Asura Sovereign 5

by Shian Jeen

  The gray robed old man looked appreciatively at the blood-caked wounds on Lu Kai’s body, a smile crept up his face, blossoming into laughter, yet it looked twisted: “Punk, you’ve got a mouth on you, want to chop me into pieces and feed me to the pigs? Relying on your current circumstances?” The old man’s voice was full of mocking ridicule.

  Lu Kai’s eyes were filled with red veins as he glowered ferociously at the other side, his tone spine-chilling cold, “Old dog He Hui, you’d be wise and kill me now!”

  The gray-robed old man, He Hui, snickered, very satisfied with himself, “Don’t worry, we’ll be displaying you tomorrow in the square outside the palace doors, and publicly behead you! This will be your final night alive, take the time to appreciate the night sky.” The old man He Hui looked over the tiny frame that served as a window, chuckling, “It’s a beautiful night.”

  Hazy moonlight shone into the dungeon cell through the small opening, pulling a blurry veil over the dungeon, adding a surreal effect. At this time, someone opened the dungeon door, a young man in brocade dragon robes stepped into the cell, followed closely behind by four palace guards.

  The facial features of this young man bore some resemblance to Lu Kai.

  Watching the young man enter the cell, the murderous look in Lu Kai’s eyes intensified. If eyes could kill, if his eyes could murder, then this newly arrived young man would have been flesh-flayed by a million daggers many times over.

  The young man entered unperturbed, even as he noticed the burning hatred and killing intent in Lu Kai’s eyes. Walking towards the gray robed old man, he greeted: “Senior Brother He.”

  He Hui merely nodded.

  Only then did the young man turn towards Lu Kai, speaking in a detached manner: “Big brother, have you been well in here for the past few days?” He glanced around the dungeon cell, noting the different torture instruments heaped in a pile at the corners, covered in dried blood and other stuff, emanating an indistinct unpleasant stench.

  “Big brother?” Lu Kai threw his head back and laughed a dolent laugh. His eyes were blood-red as he stared at the young man, “Who is your Big brother?!! Lu Jing, you think you will be able to ascend the kingdom’s throne with me out of the way?”

  This young man that bore similar features to Lu Kai was his younger brother, Lu Jing.

  Lu Jing laughed, “Your Prince status has been revoked, I am the Luo Tong Kingdom’s Prince now, in a few more years I would be able to ascend the throne. But pity, ah, you won’t be able to witness that moment!” He waved a hand at the four guards behind, one of them stepped forward, presenting a tiffin box in front of Lu Jing respectfully.

  Lu Jing opened the tiffin box revealing several small dishes inside, colorful, fragrant, and looking delicious. Together with the dishes on the side, there was a jug of wine.

  Lu Jing spoke: “Don’t say I didn’t perform my brotherly duties, these are all your favorite dishes and your beloved Snow Moon Wine. But then again, you should know that this is your final supper in this world.”

  Lu Kai looked at his so-called brother Lu Jing, “So I should thank you instead?”

  Lu Jing was nonchalant, “No need for thanks, we’re real brothers after all, no need to be so polite.” Then Lu Jing ordered the guards standing behind him, “Unchain him.”

  The same guard answered respectfully, went up to Lu Kai and released the lock to his chains.

  “Don’t even think of running away, it would save you some unnecessary bitterness.” Lu Jing said, “Just enjoy your last meal. Senior Brother He, let’s leave.” With that, Lu Jing left, bringing the guards as well.

  He Hui glanced at Lu Kai before leaving the dungeon cell after Lu Jing, shutting the door behind him.

  Hands and feet released from the chains, Lu Kai slumped to the floor in a sitting position. Staring numbly at the spread of dishes and wine before his eyes. A light chuckle escaped his throat and a blur obscured his sight, mumbling, “Brother Xiao, it seems like we won’t be able to meet again in this lifetime!”

  As Luo Tong Kingdom’s Prince, he spent most of his time practicing, therefore he didn’t have many trustworthy friends around him. It could be said that Huwang Xiao was his only true friend.

  He slowly walked up, grabbed the wine jug and took a large mouthful.

  The night slowly faded, relinquishing the sky to the morning sun.

  Inside an inn at the Thousand Spring Town, the morning sunlight streamed into the room through the window, falling on Huwang Xiao’s body. Huwang Xiao walked over to the window, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air, stretching out.

