Chapter 35

Nong's entire focus was on me. Though well aware that few in the realms of humans, gods, and demons could rival me, she instinctively shielded me, her delicate figure flashing in front of me, her beautiful eyes vigilantly fixed on the female knight on horseback.

At this moment, Nong, despite her purely feminine attire, emitted a substantial and chilling aura towards the female knight. The knight's slender body trembled involuntarily. Beneath her, the extraordinary steed, "Golden Sun," neighed sorrowfully and retreated several steps, its large eyes filled with fear.

The female knight hurriedly suppressed her wildly beating heart and said, "Please do not misunderstand. I only wish to inquire about the lodging of the Rheinhardt Kingdom's delegation."

She removed her helmet, and her golden, cloud-like hair tumbled down unrestrained, akin to sunlight. Her astonishingly exquisite visage, reflecting in the armor, appeared even more noble. She continued, "I am Goni, Schelland, one of Rheinhardt Kingdom's representatives, but due to some matters, I have just arrived."

Unbeknownst to me and Nong, this self-proclaimed Goni Schelland was among the "Knights' Flowers," one of the ten beauties on the Saint-Demon Continent, along with Livia, Ice Princess, and Crystal Shadow. She was the daughter of Rheinhardt's prime minister, proficient in military strategy and renowned.

I lightly brushed Nong's green silk hair and gestured in a direction, saying, "It's over there."

Goni's eyes sparkled with admiration. She dismounted and performed a knight's courtesy. "Thank you. May I inquire about your esteemed names?"

I smiled and replied, "I am Wu Lai, the representative of the Babunica Kingdom, and this is Nong, my companion."

Goni's expression immediately became solemn. "So, you are the infamous 'Destruction God of Airel.' My apologies for the earlier disrespect."

Alas, the notoriety precedes me, I thought wryly. Just as I was about to respond, hurried footsteps interrupted us. A handsome young man, adorned in a magnificent suit of golden armor, accompanied by several knights and swordsmen, approached us briskly.

My mind stirred as I recalled that Livia and Princess Orlena had introduced this young man to me. He was Prince Yolando of Rheinhardt, a renowned handsome man on the Saint-Demon Continent.

Goni dismounted, knelt on one knee, and paid her respects. "Goni Schelland pays respects to Prince Yolando."

Prince Yolando quickly stepped forward, holding her jade-like arm to help her up. "Goni, we are comrades; there's no need for such formalities."

He turned his gaze toward me and Nong, revealing a mixture of jealousy and admiration. "So, Mr. Wu Lai and Miss Nong are also here."

Nong suddenly spoke coldly, "Do you think you can stand side by side with me? Don't overestimate yourself."

Prince Yolando, for the first time, faced such impoliteness from a stunning woman. His face turned alternately pale and red, extremely embarrassed. His guards, though eager to defend the prince, had witnessed our formidable power yesterday and dared not utter a word.

Goni's eyes flickered with an approving light as she looked at Nong, indicating her lack of favor toward the charming prince.

I glanced at the sky; the sun had risen high, and the snow had stopped. The grand assembly was about to commence. I embraced Nong and Livia, both appearing in the room along with Ice Clear Shadow and Snow Queen, who were preparing themselves (the pure energy body of their feather attire was unnecessary). Upon my sudden appearance, the women expressed their surprise and then showered me with coquetry and mild reproach.

I embraced Livia, who had thrown herself into my arms, along with Nong, intentionally shifting my gaze to Ice Clear Shadow and Snow Queen. The two women blushed instantly, their pure faces lowered. The saintly nun and the noble queen simultaneously bowed their beautiful heads.

Yaya pouted, expressing her dissatisfaction, "Master, you took Nong out early in the morning without informing Yaya. When Yaya woke up, instead of seeing you, she saw Sister Ice Clear Shadow and Queen Snow just like...,"

Ice Clear Shadow and Snow Queen blushed and wished they could find a crack to hide in. They had no idea how I would handle them. Ice Clear Shadow had long been in tune with me, but Snow Queen, under my impulsive decision, had become my woman. Now, the young queen realized that since that night, her pristine heart had also been given to me. If I...

I kissed the rosy cheeks of Nong and Livia, then released them and approached the embarrassed pair. With a rare solemn tone, I declared, "I, Wu Lai, swear here and now, in this life and the next, to protect my beloved Shadow and Snow, providing them with the greatest happiness. If I break this oath, let heaven and earth punish me."

Both women's beautiful eyes welled up with tears like sparkling diamonds. They clung tightly to me, and Ice Clear Shadow, with unwavering determination, declared, "I, Ice Clear Shadow, swear here and now, in this life and for all eternity, to be Wu Lai's woman, giving him all my love."

