Chapter 0664: Another Wave

When the battle on the ground came to a conclusion, the battle in the skies between the Dukes began to show signs of abating.

All matter and energy crumbled before the earth-shattering strike of the blade. Even the glass-like divine fire palm was insufficient to halt it, immediately tearing apart upon contact.

An indescribable, disintegrative blade light continued to sweep past, tearing apart space and revealing the void.

Meanwhile, the massive, glass-like palm had turned into motes in the wind. Zhu Qinghuo's figure stood stiffly within his world space, and he coughed heavily a brief moment later, spitting out rivulets of blood from the side of his mouth. At the same time, a massive, bloody gash suddenly appeared on his body. It started from his palm and then quickly spread across his arm to his entire torso.

The result? A single cut had bisected Zhu Qinghuo.

However, Dukes possessed terrifying vitality. Magma started pouring out of the openings of both halves of his body, sealing up the crevice and preventing his body from splitting apart.

Regardless, this had grievously wounded him.

His expression remained gloomy, and he stared daggers at Ox Biaobiao as he commented hoarsely, "As expected of a Soul Ascension-grade Duke Art."

"It's a pity I'm no longer in peak form. Otherwise, you would have been left a corpse," Ox Biaobiao replied indifferently.

"Still, it looks like you're no longer able to battle any further. Scram. House Luolan doesn't welcome scum like you."

Zhu Qinghuo's expression was frigid as he glanced towards headquarters. He knew that Pei Hao had been destroyed without a trace, and the frustration within his heart brewed. “What is that damned Shen Jinxiao up to? Didn't he have the upper hand? How couldn't he beat two juniors!?”

Their cooperative effort had been blocked soundly.

With all of Xia City's peak experts paying close attention to the developments here, their loss would inevitably invite scorn and mockery.

Regardless, he felt disgruntled. Both he and Shen Jinxiao had played their cards, only to result in utter failure.

...

Golden Dragon Bank Discussion Room.

A light mirror was floating in the air. What was happening in House Luolan was being displayed for all present.

All of the Golden Dragon Bank's elders and higher echelons were present and paying close attention to the battle.

When they saw that both Pei Hao and Zhu Qinghuo had met with defeat, they all erupted with surprise and caused a scene. Clearly, this result had surpassed their expectations.

"Hmm... It's unbelievable that House Luolan has been hiding such a mighty Duke. Even a fourth-grade Duke was unable to parry a single blow of his blade."

"Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e are truly eye-catching and impressive. Pei Hao's body had signs of being controlled by a Duke... possessing strength at the quasi-Duke Stage. It was mind-boggling that he could be defeated by the two of them."

"Indeed, they live up to the reputation of being Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan's progeny and disciple. They are definitely the most outstanding youths in their generation."

Low murmurs burst out across the entire room as they discussed the situation. Most importantly, the majority of them held nonchalant attitudes towards the result. The Golden Dragon Bank was a neutral faction after all, and whether it was House Jiyan or House Luolan, both were simply clients for their business. Even if one were completely ruined, it had nothing to do with them.

Lu Qing'er finally relaxed her clenched fist, a smile forming on her elegant and attractive face. The knot in her heart had finally resolved itself, and she cheered happily in her heart, "Li Luo! You're amazing!"

Yu Hongxi, meanwhile, continued to observe the situation calmly with a grave look in her eyes as she focused upon Ox Biaobiao.

“This man has hidden himself so deeply. It looks like Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan left behind a backup plan after all.”

After which, she swept her gaze towards Vice President Ning Que. He didn't seem to be particularly expressive at this point, almost disinterested even. The only thing was that the frequency of his fingers drumming against the side of his chair had increased slightly. It seemed as though his heart was not as calm as what one saw on the surface.

“Perhaps he was awaiting the appearance of Elder Han Long…”

She chuckled coldly in her heart. Yu Hongxi then focused upon Li Luo within the light mirror, a trace of satisfaction within her eyes. “This brat has inherited the style of his father. Perhaps when the time comes, he will outshine even his old man.

“Qing'er's had a good eye. The only problematic thing is the arranged marriage between Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e.”

A glimmer flashed through Yu Hongxi's eyes. “That is obviously the daughter-in-law whom Tan Tailan wanted for her son.”

An unrequited indignance arose within her when she thought of that woman Tan Tailan. "I might have lost to you that year, but when it comes to the next generation, my daughter won't lose!"

……

Royal Palace

The regal First Princess was garbed in flowery robes whilst observing a crystal ball that was projecting the scenes happening within House Luolan.

"It looks like I've made the right bet this time." She laughed charmingly with a beauty that could topple countries.

"Was that the final card Jiang Qing'e had kept secret for years? It truly is terrifying. If she had opted to reveal it earlier within the college, neither I nor Gong Shenjun would be her opponent," she mumbled to herself. The strength Jiang Qing'e had demonstrated was something that shocked even her.

Although the cost to do so was not minor, winning was worth the price she had paid.

"That brat Li Luo as well... He's always full of pleasant surprises." The First Princess' eyes flashed with a trace of interest as she observed Li Luo. “Jiang Qing'e hiding a Duke Art was not that unexpected. However, when did Li Luo manage to cultivate one of his own? He was clearly in the Fiend Palace Tier, so a Duke Art should have been beyond his comprehension.”

This was another harbinger of miracles for the Astral Sage College.

People had always said that Jiang Qing'e was the pillar which House Luolan rested upon, but no one had ever imagined that the underlooked Young Lord would shine with a brilliance that did not lose to her. He would definitely become an elite amongst the experts of the Xia Kingdom in the future.

The thought caused her to chuckle lightly, and she felt immense satisfaction from making the right investment.

However... Although the problem of Pei Hao and Zhu Qinghuo had been resolved, would the situation today end just like this?

The First Princess' smile gradually receded. Chief Steward Qin had not appeared outside House Luolan, which implied that he had been held back by someone. Someone who could accurately predict and control her influence and also dispatch an appropriate individual to counteract her moves would not be someone unfamiliar to her. In fact, she already could guess who it was.

Still, this was not too surprising. As the First Princess of the royal court, she had long come to a conclusion.

If that person truly coveted House Luolan, then he would not simply let things be.

Zhu Qinghuo and Pei Hao were merely the appetizers.

Once he took action, it would be swift and aggressive.

……

At the top of the Regent's lodging

The atmosphere was a little depressing as the Regent stood forlornly, hands behind his back, wallowing in the silence.

On the other hand, the dual-pupil youth was chortling to himself. "What a pity. You actually lost!"

"This is inconceivable. I thought that between Zhu Qinghuo and Shen Jinxiao, one of them would have succeeded," the Regent stated callously.

"What now? Do we give up? Perhaps you need my help? As your best friend, I would be more than happy to do so." The youth gave a slight smile.

The Regent shook his head. "Once you're revealed, I will inevitably turn into a target of public criticism. I'm afraid I would lose all rights to the coronation ceremony.

𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"Forget it. Now that we're already at this point, there's no need to act covertly anymore. I will take what I need from House Luolan. Even if it doesn't adhere to the rules, it will all be for my grand plan." The Regent sighed, but his expression became exceptionally cold. With that, he took a step forward, vanishing into the void.