Chapter 98: Wind Swept Through Tower Before Mountain Rain
Chapter 98: Wind Swept Through Tower Before Mountain Rain
That… that was actually a Four-Star Magic Longbow?
The golden-haired Warrior finally recognized it, sucking in a sharp breath.
Though standing far away, he could clearly sense the magical waves emanating from that golden bow. An icy cold rushed into the sky like a Four-Star Mage standing right there. Only a Four-Star Magic Weapon could possess such an aura.
And for any Star-Rank Warrior, a Four-Star Magic Weapon was absolutely a supreme treasure.
On the Azeroth Continent, Magical Equipment and weapons were divided into nine star levels based on their quality.
The lower three-star—One to Three Star—Magic Weapons were somewhat common and quite ordinary. But the middle three-star—Four to Six Star—and upper three-star—Seven to Nine Star—Magic Weapons were relatively rare. Generally, only high-level Forgers and Mages could craft middle or upper three-star Magic Weapons. To any Star-Rank Warrior, a mid to upper three-star Magic Weapon mattered more than life itself. This was tied to a Warrior’s own advancement path.
After a Warrior breaks through the Stellar Level and ascends to become a Moon-level Expert, they face three choices for further advancement—equipment cultivation, beast cultivation, or body cultivation.
Among the three paths for Moon-level Experts, equipment cultivation was the most widespread. It was also the simplest and yielded the quickest results.
To become an equipment cultivator, a warrior must choose a high-quality weapon as their Soul Weapon to nurture and temper as one with themselves. The potential height a Moon-level Expert’s cultivation path can reach largely depends on the grade and quality of the Soul Weapon they bond with. The relationship between person and weapon is interdependent. This clearly showed just how important a high-star weapon was. Though Obina was a Prince of the Third-Class Vassal State, Thrace Kingdom, even he lacked a Four-Star weapon. That was why his expression changed instantly upon seeing it.
“If only I could take possession of this Four-Star Longbow…”
Greed surged in the golden-haired Warrior Obina’s mind, his heart racing. This fleeting thought instantly shattered his previously warm and approachable image. An invisible aura of brutality began radiating from him.
However, Obina was an extremely cautious man.
That very caution was why Thrace Kingdom had sent him to Shampoo City to oversee this operation.
After observing a group of female Rogues for quite some time, Obina quickly assessed their possible origins in his mind. Reason finally overcame greed after some internal struggle. An archer possessing a Four-Star Longbow but only Three-Star strength simply couldn’t be ordinary. Furthermore, besides the red-haired beauty who stood out with Three-Star power, over a dozen other girls also emanated auras indicating they were at least One-Star Warrior level. Such a force was absolutely significant; perhaps they had a massive background…
Playing it safe, Obina ultimately chose to investigate first.
He whispered a few commands to a middle-aged guard beside him. The guard turned and vanished into the crowd. The group then departed, leaving only two agile guards who quietly trailed Ileena and the others.
…
…
Three hours later.
“Are these little guys what they left behind?”
Sun Fei stared, his eyes practically bulging out, at the dozen or so various squealing, hungry baby Magical Beasts in the stone hall within the Back Mountain’s Underground Grotto Labyrinth. Women… oh women, they really were unusual creatures, far too quick to feel that motherly love surge.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Miss Ileena and the others left these little ones here before they had to return…”
Oleg looked thoroughly flustered, scrambling about like a frantic nurse. He tried feeding fresh goat milk to a wriggly little Golden-Furred Howler on a shallow tray.
This Howler resembled a little tiger, except it had two fleshy, soft little wings on its back. Its fur was fluffy, making it incredibly cute. But its big, jet-black eyes, jewel-like, held a wary look. No matter how Oleg tried to soothe it, it stubbornly refused even a single lick of the milk.
The poor fat man had never faced anything like this. These weren’t things you could beat or scold. He wiped sweat from his brow, utterly at a loss.
Finding the scene amusing, Sun Fei couldn’t help but laugh.
Ileena and her companions could only stay in the real world for four hours. Once time was up, they had to return to the World of Diablo. Unlike Sun Fei, they couldn’t bring things from the real world back to Rogue Continent. So, they left the babies with Oleg for care. Oleg was certainly slick at flattery, a real clever fellow, but when it came to feeding these adorable little things? He was hopeless, worse than the bare-bottomed kids playing in the streets of Shampoo City. No matter how hard he tried, the stubborn little beasts refused to cooperate.
“Let me try.”
Amused, Sun Fei took the shallow dish from Oleg. Smiling, he offered the milk to the Golden-Furred Howler. The tiny creature, however, offered no respect for His Majesty. Its big, dark eyes glared back. It bared its tiny fangs, wriggled its plump little body, gave a sniff full of disdain anyone could understand, turned around, and very deliberately stuck out its backside. Then, it kicked the silver tray away with a hind leg! The white goat milk splashed all over Sun Fei.