Snow Queen, lifting her tear-stained but ecstatically beautiful face from my embrace, softly and sincerely affirmed, "My heart remains unchanged."

I held them tightly, and the four women, along with Yaya, gathered around, forming a beautiful flower bud.

Deeply in love, I, Wu Lai, am willing to spend my entire life protecting and cherishing them. Returning to my hometown now seems like a distant affair.

Perhaps, staying in this Saint-Demon Continent, accompanying this group of women with deep and unregretful feelings, will be my best choice.

The next day, the grand assembly began anew, and we sat at our seats. Orlena, upon seeing me, complained, "Wu Lai, why did you seal your room with a barrier last night? I needed to discuss something with you, but I couldn't get in."

She spoke with a mix of resentment and petulance, her rosy lips slightly pouting, presenting an incredibly adorable appearance.

Of course, I couldn't provide her with the true answer and had to evade the question.

At this moment, Sir Park also made his appearance on the martial arts platform. Although he appears weaker in our presence, he effortlessly wields his sword against the orc warriors, showcasing an imposing presence.

After a brief observation, it became clear that Sir Park had secured victory. My attention then shifted to the magic platform, where an intense magical battle was taking place.

Surprisingly, the opponents engaged in the magical duel were both elves, transformed into human forms. One was an enchanting beauty, and the other a strikingly handsome man, perhaps even surpassing the renowned Prince Yolando, often hailed as the most handsome man in the Holy Demon Continent.

I sensed the formidable magical powers emanating from these two elves, comparable to Princess Amber, the water elf, whom I had encountered before. Both of them unleashed advanced wind and lightning magic, creating chaos on the magic platform.

Olena leaned against me and whispered, "Wulai, they are Princess Emerald and Prince Lightning, wind and lightning elves. Rumor has it that their magical prowess rivals even the seven Archmages. They are truly formidable."

I nodded and remarked, "Elves are indeed powerful, especially in terms of magical abilities. They are second only to the gods and demons. Humans cannot easily match them."

Olena coquettishly responded, "But aren't you superior to them?"

I chuckled, "I am an exception. I had no such abilities before, and I doubt I will in the future."

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed as the wind elf princess's "Whirlwind Storm" collided with the lightning elf prince's "Thunder Nine Heavens," causing a massive disruption on the magic platform. The protective barrier guarding the platform shattered under the immense magical energy, sending out a torrent.

Having learned from yesterday's incident, the representatives below were prepared this time. The mages among them quickly erected various defensive barriers, blocking the rushing air currents.

The two figures were swept into the air by the violent currents and seemed helpless. Seeing this, I couldn't bear it and cast a radiant white light ball into the turbulent air. It was the holy light magic, "Praise of Light," capable of neutralizing magical energy.

The seven Archmages, initially anxious, breathed a sigh of relief upon witnessing my intervention. The enchanting gaze of Princess Ice Clear, filled with affection, was directed at me.

The turbulent air was neutralized by the "Praise of Light," and the two elves in mid-air finally stabilized. Flapping their delicate wings, they descended back to the magic platform.

This match naturally ended in a draw. 

Nangong's cool voice reached my ears, "Master, those two elves are coming over."

Indeed, both the Wind Elf Princess and the Lightning Elf Prince approached me simultaneously, expressing their gratitude for my assistance.

A calm and gentle voice suddenly sounded, "Magician Wulai is the most willing to help others. No need for excessive courtesy, Princess Emerald, Prince Lightning."

I looked towards the source and saw Princess Amber, the water elf, standing beside my little sweetheart, Ice Snow. As human forms, Princess Amber was taller than the petite Ice Snow. She exuded an extraordinary charm, and the serene and innocent Ice Snow looked at me with eyes as deep as the sea.

Princess Amber stepped forward and joined Princess Emerald and Prince Lightning. The three elf beauties and the handsome elf formed an eye-catching group.

I addressed Emerald and Lightning, "It was a simple gesture; there's no need for such gratitude."

Ice Snow intervened, "Enough, stop pushing back and forth. Let's discuss these matters later. Oh, Mr. Wulai, isn't the 'Earth Knight' of the Kingdom of Rayin your friend? Look, he's about to win."

I raised my head to the ice-fighting platform and witnessed Sir Park's sword radiance overwhelming his opponent, ultimately sending the enemy's battle axe flying.

The announcer declared, "The representative of the Kingdom of Rayin wins."

Sir Park, with a smile, sheathed his sword and confidently descended from the ice platform.

The competition now turned to representatives from Babunika. With even the rebellious and impulsive ghosts forfeiting upon seeing the graceful figures of Yaye and Nangong, it was clear that there was no need for them to take action. The judges shook their heads in amazement.

It seemed that the championship of this competition would undoubtedly belong to us. King Watt would undoubtedly be overjoyed.

