Eternal Emerald Dragon

Chapter 719 - 718 - Lost Bet

Black flames seared the arena as cheering came from the audience.  The opponent seemed in trouble until a scream came from them and scattered the flames in a circle around them.

Even more cheering roared, especially from the female segments as the 2 fighting were gorgeous men.  One had massively broad shoulders and exposed well muscled arms covered in a black leather vest and pants while the opponent was in robes of emerald and gold.

He had narrow features on his face but they were very appealing with fine hair that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight.

If it was only a duel, many would bet on the square jawed man in black but a third member popped up out of thin air!  His hair was like a jewel of sapphire as a sword blazed with intent so powerful it rippled the very air it cut through!

The man in black had to duck but a smile spread on his face.

"Much better!"  The blood of the crowd was boiling and the fight seemed to reach a climax when an aura suddenly covered the arena.  Many became subdued as the dark feeling spread and the 3 men looked up in frustration.

"Does someone care to explain what is going on to me?"  A man in emerald robes flanked by men in similar colored cloaks floated in the air.  No one dared speak as their Emperor was clearly in a bad mood.

"Father, we–"  Miles tried to explain but the cold emerald eyes froze him.

"Let me guess.  You all were training and wondered who would come out on top in a real fight.  I assume you set the rule of no killing, yes?"  He saw all 3 nod.

Lind then turned to the beautiful blonde woman acting as referee.  Unlike the rest of the crowd, she stared back at him in defiance.

"Teela, I might have known."  Lind set himself down in the audience behind her as the guards stayed in the air.  "I am disappointed."

The 3 boys looked guilty as many in the crowd began to shuffle but Teela never blinked her golden orbs away.  Her body was a well muscled machine in the peak of the Sky Realm after nearly 15 years of training.

"Did no one think to inform me so I could watch too?"  The dark tone made the words take a moment for it to sink in before all looked up at him in confusion before his aura vanished.  "Seriously, you thought I would be mad if you were fighting for real?  Just invite me to watch too!"

A roar went up and then all followed suit as the 3 boys looked up at their father in a bit of frustration.  He had ruined the moment already for them.

[I was already watching, but you got careless.  Teela would have been forced to intervene if I had not disrupted that last attack Miles.  Hei, do not rely on your dragon skin to protect you like that.  It will come back to bite you and Zao, you had a perfect chance to strike at Miles, keep that in mind.]

Lind's words made them all swallow their previous emotions as it was clear he had already been watching.  He had intervened to save them from serious injuries.

"Proceed!"  His voice snapped them out of it and all 3 hopped back.  The fight resumed with a bit of caution but that quickly fell away.

Teela looked at him sternly for a moment but nodded.  She knew exactly what he had done and why but she felt they should learn from such mistakes in a controlled environment.  Lind did not disagree but to ask him to stand aside when they were about to be injured was a bit much.

His wives would kill him, for one.

Lysanna was pregnant again but the others had become very busy so they did not have many nights together as before.  She was due any day so Sally was often with her patting her mother's bulging belly.

Lind had been forbidden from spoiling Lysanna again as frankly he would never leave if they let him.  He was a doting father and husband to be sure.

The other girls were just as excited but they were all teenagers too essentially since the cultivation had pushed their bodies ahead of their actual age.

It was something he noticed of all his kids that was definitely not normal.  They all were reaching peak physical condition as they blew through the Soul and World Realms like they were not even there!

As they did, their bodies matured much faster but their minds were still children.  It made for some confusing times for him.

Lua was the best example as she had maintained a childlike innocence even looking like a full grown woman.  It took some time for him to realize that cultivating so early and so powerfully had such drastic side effects.

As such, some rules were put into effect as quickly the other orphans were the same.  Teela, with a physique, was actually in sync with her body.  She was now 22 years old and her mind matched perfectly to her body.

