Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83 - Cry-Baby And Ugly-Faced Woman
Chapter 84 - The Situation Took A Turn For The Worst
Chapter 85 - The Blood Clan’S True Form (One)
Chapter 86 - Blood Clan'S True Form (Two)
Chapter 87 - Your Blood Is Quite Nutritious
Chapter 88 - Awakening (One)
Chapter 89 - Awakening (Two)
Chapter 90 - Awakening (Three)
Chapter 91 - Return
Chapter 92 - Sin Of Hell’S River
Chapter 93 - Don’T Do It, It’Ll Hurt
Chapter 94 - All The Blood In This World Belongs To Me
Chapter 95 - The Charm Of That Shield
Chapter 96 - I Definitely Will Not Let You Suffer
Chapter 97 - Our Inland Sea
Chapter 98 - Arracca Murkh
Chapter 99 - Uncertain Fate
Chapter 100 - Ramon (One)
Chapter 101 - Ramon (Two)
Chapter 102 - Eckstedt’S Welcoming Ceremony
Chapter 103 - Gamble (One)
Chapter 104 - Gamble (Two)
Chapter 105 - The Kingdom’S Wrath
Chapter 106 - The Failed Bet
Chapter 107 - Mystic Gun
Chapter 108 - Chapman Lampard
Chapter 109 - Remnants Of Magic
Chapter 110 - Paid Homage
Chapter 111 - Kaslan’S Tavern
Chapter 112
Chapter 113 - The Intersection Of Fate
Chapter 114 - The People In Hell (One)
Chapter 115 - The People In Hell (Two)
Chapter 116
Chapter 117 - Star Killer
Chapter 118 - The Unexpected Guests
Chapter 119 - A Marquis From Camus
Chapter 120 - Bait
Chapter 121 - Clue
Chapter 122 - Until Dawn Came (One)
Chapter 123 - Until Dawn Came (Two)
Chapter 124 - Queen Of The Sky
Chapter 125 - The Female Warrior
Chapter 126 - Heroic Spirit Palace
Chapter 127 - The Born King (One)
Chapter 128 - The Born King (Two)
Chapter 129 - A Duel
Chapter 130 - The King And His Archdukes
Chapter 131 - The Strange Swordsman
Chapter 132 - Who Are You?
Chapter 133 - Hunt And Chase
Chapter 134 - Little Rascal And Alex (One)
Chapter 135 - Little Rascal And Alex (Two)
Chapter 136 - Stabs
Chapter 137 - Kidnapping The Archduke?
Chapter 138 - Numb Hands
Chapter 139 - A Unique Welcome Banquet
Chapter 140 - The Red Witch
Chapter 141 - Reunion
Chapter 142 - Who’S There (One)
Chapter 143 - Who’S There (Two)
Chapter 144 - The Sword Of Baptism’S Death
Chapter 145 - The Wait
Chapter 146 - The Culprit
Chapter 147 - The Northland Road
Chapter 148
Chapter 149 - Not Even Worth Half A Penny!
Chapter 150 - The Beloved Former King, Nuven
Chapter 151 - Veteran
Chapter 152 - Shadow
Chapter 153 - Have A Drink
Chapter 154 - The Secret Of ‘Triumph’
Chapter 155 - A Bargaining Chip You Cannot Refuse
Chapter 156 - Horrifying
Chapter 157 - The Death Of Soria
Chapter 158 - Betrayal
Chapter 159 - The Fateful Night
Chapter 160 - The Invitation
Chapter 161 - The First Mystic Declaration
Chapter 162 - Letting Go Of A Suspicion
Chapter 163 - Monster And Monster
Chapter 164 - Chaos Begins
Chapter 165 - Just Speak
Chapter 166 - Surprise
Chapter 167 - Flee
Chapter 168 - The Tragic End Of Weaklings
Chapter 169 - Air And Blood
Chapter 170 - The Desperate Dash
Chapter 171 - The Outcome Of The Civil War
Chapter 172 - Elimination
Chapter 173 - The Blade Of Purification
Chapter 174 - The Truth About Elimination
Chapter 175 - Same Kind (One)
Chapter 176 - Same Kind (Two)
Chapter 177 - Sudden Entrance Into The Battlefield!
