Ningtin

Arnin's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on his face as he watched the stranger grasp Prince Khane's arm. But before he could intervene, Prince Khane freed himself, leaving the stranger perplexed.

"Ah," the stranger said, furrowing his eyebrows. "Junior brother, can't you remember me? It hasn't been that long, and you've already forgotten?" He laughed heartily, opening his arms wide. "I'm Ningtin!"

Prince Khane's expression remained guarded. "I'm not Nameless. Many mistake me for him, but I'm Khaillian."

Ningtin, a 22-year-old cultivator in Phase 5, sported a fit physique and short brown hair. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned in. "What's wrong? Are you hiding from powerful enemies?"

His gaze darted to Arnin, Pherna, and her bodyguard. "Are they the ones you're afraid of?" he whispered, hand on the hilt of his sword.

Prince Khane studied Ningtin's tone and mannerisms, a glimmer of familiarity stirring within. Could this person be someone from his past, before his memory loss?

Arnin's attention snapped to Ningtin's hand, poised to draw his sword. His instincts screamed warning: Ningtin meant harm to Prince Khane.

Ningtin's gaze snapped back to Prince Khane, and with a swift motion, he struck Prince Khane's shoulder with his palm, sending him stumbling backward.

"Don't worry, Nameless!" Ningtin shouted, unsheathing his sword. "Even if they're in the Sovereign Phase, I'll protect you! Remember, you owe me a favor!"

Prince Khane yelled, "Wait!" but his warning fell on deaf ears.

Arnin drew his sword, pointing it at Ningtin. "It's been long since I've had a worthy clash. If you think you can harm him, you'll have to go through me first!"

Ningtin sneered, "Follow me, beggar!" as he elevated, his essence swirling around him.

Arnin matched Ningtin's elevation, their swords clashing mid-air. The force of their internal strength reverberated through the air.

Passersby paused, watching with interest, while others merely glanced and continued on their way, accustomed to such displays in Essed.

"Youngsters," a bystander chuckled, shaking his head.

Ningtin and Arnin's swords remained locked, their essences intertwined. "You're pretty good, buddy," Ningtin said, his breathing steady.

Simultaneously, they disengaged and launched another flurry of attacks. Their movements seemed choreographed, each anticipating the other's next strike.

Ningtin landed on the carriage, his feet thundering against the wooden frame. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, causing nearby bystanders to stumble.

Ningtin slides his leg forward while bending to slash Arnin. Arnin front-flipped, sword slicing through the air in a deadly arc, aimed squarely at Ningtin's chest,while upside down in the mid air. The blade shimmered with a faint, icy glow.

Ningtin parried with precision, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. The force of their internal strength reverberated through the air, creating miniature whirlwinds that rustled nearby clothes.

Ningtin swiftly blocked the attack, his back slightly bent to maintain balance.

Pherna rushed to Prince Khane, who was engrossed in the fight. "Are you alright?" she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Prince Khane turned, alerted by her touch. "It's you... I'm fine. I was lost in the tension of the fight and forgot what I was about to do."

"What was that?" Pherna asked.

"Ningtin. I don't think he's an enemy. We must stop them before it worsens," Prince Khane said, urgency in his voice.

"But he drew his sword first," Pherna countered, pointing at Ningtin.

"Trust my instincts," Prince Khane pleaded, rushing toward the fighters with Pherna following.

As Arnin hovered in mid-air, sword locked with Ningtin, he noticed Ningtin's free hand reaching into his pocket.

As Ningtin's fingers closed around the powdery substance in his pocket, Arnin swiftly backflipped to the ground, his boots kicking up dust. Ningtin seized the opportunity, spraying the powder into the air with a swift motion of his hand.

The powder swirled, forming a dense fog that obscured visibility,however it was a waste,Arnin avoided it.

Then , Arnin, poised to charge again, felt a firm hand on his shoulder.

He spun around, ready to strike, and met Prince Khane's calm gaze.

"Wait, don't fight," Prince Khane urged, his voice firm but measured.

Arnin's was confused. Why was Prince Khane intervening?

Just then, Ningtin prepared to jump down and attack Arnin, but Prince Khane raised his palm, signaling him to halt.

"Stop!" Prince khane said aloud.

Ningtin paused, panting heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"The lad is neither in a higher phase nor more powerful than you," Ningtin said, his brow furrowed as he looked at prince khane.

"You could have beaten him long ago. What are you scared of, and why do you want me to stop?"he asked as he panted,sweats dripping down his forehead.

"He's not an enemy; he's my friend Arnin, from Tamil state," Prince Khane assured Ningtin, his voice calm and authoritative.

Arnin grasped Prince Khane's arm, his grip firm but gentle, and led him a few steps back, creating a discreet distance from Ningtin's watchful eyes. "Excuse us," Arnin murmured.

As they turned, their heads bent in unison, their faces inches apart, and whispered in hushed, urgent tones.

"Don't tell me you trust him already," Arnin warned, his voice a low, gravelly whisper laced with concern.

"Listen, you're not the same person you were before. Your enemies will seize the opportunity to eliminate you the moment they discover your vulnerability." His gaze darted toward Ningtin, his eyes narrowing slightly, suspicion etched on his face.

"If I'm not by your side, and you continue this naivety, your demise will be swift and merciless. Trust is a deadly poison. "

Prince Khane's expression remained resolute. "My instincts tell me Ningtin does not mean harm," he countered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's play by ear. I won't reveal my lost essence or memory. I know how to handle this, but we must remain vigilant. "

They turned, their movements synchronized, and began walking toward Ningtin. Prince Khane's face broke into a warm smile.

"Ningtin!" Prince Khane exclaimed, his voice infused with genuine warmth.

As they approached, Arnin's eyes remained fixed on Ningtin, his expression cautious.

"I didn't totally forget you," Prince Khane continued, his smile unwavering. "I've just been preoccupied with many thoughts. Forgive me." He said.

Ningtin's face lit up with a hearty grin. "Alright! ,as expected as nameless.

Now,You're here.What are brothers for?" he asked, his voice booming with camaraderie.

With a playful gesture, he slapped Prince Khane's shoulder, the sound echoing through the air.

"Come, I'll treat you all to a meal!" Ningtin declared, his eyes sparkling with hospitality.