Chapter 33 - The Uncrowned King Meets the Emperor

“Since transitioning at the age of four, I meditated on Magic Power every morning, honed my swordsmanship in the forenoon, and communicated with the elements in the afternoon.

For sixteen long years, it took me sixteen years to master the powers of the four major elements.”

Lock Fan took a deep breath and continued, “My father had prepared everything for me, but I lacked the courage to inherit it.

If only I had met you sooner, perhaps I would have had the courage to engage in Dragon Blood Body Refinement.”

“But unfortunately, my Demon Beast pet died, and the Dragon Blood is lost too.” Lock Fan gave a wry smile, “You’ve won; no one in this competition can be your match anymore.”

Dragon Blood?

At the mention of Dragon Blood, Lu Hong shuddered.

Could it be that drop of Dragon Blood from the old lair of the water beast in the Frost Leaf Forest?

“Um, what kind of Demon Beast was your pet?

Can you tell me?” Lu Hong asked cautiously.

“A level four water beast; I let it wander in the Frost Leaf Forest, not expecting it to be hunted down a few days ago,” Lock Fan said, still sounding a bit sorrowful at the mention of his pet.

“What?

Have you seen a water beast?” Seeing Lu Hong’s peculiar expression, Lock Fan asked curiously.

“How—how could I?

That’s a level four Demon Beast, and even a peak level four at that.

I was just thinking that if you had brought it out, today I might not have stood a chance at all.” Lu Hong hastily explained, as this was not something he could admit to.

“Although it was my pet, I would never rely on its power to win a competition.

Moreover, it is already dead.” Lock Fan didn’t linger any longer and waved goodbye to Lu Hong, “If there’s a chance in the future, I will challenge you again.”

As Lock Fan left, everyone’s eyes were now focused on Lu Hong.

“This battle is a victory for ‘Lu Hong’!”

With the judge’s loud declaration, all the students began to clap and cheer.

It was a round of sincere applause; through today’s battle, they had truly seen a warrior’s strength, even though they were still unclear how the four-element beast exploded—it didn’t hinder their recognition of Lu Hong’s skills.

“Lu Hong!” Nono excitedly rushed forward and hugged Lu Hong, “I know I was wrong; can you forgive me, please?”

Ha!

Women!

“Only this once, not as a precedent.” Lu Hong announced his exit in the midst of the applause and walked out of the tournament arena, only to collapse on the ground immediately.

“What’s wrong?” Nono cried out in shock; fortunately, the old man swiftly transferred his Fighting Spirit to help dispel the remaining power of the four elements inside him, allowing Lu Hong some relief.

“It’s nothing, it’s just that I was showing off too much earlier.” Lu Hong had been struggling to hide his injury from the four elements, and now that he was out of public view, he couldn’t hold on any longer.

“Young master, if only you had given me a hint earlier, I would have helped you sooner.

Look at your internal injuries; I don’t think they could be healed without finding a Second Transition healer.” The old man was scolding Lu Hong for overexerting himself but blamed himself for not realizing his master’s condition sooner.

“No worries, just get a druid to treat it later.” As soon as Lu Hong finished speaking, a green energy descended from the sky and merged with his body, almost fully healing the internal injuries caused by the four elements.

“Auntie?” Nono looked at the arriving Danni and quickly greeted her.

“How come you’re here too?” Lu Hong stared intently at Danni; the beautiful woman might appear indifferent, but she seemed to care about him, “How about visiting me tonight?”

At this comment, both the old man and Nono looked at them with strange expressions.

Danni nearly got sick from annoyance, “What are you talking about!”

“Nothing nothing,” seeing his beloved unhappy, Lu Hong quickly explained, “I just meant that you could come over tonight and heal me some more.”

“Hmph!

Not needed, my natural powers will slowly heal the rest of your injury, and you’ll be fully recovered by tomorrow morning.” With that, Danni turned to leave.

“Hey, wait a moment!” Lu Hong hastily called out, “Did you watch the match just now?”

Hearing Lu Hong’s question, Danni hesitated for a moment, “I did, and you, you were quite impressive.”

She left behind a beautiful figure, disappearing into the distance.

“Lu Hong, why is my aunt so nice to you?” Nono looked suspiciously at Lu Hong, always feeling there was something unusual about their relationship.

But her aunt hadn’t seen him many times, could she be overthinking?

“What’s unusual?

Don’t think too much,” Lu Hong knew Danni didn’t want to reveal their past fling, “Alright, let’s go rest.

Seems like we still have battles tomorrow against the thief and priest.”

“And after that fight when you broke the energy shield, those who hadn’t fought you yet all spoke to the referee and conceded their matches directly.” The old man laughed, “You won’t even need to fight anymore; the championship is practically yours.”

It goes to show, those competitors were truly straightforward—they had effectively handed the championship to Lu Hong.

“Oh, right!

Time to collect some debts!” The old man suddenly remembered the thousand Gold Coins he bet on a complete victory, with a ten thousand to one payout; he truly made a fortune this time!

