Battleblade "Slaughter"

Proulx was renowned as the greatest sculptor in the history of the Yulan Continent.

Though the Coiling Dragon World was governed by the law of the jungle, the art of stone sculpture had reached extraordinary heights. Especially in the Material Plane, even the most powerful experts held master sculptors in great respect.

Appreciation for sculpture seemed to be written into the very souls of the people of the Coiling Dragon World.

Even Prequet was full of admiration after viewing the works in the Proulx Gallery. The pieces by the experts and masters were incredible. He was especially taken with a sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, which he could hardly bear to part with. He had even wanted to buy it.

By the time they left the Proulx Gallery, the sky had already darkened.

"That was incredible."

Even after leaving the gallery, the Doham brothers still looked stunned.

They had spent most of their time in the Dark Alliance army and rarely had the chance to admire sculptures. Works by experts and masters were especially hard to find in war zones.

"Come on. Let's buy a set of tools."

Fang Yun had gotten interested too and wanted to try sculpting again.

After all, he had studied sculpture and had some basic skills. Now that he was stronger, he should be able to achieve the effects he wanted with ease.

With a period of practice, reaching the threshold of an expert should be no trouble, even if he couldn't become a master.

For three days straight, Fang Yun practiced stone sculpting.

Though he hadn't reached the level of a master, he had easily achieved the skill of an expert. Aside from the experience he had gained in his previous life, it was mainly because his control was now far more precise. He could effortlessly create the effects he wanted.

His control was so good now that he could produce excellent results even with a kitchen knife.

"My lord, someone from the Lucas Clan is here to escort you."

Doham walked up to Fang Yun and spoke.

Fang Yun hadn't concealed his whereabouts, so it was no trouble for the Lucas Clan to find out where he was staying.

Fang Yun put away his sculpting tools and nodded. "Let's go. I'll meet this Marquis Jeb."

The Lucas Clan had invited the son of a great family.

In just three days, word of it had spread among many of the major families in Fenlai City.

Plenty of people were watching to see what would happen.

"Young lord, my clan leader has prepared a banquet."

As soon as Fang Yun stepped out, the servant from before came up with a smile. "I heard you like stone sculpture, so my clan leader has invited several of Fenlai City's sculpting experts and arranged a small exhibition."

There was no denying that the Lucas Clan had considerable influence.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a luxurious mansion. It was Marquis Jeb's residence.

A good number of people had already gathered at the marquis's estate, all of them prominent figures. Some were nobles curious about Fang Yun's identity, while others were sculpting experts—well-known figures in Fenlai City.

Marquis Jeb was smiling as he chatted with the guests.

Noble life was rather dull, consisting mostly of leisure. So nobles had plenty of time to host banquets and mingle with promising young people and members of other families.

"Young lord, we've arrived."

The servant lifted the curtain of the carriage for Fang Yun and spoke.

Fang Yun stood before the marquis's estate with the Doham brothers and studied its design. "They really know how to live in luxury."

Then Fang Yun led the Doham brothers inside.

The people in the reception hall had already heard the news and turned to look at Fang Yun and the Doham brothers.

When they saw the two brothers, many people gasped in surprise. They had heard that the young man had two exceptionally strong bodyguards, but the pair were even more imposing than they had imagined.

It was precisely because of the Doham brothers that the nobles assumed Fang Yun was someone important. An ordinary person could never have bodyguards like these.

Marquis Jeb, an old man with silver hair, was the first to approach. He greeted Fang Yun with the formal courtesy of a noble and said with a smile, "I'm Jeb Lucas, the current head of the Lucas Clan."

"Fang Yun."

Fang Yun gave no further introduction, simply smiling as he spoke.

Fang Yun?

The name sounded familiar, but Jeb couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it.

He didn't let it show. Smiling, he said, "So you're Mr. Fang Yun. Please, come in."

As a marquis, Jeb was quite sociable. With so many guests present, the banquet was lively, and some nobles even suggested a few fights for entertainment.

That meant fights between their respective bodyguards. They had even placed quite a few bets on the matches.

"Mr. Fang Yun, would you like to place a wager?"

Marquis Jeb asked with a smile.

"My lord, should I go up?" Doham asked at once.

Few of the bodyguards present were even fifth-rank warriors. None of them could possibly be his match.

"No need."

Fang Yun waved a hand. Many of these people were trying to confirm his identity. He hadn't revealed which family he came from during their earlier conversations, so naturally they weren't going to let it go.

Before Marquis Jeb could say anything else, Fang Yun looked at him and said directly, "I've heard Marquis Jeb is a collector and owns quite a few treasures."

At that, Marquis Jeb couldn't help smiling. "Ha ha, it's just a little hobby of mine. Nothing worth mentioning, nothing worth mentioning."

Though he said that, his expression was quite proud. He had great confidence in his collection.

Fang Yun smiled, then said, "To be honest, Marquis Jeb, I came here because I'd like to buy one of your pieces."

"Oh? Buy one of my pieces?"

