novelraw Chapter 136: They're Weak,
Chapter 136: They're Weak,
Li Xian took another sip of tea and began to remove his other arm guard with the help of his junior attendant.
"Who can truly understand the desires of my master?" he mused. "But one thing is clear: the malevolent forces here must be eradicated. They say the demonics are on the rise. They even set fire to the forests to drive out these dark entities. Warriors fought monumental battles against these forces. Oh, how I wish I could have been a part of that.
The creatures of darkness emerged in great numbers to battle the righteous!" His eyes sparkled with excitement.
Li Zhuang arched an eyebrow.
Li Xian continued "Did you know how emperors are chosen? It is not kingdoms or clans that choose the true emperor clan. Emperors are chosen by the imperial sects. My Master assures me that I will gain the title of Duke and get selected for the Imperial sect. As an emperor, I will vanquish every evil being. But before that, we will have many battles, especially with the demonics."
Li Zhuang exhaled deeply. "Cousin, just how devastating can these battles be?"
"Quite severe, I'd say. In the Battle of Yushan, Duke Song is said to have lost fifty thousand warriors of the Qi adept stage," Li Xian shrugged.
Li Zhuang shook his head. "Such numbers boggle the mind. That's the population of a city. All were Qi adepts? Have they replenished their ranks?"
"By the heavens, no! If they had, do you think we could vie for dukedom around this land with merely three hundred Qi warriors, most of whom are initiates? The truth is these kingdoms are too weak. They don't have many warriors. Even the present king of this Tianqin kingdom does not have Qi many warriors.
All these kingdoms depend on noble clans in their kingdom to maintain peace, and they depend on the Empire to protect them from the demonics. So, it would not be much challenge to acquire my own title of Duke," spoke Li Xian.
Li Zhuang grimaced. "By the righteous spirits—Your master wants us to start our own dukedom or steal one from a duke with just three hundred warriors so that you can participate and enter the imperial sect, so later you can become emperor and wage war against the dark entities?" Li Zhuang moved closer to his cousin. "Should I shake you awake?"
Li Xian stood up, dismissing his attendants with a wave of his hand. "It's unbecoming for you to question me on these matters, cousin. You've gathered your warriors; now follow and obey me. That's all you need to know."
Li Zhuang made a face as if he'd smelled something foul. "I've always followed you," he said.
Li Xian nodded. "And you've saved me from numerous blunders," Li Zhuang added.
Li Xian's tone softened. "Li Zhuang, let's not quarrel. I'm guided by the heavens. Don't be envious."
"Then I'd like to meet this heavenly master of yours," Li Zhuang said.
Li Xian narrowed his eyes. "My heavenly master only chose me. If he wants to meet you, I'm sure he would. After all, I alone am going to be the greatest."
Li Zhuang sighed and moved to the window, looking down at the lone figure kneeling on the courtyard's smooth stones. The bodies had been removed, prepared for burial, but the noble still knelt there.
"What do you plan to do with that man?" Li Zhuang asked.
"I'll present him at his clan's kingdom to demonstrate my skill, then I'll ransom him," Li Xian replied.
Li Zhuang nodded. "We should offer him a cup of tea. He is only a Qi adept."
Li Xian shook his head. "He's atoning for his arrogance and his failure as a warrior. He should remain kneeling there in shame for the rest of his days."
Li Zhuang studied his cousin, his gaze lingering but not meeting Li Xian's eyes. He stroked his short beard, contemplating his next words. Before he could speak, a soft knock echoed through the room. An attendant peeked in.
"A town official wishes to speak with you, Master."
"Dismiss him."
After a brief moment during which Li Zhuang poured himself some tea, the attendant returned. "He insists on meeting you. He's not a warrior, just an official. He's unarmed and claims to be the local magistrate."
"Still, send him away."
Li Zhuang placed his hand on Li Xian's shoulder. "These magistrates are representatives of their king, are they not? Let's hear what he has to say."
Voices were heard outside, escalating in volume until the door burst open. Both Li Zhuang and Li Xian unsheathed their swords. Their attendants rushed in from adjacent rooms, some still in full armor.
"Are you Li Xian?" The intruder seemed unfazed, even though he was dwarfed by the armed men surrounding him. Dressed in traditional robes with high shoes and a small sword at his waist, he appeared to be in his fifties and slightly overweight. Only the quality of his garments and his confident demeanor indicated his importance. He glared at them.
"I am," Li Xian replied.
"I hereby detain you in the name of our king for the alleged killing of—"
Before he could finish, the magistrate was rendered unconscious by a swift strike from one of Li Xian's attendants, who let the body slump to the floor. "Pathetic," he muttered.
"They're weak," Li Xian observed. "Did he bring any guards?"
"Not a single one," the attendant grinned. "He came all by himself!"
"What sort of land is this?" Li Zhuang wondered aloud. "Have they all lost their minds?"
In the morning light, Li Zhuang's attendants escorted the dispirited noble, Guan, from the courtyard, placing him and his armor onto a cart. His steeds were tethered behind. Li Zhuang attempted to converse with the man but was met with a glare of pure loathing.
"Summon the war steeds," Li Xian ordered, causing a ripple of discontent among his men. No warrior enjoyed riding his prized war horse without good reason. A well-trained war steed was worth its weight in gold, and even a minor injury could prove costly.
"We must make an impression on the local lord," Li Xian explained.