Chapter 178 - True Form
Chapter 179 - Silence And Darkness
Chapter 180 - Knocking On The Door
Chapter 181 - Phantom
Chapter 182 - A Gentle Kiss
Chapter 183 - The Cost Of Victory
Chapter 184 - The Paradoxical Assassin
Chapter 185 - Thunder Rumbles In Winter
Chapter 186 - End Of Arc: A Good Name
Chapter 187 - The Night Ends, The Day Breaks
Chapter 188 - It Is You
Chapter 189 - Symphony Of Blood (One)
Chapter 190 - Symphony Of Blood (Part Two)
Chapter 191 - Stop Meddling Into The Matters Of Elders
Chapter 192 - Six-Fifty
Chapter 193 - Choose Who You Want To Become
Chapter 194 - Ice-Cold
Chapter 195 - Spirit Of The Contract
Chapter 196 - The Manipulator (One)
Chapter 197 - The Manipulator (Two)
Chapter 198 - Price
Chapter 199
Chapter 200 - Encounter
Chapter 201 - The Prince’S End
Chapter 202 - Really Bad Luck (One)
Chapter 203 - Really Bad Luck (Two)
Chapter 204 - Understanding
Chapter 205 - Execute On The Spot
Chapter 206 - Guest From Barren Bone
Chapter 207 - The Prince’S Doubts
Chapter 208 - The Black Prophet From The Other Side
Chapter 209 - Code Name: Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 210 - The Importance Of Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 211 - A Gamble In The Dark (One)
Chapter 212 - A Gamble In The Dark (Two)
Chapter 213 - The Curse Of The Witch
Chapter 214 - The Scorching Blade
Chapter 215 - Stall
Chapter 216 - The Latecomer
Chapter 217 - A Very Big Problem
Chapter 218 - The Blade And The Wing
Chapter 219 - Trust And Loyalty
Chapter 220 - Nicholas’ Bargaining Chip
Chapter 221 - Shelter
Chapter 222 - A Critical Decision
Chapter 223 - Failure
Chapter 224 - Little Rascal’S ‘Consolation’
Chapter 225 - Save This Country
Chapter 226 - King Slayer
Chapter 227 - Creating Trouble For Ourselves
Chapter 228 - The Strongest Chess Piece (One)
Chapter 229 - The Strongest Chess Piece (Two)
Chapter 230 - The Strongest Chess Piece. (Three)
Chapter 231 - Lampard’S Plan
Chapter 232 - The Archduke’S Fight
Chapter 233 - It Has Been A Long Time
Chapter 234 - A Great Threat
Chapter 235 - Contention
Chapter 236 - The Inextinguishable Starlight
Chapter 237 - The Virtuous King
Chapter 238 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (One)
Chapter 239 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Two)
Chapter 240 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Three)
Chapter 241 - Genuine Patrols
Chapter 242
Chapter 243 - Seize Control
Chapter 244 - Chad Vlad
Chapter 245 - Severing Souls With A Slash!
Chapter 246 - A Game Of Chess
Chapter 247 - A Chance Encounter
Chapter 248 - I Am Very Honored
Chapter 249 - When Swords Cross (One)
Chapter 250 - When Swords Cross (Two)
Chapter 251 - Arduous
Chapter 252 - I Am So Relieved
Chapter 253 - I Can Help You
Chapter 254 - The Black Knight’S Death
Chapter 255 - Changing Hands
Chapter 256 - Counter-Attack
Chapter 257 - Check
Chapter 258 - Checkmate
Chapter 259 - A Speculation
Chapter 260 - The Reason For Battle (One)
Chapter 261 - The Reason For Battle (Two)
Chapter 262 - Twist Of Fate
Chapter 263 - A Child Who’S Not Able To Drink Alcohol
Chapter 264 - You Northland Barbarians!
Chapter 265 - Two Minutes
Chapter 266 - What A Shame (One)
Chapter 267 - What A Shame (Two)
Chapter 268 - We Won
Chapter 269 - The Archduchess
Chapter 270 - The Blood-Stained Crown
Chapter 271 - The Day Before The Bitter Cold Winter
Chapter 272 - Yc
Chapter 273 - End Of Arc: The Destiny They Missed
Chapter 274 - The Quiet Prince
Chapter 275 - A Game Of Chess (One)
Chapter 276 - A Game Of Chess (Two)
Chapter 277 - First Lesson
Chapter 278 - The Truth Brothers
Chapter 279 - Traitors
Chapter 280 - Target
Chapter 281 - An Awkward Dinner
Chapter 282 - Upset
Chapter 283 - Riot
Chapter 284 - The Familiar Guest
Chapter 285 - The Honor And Humiliation Of The Great Dragon (One)
Chapter 286
Chapter 287 - The Mystery About Putray
Chapter 288 - The Dragon’S Blood Has Yet To Dry
Chapter 289 - Dragon Breaker (One)
Chapter 290 - Dragon Breaker (Two)
Chapter 291 - Meryl Hicks
Chapter 292 - The Boundaries Of Governance (One)
Chapter 293 - The Boundaries Of Governance (Two)
Chapter 294 - What Is Magic?
Chapter 295 - An Unforeseen Invitation
Chapter 296 - The Game In The Carriage
Chapter 297 - The Former King’S “Present”
Chapter 298 - The Prince’S Shackles
Chapter 299 - Friend And Foe
Chapter 300 - Victory And Defeat
Chapter 301 - A Duel
Chapter 302 - Not Too Bad?
Chapter 303 - Leave
Chapter 304 - A Storm Is Coming
Chapter 305 - The Creation Of The Two Empresses
Chapter 306 - Raven Of Death
Chapter 307 - Ian The Nuisance
Chapter 308 - Collusion
Chapter 309 - The Writers Of Legend (One)
Chapter 310 - The Writers Of Legend (Two)
Chapter 311 - The Day Of The State Affairs Hearing
Chapter 312 - The Hatred For Stealing His Sister
Chapter 313 - The Beginning
Chapter 314 - For Dragon Clouds City
Chapter 315 - The Archduchess And Her Vassals
Chapter 316 - Plan
Chapter 317 - A Romantic Story
Chapter 318 - Are All Of You Coming?
