Chapter Twenty Nine - It's Me! (1)

"Everyone back down!" Li Yao commanded with an indifferent glance, in his eyes Yue Chen's purpose as a stepping stone had become overrated, they now belonged to two separate worlds.

Yue Chen embraced the unconscious Zhao Xue and activated [Dance of the Shadow Demon] without a second thought.

In a breath Yue Chen had returned to Tan Tan's side at the entrance of the inn.

Everything that had occurred had only happened in a few seconds, to the unprepared Tan Tan everything happened too fast and she was unable to make sense of it all.

"Come on!" activating his movement technique once more Yue Chen bolted in the direction of the harbour, commanding Tan Tan to keep up.

"R-right!" activating her own movement technique Tan Tan followed after Yue Chen.

"Company Leader Yao, why did you throw away the opportunity to capture the sinner?"

a curious company soldier inquired, lowering his head in the process.

"Throw it away? I didn't throw it away! I made the mouse chase more entertaining!" a cold glint flashed in Li Yao's eyes and a cruel smile stretched across his face.

Tan Tan who was dragging behind had a tempting thought, glancing in Yue Chen's direction then at Li Yao

"Try anything funny and I'll end you!" sensing a flare of malicious intentions erupting from his master-slave sigil Yue Chen reprimanded without looking back. He didn't understand Li Yao's intention for letting him go but he wasn't going to sit around to find out, now wouldn't be the best time for his revenge either, not with the burden he now had.

Zhao Xue was injured and bruised all over, there was also this familiar qi that the wounds gave off, caressing her face Yue Chen felt a unspeakable rage well up inside him.

Xuan Empire your beyond redemption! Zhao Emperor! The day I return is the day you draw your last breath!

*****

A demon on the battlefield and a smiling angel when his blade was sheathed.

A path he chose for both me and Luo to live with untainted hands.

Even though you never said anything I knew I was your burden, I knew I was the reason you stayed even after the church betrayed you.

"Hey did you hear, number one slaughtered the entire lokian race overnight!"

"That creepy guy with the smiley face? I heard that he angered Bishop Van by ... again"

"Always taking on that useless number seven's missions, who does he think he is, a gracious saint?"

Despite ranking seventh my blade had never drawn a drop of blood, proof of my incompetence. For you who never abandoned me no matter how insignificant I was, I swear...

*****

"That was easier than expected" none of the soldiers brought by the Li Yao were above the third sky of the Nascent realm so it wasn't a surprise they weren't able to keep up.

Taking notice that Li Yao was nowhere to be found Yue Chen felt an unspeakable chill down his spine. Hugging Zhao Xue closer, Yue Chen sidestepped as Li Yao's blade grazed his neck.

"Not bad, you survived that attack" his longsword brandished in a single arm, dripping with fresh blood Li Yao glanced at Yue Chen then behind him. "Come closer"

"What?" gripping his dagger in one hand and holding Zhao Xue in the other Yue Chen retreated a few steps cautiously.

"There's no time idiot, come with me if you want to escape the pursuit!" Li Yao was on edge, constantly looking behind Yue Chen to see if any of the imperial knights had

caught up with them.

"As if I'd listen to you of all people!" Yue Chen spoke between gnashing teeth, veins bulging from his forehead as he said each word.

"No you've got it all wrong, it's me Bo Yang!"

"Bo Yang? Li Yao you dare taunt me!" Yue Chen was practically fuming at this point, his eyes reddened in his rage.

"Commander Yao!" an imperial knight suddenly shouted from afar.

"Damn it!" shifting his hand Li Yao drew closer to Yue Chen and struck out with his palm.

Crack!

Receiving a direct blow to the chest Yue Chen was sent pummeling into the ground, his bones creaking from the force of the strike.

"Cough" coughing a mouthful of blood Yue Chen bounced back to his feet. He had allowed himself to be provoked by Li Yao and let his guard down unintentionally. "Tan Tan can you distract him for a moment?"

"I-i can't"

"Useless, nevermind, take Xuer and run" Yue Chen ordered, passing the unconscious princess to Tan Tan. "Prioritize her life above your own, go!"

"r-right!" with the princess in tow Tan nodded and rushed towards the harbour at ful speed.

Placing his hand forward Yue Chen exhaled "I'll take you on for real now you jealous bastard!" in his outstretched hand a sky blue dagger appeared, lifting both daggers before himself Yue Chen prepared to strike.

"Commander Yao!" an imperial knight arrived next to Li Yao, performing a military salute.

"Take the battalion and station yourselves at the western and southern gates and wait for further orders, I'll take the cursed child myself.

"But-"

"What was that? Are you doubting my prowess?" Li Yao shot an icy glare at his subordinate.

Feeling his head my accidentally slip from his body an overwhelming cold feeling washed over the imperial knight and he involuntarily stiffened. "N-no sir!"

After the imperial knights had finally dispersed Li Yao's ice cold demeanor softened.

"You must be confident, fighting me on your own like this" Yue Chen scoffed, he knew Li Yao had always been proud and arrogant and this would happen "I'll make you pay for your arrogance!"

"Wait a second brother Chen!" Li Yao waved both his hands, unwilling to fight "It's me Bo Yang"

His blade pressed against Li Yao's throat Yue Chen gave off a chilling killing intent that gave one the shivers"Say his name again and I will kill you where you stand!"

Understanding where his approach had failed Li Yao chanted obscure words that caused his figure to warp.

Witnessing the change before him Yue Chen's eyes widened in disbelief