Marquis Jeb's smile slowly faded, and his expression turned more serious. "Mr. Fang Yun, it's not that I don't want to sell. But my collection isn't something I keep for the money."

"I'm sure you'll sell it, Marquis Jeb."

Fang Yun spoke casually.

Marquis Jeb furrowed his brow and studied Fang Yun, trying to work out what gave the young man such confidence.

"Mr. Fang Yun hasn't mentioned where he's from. Would you be willing to tell me?"

Marquis Jeb was cautious too. If he could confirm Fang Yun's background, he wouldn't mind parting with a piece of his collection to build goodwill with him.

Fang Yun smiled. "I'm from the South Sea."

"The South Sea?"

Marquis Jeb didn't understand at first.

The South Sea was the ocean south of the Yulan Continent. How could anyone be from the South Sea? South Sea Fang Yun? That couldn't be—

Suddenly, Marquis Jeb stiffened as if struck by lightning. He swallowed, and a trace of fear crept into his eyes. "The South Sea... Fang Yun?!"

At last, he remembered why the name had sounded familiar.

The news had spread all over Fenlai City recently: a Saint-level powerhouse named Fang Yun had defeated four Saint-level powerhouses from the Dark Alliance!

As for Fang Yun's origins, more than half the people believed he came from the South Sea.

"South Sea Fang Yun" had become a name everyone in Fenlai City knew.

Earlier, Fang Yun had given only his name and hadn't mentioned his origins, so Jeb hadn't dared consider that he might be a Saint-level powerhouse. After all, why would a Saint-level powerhouse visit the Lucas Clan?

Even if the Old Ancestor, Lucas, came back to life, he wouldn't have that kind of clout.

But now Fang Yun had told him where he came from.

The more Jeb thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Only a Saint-level powerhouse could have bodyguards this imposing.

"Mr. Fang... Lord Fang Yun, are you... the South... Dark Alliance..."

Marquis Jeb's throat had gone dry. He was frightened, excited, and uneasy all at once, so overwhelmed that he didn't know what to say.

"That's right. It's me."

Fang Yun took a casual sip of tea, his eyes filled with amusement. "What is it, Marquis Jeb? Is there something you'd like to say?"

"No, no."

Marquis Jeb hurriedly shook his head. He didn't dare remain seated in front of Fang Yun and stood up stiffly.

Marquis Jeb's behavior drew the attention of quite a few people.

"All right, don't be nervous. Sit down and talk."

Fang Yun waved a hand, easing Jeb's anxiety a little. Only then did Jeb cautiously sit down, perched on the edge of his seat.

"There's no need to let word of my identity get out. Understood?"

Fang Yun looked at Marquis Jeb.

"I understand. I understand."

Marquis Jeb replied carefully. His fear had given way to excitement. He had actually invited a Saint-level powerhouse to his home—and not just any Saint-level powerhouse, but the most famous one on the continent!

This was a Saint-level powerhouse!

If he played his cards right, the family would have a Saint-level powerhouse as its backer. Then even Clayde, the king of the Fenlai Kingdom, would have to show him respect.

And who would dare impersonate a Saint-level powerhouse? That would be asking for death.

Seeing how Marquis Jeb's attitude had changed, Doham couldn't help laughing. "You're quite the fickle one."

Marquis Jeb didn't take offense. Instead, he smiled. "I was blind earlier and neglected you two, my lords."

As he spoke, he gestured for a servant and told him to bring chairs for the Doham brothers.

The sight left some of the nobles chatting nearby astonished, and they began speculating about Fang Yun's identity. After all, no one without status would be given a seat here.

It was one thing for Fang Yun to have a seat, but even his bodyguards had been given chairs?

What was Marquis Jeb up to?

But the host was Marquis Jeb, and nearly everyone present was of lower rank than him, so naturally no one came forward to ask.

"All right, Marquis Jeb."

Fang Yun looked at him and continued, "About the piece from your collection..."

Marquis Jeb hurriedly replied, "Which one would you like, my lord? I'll give you the whole collection."

As if he could refuse! A Saint-level powerhouse wanting something from his collection was an honor.

Fang Yun smiled and said calmly, "The battleblade 'Slaughter.'"

"The battleblade 'Slaughter'?"

Marquis Jeb valued that piece of his collection highly, but he didn't hesitate now. "Of course, my lord. Please wait in the rear courtyard. I'll have someone bring it right away."

As he spoke, Marquis Jeb quickly stood up.

First, he found a servant and had him escort Fang Yun and the others to the rear courtyard. He repeatedly warned the servant to be careful and not to slight the three guests.

The servant was startled by Marquis Jeb's attitude, but he didn't dare ask questions. He could only take even greater care.

As for Marquis Jeb, he went personally to fetch the battleblade "Slaughter."

Before long, Marquis Jeb returned carrying a long case. He set it down in front of Fang Yun and slowly opened it, revealing a battleblade wreathed in intense killing intent, its surface tinged with pale red. "My lord, this is the battleblade 'Slaughter.' They say it was the personal weapon of a Saint-level Dragonblood Warrior five thousand years ago!"

Tomorrow, the updates begin in earnest.