Chapter 319 - Not According To Plan
Chapter 320 - Releasing In “Installments”
Chapter 321 - The Price Of Saying “No”
Chapter 322 - The Moral Of The Story
Chapter 323 - Good Morning
Chapter 324 - Returning The Favor
Chapter 325 - Send Reinforcements
Chapter 326 - Five Archdukes
Chapter 327 - The Prince’S Whereabouts
Chapter 328 - Just Like Chapman Lampard
Chapter 329 - The Final Journey
Chapter 330 - Assassinating Lampard?
Chapter 331 - Bumping Into A Ghost
Chapter 332 - Headquarters
Chapter 333 - Smooth-Sailing
Chapter 334
Chapter 335 - The Confusion While Going Back Home
Chapter 336 - The Veteran On The Wheelchair
Chapter 337 - Double The Amount?
Chapter 338 - The Point Of Contact
Chapter 339 - His/Her Eyes
Chapter 340 - The Magical Therren
Chapter 341 - You Son Of A *Censored*
Chapter 342 - Which Will You Choose?
Chapter 343 - Exterminate Them All
Chapter 344 - Black Track
Chapter 345 - Join Us
Chapter 346 - Silver Shadow
Chapter 347 - You Will Fail In The End
Chapter 348 - You Fell Into The Trap, Eh?
Chapter 349 - The War Of The Deceased Souls
Chapter 350 - Never Lost
Chapter 351 - The Pulse Of The Ground
Chapter 352 - God Knows
Chapter 353 - The First Rule
Chapter 354 - Pursuers
Chapter 355 - The Hardest Fight
Chapter 356 - Unique Only To One
Chapter 357 - Just Die Here
Chapter 358 - The Three-Second Fight
Chapter 359 - Surpassed Kaslan
Chapter 360 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (One)
Chapter 361 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (Two)
Chapter 362 - The Black Raven’S Eyes
Chapter 363 - Who Does Your Loyalty Belong To?
Chapter 364 - Turning Against One Another
Chapter 365 - Saber Or Crossbow?
Chapter 366 - Prince In The Desert
Chapter 367 - Sellsword
Chapter 368 - Dante’S Greatsword
Chapter 369 - Desert Threat
Chapter 370 - There’S Someone
Chapter 371 - Barren Bone People
Chapter 372 - Bloody Thorn Lizard
Chapter 373 - Young Cub
Chapter 374 - Foreign Blood
Chapter 375 - Coming-Of-Age Ceremony
Chapter 376 - Flag
Chapter 377 - The Destructive Army
Chapter 378 - Freaks
Chapter 379 - Welcome To Constellation (One)
Chapter 380 - Welcome To Constellation (Two)
Chapter 381 - Ghost Prince
Chapter 382 - My Home (One)
Chapter 383 - My Home (Two)
Chapter 384 - Age Of Mercenaries
Chapter 385 - Confrontation And Stalemate
Chapter 386 - Prince Versus Prince
Chapter 387 - So Many Tricks
Chapter 388 - You Have To Laugh
Chapter 389 - Shackles Of Power
Chapter 390 - Perhaps I Have
Chapter 391 - Happily Ever After
Chapter 392 - Technical Skill
Chapter 393 - Intention
Chapter 394 - New Guest
Chapter 395 - Shadows And Swords
Chapter 396 - The Dark Side
Chapter 397 - Emergency Mission
Chapter 398 - Alliance Of Traitors
Chapter 399 - The Mole
Chapter 400 - As Bad As Can Be
Chapter 401 - Affectionate And United
Chapter 402 - F*Ck You
Chapter 403 - H.N. Jadestar
Chapter 404 - Stupid Idea
Chapter 405 - Sinner
Chapter 406 - The Intruders
Chapter 407 - Head Towards Omniscience
Chapter 408 - Black Prison
Chapter 409 - Behind The Iron Curtain
Chapter 410 - Hallucination
Chapter 411 - Seven
Chapter 412 - People Whom History Has Forgotten
Chapter 413 - The Mourning Of The Guards
Chapter 414 - Where Is He?
