Chapter 45: Crisis of the Kilvish Clan
Charles Kilvish’s expression hardened as he stood at the centre of the arena, his black robe rippling in the rising storm of Qi that surrounded him. The crowd had fallen into a stunned silence, unable to process the sudden shift from celebration to catastrophe.
His gaze snapped toward the man with the fan and feminine features, Elder Adrian of the Jeral Clan.
"So this is all your doing, Adrian," Charles said coldly, his voice echoing with anger. "Even if the Kilvish and Jeral Clans have been enemies for generations, launching a direct assault on our grounds is crossing a line. You’ve declared war."
Adrian merely chuckled behind his ornate fan, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight. But before Charles could speak further, his attention shifted warily to the other figure.
Elder Adaeze.
The silver-haired dragon of thunder. One of the Ten Heavenly Dragons. One of the few beings on the continent, Charles would hesitate to fight head-on.
"Tell me, Adaeze," Charles said, his tone more cautious now, "is the Storm Clan part of this treachery as well?"
He already feared the answer.
He knew the power of a Heavenly Dragon all too well; his wife, Bella, was one. Called The Divine Ice Dragon, feared even among top cultivators. If Adaeze had made his move, it meant the situation had spiralled beyond anything Charles had expected.
Adaeze stepped forward, the very air bending under his presence. His expression was calm, but the storm in his eyes betrayed a deep intensity.
" Charles," he said, "the lies about your ancestor’s seclusion are no longer convincing. The truth is out. Your so-called protector hasn’t been seen for decades not because he’s cultivating, but because he’s crippled."