Thus, the second day of the competition passed easily and happily. Back at our residence, surrounded by exquisite and beautiful women, I felt triumphant.

Ice Clear and Ice Snow also joined us. Women who tasted forbidden fruits were especially passionate and attached. The saintly saint and the noble queen were no exception, coquettishly cuddling in my arms, presenting a charming scene.

Tonight was naturally full of endless spring and romance. The six outstanding and beautiful women abandoned all restraints, indulging in their charms, showering me with coquetry and charm. I was more than happy to enjoy every moment.

As the dawn approached, gazing at the delicate and languid beauties around me, I suddenly harbored a dreadful sensation, as if I might never see them again.

I hastily forced myself to dismiss this ominous feeling.

Well, tomorrow marks the final day of the "Intertribal Martial Magic Tournament." The "Crystal Heart" and the "Ice Crystal Sword" are firmly in my possession. Handing them over to King Watt would settle all debts. Then, I could wander freely, even if the path home seemed forever lost. Accompanied by these beautiful and devoted maidens, I would consider this life fulfilled.

A surge of energy suddenly resonated within me. I sensed an energy entity colliding with the protective barrier, emanating a dark force unique to the demonic realm, though it was quite feeble.

Today, the barrier I established was the Earth-based "Pulsating Shield," fundamentally a purely defensive structure. However, reckless impacts could still cause harm, especially when it seemed like creatures from the demonic realm were pushing against it.

Emerging from the midst of the enchanting figures of the women, I rose, enveloping myself in the pitch-black "Armor of the Heart" with a mere thought. Subsequently, I cast a dark elemental barrier, the "Night Wall," surrounding my beloved ones, isolating all sound and light. I then swiftly left the room.

Stepping into the courtyard, a small dark figure caught my eye. It was a black magical beast, about the size of a fox, with an adorable appearance. Small bat-like wings adorned its back, and it was relentlessly striking the "Pulsating Shield."

Dissolving the barrier, the little magical beast immediately flew to my side and prostrated, speaking in human language, "A messenger beast from the demonic realm pays respects to the Grand Duke. May I inquire about the whereabouts of Princess Yaye? I bring urgent news."

Yaye had previously mentioned messenger beasts—a type of magical creature in the demonic realm. Gentle by nature and lacking offensive capabilities, they possessed the ability of "dimensional teleportation" and high intelligence, used specifically for transmitting urgent event messages within the demonic realm.

I addressed the messenger beast, "Wait here for a moment."

I swiftly returned to the room.

After dispelling the "Night Wall," I announced, "Ladies, wake up quickly, something has occurred."

The beautiful women murmured lazily, but none awoke; I had indeed exhausted them the previous night.

Shaking my head helplessly, I approached the slumbering Yaye. Just as I was about to wake her, Nangong, as usual, woke up. Supporting her infinitely beautiful figure, she said, "Master, what's happening?"

Gazing at the tempting allure of her bosom, I couldn't help but swallow and replied, "A messenger beast from the demonic realm has arrived, claiming to have extremely urgent news."

Nangong, instantly alert, dispelled her drowsiness. As a military personnel of the demonic realm, she understood that messenger beasts were only used for significant events. She quickly got dressed, saying, "Let the princess sleep; I'll accompany you."

Nangong dressed hastily, neglecting to groom herself, and pulled me out of the room.

The magical beast prostrated once more and said, "It turns out the Sky General is also present. Please allow me to report." 

Nangong said, "Enough with the pleasantries; speak, what urgent matter requires attention?"

The messenger beast explained, "Reporting to the Grand Duke and General, a major event has occurred. Just yesterday, the celestial realm launched a massive attack on the demonic realm, led by Princess Linsa, the beloved daughter of the King of the Gods. Both celestial beings and skilled angels participated, gaining unstoppable momentum. The demonic forces are in continuous retreat. The Demon King has dispatched me to inform the Grand Duke and Princess to return promptly to participate in the battle."

What? Such a situation has unfolded? This is troublesome.

Nangong calmly asked, "Historically, we were always the ones to initiate warfare. Why would the celestial realm strike first this time?"

The messenger beast responded, "It is said that half a month ago, an image of the King of the Gods was shattered by a dark sphere emanating from the demonic realm. The celestial realm claims it to be the ultimate dark magic, the 'Hellfire Cataclysm,' prompting their large-scale invasion. They allege that no one but Lucifer, the Demon King, would use such magic. It must be a fabrication, a pretext for their invasion."

Nangong turned her gaze towards me. Suddenly, I recalled the moment when I displayed the "Hellfire Cataclysm" in front of the "Dark Dragon Cavalry" to establish authority, shooting it into the sky...

No, it couldn't be... Could it be such a coincidence?