Three days later, the Crownguard Family
"What? You want me to marry Prince Jarvan?"
"No, I don't want to, Auntie, I won't accept it."
Lux, unusually, displayed the temper of a noble lady, strongly resisting her aunt's arrangements.
" Luxanna Crownguard! I'm not discussing this with you, I'm informing you!"
As a member of the noble Crownguard Family, Tianna Crownguard not exactly known for her good temper, especially when she announced things that had already been decided.
"As a member of the Crownguard Family, you should understand your responsibilities; it's time to dedicate yourself to the family."
Tianna realized that her voice was a little soft. She had always spoiled this niece whom she had watched grow up.
But this time was different; this was an opportunity she had fought hard for.
'As long as Luxanna becomes the prince's fiancée, her magical secret will no longer be a problem, and the Crownguard Family can continue to prosper and remain stable.'
Considering various factors, Tianna ignored Lux's tears, but still couldn't help but gently offer a few words of advice.
Do you know how much effort your aunt put into arranging your marriage to Prince Jarvan?
"In the past, when I asked you to learn how to take care of the family business and manage the property, you were unwilling, and your aunt complied. But this time, I hope you will listen to your aunt."
"Aunt, you know, I..." Lux raised her face, her eyes blurry with tears, still wanting to try one more time.
"Stop talking, Lux. I know what you're trying to say," Tianna, her expression turning serious as she stopped her.
"I know you enjoy exploring the world and are curious about it, but these things don't stop you from dedicating yourself to the family."
"We need you to become a bridge to strengthen the relationship Crownguard Family and the royal family. This is something that neither our family nor you can refuse. Do you understand?"
Lux swallowed all the words she wanted to say because of her aunt's gaze; she couldn't bring herself to argue with this woman who had dedicated everything to the family.
As a noblewoman, she knew from a young age that everyone in a noble family needed to contribute to the family, regardless of whether they were boys or girls, and in whatever way.
"I... I need some peace and quiet, Aunt Tianna."
Finally, Lux bowed and said goodbye to her aunt, then returned to her room alone.
Meanwhile, Tianna Crownguard, the commander of the Dauntless Vanguard —no, now the woman of the Grand Marshal of Kingdom of Demacia —rubbed her temples and gave an order into the darkness.
"Go and execute that reckless mage, as soon as possible."
In the darkness, the guard obeyed and left.
"No one can lead a Crownguard Family child down the wrong path without paying the price, Lux. You'll understand later that everything I did was for your own good."
Tianna muttered to herself, then continued dealing with the seemingly endless administrative tasks.
"The progress is faster than I expected; I should have touched upon a higher level of magic in this world."
"Its magic release is stable, and it can freely switch between five elemental forms, and even fuse and develop other elemental powers."
"After incorporating my own willpower, magic is no longer simply absorbed by the Petricite, and it is much easier to control."
"Besides its destructive power, this force should have other potential for development."
Inside the cell, Xu Xiao was playing with a shimmering ball of energy in his hand, causing it to undergo continuous elemental changes.
Water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder—these are the five basic elements of this world, constantly radiating unique brilliance in Xu Xiao's hands.
The Petricite shackles binding Xu Xiao completely ignored this and were unable to absorb the energy ball in Xu Xiao's hand.
After all, this was no longer simple elemental magic, but a profound magic infused with Xu Xiao's spiritual will power; it could also be called ' Arcane Energy '.
In a way, Xu Xiao's appearance at this moment was similar to that bald man covered in tattoos; the exposed skin on his arms was covered with mysterious magical patterns, making him look enigmatic.
"Although the magic runes are not yet fully developed and can only achieve 50% surface coverage, this power is already sufficient."
"The magic system of this world is also a good find for me. It's somewhat similar to the magic of other worlds, but it's completely different."
"As a reference, I'd give it a perfect score. I'll try my best to improve and see how far I can ultimately go."
Xu Xiao brought his five fingers together, and the energy ball in his palm instantly transformed into a floating red ribbon of light, completely tearing apart the Petricite binding his body.
Thanks to his extensive knowledge and powerful control, Xu Xiao's mastery of the new power far surpasses that of any other mage.
Even the purple-haired bald man who has been pursuing the Rune, whose magic power may be many times stronger than Xu Xiao's at this moment, is far inferior in terms of understanding and control over the nature of energy.
The difference between mortals and God, and between mortals and enlightened Golden Immortal who have glimpsed the Great Dao, is not a difference that a mere amount of time can bridge.
No matter how long mortals live, their search for power remains superficial, and they cannot understand everything from its essence like gods and immortals of higher dimensions.
'Click~click'
The sound of the Petricite shackles falling to the floor drew the attention of the prisoners, who all saw Xu Xiao, now free of his chains.
"You... you!! You actually broke free of your shackles!!!"
Someone shouted, and the prisoners who couldn't see Xu Xiao escaped joined in the shouting.
"Who? Who broke the shackles?"
Tell us quickly!
"Help me! Please help me, I want to break free of these shackles, I want to leave this damned place."
In an instant, the entire cell erupted in commotion. Even Sylas, deep inside, heard the commotion and couldn't help but frown.
Who broke free of the shackles? Without external force, could anyone escape the bindings of the Petricite?
Sylas tugged hard at his limbs, Petricite shackles only made some clanging sounds, showing no signs of being shaken at all.
Without external force, the human body is absolutely incapable of breaking the Petricite shackles; this is common knowledge among all mages.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded, followed by a dazzling light.
A man surrounded by shimmering elemental light walked up to Sylas's cell, still wearing tattered prison clothes.
"Looks like my plan succeeded first, and you missed your chance to escape." Xu Xiao looked at the naked man in the cell and sneered.
Xu Xiao wouldn't kill this uncooperative guy; showing off a little would be enough to make him uncomfortable.
It's you!
"I can't believe you actually escaped!!"
Sylas's eyes widened in surprise, then, as if realizing something, he spoke sadly.
"You're not going to rescue me, are you?"
"Of course, everyone else except you can regain their freedom. After all, you were the one who refused my cooperation first."
Xu Xiao smiled, Arcane light bands emanated from his body, melting away the cells and tearing apart the Petricite shackles on the mages.
The mages, now free, followed Xu Xiao. Then, Arcane light tore through the wall in one corner of the cell, letting in a bright glow from outside.
Goodbye Sylas, best of luck.
Xu Xiao strode out, followed closely by the mages behind him, completely forgetting about Sylas, the spiritual leader they had previously chosen.