After confirming that Lu Hong’s injuries were mostly healed, the old man joyously returned to the tournament field to collect his debts.

While Nono was supporting Lu Hong and they hadn’t gone far, a row of royal soldiers approached them.

The royal soldiers first knelt before Nono and said, “We are here to pay our respects to Your Highness the Princess!”

“Rise, please.

What brings you to see me?” Nono asked curiously.

“Your Highness, we are here under the Great Emperor’s command to invite Mr.

Tu Ku Lu to the palace to appear before His Majesty,” the leading royal soldier said, looking towards Lu Hong.

“Would Mr.

Tu Ku Lu please come with us?”

“Why does the Great Emperor want to see me?” Lu Hong was somewhat reluctant to go.

Having just gone through a major battle, his Fighting Spirit was almost depleted, and he felt quite weak—he naturally didn’t want to run around.

“We are not sure, but since the Great Emperor has commanded, we ask Mr.

Tu Ku Lu to please come with us so that we may fulfill our duty.”

“Then I’ll accompany you,” Nono said, curious about why Emperor Konstantin wanted to see Lu Hong, but being in the empire, how could she refuse the emperor’s summons?

“Alright, I’ll go then.

But Nono, you don’t need to follow me; I can go on my own.”

“Why not take me with you?

I won’t be in your way, hmph!”

Seeing Nono getting upset, the royal soldiers quickly spoke up: “The Great Emperor has summoned only Mr.

Tu Ku Lu.

It would be best for the Princess to wait at the academy.

We will ensure Mr.

Tu Ku Lu’s safe escort, please rest assured, Your Highness.”

“Oh, let it be so then.

Remember, Tu Ku Lu is still injured.

Walk slowly!” After giving these instructions, Nono watched as Lu Hong left the academy.

Accompanying the royal soldiers, Lu Hong boarded a luxurious carriage and soon arrived in front of the Imperial Palace.

“The Imperial Palace!” Lu Hong looked up at this solemn and magnificent palace, feeling deeply moved.

It was a place he knew well, especially familiar.

Back when he played Skyrim, he frequently visited the palace for quests.

He wondered where the chief mage of the palace was now, and whether the royal knight commander was still out on a mission.

Following the palace maid, Lu Hong enjoyed the sights along the way.

“Is this your first time at the Imperial Palace, Mr.

Tu Ku Lu?” the maid asked curiously.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Oh, nothing,” the maid smiled.

“You seem to know your way around better than I do.”

The experienced maid could tell there was something different about Lu Hong, but seeing that he denied it, she didn’t probe any further.

After meandering around for a good while, Lu Hong finally reached Xuan Chen Hall, where Emperor Konstantin was located.

“Come in.” Hearing the maid’s report, the Great Emperor beckoned to Lu Hong, who was standing outside the door.

“Your servant, Lu Hong, has come to see the Great Emperor!”

Emperor Konstantin smiled as he sized up Lu Hong, “You speak quite boldly, but why don’t I see any action?”

“Does the Great Emperor wish for your servant to kneel?” Lu Hong hadn’t yet performed the kneeling salute, which he was reluctant to do.

Who would like to kneel before someone just like that?

Moreover, he was from a different era, where emperors no longer existed.

“If you do not wish to, then don’t kneel,” Emperor Konstantin grandly waved his hand, dismissing everyone else.

“May I know why the Great Emperor has summoned me?” From the moment he entered the door, Lu Hong had noticed Emperor Konstantin staring at him, which gave him the chills—could it be?

“You performed very well in the academy competition,” Emperor Konstantin praised, “It’s been a long time since Kains Academy has seen talent like yours.

I wonder if Danni has met you?”

“Your servant has already spoken with Master Danni, who mentioned that after graduation, I plan to join the army and serve the empire,” Lu Hong guessed the reason why Emperor Konstantin had brought up Danni.

“Good, very good,” Emperor Konstantin continued approvingly, “The Holy Divine Empire has four great border armies.

Which would you like to join?”

“I would like to join the Snowy Region Army,” Lu Hong responded directly.

“The Snowy Region Army?” Emperor Konstantin looked more amiable towards Lu Hong.

“Are you aware that the Snowy Region Army sees the most conflict?”

“I know.

The Snowy Region has continuous skirmishes with our Holy Divine Empire, with battles nearly every day; that’s why I would like to go there.”

“A true show of loyalty and service to the country, I’m heartened.” Emperor Konstantin liked the young man more with each passing moment; if only he didn’t have the orc bloodline!

“Does the Great Emperor have anything else?”

“Well…

do you know where your mother is now?” Emperor Konstantin hesitated before asking the question.

The Black Guard had been unsuccessful in finding Funie, so Emperor Konstantin thought he might try his luck with Lu Hong.

But seeing Lu Hong shake his head, he ended disappointed, “Never mind, you may leave.

I will have someone take you to the Imperial Treasury.

As the champion of the academy competition, I will gift you a fine sword personally.”

A perk?

The mention of the Imperial Treasury sounded prestigious, and the thoughts that had been stirred up about his cheap mother by Emperor Konstantin quickly faded.