The first time Linley activated the dragonblood in his veins, he had been vaulted directly to becoming a warrior of the sixth rank. According to the records contained within the Secret Dragonblood Manual, the first time one trained would be when one’s dragonblood reached the highest possible density, which is why the rate of improvement would be so fast.
The further down the road the training continued, the harder it would become. This was doubly true upon reaching the ninth rank. If one wished to break through to the Saint level, the amount of time that would be needed was probably more than all the other time spent combined.
“For now, the Radiant Church highly values me. Given my status as a master sculptor, my personal status has dramatically increased as well, but my own personal power isn’t enough yet. Although they are courteous to me, that is primarily because of my potential. If I am to gain revenge, I need to become more powerful.”
Linley knew full well that he currently didn’t have enough power. After all, he couldn’t afford to assume the Dragonform and transform into a Dragonblood Warrior when he wanted to kill someone.
Unless the situation was critical, Linley definitely did not want to enter the Dragonblood Warrior form. Once it was discovered that he could transform into a Dragonblood Warrior, things would become very dangerous for him. After all, the fame of the Dragonblood Warriors was simply too great. Additionally, it was known to all that once a Dragonblood Warrior reached the Saint level, he would definitely be a peak-tier Saint-level combatant.
“Boss, you’re working too hard.” Lying on the bed, Bebe was watching Linley train. Doehring Cowart was also watching from the side. Doehring Cowart could clearly tell what sort of mental state Linley was in.
His father had suddenly died, and he had also found out that his mother hadn’t died in childbirth after all and had instead been abducted. These two pieces of news had suddenly descended upon Linley like twin hammers. This sort of mental blow was far more vicious than Alice’s change of heart.
Doehring Cowart could feel the boundless hatred and murderous desires in Linley’s heart. Doehring Cowart knew very well that if Linley didn’t find an outlet for that hatred, he could very well turn into a murderous demon.
“I hope that Linley will be able to get his vengeance quickly. Otherwise, if he remains in this state for too long, the changes to his heart will become greater and greater.” Doehring Cowart was beginning to worry.
The next morning.
Many servants were preparing all sorts of edibles within the Baruch clan’s manor. As soon as Linley stepped out of his bedroom, he saw them bustling about.
“Linley, the people who are coming today are most likely important people. Is this how you intend to receive them?” Doehring Cowart appeared by Linley’s side.
Linley and Doehring Cowart had both guessed correctly. The important people of Fenlai City and of the Radiant Church had quickly received word of Linley’s father’s death. 80% to 90% of them had come to pay their respects to Linley’s father, so Linley would naturally have to receive them.
The materials that Linley had prepared could be considered not bad, but the skill of the chefs was too poor. There were only two chefs in the entire town of Wushan whose cooking skills could be considered adequate.
“You are going to have these two chefs of this small town receive these major personages?” Doehring Cowart laughed.
“Let them taste some of the local dishes of my homeland. This is already courtesy enough.” After speaking, Linley immediately went to eat breakfast. After breakfast, Linley once more went to kneel in front of the memorial spirit tablet, observing the rites of filial mourning. By seven in the morning, hoofsteps could be heard from outside the Baruch clan’s manor as an extremely lavish carriage parked itself outside.
“Third Bro!” A familiar voice called out.
Still kneeling in the main hall, Linley turned his head and saw Yale, George, and Reynolds rush inside. Having suffered two heavy blows, Linley was currently feeling extremely depressed. But upon seeing those three bros whom he had grown up with at the Ernst Institute, a ghost of a smile finally appeared on Linley’s face.
Upon entering the main hall, Yale, George, and Reynolds all knelt down on prayer mats. “Third Bro, I got the news last night about your father’s passing. Overnight, I called over Second Bro and Fourth Bro to travel overnight along with me. I’m sure many nobles will be coming today, so I also brought along several chefs from Fenlai City to come as well,” Yale said in a soft voice.
“Thank you.” Linley could imagine how busy his three bros must have been in the past few hours. First recruiting chefs, then preparing the carriage transport. Most likely, Reynolds and George had hurried over to here directly from the Ernst Institute, meeting Yale on the road at night and then arriving here together.
“Third Bro, don’t be too heartbroken.” George gently patted Linley on the shoulders.
Reynolds was also by Linley’s side. “Linley. No matter what happens, you will always have us three bros. Never ever allow yourself to be struck down by anyone or anything. Remain strong.”
Linley looked at Reynolds, a slight smile appearing on his face. He felt very warm in his heart upon hearing Reynolds, normally the most mischievous of them all, saying such words. No matter when or what, he would always have these three bros.
“Thank you all.” Linley looked at Yale. “Boss Yale, I’d like to hand over the responsibilities of hosting these nobles to you. I have no experience in this area.”
Yale nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ve brought quite a number of people over. They will definitely do a good job of receiving your guests.”
The quiet little town of Wushan was not quiet at all this day. Time after time, the citizens of the town of Wushan would gather together and discuss the nobles who had just passed by.
“That group in the morning had at least four horses, and that carriage was huge and magnificent. All of those brave knights, wow… I’ve never seen such an awesome looking troop of knights.” An old man sighed with praise as he stared at the troop stationed outside the Baruch clan’s manor.