Chapter 415 - Fall Out
Chapter 416 - Disaster Sword’S Battle
Chapter 417 - The Knight Of Judgment
Chapter 418 - A Different World
Chapter 419 - The Queen’S Dowry
Chapter 420 - The Greatest King
Chapter 421 - Knew Clearly
Chapter 422 - Nameless
Chapter 423 - Awaken
Chapter 424 - Loyalty
Chapter 425 - Peer
Chapter 426 - He Was Probably Old
Chapter 427 - A Stalemate
Chapter 428 - Dusk
Chapter 429 - The Man At The Proximal World
Chapter 430 - The Second Declaration Among Mystics
Chapter 431 - The Anchor Point
Chapter 432 - Taurus Mill
Chapter 433 - Decision
Chapter 434 - Correcting The Mistake
Chapter 435 - Malicious Flower, Malicious Fruit
Chapter 436 - Moriah Returns
Chapter 437 - Old Self
Chapter 438 - The Prince Is Not Here
Chapter 439 - Scheme Between The Thief And Bandit
Chapter 440 - Seven To Three
Chapter 441 - Missing One
Chapter 442 - Quick Wit
Chapter 443 - Not Just You
Chapter 444 - Someone Needs An Answer
Chapter 445 - A Forbidden Name
Chapter 446 - Three Calamity Allies
Chapter 447 - Enemy Of The World
Chapter 448 - 1 Vs 8
Chapter 449 - Chaos Of Armies
Chapter 450 - Two Hands
Chapter 451 - Xx Films
Chapter 452 - Fratricide
Chapter 453 - It Was Not A Coincidence
Chapter 454 - More Than Half
Chapter 455 - I Hated Him
Chapter 456 - Nothing At All
Chapter 457 - The Person Who Supported Him
Chapter 458 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (One)
Chapter 459 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (Two)
Chapter 460 - Rebirth (One)
Chapter 461 - Rebirth (Two)
Chapter 462 - Rebirth (Three)
Chapter 463 - Rebirth (Four)
Chapter 464 - Rebirth (Five)
Chapter 465 - Truth Swords
Chapter 466 - Beheaded
Chapter 467 - Revealed In Flames
Chapter 468 - The Silent Demon
Chapter 469 - So Naïve That You Are Adorable
Chapter 470 - The Fate Twins
Chapter 471 - The True Essence Of The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 472 - Leaving The Prison
Chapter 473 - I Am Not A Devil, After All
Chapter 474 - Much… Higher
Chapter 475 - The Warden
Chapter 476 - Life, Safety And Freedom
Chapter 477 - Something Lighter
Chapter 478 - Get Me Something To Eat And Drink
Chapter 479 - Exclusive Possession
Chapter 480 - Kill Them
Chapter 481 - A Different Way Of Living
Chapter 482 - Get Yourself A Girlfriend
Chapter 483 - Make Me Even More… Excited
Chapter 484 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 485 - Too High
Chapter 486 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 487 - Too High
Chapter 488 - That Night
Chapter 489 - Usurp Power
Chapter 490 - Do Something
Chapter 491 - Power Comes From Violence (One)
Chapter 492 - Power Comes From Violence (Two)
Chapter 493 - The Third Party
Chapter 494 - Destiny Is Like A Poem
Chapter 495 - Raven Leader
Chapter 496 - Never
Chapter 497 - His Majesty’S Blessing
Chapter 498 - Black Lion
Chapter 499 - I Have Come In Peace
Chapter 500 - End Of Arc: Duke
Chapter 501 - Everything Will Be Better
Chapter 502 - Six Divisions And Seven Attendants
Chapter 503 - Divided Western Desert
Chapter 504 - Only One Day Left
Chapter 505 - Protection
Chapter 506 - This Is Just The Beginning
Chapter 507 - Hometown
Chapter 508 - A Small Spark
Chapter 509 - Anxious
Chapter 510 - Fifteen Minutes
Chapter 511 - King In The Mist
Chapter 512 - Crazy
Chapter 513 - A Small Favor
Chapter 514 - Like A Fleeting Cloud
Chapter 515 - Timetable
Chapter 516 - Coincidence?
Chapter 517 - Went To High School
Chapter 518 - Discovered?
Chapter 519 - Let’S Fight
Chapter 520 - Not Just The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 521 - World Class Battle Worthy Of Being Written In Historical Poems
Chapter 522 - Continuous Fights
Chapter 523 - Mutant
Chapter 524 - Self-Reliant
Chapter 525 - Lustful Woman
Chapter 526 - Knowledge Of People
Chapter 527 - Holiness Exorcism
Chapter 528 - Fight Between The Eldest And Youngest
Chapter 529 - Privacy
Chapter 530 - Alien Star
Chapter 531 - Guest
Chapter 532 - The Young Kingdom
Chapter 533 - Calm On Iron Spikes
Chapter 534 - Sorry To Keep You Waiting
Chapter 535 - Polaris
Chapter 536 - Times Have Changed
Chapter 537 - Pretty Boy
Chapter 538 - Magnificent Scene Of Hell
Chapter 539 - Side Story 7: Joint Council
Chapter 540 - Never Kneel
Chapter 541 - A Piece Of Cake
Chapter 542 - Merciless
Chapter 543 - That Gaze
Chapter 544 - Watchmen’S Code
Chapter 545 - The End Of It
Chapter 546 - To Not Perish As Foes (One)
Chapter 547 - To Not Perish As Foes (Two)
Chapter 548 - To Not Perish As Foes (Three)
Chapter 549 - To Duke Thales
Chapter 550 - What Rationality
Chapter 551 - Better
Chapter 552 - Sacrificing A Pawn (One)
Chapter 553 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Two)
Chapter 554 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Three)
Chapter 555 - Unfulfilled
Chapter 556 - Chess Player
Chapter 557 - Relieved
Chapter 558 - Punishment
Chapter 559 - Eight Arteries
Chapter 560 - Imperial Style
Chapter 561 - Cannot Escape The Sheath
Chapter 562 - Want Everything
Chapter 563 - Cause And Effect
Chapter 564 - Blazing Blood
Chapter 565 - Of Course—Not
Chapter 566 - Crown Jewel Of The Kingdom
Chapter 567 - Head Over Heels
Chapter 568 - As Truthful As Possible
Chapter 569 - Hand In Marriage
Chapter 570 - What Do I Need You For
Chapter 571 - Defects
Chapter 572 - Heart Of The Guards
Chapter 573 - You’Re A Real Dog
Chapter 574 - Antecessors
Chapter 575 - The Years Have Caught On To Me
Chapter 576 - Shooting Yourself In The Foot
Chapter 577 - Lie
Chapter 578 - The Wine Merchant
Chapter 579 - Damn The Prince
Chapter 580 - The Prince Likes Them
Categories Genre: Action, All, Drama, Fantasy, Mature, Ongoing, Psychological, Seinen, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: Wang Guo Xue Mai, 王国血脉, ______
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 580 Page No. 579 Page No. 578 Page No. 577 Page No. 576 Page No. 575 Page No. 574 Page No. 573 Page No. 572 Page No. 571 Page No. 570 Chapter 397 - Emergency Mission
Chapter 397: Emergency Mission
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
In the tavern, Ricky spoke slowly while the sounds of the other people breathing could be heard around him. “What secret?”
