harbored a deep-seated jealousy. It didn't help that many were among the people that Rilian Adore had beaten so long ago to earn his title of “Undefeated Golden Blade.” Even if there were still doubts in their mind, they were filled with hostility and a few were even eager to get back at him.

  A Sword Master who had once dueled Rilian Adore, Wils Jirno of the White Cloud Swords Clan, stepped forward first.

  “Unfathomable! How could he lie to protect a demon?!”

  Although he wasn't from a prominent Swords Clan, who didn't recognize this man? He was the only Sword Master after Drakkel to lose to Rilian Adore. Looking at him and realizing that even he dared to step forward, the rest of the crowd also gained confidence and continued with fervor.

  “He’s been tricked!”

  “Is the Golden Blade too far gone? Even against his master who adopted him and took him as his own blood, he…!”

  “I hate to say it, but we might need to consider him a threat as well…”

  “How far is the Demon King willing to go? Even making a disciple go against his master…”

  Rilian Adore shot an angry glance at those who dared to speak up. His stifling and intimidating aura was enough to make them stop, but the damage had already been done.

  Seeing the situation, Drakkel laughed.

  He tried.

  He really did, but when the world was against you, how could a tiny voice make any difference? He had already given up on redeeming himself. But his clan was different.

  “Fine.” He said. “Let’s say you’re right. That doesn’t make you innocent. Your clan was still involved.”

  He flicked his hand and Firo Fieren was brought forward. Firo Fieren had been defiant at first, but when Drakkel threatened his family members, it wasn’t long until he gave up. He told him how a demon approached him promising riches for his clan. He actually acted like he was fine being the helper to his brother and father, but in truth, he wanted to be the primary heir to the Sword Smith Villa Swords Clan.

  So when a demon approached, he made a deal. In the hopes that sporting better achievements than his brother would raise his rank in his father’s eyes, he agreed to take in the Meteoric Stones. He was already the one in charge of the Meteoric Stone gathering, so it wasn’t too much of an issue. Seeing that his father actually did begin to look at him proudly, he really couldn’t stop.

  Through the new revenue, his clan had gained enough riches to upgrade their manor. Since Firo Fieren had already proved himself proficient at handling the Meteoric stone business and Ren Fieren was busy supervising the Sword Fighters, he didn’t bother to check on the Meteoric Stone trade. He only knew that his Clan all of a sudden had more income.

  But then Firo Fieren was told by the demon he was in contact with that someone was catching on. He didn’t believe it at first but then he overheard his father’s conversation with Rilian Adore and Drakkel Fin.

  In a panic, he didn’t know what to do. After all, taking advantage of others was one thing, but working with demons? He would certainly not inherit the clan at that point. In fact, he might even have become a sword outcast or worse, had his martial arts destroyed!

  So, the demon suggested a solution.

  Meet up with Drakkel Fin and Rilian Adore on their way out of Joyous Encounters. Then, he would pretend to kidnap him and take him to a safe space to lie low while his people took care of the two. Later, he met the Crown Prince who had him stay in a hidden location for a while, then moved him to the fortress where he thought it would be safer.

  Drakkel glowered as he thought.

  Firo Fieren had told him all this already. Now, it was only a matter of him telling everyone else. Once it got out, it would be easy to connect the dots.

  Drakkel had no dealings with the Crown Prince, yet he was the one who helped Firo Fieren. The next thought people would have would be, who would be powerful enough to not only falsely smear someone’s name, but to have dealings with both the Crown Prince of the Empire and the second son of one of the strongest Swords Clans?

  The Golden Peak might not be blamed but at least the spotlight would be off him and his clan.

  The demon who brought Firo Fieren forward hit his acupoint, instantly waking him up. When he gazed around and realized where he was, he lowered his head. He didn’t dare to look his older brother or father in the face.

  “Tell me, Firo Fieren. You were kidnapped that day after we left Joyous Encounters. Didn’t Rilian Adore and I try to stop you? Besides, you must have been in on it. For not only were you not killed, you were safely kept under the Fortress near Dragon’s Dwelling and in good condition I hear! Did someone tell you to wait it out until the dust settled? Then you could return to your clan with your head held high as someone who survived being kidnapped by the Demon King!”

  Firo Fieren remained silent through Drakkel’s questioning. Because Drakkel found out that Firo Fieren was actually the one in charge of the meteoric stone mining in SwordSmith Villa, he next said, “Tell me. You were in charge of meteoric stone mining in your clan as well, weren’t you? You benefited from the mining at Shadowy Ridges. Who gave you such a thick face?”

  Seeing as there was no answer, he pressed on. “Who is behind you?”

  Firo Fieren quietly mumbled, “I…”

  Drakkel leaned in closer to hear him better.

  “I…”

  Suddenly, Drakkel saw something twitching in the corner of his eye and everything devolved into chaos.