The locals nearby also nodded in praise. In such an ordinary little town, how often would they have the chance to encounter a wealthy noble? That troop of knights which Linley had brought with him when he had returned, by itself, was already a source of endless discussion amongst the locals.
“What do you guys think? Has young master Linley also become a powerful nobleman in the outside world?” a woman guessed. “Two days ago, I saw Linley lead a powerful troop of knights on his return.”
The town of Wushan was filled with constant chatting and speculation. And then, in the middle of the day, around eleven or so… the earth began to shake again. All the denizens of the town of Wushan could feel that dense, orderly sound of galloping hoof steps. This time, the density of the hoof steps was far heavier than when Yale came.
An extremely powerful mounted unit galloped past first, dressed in beautiful gleaming armor. Behind them were two extremely lavish carriages which were being pulled by four handsome stallions. The people driving the carriages were all extremely powerful-looking warriors. Behind these two carriages were a series of carriages filled with gifts, also under escort by a unit of knights.
All of the citizens of the town of Wushan craned their necks to watch. The majestic aura of the ace regiment of Knights of the Radiant Church charging through made all of the citizens feel as though a mountain was pressing down upon them. All of the citizens felt their hearts trembling, and the beautiful, lavish carriages all gleamed so much it made them squint their eyes. “Who are these people?” The citizens of the town of Wushan were filled with awe.
This carriage procession finally came to a halt in front of the Baruch clan’s manor, where there were many people who were prepared to station and stable these horses and carriages.
“Lord Cardinals Guillermo and Lampson, have arrived!” A loud, high-pitched voice rang out from within the Baruch
clan’s manor, causing a huge commotion amongst the denizens of the town of Wushan. It was actually two Cardinals!
In the eyes of the citizens of the Holy Union, the Cardinals of the Radiant Church were all lofty figures. In their hearts, the Cardinals were like the stars in the night sky, beautiful to behold, but untouchable. But today, two Cardinals of the Radiant Church had actually come to the town of Wushan.
Clatter! Clatter! Clatter! Hoof steps could be heard yet again. Shortly after the troop with the Cardinals had entered the town, another very similar troop arrived with carriages that seemed even more lavish, with beautiful female maids and palace servants with skin as white as any maiden’s.
The carriage was golden and extremely extravagant, while the mighty knights were exhibiting their top-notch riding skills. The hoof steps were so much in lockstep, they sounded like a single great drumbeat, shaking the hearts of the citizens of the town of Wushan.
The denizens of the town of Wushan were stupefied. “Who… who are these people?” Many denizens hadn’t seen a procession in their entire lives.
When this new troop arrived outside the Baruch clan’s manor, that voice once more rang out from within the manor. “His Majesty, King Clayde of Fenlai has arrived!”
“His Majesty the King!” All of the citizens of the town looked at each other. To the citizens of a kingdom, the king of a kingdom was the brilliant sun shining in the sky, with power over life and death. And now his Majesty the King, who should have been in his palace, had actually come to the tiny little town of Wushan.
The nonstop clatter of hoof steps didn’t abate. One troop of soldiers came after another. One carriage after another pulled up in front of the Baruch clan’s manor.
“Duke Bonalt of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Marquis Jebs of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Count Juneau of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
“Miss Delia of the Leon clan of the Yulan Empire has arrived!”
“Lord Bernard of the Debs clan of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!”
That high-pitched voice rang out again and again, causing the citizens of the town of Wushan to feel totally speechless. What was going on? Why were so many members of the upper class congregating here at the town of Wushan? The citizens of the town of Wushan could guess the reason. The only major event which had occurred at the town of Wushan was Hogg’s death.
But… Hogg was just the noble of a minor town. Could his passing really cause his Majesty the King as well as two Cardinals of the Radiant Church to come? These citizens couldn’t help but think back to the triumphant image from a few days ago of Linley returning with a troop of knights at his back.
“All of this must have something to do with young master Linley.” Although these common citizens didn’t know the specifics of Linley’s situation, they were able to guess.
Within the Baruch clan’s main hall. Linley was still kneeling on one side. The Cardinals, the King, the Dukes, the Marquises, the Counts, all either bowed or knelt down with sincerity, paying their respects to the dead.
Although the likes of Cardinal Guillermo only bowed, the only people they ever even bowed to were tremendously important figures. Now today, they were bowing to the departed Hogg.
“Linley, don’t be too heartbroken,” Guillermo said softly by Linley’s side.
“Thank you.” Linley bowed fractionally.
“Linley, your father’s passing truly fills us all with regret.” King Clayde also comforted Linley.
After a while.
“Linley, don’t be too heartbroken.” A clear voice rang out. Raising his head, Linley saw that Delia, dressed in simple clothes, was there as well, her face filled with concern.
“Thank you,” Linley said in a soft voice. Delia nodded fractionally before being led away by servants as well. One noble after another came in to pay their respects to Linley’s father. Even that Bernard, leader of the Debs clan, had come to pay his respects.