Thales stared at Stake, unable to look away. His curiosity and bewilderment about that night during that year had won out over the anxiety and fear in his mind.
Stake did not answer immediately. Shadow Shield looked around and smiled with satisfaction at seeing how everyone was interested in the topic.
“That is why I am here today.” He looked up slowly, and his eyes were suddenly sharp. “After crossing the sea, Teng expressed an unusual interest in the Jadestar Royal Family. I guess this has to do with who he was in the past.”
“But uprooting the Jadestar Royal Family in the Bloody Year? That business drove him into a corner. It’s too much.” Next to Ricky, Masked Man snorted.
Bloody Year. When he heard that key phrase, Thales’ eyelids twitched unexpectedly.
“There must be a reason, a reason that led him to be so fascinated with Jadestar.”
Stake straightened his back and threw calm glances at everyone who had varying expressions on their faces.
“Six years ago, as the person in charge of the others in Northland, I gave this command: When there is a chance, assassinate the Second Prince of Constellation—who was visiting the country.”
Quick Rope prodded Thales lightly in secret. Thales lowered his eyelids and pretended that he did not see the other person’s reproachful look which asked ‘Why is it you again?’.
Stake was still speaking and his words had everyone’s attention. “But Teng canceled this command in the end. He even did the opposite of what he usually does and personally showed up despite the risks, just to prevent our people from doing things impulsively.
“He wanted that prince alive, and even sent me to negotiate with the Archduke of Black Sand Region.”
Ricky frowned, his fingers tapped the table lightly.
Stake revealed a mysterious expression. “From madly assassinating the royal family members, to giving his all to ensure the prince’s survival, the drastic change in Teng’s attitude before and after only proved one matter”—He lifted one finger and his tone was serious—”The prince’s existence must mean something.”
Thales could feel his fingernails dig into his palm. The mercenaries grew restless and they began whispering to each other.
Stake could not care less and only had his eyes fixed on Ricky who held the highest rank among the mercenaries. “Capture him, and I will be able to reveal Teng’s secret; find out why he has been so interested in the Jadestar Royal Family, and the real motive behind his crazy decision over the major business deal during the Bloody Year.
“What do you say? Do you want to work with us to discover this secret?”
The commotion among the mercenaries turned into an uproar. Thales could even hear Marina gritting her teeth behind him. Klein the Northlander swordsman leaned towards Masked Man and whispered to him, but Masked Man only shook his head lightly.
It was only until Ricky raised his hand impassively that the whispers in the area quieted down.
The leader of the mercenaries did not pursue what the other man claimed to be a secret, but only asked softly, “What about Teng? How is he?”
When they moved to this topic, Stake’s face turned dark, as if a shadow had been cast over him. He and Ricky watched each other quietly, but the latter’s calm expression showed where his attitude and focus lay.
Stake could only sigh faintly. “It is uncertain whether he is alive or dead.”
The three leaders of Disaster Sword frowned at the same time.
“But I can tell you that his condition is bad, very bad.” Stake quickly picked up from where the conversation was left as he held his hands together. “For a total of six years since then, Teng never showed up in the organisation. Even I have hardly received any orders from him. Even if there is…”
He said gravely, “Including myself, there is more than one person in the organisation who began to doubt the present condition of the Shadow Master.”
After hearing what Stake said, Ricky inhaled lightly. ‘Crassus’ of the Disaster Sword revealed a strange expression. “Therefore, Shadow Shield is now a poisonous snake without its head.”
Masked Man added in a displeased manner. “This makes them even more dangerous since you would never know where the venom would be injected.”