  He walked out of the room moments later.

  Giant ghost Feng Yang was already waiting outside Huwang Xiao’s room, saluting when he saw Huwang Xiao coming out of the room.

  “Let’s go.” Huwang Xiao said. Settling the payment for the accommodation, Huwang Xiao and giant ghost Feng Yang left the small Thousand Spring Town, flying rapidly in the direction of the Luo Tong Kingdom.

  Since he was nearby, Huwang Xiao decided to make a quick trip to the Luo Tong Kingdom to visit that guy, Lu Kai. He hadn’t seen Lu Kai for many years.

  The sunlight shone brilliantly. Although Huwang Xiao and Feng Yang were flying at breakneck speed, they did not arouse anyone’s attention. At their level of strength, even a peak late-Xiantian Tenth Order couldn’t grasp the edge of their shadows, not to mention those of lower cultivation. It was even more impossible for the commoners to see them.

  In a small kingdom, such as Luo Tong, disregarding mid-level Xiantian warriors, even early-level Xiantian warriors were hard to find.

  Huwang Xiao and giant ghost Feng Yang flew all the way, passing through the borders to reach the edge of Luo Tong Kingdom land. Entering the Luo Tong Kingdom, Huwang Xiao first stopped where the Huwang Clan Manor used to stand. That year, the Huwang Clan Manor was uprooted by the Baolong Kingdom’s Big Sword Sect, now, the place was empty and abandoned, overgrown weeds had taken over the place amongst crumbled walls and ruins. Most of the buildings had collapsed to the grown.

  Standing in the air as he looked at the ruin of a once huge manor, Huwang Xiao lamented in his heart. In a flicker, he appeared in the small courtyard where he used to live.

  In the small yard, that same tree was still there, and in a corner, there was a slightly crumbled large boulder. Seeing the small handprints on it, Huwang Xiao couldn’t resist smiling recalling how he tested his strength using that stone boulder every time he had a small breakthrough in cultivation. Those handprints were left by him in those years.

  Walking to his room, Huwang Xiao pushed the door open, thick dust danced in the air. Sliding a finger over the frame of his bed, inch thick dust stuck to his finger.

  ‘Well, time to hire some people to repair Huwang Clan Manor.’ Huwang Xiao thought. That year, in order to avoid the people from Big Sword Sect, he brought his parents and siblings away from the Huwang Clan Manor, then, in order to avoid the Deities Templar, he moved them again to Duanren Empire Imperial City.

  In the future, after he destroyed Deities Templar, he would send someone to repair the Manor. Huwang Xiao knew that his parents had always missed this place.

  “Come on.” Huwang Xiao said as he walked out of the room, leaving the Huwang Clan Manor behind, heading to the Luo Tong Royal City.

  A little more than an hour later, both of them arrived at the Luo Tong Royal City. In the past, Huwang Xiao needed several months to reach Luo Tong Royal City from the Huwang Clan Manor, but now, it was a matter of only a couple of hours.

  Standing before the Luo Tong Royal City gates, watching the commoners coming and going, another wave of nostalgia washed over Huwang Xiao. Stopping only for the briefest moment, he entered the city with giant ghost Feng Yang.

  However, giant ghost Feng Yang’s four-meter stature, even with his ghost aura well-hidden still terrified the common subjects in the Royal City, everyone scurried away or to the sides, giving way to Huwang Xiao and giant ghost Feng Yang.

>   Huwang Xiao did not mind the commotion, walking without a goal along the streets, when he suddenly stopped. Not far from him was the Delicious Restaurant. The taste of Delicious Restaurant’s Snow Moon Wine was not bad.

  Hence, leading giant ghost Feng Yang, Huwang Xiao walked into the restaurant.

  Ch.329

  Huwang Xiao and giant ghost Feng Yang climbed up to the first floor upon entering the restaurant, but he didn’t expect to run into the restaurant’s boss just as he stepped on the second floor. Seeing Huwang Xiao, the boss’s eyes widened to the size of fists, he was so excited that there were tremors in his voice, “You, you’re Young Noble Huwang?!”

  Although it had been many years since Huwang Xiao left the Luo Tong Royal City, and just as many years since he visited the Delicious Restaurant, the boss still recognized Huwang Xiao in one glance.

  He might forget others, but not Huwang Xiao!