“Master Linley, don’t be too heartbroken,” Bernard said courteously.
Linley responded with the same courteous thanks. “Thank you.”
“Duke Patterson of the Kingdom of Fenlai has arrived!” Suddenly, the announcing voice once more rang out from outside.
Linley frowned very slightly. His father’s death was linked to Duke Patterson, but Linley knew that his father had disguised himself before entering Duke Patterson’s manor. Most likely, Duke Patterson had no idea that Linley’s father was the person who had succumbed to the severe injuries caused by his subordinates.
Patterson looked extremely similar to Clayde. Both of them had long, golden hair, with eyes that seemed hawk-like. His waist was straight as a ramrod, and he had the aura of a noble.
Entering the main hall, Patterson bowed respectfully in front of Hogg’s memorial spirit tablet.
“Master Linley, don’t be too heartbroken,” Patterson walked over to Linley and said with sincerity.
Linley raised his head and glanced at Patterson. Seeing the sincere look on Patterson’s face, he still responded with the same level of courtesy: “Thank you.” From the surface, one couldn’t tell that Linley’s treatment of Patterson was any different from his treatment of anyone else.
36
A Nighttime Chat
“Patterson!” Linley silently murmured this name to himself. His mother had been taken away by Patterson’s men eleven years ago. Now, his father had been injured and killed by Patterson’s men over the course of his investigating his mother’s whereabouts.
The murderous intent in Linley’s heart was hidden, like the lava in the bottom of a primed volcano. But one day, it would erupt.
“Boss, let me kill this Patterson for you,” kneeling next to Linley, the little Shadowmouse spoke mentally.
“Don’t move,” Linley shouted back mentally. He remained kneeling inside the main hall, while one noble after another came inside, paying their respects to Linley’s father.
There was a banquet that night, but Linley didn’t attend for a single moment. He remained kneeling inside the hall, observing the rites of filial mourning. Many of the nobles eventually left the town of Wushan late in the afternoon, hurrying back to Fenlai City. But there was still a number who remained behind at the town of Wushan.
For example, Cardinal Guillermo.
For example, Delia.
Ritual filial mourning had to last for seven days. That night, Linley ate some random food, then returned to his bedroom and prepared to begin his training.
“Linley, do you plan to take revenge for your father?” The white-robed Doehring Cowart appeared by his side.
Linley glanced at Doehring Cowart. “Grandpa Doehring, I absolutely must take vengeance for the death of my father. Aside from that… although I know that it was Duke Patterson who sent people to pursue and kill my father, I also need to investigate what happened to my mother. I need to find out if she is alive or dead.”
Killing Patterson was easy. Killing him in a way that would prevent anyone from finding out was much harder. After all, after killing Patterson, Linley needed to continue searching for his mother.
Doehring Cowart nodded slightly. “These are your personal affairs. You decide how to handle them. However, I hope you won’t act rashly. After all, you are still too weak when compared to real top-tier combatants. Even Patterson alone will be hard to handle. You aren’t a match for the combined might of all of his soldiers.”
Linley nodded slightly. Patterson was the younger brother of Clayde. How could he not have a large number of subordinates?
“I expect within a year or so, I should be able to reach the seventh rank as a warrior. I can’t waste any more time.” Linley sat cross-legged on the ground. The dragonblood battle-qi in his body once more began to circulate throughout his entire body, and all of his muscles and bones began to tremble.
Linley could feel his muscles and his bones slowly rise in power, as the tiny dragonblood cells also began to m
erge with his muscles and bones, raising their durability and toughness. When one first began to train in accordance with the Secret Dragonblood Manual, the pace of improvement would be very fast.
In this training state, Linley didn’t notice the passage of time at all. At roughly around eleven at night. Knock! Knock! Knock! The sound of knocking on the door. At the same time, a familiar voice called out. “Linley. It’s Delia. Can I come in?”
Linley was startled. “Whew.” Linley let out a deep breath. All of his trembling muscles returned to normal, and the dragonblood battle-qi in his body was once more retracted to his dantian region. Linley looked towards the direction of the door. In his mind, he couldn’t help but wonder. It’s late. Why has Delia come to speak with me ? But he verbally responded, “Come in.”
Pushing the door open, Delia stepped inside. Upon seeing Delia, Linley’s eyes couldn’t help but brighten. At this moment, Delia’s golden hair was bound in a simple way. Those few tassels hanging down made her light purple dress seem all the more graceful. Linley had to admit… Delia was a very mesmerizing person. Delia had an aura of nobleness which Alice couldn't match. She was in the primary line of descent for the Yulan Empire’s Leon clan, after all.
“Linley, are you okay?” Delia asked in a gentle voice as she walked over to Linley’s bed and sat down. She stared at Linley with concern.
Linley couldn’t help but feel warmth in his heart. Smiling, he said, “I’m fine.”
Delia nodded. “In Fenlai City, I heard about your father’s passing. I was a little worried. But… you really are as resilient as I’ve always felt you are.”
“Thank you.” Linley continued, “Delia, it’s very late. Is there something you wanted to discuss?”
Dragonblood: Book 2 of the Coiling Dragon Saga Page 28