The 3 boys finally had one eliminated.  Zao missed another chance to eliminate Miles but Hei did not miss the chance to eliminate him.  Zao expected Hei to counter Miles but instead a blast of flame came at him before he was ready!

"Zao, out!"  Teela's voice left no room for negotiation and he quickly went over and flew up to his father.  No one thought it odd anymore.

It had been shocking when both bestial brothers became Soul Realms and instantly transformed into a human shape!  Lind was to blame for that, apparently.  A progenitor's first generation would often be granted a gift from his blood.

It seemed his ability to shift was it.

If anything, it helped bring the family closer for the kids.  Sally quickly got over her fear of Hei and Zao due to it and it made them really happy.

"I lost."  Zao hung his head and up close Lind could see how his robes were actually feathers.  His son was able to mimic a human body decently but his clothes were another matter.

"What did you learn?"  Lind never looked away but asked the question.  Zao looked as well as Hei and Miles went back and forth.  It was a bad matchup as the illusion skills Miles had were frustrating for Hei while Hei's defense was damned difficult for Miles to overcome.

"I need to stop waiting for the perfect moment and take a chance when I see it."  Lind did not nod but patted his son's head.

"That is part of it, but there is more.  Do not assume the enemy you can see is all there is.  You can be struck by those you cannot see or by the environment you think is safe due to ignorance."  Zao ducked his head but nodded.  "We will talk later."

Zao perked up as he always loved his father's lessons!

Finally, Miles was cornered and his blade was snapped in 2 by a black claw.  Blood still flowed from Hei's hand but the fight was over.

"ENOUGH!"  Teela stopped them both.  Miles looked sadly at his loss but the sword was just a training one so it was not that big of a loss there.

"Now, you know the bet?"  Lind perked up and looked at Zao who seemed to look down in deep interest suddenly.  "Well?!"

Teela's voice left no escape as the crowd was still roaring but Lind focused on the conversation.

"I am to report to Mo–Lady Cyntilla for extensive sword training after stating that I lost."  Miles looked like he wished for the ground to swallow him up.  Lind had sympathy for his son as Cyntilla would not show favorites.

"And?"  Teela now looked stern before Miles turned to Hei and bowed.

"You won this time, but I will challenge you again!"  Hei did not seem happy for some reason but nodded.  His black eyes were almost worried.

"Zao!"  His son jumped next to him before he hopped back into the arena and bowed to Teela.

"I am going to find Master Gravis and Mistress Kin to learn tactics and strategy.  I will then report to you afterwards!  Hei, Miles, good work!"  Zao bowed low but both smiled at their earnest brother.

"I barely won so I cannot take pride in it.  I need to go back to Mistress Benny to see if she can teach me any–"  Teela's cold stare made Hei freeze.

"I recall saying that I would referee this fight if the winner would do 1 thing.  Is that not correct?"  Hei now fidgeted and quickly nodded.  Teela looked like a predator that had found her prey.

"You and I are training starting tomorrow at dawn!  Do not be late!"  Lind had to school his face to being blank.  Clearly, his sons had been causing a ruckus and that fight was Teela's resolution.

They got to show off their skills and get a true evaluation.  Each loser had to report to their respective teachers on their failures but the winner was now going to train with Teela.

Lind wondered if Miles lost on purpose.  He was a bit empathetic compared to his siblings and could see Teela was looking to spar with one of them.  It would actually do Hei some good!

Lind was about to leave when the golden eyes pinned him to the spot.

"Master Frey, as you interfered in the fight, I think it is only right that you also pay a price."  Lind arched an eyebrow but his guards suddenly vanished!  What was going on?

"I received a message when you arrived, Master."  Lind suddenly felt nervous. Teela smiled as she tilted her head which made all 3 of his sons shiver in fear.  "Lady Shoti would like to see you at the Family Training Hall, now."

Crap, he was in trouble!

Why were his sons looking at him in pity?!  Lind sighed and nodded before taking to the skies.  How did he lose a bet when he was not involved?!