  Huwang Xiao was someone that represented the Luo Tong Kingdom in the in Duanren Empire’s Imperial City Battle, the legendary figure that won the first place, how could he forget!!!

  That year, Huwang Xiao won the Duanren Imperial City Battle’s first place, when the news was sent back to the Luo Tong Kingdom, celebrations were held throughout the kingdom. King Lu Zhe held a three-day celebration feast when he announced the glorious achievement!

  Moreover, the boss was well aware that Huwang Xiao was someone that even the sole Marshal of Luo Tong Kingdom, Marshal Haotian was respectful to!

  Watching the restaurant boss’s expression, Huwang Xiao smiled and nodded slightly, he didn’t expect the boss to remember him after so many years.

  Seeing Huwang Xiao admitted his identity, the boss grew more enthusiastic, nearly performing a full kneel and kowtow to salute Huwang Xiao. Huwang Xiao easily stopped the boss’s action, extending his left hand out, indicating him to stand up while his eyes looked at him and then the surroundings meaningfully.

  Watching Huwang Xiao’s actions, the restaurant boss instantly understood that Huwang Xiao didn’t want others to know of his presence. Only then did he hurried to a stand, but even so, his demeanor was of utmost respect, the angle of his waist probably exceeded ninety degrees. He personally led Huwang Xiao to a secluded section and took Huwang Xiao’s orders.

  Other customers noticed the complaisant attitude of the restaurant boss before Huwang Xiao, most were shocked and curious.

  A short while later, the boss excused himself respectfully.

  While waiting for the dishes to arrive, the sudden loud commotion on the streets attracted Huwang Xiao’s attention. Huwang Xiao looked outside through the restaurant’s window and saw the common subjects moving in small and large groups heading in one direction.

  At this time, discussions on tables nearby reached his ears.

  “Quickly eat, after we finish eating we’re rushing over to the square across the palace doors to watch a good show!” One customer said.

  “Life is really strange, ah, who would’ve thought that, as a Prince, Lu Kai would end up so tragically.” Another person commented.

  Lu Kai?! Huwang Xiao was stunned hearing Lu Kai’s name being mentioned.

  ‘What is happening?’

  “Young Noble Huwang, your dishes are here.” At this point, the restaurant boss returned, personally bringing Huwang Xiao his dishes.

  As he put the plates one by one on Huwang Xiao’s table, Huwang Xiao questioned, “About Lu Kai, what’s that all about?”

  The restaurant boss’ action lagged for a second, not knowing what to say. It was known to many people in the Royal City that Huwang Xiao and Prince Lu Kai were good friends back in the day, thus he also knew.

  “Speak!” Huwang Xiao’s face sank, exuding a powerful momentum that enveloped the entire restaurant. The noisy restaurant instantly fell into a dead silence, the customers all around were filled with apprehension.

  Whereas the restaurant boss was so scared that he fell to his knees, “Huwang, Young Noble Huwang…” ashen face and cold sweat, he looked at Huwang Xiao with awe.

  Watching the restaurant boss’ reaction, Huwang Xiao converged the terrifying pressure he released, slightly adjusting his expression as he said, “First, stand up.”

  Not daring to delay, the restaurant boss hurried to his feet, respectfully recounting the matter from the beginning to Huwang Xiao in a trembling voice.

  The more Huwang Xiao listened, the gloomier the expression on his face became.

  Until the end, the restaurant boss noticed the hot dishes he just served moment ago with steam still curling were now covered with layers of white ice. They were in the peak of spring, where did this ice come from?

  Finished telling the matter, the restaurant boss felt his throat feel dry and itchy as he stood there, not daring to move.

  In plain words, Lu Kai’s younger brother, Lu Jing, in order to seize the kingdom’s throne, joined a sect that called themselves Wind God Cult, worshipping the Sect Leader as Master, working hand in glove on a conspiracy. Controlling King Lu Zhe, they forced him to renounce Lu Kai’s Prince status and throw him into the dungeon.

  They even announced that Lu Kai will be brought to the square opposite the palace doors for public beheading!

  “How much time till the execution?” A moment of silence later, Huwang Xiao looked at the restaurant boss.

  The restaurant boss looked at the sky outside, answering, “Around one hour’s time.”

  One hour. Huwang Xiao stood up, preparing to leave with giant ghost Feng Yang.