Klein snorted. Stake could only respond by smiling awkwardly.
“What are you doing here then?” Ricky shook his head. “Are you here to discover his secret so that you may continue his unfinished mission?”
The smile on Stake’s face faded away.
“Needless to say, after Teng disappeared, Shadow Shield is at a crucial turning point.” Stake coughed. “As I said, capturing the prince is the key to solving this puzzle. It is a summary of what Teng has done in the past ten years.”
Masked Man sneered. “It sounds like you are displeased with your master… Are you?”
“Displeased?” Stake’s expression was cryptic at first, but he resolutely shook his head afterwards. “No, I have come here to rescue the desperate Shadow Shield from their tight spot and difficulties.
“We must not go on like this. Shadow Shield needs to raise its spirits, get back on its feet and seek new stimuli—”
Masked Man interrupted him again. “Or a new leader. I suppose you wanted to say that?”
Stake’s words instantly died in his mouth.
In a knowing tone, Masked Man said indifferently, “It has been twenty years since Teng came to the Western Peninsula. A ‘Shadow Master’ for twenty years… You keep a ‘good tradition’ of changing your leader once every few years, don’t you? He has indeed been in the role of leader for too long.”
Stake’s expression turned cold.
“You actually do not have to drop hints like this. The reason I reveal these secrets in your presence is only to win your trust,” Stake said coldly, “To prove to you that Shadow Shield, at least the part where I lead is concerned, no longer holds the old perceptions from Teng’s time, and we should not bear the treatment and bad reputation from said time.”
Once the words were uttered, Masked Man snorted lightly and shook his head while Klein chuckled. Unexpectedly, it was Marina who responded to Stake.
“This is silly,” said the red-clad woman in a tone that was filled with hatred. “What kind of ‘bad reputation’ do you think we can give to smelly sewer rats?”
Upon hearing this refutation, Stake furrowed his brow and glanced at Ricky, only to see that he was not the least bit unhappy about being interrupted.
He could only let out a sigh and turned towards Marina. “I do not speak without basis.”
While enduring Marina’s hateful gaze, Stake said with a heart full of sorrow, “In the past, Shadow Shield was not chased by the masses with sticks and stones like rats, we once had a noble and venerable ideology.”
The mercenaries looked at each other, speechless.
Stake took a deep breath. “A thousand years ago, when the Empire was finally re-established, all forces of power were newly born. Those with power in high positions created endless battles and riots. They enslaved and oppressed the people. The helpless people experienced famine, death, pain and torture again and again.”
A hopeful look appeared in Stake’s eyes.
“So, when they were driven to the end of their rope, a group of people emerged because the times required it. They came from humble birth, had lowly names and family names, and had little power. Yet, they still stood up with weapons to fight in unfavourable conditions against the greater powers, risked their lives, and launched attacks in the shadows using the most primitive as well as most powerless and clumsiest of tactics to assassinate the tyrants, resist tyranny, and retaliate against the strong forces of power. They placed themselves in front of the ruler’s brutal regime and the dukes’ ruthlessness to be the voice of the suffering commoners.”
There was a trace of approval in Ricky’s eyes. “It is rare that you know of your organization’s past compared to the killers who strike blindly. It is a good thing.”
There was movement between Thales’ eyebrows. It was the first time he heard about Shadow Shield being narrated from this perspective.
Stake bowed slightly before letting out a long breath. His eyes flickered.
“There was a time when we were the final hope of the unfortunate people, the vanguards of the revolution and brave warriors of the resistance who would not turn back. We employed unimaginable strategies at great cost to threaten, remind, and warn those tyrants of eminent status who preyed on the people. Under the far-reaching shadow of the rulers, there would always be dissatisfaction that would turn into the strongest and most intractable shield at any moment to protect the powerless individuals, whom were trampled under the rulers’ feet.”
Ricky did not move while Klein and Masked Man reacted through their expressions, the former looked disdainful while the latter let out an angry snort.
Stake was once again interrupted.
“How can you be so shameless, describing such despicable acts as noble? The final hope? Bah!” Marina said through gritted teeth, “You scum. Do you know that during the Bloody Year, because of you, the families of millions of innocent people were left destitute or dead?”
Stake threw a glance at Marina, feeling a little stunned. His expression was complicated. “I cannot say you are wrong, lass.”
Stake lowered his head and sighed as he said, “The truth is, after a thousand years, the Shadow Shield that once vowed to fight with their lives in desperate times had fallen and turned into this filthy existence after having to follow others blindly, and making compromises every day without a choice.”
He clenched his fists, then hissed through his teeth seemingly in indignation, “Seeking personal profit and gains shamelessly, living without any goals. How disgusting.”
The air in the tavern grew still for a moment.
“Oh, wow. A noble, pure and high class Shadow Assassin who shook off all the crude tastes of his organization,” Klein said sarcastically while shaking his head. “It’s rare to see one.”
Stake still had his fists clenched as if he had not seen the others’ gazes. He heard Klein’s sarcastic remark and Marina’s snort.