Witnessing this, even the blacksmiths and soldiers working in the distance secretly laughed.
Angry and embarrassed, Sun Fei raised his hand, ready to swat the little beast…
But seeing the pitiful creature crouched miserably low to the ground with its head hanging, big eyes welling up, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He sighed helplessly, picked up the fallen tray, and looked at the other little animals nearby.
He had to admit, these baby Magical Beasts were indeed extremely cute in appearance and formidably ‘sweet’.
There was the Fisher Cat, plump like a meatball, eyes usually half-closed. Supposedly, these gentle cat-like creatures could grow up to half a meter long as adults and dive hundreds of meters deep to hunt giant fish, making them natural predators of water Magical Beasts. There was also the Wind-Winged Parrot, looking just like any ordinary parrot except it had four legs! Its feathers were a dazzling riot of colors, its beak sharp with backward-pointing hooks; said to be highly intelligent, capable even of learning the languages of all the world’s races if trained well after maturing…
These little guys, colorful and undeniably furry balls of fluff, were clearly starving, some whimpering with tiny tears. Yet they huddled together, shrinking back timidly. Every glance they shot anyone was full of suspicion. They stubbornly refused to lick the fresh milk offered right before them. Sun Fei seriously considered prying their mouths open and pouring it in.
Just then, he remembered something. Concentrating, he switched into 【Druid Mode】. Legends spoke of Druids possessing nature’s power, understanding the heart of the wild, capable of drawing close to any plant or animal. It should soothe these babies.
Indeed, the moment Sun Fei switched to 【Druid Mode】, something magical happened.
Sun Fei felt as if he became one with the very air. He could distinctly sense the emotions of each little animal. The two-winged Golden-Furred Hostility’s Howler radiated the strongest opposition, mixed with fear, like a lost little girl crying for her mother. The Fisher Cat was hyper-alert. The Wind-Winged Parrot Beast contemplated starving itself to death. The snowy white owl Acarra liked seemed to watch everything coldly, like a little philosopher…
It was an incredibly delicate sensation.
The animals didn’t speak, yet Sun Fei could effortlessly perceive their emotions. Their minds were like open books, welcoming Sun Fei as one of their own.
Sun Fei attempted to communicate with the little ones using his most sincere emotions.
What happened next left Prison Warden Oleg and many soldiers utterly stunned –
The timid little animals suddenly acted as if seeing their own parents! They cried out in joy and affection surged towards Sun Fei. The snow-white owl and Wind-Winged Parrot Beast claimed Sun Fei’s shoulders, left and right. The chubby Fisher Cat extended its sharp little claws, easily scaled Sun Fei’s leg and pant leg, and plopped itself down nestled atop Sun Fei’s head like a furry hat. As for the most adorable two-winged Golden-Furred Howler? It was already half-fainting from hunger. It stumbled weakly towards Sun Fei and clamped its tiny teeth onto his pants leg, refusing to let go.
Within a minute or two after that, the little creatures had gobbled up all the food offered. They were astonishingly well-behaved, as if understanding every word Sun Fei said. They even started a minor scuffle amongst themselves – a four-way ‘brawl’ – competing for the most comfortable spot on Sun Fei’s person!
This was the wondrous ability of a Druid.
Prison Warden Oleg and the others were simply dumbfounded.
This unexpected discovery delighted Sun Fei.
Taming Magical Beasts was incredibly meaningful for him. If handled correctly, and given the right opportunity, he could even attempt to form a Magical Beast Legion… or perhaps a Magical Beast Cavalry Legion. Then, Shampoo City’s might would soar directly towards unstoppable heights.
Sun Fei happily played with the animals. Suddenly, his personal Guard, Fernando Torres – the youth who had been diligently following Drogba and the others through grueling training to improve his own capabilities – burst from one of the distant corridors. From far away, he shouted, gasping for air between words:
“Your Majesty! Hurry! T-trouble at the Royal Palace! Lord Best is hurt! Miss Angela… she… she…”
Panic was etched across the golden-haired young guard’s face.
…
A whirlwind tore through the sky with a piercing shriek. It ripped across the heavens, sweeping up abruptly from behind Shampoo City’s Back Mountain and hurtling towards the Royal Palace, grabbing the attention of everyone below.
Every head looked up.
Faintly, they discerned a human figure within the vortex-like wind. It seemed to bounce across the sky like a skipping stone, vanishing instantly into the Royal Palace complex. Long after the figure had disappeared, the tremendous, nearly overwhelming aura that had accompanied its flight lingered in the air. It formed an oppressive wave that lingered without dissipating, sending waves of apprehension through everyone in the city.
