Chapter 49: What...?
"That’s enough."
Elder Song shook her head.
"This isn’t a matter we should be discussing and I mustn’t hear a word about it from any of you. Is that clear?"
The disciples nodded seriously, even going as far as making a mouth-zipping gesture.
"Princess, you should return to your room to rest."
Nodding, Shira thanked them all for listening, then left the gathering.
Once she left, Elder Song gave everyone else a deep look.
"You all value the lives of your family, don’t you? I believe you know what not to do or say."
Closing her eyes, she folded her arms.
"Everyone is dismissed. Seraph, you stay back."
Noel, Marcus, Thana, and the other disciple stood up and left the room, leaving only Elder Song and Seraph behind.
The woman opened her eyes and locked gazes with him.
"You already know what I want to ask. Answer me."
Her voice turned slightly cold.
Seraph facepalmed and sighed tiredly. "How do you expect me to know? I literally just woke up this morning. I’m even feeling hungry."
Narrowing her eyes, Elder Song observed him again.
Seraph looked different from yesterday. He seemed to have enlarged, like a picture being zoomed.
Although he still looked like a child, no one would believe he was merely eleven years of age.
Deciding to let it go, she asked another question.
"When did you become a Core Advanced Stage Cultivator?"
Seraph paused, then tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Two days ago... Hm. It was two days ago."
Hearing this, Elder Song felt a chill run down her spine.
’He’s already at that level in just a few days of enrollment. How long would it take him to reach the Peak Advanced Stage?’
Shaking her head, she said to him.
"Once we return to the sect, immediately apply for the Inner Court Disciple Examination. You’re no longer an outer court disciple."
"Eh?" Seraph was surprised. Then his smile dimmed slightly. "But I don’t want to leave my current building. That place feels serene and quiet."
Elder Song raised an eyebrow. "You want to keep staying in that house? Huh..."
She couldn’t really understand why he was insisting on living there. Still, it was none of her concerns.
She stood up and prepared to leave.
"Do whatever you like. Just ensure you get promoted to the Inner Court. Understood?"
Seraph nodded calmly, his smile faint.
If he was right, then the benefits of being an Inner Court Disciple would be great. At least the spirit crystals he’d received would be more.
"Uh... Elder."
Before the woman left, he called out hesitantly.
"What is it?"
"Err... this poor disciple is actually a bit hungry."
"Then go cook in the kitchen."
............
Later in the evening, a City Lord’s servant came to call everyone to his manor.
Apparently, he had just returned to the city after hearing that his niece—the princess—was around.
The butler, Grey, had already woken up and could move about easily now. With the high-level pills used on him, his injuries had healed before sunset.
Although he had successfully killed the Captain of guards, he had also been gravely injured and would have died if not for Elder Song saving him.
It was a true blessing.
Walking beside Seraph, Noel said in a low voice.
"I know you have a loose mouth but do not say anything unnecessary or unwarranted in the presence of the City Lord. He’s just as strong as your Soul Peak’s Elder Song, if not stronger."
Seraph rolled his eyes and nodded.
"Don’t piss him off, okay..."
Behind them, Marcus scoffed, glaring at Seraph’s back intensely.
’Why does he look like my age mate now? It’s hard to think I’m very much older than him!’
Everyone was still puzzled about Seraph’s strange growth spurt, but no one said a thing.
Since Elder Song had seemingly ignored it, they choose to keep their mouths shut about the matter.
"Welcome to the City Lord’s Manor, esteemed guests."
The servant bowed and ushered them into the compound.
It was insanely large, filled with neat cobblestones for pathways and vibrant green flower beds shaped beautifully.
Several other ornaments decorated the compound, and trees with fruits were scattered all across.
"Ah! This..."
The Solstice Peak disciple gasped, then quickly covered his mouth. As a person from a normal background, he had never seen anyplace so beautiful and luxurious.
Marcus tried to keep a poker face, maintaining his status as a noble. However, his eyes kept darting around, his amazement unconcealed.
Meanwhile, Seraph didn’t really show much of a reaction.
He merely appreciated the view, then moved on.
The Moonveil Manor had a similar design but on a lesser scale and grandeur.
"The City Lord is hosting a little banquet to welcome the princess. Please..."
Bowing, the servant gestured towards the large double doors.
The two guards manning the doors pulled them open, allowing them to step inside.
When the group entered, they were welcomed with applause and another round of extravagant decorations in the interior of the hall.
Candles and chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the sweet aroma of roasted meat, fruits, wine, and vegetables filled the air.
It felt like heaven.
’Something isn’t right.’
Seraph’s eyes narrowed, but he couldn’t pinpoint the source of his unease. It felt like ever since entering the hall, he could no longer feel his body well enough.
Just as the servant had said, it was a small banquet. The only people present were the City Lord’s family, a few officials, and the City Lord himself.
The man had a robust build, with curly hair and mustache that stood stubbornly.
"Shira."
He said softly with a smile, spreading his arms open for a hug.
The girl grew excited and immediately ran to him for a hug.
The man patted her back dearly and pointed at a boy beside him.
"Say hello to your cousin."
Princess Shira turned to the good-looking boy, then went ahead to hug him.
Seraph stumbled slightly, feeling his vision blur. Immediately after stabilizing himself, he looked up to see the princess hugging her cousin.
’What...?’
There was a knife protruding from her back, stained with her blood.