“After Teng came here, we became even worse than before.” Stake’s face tensed up whereas his breaths quickened. “It started eighteen years ago when he tricked us, contacted all parties and launched an attack against the Jadestar Royal Family. It started from that shocking serial assassination.”
Thales’ heart pounded faster and faster. ‘My Home is letting me in on too much information tonight.’
Stake lifted his head abruptly and said in exasperation, “As Shadow Master, he never revealed the names of the clients who offered us that deal, but he used every means to trick us to overlook the underlying risks.”
“Teng said it in a very pleasing manner: Shadow Shield has long had enough of roaming about poverty-stricken back alleys, taking up insignificant deals that only reward us with a few pennies from peasants in the village, and getting rewards from rich or poor barons and government officials where we only bring justice to the stolen and slaughtered livestock in villages. He even said that we will do great things, and that we should return to our roots.”
Stake looked around with the flames of fury in his eyes, as if seeking recognition.
“He told us that Constellation would collapse following an unprecedentedly large business deal. This would signify the beginning of a new era, one that would be born from chaos and confusion—our golden era. The reins on the horses would be lashed, blood would be spilled, the fields would burn, and fear would germinate. These troubled times would be the moment for us to shine and demonstrate our talent and skills, we would support the collapsing kingdom, and rise rapidly towards success, just like how we rose a thousand years ago. The world that would be awaken from its dreams, and would remember us and need us once again.”
Stake painted a description that was so vivid that Thales could imagine Teng’s tone of voice when he said those words in the past.
‘But… The names of the clients.’ Thales had noticed this phrase.
‘In the Bloody Year, who could it be that would want to see the end of the Jadestar Royal Family?’
Stake exhaled a breath of air while his expression and tone dimmed simultaneously. “I have to say, he is good with words, and has extraordinary tactics while being equipped with power and influence that came with his new promotion as leader of Shadow Shield. A part of the organisation were convinced by his words while others had no choice but to obey him in order to live.”
Klein showed his disdain. “I guess you’re saying that you are part of those ‘who had no choice but to obey him’?”
Stake shook his head. “That does not matter. What matters is the consequences. Look at what Teng and his crazy plans has brought us.”
Stake stretched out his hands and looked rather dejected.
“Chaos? Of course. The battles in the Bloody Year did indeed cause the entire country to descend into chaos, bringing harm to not only the commoners, but also hitmen and assassins like us, and even mercenaries like you. If anyone could be killed by the soldiers in a war, what use could hitmen possibly be? In times where the flames of war burned continuously, if we could not even find a peaceful and quiet land to rest and rejuvenate, how could we possibly talk about bribing others and assassinations?
“That chaos did not last long. At least, not long enough for the arrival of our golden era. It was all over before it even began.” Stake looked conflicted, like he was experiencing hell.
“For a good eighteen years, Teng set us against the people around us. Shadow Shield had not only been hiding within the borders of Constellation, we did not even have a place to call home even outside Constellation. We have had to face the persistent pursuits of extermination from the Secret Intelligence Department and their allies. You can never imagine how we made it through those days. Everything was horrible.”
Stake’s eyes were cold. “That was a business deal with no winners in sight.”
Thales’ heart froze.
“If we must say there is indeed one… After the disaster, Constellation did not lose terribly, and we did not launch the beginning of the golden era for assassins and Shadow Shield. On the contrary, Constellation rose from the ruins with the new king, employing even more ruthless tactics to rule the country, and the power of the throne was more dominant than ever.
“We once planted our hopes and relied on the endless feuding battles between the dukes and noblemen to survive, but much to our surprise, they began to disappear under the iron fist of the new king, until none of these feuds could be found anymore. The promised chaotic future that was built upon the collapse of Constellation not only did not come, but was pushed even further away from our grasp.
“It’s funny, but sometimes we subordinates wonder if Teng, who had initiated the assassination, was the spy that was sent from Constellation.”
The last narration was made by Stake using a bitter tone that made him sound as if he was crying and laughing at the same time.
The people could not refrain from frowning. Ricky and the others exchanged glances.
“You had asked earlier if I am ‘displeased’ with Teng, right?” Stake shook his head immediately while his eyes flashed with hatred. “No, the word that you chose is too simple; it is not enough to describe even one ten-thousandth of our feelings towards Teng.
“In twenty years, Teng has brought upon Shadow Shield… disaster.”
The tavern sank into silence again.
Thales was the only one who was still immersed in his thoughts. ‘Teng. What kind of man is he?’
“You mentioned that six years ago, Teng showed up and put himself at risk in Dragon Clouds City, but was ambushed and is now on his deathbed?” Ricky’s voice rose and brought Thales away from his thoughts.
Stake nodded his head politely. “Yes?”
Ricky touched his chin and smiled faintly with bright, sparkling eyes.
“For the time being, we shall put aside whether we can trust your words or not. How could a man who is as cautious as Teng be discovered in Dragon Clouds City when you have had it under your jurisdiction for so long?”
Stake’s face tensed. Ricky snorted.
“So, either you are spewing nonsense, or…” Ricky’s smile turned cold. “The man who is negotiating with us right now is a man who has not resigned to being a subordinate, and killed his master out of fury…”
Ricky’s eyes shone with a cold, still glare. “…A traitor.”
