After ten days of relentless travel, Raikai and the rest of the group finally arrived outside the town closest to the Death Knights' training grounds. Though the journey had been long, their exhaustion was overshadowed by a lingering presence—one that immediately set Raikai's blood on fire.
From the moment they reached the outskirts, Xue Mor and her brothers, Hou Jian and Hou Liang, sensed it.
The Obsidian Empire's elites were still here.
Raikai's fingers twitched against the hilts of his chained fangs, his serpent-like pupils narrowing dangerously.
"Those bastards… they're still here?"
Before he could so much as take a step forward, Xue Mor and her brothers moved to block his path.
"Raikai, don't." Xue Mor's voice was calm but firm, her gaze unwavering. "We can't afford unnecessary trouble—not right now."
His jaw clenched. The humiliation of having to retreat during the chase still burned inside him like a festering wound. He wanted payback.
But before he could push past them, Shinryu placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Let it go—for now." Shinryu's silver eyes gleamed with quiet, calculated intent. "We'll return the disgrace soon enough, but it will be on our terms, not theirs."
Raikai's muscles tensed, his entire body screaming for a fight. But after a long exhale, he relented.
"...Fine. But when the time comes, I'll be the one to break them."
Hou Jian smirked. "Good. But for now, let's not give them a reason to prepare for us."
With that, the group of eighteen entered the town—a sight impossible to ignore.
A party filled with warriors from legendary clans, walking with unshakable confidence. Mercenaries, travelers, and rival sect members turned to watch them pass. In a town filled with aspiring Death Knights, they stood out like a beacon, demanding attention without a single word.
A Mysterious Invitation – Sylas Verdant Approaches
From a shaded corner near a teahouse, a lone figure observed them.
Sylas Verdant.
Dressed in flowing emerald-green robes, his presence blended with the wooden surroundings, his sharp green eyes scanning the group with interest.
He sipped his drink lazily, his expression unreadable.
"So… these are the ones who made the Obsidian Shadow elites suffer?"
A slow, amused smile spread across his lips. They certainly lived up to their reputation.
Setting down his cup, he stood, dusting off his sleeves before striding toward them.
As the group neared the central square, Sylas casually stepped into their path, offering a polite nod.
"Quite the entrance," he remarked, his voice calm and steady. "It's not every day that a group of eighteen prodigies walks into town demanding attention just by existing."
The group halted, eyes shifting to him, measuring him instantly.
Shinryu's gaze flickered with quiet assessment. "And you are?"
Sylas smirked, raising a wooden flask in offering. "Just a traveler… but one who knows strength when he sees it. Join me for a drink?"
Raikai raised an eyebrow. "What for?"
Sylas chuckled. "Curiosity. I overheard some interesting things back at the Wine Trail Tavern." He tilted his head slightly. "And I think you'll want to hear them."
The group exchanged glances. The mention of the Wine Trail was enough to spark interest.
Xue Mor studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But if you're wasting our time, you'll regret it."
Sylas simply grinned. "Then let's hope I make it worth your while."
And with that, the group followed him into a secluded tavern—unaware that this meeting would mark the beginning of yet another twist in their journey.
---
The Tavern Meeting
A Feast at Sylas' Expense
Inside the tavern, the warm aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of alcohol and wood smoke.
The moment they sat down, the women of the group wasted no time ordering the best meals on the menu—on Sylas' tab.
Xue Mor, Xue Lan, Yan Feiyan, Yan Xifeng, and Meilin Zhen all placed their orders without hesitation.
Meilin Zhen smirked, leaning back in her chair. "A rich young master treating us to a meal? It would be rude not to indulge."
Sylas chuckled, amused rather than offended. He raised an eyebrow as he watched the extravagant list of dishes pile up.
"You lot don't hold back, do you?" He shook his head, laughing lightly. "I might not be poor, but even I feel a bit of pity for my wallet right now."
His words earned a round of laughter from the group. Even Xue Mor and Xue Lan, usually composed, cracked small smiles.
"Oh? So you're not a rich young master?" Yan Xifeng teased, resting her chin on her palm.
Sylas smirked. "Not pure royalty, no. But I am still a young genius, just like you all."
Meilin Zhen's gaze sharpened with intrigue. Among all the women, she seemed the most interested in Sylas.
"A druid genius who's not intimidated by us? That's rare." She tapped her fingers on the table. "Tell me, are you always this bold, or is it just because you like the company?"
Sylas simply grinned. "A little bit of both."
The conversation continued with lighthearted banter, as drinks and food arrived.
---
Why Did Sylas Approach Them?
Eventually, as plates were emptied and cups refilled, Xue Mor leaned forward, her expression turning serious.
"Alright, Sylas. Enough fun. Why did you approach us?"
The table quieted. Most of the group had been enjoying the conversation, but now all eyes were on him.
Except for two.
Raikai and Shinryu remained mostly uninterested, sipping their drinks while chatting quietly between themselves. It wasn't that they weren't paying attention—they simply weren't invested in a conversation unless it involved battle or something worth their time.
Sylas, however, noticed their lack of interest and smirked slightly.
"If I said I just like your company more than those Obsidian Shadow Empire fools, would that be enough of an answer?"
A few chuckled, but Xue Mor wasn't satisfied.
"Flattery is cheap, Sylas." She narrowed her eyes. "Give us a real reason."
Sylas took a slow sip from his cup before finally leaning forward, his voice lowering slightly.
"Are you also heading to the Death Knights for training?"
At those words, Raikai and Shinryu's interest finally piqued.
Both of them immediately turned their attention to Sylas, their gazes sharp and unreadable.
"What do you know about it?" Shinryu asked, his tone calm but laced with curiosity.
Raikai set down his drink, arms crossing over his chest. "And why do you care if we are?"
Sylas simply smiled.
"Because if you are… I might just have something worth sharing."
And just like that, the casual meeting had turned into something far more intriguing.