Within a shadowy corner of Shampoo City, a figure completely concealed by a pitch-black cloak looked up at the sky, sensing this powerful aura. They then lowered their head, lost in deep thought: “Him. Definitely him. Damned fool. Seems he’s grown stronger again, as expected. Looks like I’ll have to adjust my plans…”
…
Elsewhere, the former Compound of the Military Judge Conca.
Beneath fragrant blossom trees, a breeze gently played through the thick, soft, seaweed-like hair of a young woman who sat reading scrolls. Her aura was as uniquely pure as a chrysanthemum. Perched delicately on a stone chair, she raised her head upon sensing the commotion in the sky. A fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of pleasure flashed across the corners of her eyes. She spoke softly: “Roman, this aura…”
“It’s him. He’s grown stronger again. This kind of speed… it’s truly unbelievable.” Behind the woman, under a wooden trellis overgrown with evergreen vines, her Knight companion typically wore a boyish smile on his handsome face. Now, this usually impassive golden-haired Knight revealed a distinct flicker of surprise.
A fierce-looking female Warrior entered the courtyard from outside, approached the seated woman respectfully, and whispered something for a few moments.
“Oh? So all those shadows lurking in corners have finally come out from hiding? Excellent.” The woman listened, a confident smile gracing her lips, seeming completely prepared. “It’s time we cut off one of their arms.”
“As you command, Your Highness.”
Both the Knight and the female Warrior were about to receive their orders and depart when the seated woman suddenly spoke again:
“Ah, one more thing. Tell the Little Prince he should stay quietly inside the Embassy Compound these next few days. He shouldn’t wander out. Stay put. Also,” her tone became decisive, “Summon him. Have that man report to me immediately. It’s been long enough now. As my subject, he really ought to come pay his respects to his master.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The female Warrior and the golden-haired Knight promptly left the courtyard.
The young woman with chestnut hair sat quietly upon the stone chair. She remained still, immersed in sensing the distinct aura still exerting pressure from above. No one could fathom what monstrous storm was brewing within that terrifying mind – a mind dreaded by the Nobles of St. Petersburg.
A few yellowed, withered leaves were torn from their branches by the wind and drifted down, dancing solitarily before her gaze.
“My time grows short, dear brother,” she whispered only to herself. “Let me help you one last time.”
…
At the same moment.
Shampoo City Embassy Compound – Thrace Kingdom Quarters.
Inside a secluded, narrow courtyard, Prince Obina of Thrace Kingdom stared into the sky, his face a picture of alarmed uncertainty. That powerful aura lingered persistently. A trace of shock resonated within him: Who could that be? Such monstrous strength… surely Four-Star Power Level at least… He headed towards the Royal Palace? Could he truly be a champion loyal to Shampoo City’s royalty?
“Okocha!” Obina snapped an order to a guard beside him. “Find out at once who this person is!”
The guard named Okocha instantly obeyed and rushed from the courtyard.
“Master,” Obina hesitated, seemingly asking the empty air before him once they were alone. He’d sent the other guards away. “Might this mysterious Expert… hinder our plans?”
Ripple.
The air directly in front of Obina seemed to shimmer, distorting like the surface of disturbed water. Gradually, a faint outline resolved – transparent at first, becoming blurred, then solidifying quickly into distinct form. The figure belonged to a gaunt man dressed entirely in close-fitting white garments. Even his face was veiled by white cloth. His voice emerged as a harsh rasp. “A mysterious Four-Star Expert? He is a variable. Discover his origins. If deemed necessary… ensure his elimination before that event arrives.”
“This mysterious Expert shows formidable strength,” Obina said, his constant caution surfacing. “I don’t have absolute confidence in subduing him alone. Once we know more… I may need to request your Mastery.”
“Fine.”
A single uttered word of agreement. Then, the air rippled once more. The white-clad figure distorted before Obina’s eyes, seeming to dissolve molecule by molecule into the surrounding air. A heartbeat later, he was utterly gone. Not a trace, not a vestige, not the faintest echo of that powerful, chilling aura remained. It was a terrifying demonstration of stealth.
…
Another hidden garden, tucked behind Shampoo City’s main chapel.
A golden-haired young man also sensed that frightening aura hanging in the air. His brow knitted into a deep, troubled frown: “Who? Where did it come from first? Behind the Back Mountain? Could it possibly be…?”
His thoughts froze abruptly.
He sank into silence.
He seemed to be wrestling with some unseen determination.
…
Shampoo City continued its bustling life, seemingly unchanged.
Yet, beneath the placid surface, an invisible tempest gathered force silently.
Wind swept through tower before mountain rain. Trouble was brewing.