The terrifying, suffocating silence returned to the tavern. Everyone watched Stake strangely.
‘Damn it.’ Stake rubbed his sweaty palms together. ‘This so-called Crassus…’
Ricky was as still as a statue while he waited for Stake’s response. A few seconds passed, and the latter took a deep breath.
“As a matter of fact…”
Finally, at this moment, Stake no longer smiled, but there was a cold look on his face and a fierce glare shone in his eyes.
“If you have not been loyal to someone or something… what is there to betray?”
As soon as he finished speaking, Klein and Masked Man’s gazes became more severe as they stared at Stake. Ricky smiled unexpectedly.
The leader of Disaster Sword said calmly and faintly, “You must be afraid of him, aren’t you? Afraid of Teng.”
Stake’s body quivered.
“Whether it’s how you subconsciously mimic his speech and mannerism, or how you painstakingly express your hatred and dissatisfaction towards him, you can’t conceal the fear that you inadvertently revealed.”
Stake’s breathing stopped for a moment. Ricky seemed to have gotten a hold of his weakness.
“To you, he is like a mountain that can’t be surpassed, a shadow that has no end, isn’t he? You desperately want to know his secret because you are eager to surpass Teng.”
Stake gulped lightly. His lips trembled, but his voice was not heard. He seemed to be struggling with something.
It was as if his eloquence and neverending words just a second ago lost all their color at this moment. In the end, Ricky looked at him and clicked his tongue while shaking his head.
“Come.” Ricky did not pursue the matter. He leaned against his seat and snapped his fingers. “It is time we talked about our collaboration.”
Stake was dumbfounded as he did not seem to think that Ricky would so easily lead them back to the main topic he wanted to dwell on.
“Then…” Ricky was seen clenching his hands tightly. His eyes shone with a chilling glare. “For our possible collaboration, could you tell me something about the prince?”
Thales stilled and tried to act naturally while he listened from the side.
“How did you discover him?”
A few seconds later, Stake inhaled deeply and smiled. A man in simple clothes was led into the tavern a moment later.
The new guest had few things with him and was travel-worn; there was tiredness on his face born from being constantly on the move. However, even when he was facing all the hostile-looking swordsmen in the tavern, he maintained his manners and pride, walked with his head held high, and at first glance, found the person in the tavern who made the decisions.
Stake was all smiles. “Allow me to introduce you to this man. This is Baron Lasalle Weider.”
As he spoke, the new guest bowed slightly.
Thales moved a little. He subconsciously felt that he had seen this man before. ‘But…’
Ricky frowned a little. “Baron?”
There was skepticism on Klein’s face, and he said softly, “Weider, I remember that this family name belongs to the noblemen in Northland. The name seems to belong to some low-ranked vassal with a fiefdom. That family’s rank is so low that they are insignificant.”
The new guest stood up and revealed an old but stern face. Lasalle nodded and said,
“You can forgo the titles. My fiefdom has long since been taken back, and my title, too, was stripped from me.”
He added expressionlessly, “Now, I am just Lasalle Weider.”
“You are far too humble.” On the other side, Stake swung his hands and added excitedly, “Right then, you are our most reliable source of information, our business partner and backup plan—”
A doubtful look appeared on Ricky’s face. ‘Business partner?’
But the newcomer Lasalle did not show any intention for small talk. He interrupted Stake straightaway.
Lasalle shook his head and spoke in a direct manner. “I’m already fed up with all the diplomatic language used during diplomatic affairs, so I’ll get straight to the point.
“A few days ago, we received a piece of information.” His expression was stern and his voice was deep. It made everyone else unable to help but listen to him attentively. “An informant noticed Thales Jadestar’s tracks in the desert.”
Thales felt his heart thump. Even Quick Rope had stopped moving.
“The informant has already located the target, but due to a lack of personnel, and because he was in enemy territory, he had to ask for our help and arrange for a retreat after their mission.”
Lasalle continued with a frown. “The deadline for the retreat was yesterday night. Based on the plan, our informant wanted to bring the hostage to us.”
Ricky listened to Lasalle recount what he knew. The doubtful look on his face never once disappeared. Thales only stared at the ground and did not move.
“But even when morning arrived, the informant had not responded to us.” Lasalle exhaled and said with a fierce expression, “For that, we have reason to believe that the informant has failed. This is also why I have ignored tradition and have come here today to ask for help from you both.”
Lasalle stared at the smiling Stake, then at Ricky who did not seem as if he wanted to oblige Lasalle with any of his attention.
The new guest gritted his teeth and said, “There is a high possibility that Thales Jadestar had escaped from our control and received official protection from the camp, and we need to act swiftly before the army sends aid. We have to snatch the target back. We’re short on time, it’ll be best if we can act as soon as possible.”
Ricky exchanged glances with his comrades. “Do you have any clues?”
Lasalle nodded. “Our informant is a mercenary.” Lassalle looked around him with a stern expression.
“His name in the desert… is Big Dean.”
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
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