  Guessing what Huwang Xiao wanted to do, the restaurant boss courageously stepped in, “Young Noble Huwang, I know you want to rescue Prince Lu Kai, but with just the two of you, it’s impossible to cope with the tens of thousands of palace guards. At that time, not only will you fail to rescue Prince Lu Kai, you might even lose your life in this gamble.”

  That year, when Huwang Xiao relocated his family to Duanren Imperial City, Marshal Haotian also went, following beside the Huwang Family. Thus, Huwang Xiao had no reinforcement in Luo Tong Royal City anymore. If he planned to rescue Prince Lu Kai with a mere two people, in the restaurant boss’ opinion, it was a hopeless feat, regardless if Huwang Xiao was the champion of Duanren Imperial City Battle and had already broken through to Xiantian.

  Huwang Xiao looked at the restaurant boss and smiled, “Lose my life in this gamble?” He was not angry, for he understood that the restaurant boss reminded him out of good intentions.

  Seeing that Huwang Xiao was still nonchalant about the matter, he grew solemn, emphasizing, “Yes, I know that Young Noble Huwang has broken through the Xiantian realm, but other than the numerous palace guards, I've heard that the person responsible for guarding Prince Lu Kai was a peak late-Xiantian Second Order expert.”

  “Peak late-Xiantian Second Order?” Huwang Xiao was dumbfounded. A small kingdom such as Luo Tong Kingdom has a peak late-Xiantian Second Order.

  The restaurant boss nodded gravely, “That’s right. An expert from the Wind God Cult, also Lu Jing’s Eldest Senior Brother, named He Hui.”

  ‘So, someone from Wind God Cult, Huwang Xiao mused, but where did this Wind God Cult pop out from? Even the restaurant boss doesn’t know.’

  No matter what hole they came out from, it was fated that the Wind God Cult would be destroyed.

  “Keep the dishes warm, after I rescue my brother, I’ll come drink with him.” Huwang Xiao said to the restaurant boss laughingly, a finger casually pointed at the table of food.

  The restaurant boss blanked momentarily before he understood the meaning of Huwang Xiao's words, Huwang Xiao and giant ghost Feng Yang’s silhouettes had vanished from his sight.

  The restaurant boss looked dazedly at the spot where Huwang Xiao and the giant ‘man’ stood earlier, now it was empty and airy. A long time passed before he shook his head, muttering to himself, “I hope that the Heavens bless Young Noble Huwang so that he can escape from this disaster.” He didn’t think that Huwang Xiao and his friend had any chances o
f rescuing Lu Kai.

  At this time, the palace’s main doors slowly opened. Lu Kai, with his four limbs chained down to an iron column, escorted out by a group of palace guards, all the way to the square center. Lines of palace guards barricaded the square’s perimeter tightly.

  Commoners that came to watch a lively show crowded the square some distance away, pointing fingers and shaking heads, some with pity, some gloated.

  Ch.330

  He Hui glared at Lu Kai at the center of the square and barked: “On your knees!”

  Lu Kai stood upright, looking coldly at the old man.

  Watching Lu Kai’s stubbornness, He Hui snickered instead, lifting his foot and kicking the back of Lu Kai’s knees as swift as lightning. Lu Kai’s knees bent and he fell to his knees.

  “Do you think you’re still Luo Tong Kingdom’s Prince?” He Hui mocked, “Now, you’re nothing but a death row prisoner waiting to be beheaded, merely a prisoner!”

  Lu Kai raised his head, eyes tinted with bloodlust watching He Hui. Seeing this, He Hui struck across Lu Kai’s face without any misgiving, leaving a raw five-finger print on Lu Kai’s cheek. His head fell to the side, blood filling his mouth.

  From afar, the commoners became agitated and angered.

  Lu Jing frowned slightly as he stood on the erected stage, saying “Senior Brother He, it’s good enough.” After all, Lu Kai was his brother.

  “Big brother, speak, do you have any last words?” Lu Jing looked at Lu Kai, kneeling at the center of the square, asking in a condescending manner.

  Lu Kai looked up, a tiny depreciating smile lifted the corner of his mouth as he stared fixedly at his younger brother: “Don’t kill my mother.”

  Although they were brothers, they were born of different mothers.

  Lu Jing shook his head: “Change your request.” His meaning was very clear. Once Lu Kai was dead, his mother must also die, all possibilities must be uprooted.

  Tears fell from Lu Kai’s eyes without warning.