Chapter 57: Darkness, Dark Magic
Chapter 57: Darkness, Dark Magic
Tian Zhong smiled. “A worthy opponent is hard to find. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”
After speaking, his spear snapped in a rapid tremor. Eighteen blue streaks shot toward eighteen vital points on my body.
I shouted, “Good spearwork!”
Mo Ming in my hand drew a curtain of sword light before me. Ding-ding rang without pause. As I blocked his attacks, my right foot slammed the ground. A Crazy Wind and Rain–like surge burst up from beneath the earth and struck straight at Tian Zhong’s feet. Sensing the energy fluctuations underfoot, Tian Zhong did not hesitate at all. His body sprang upward, drifting diagonally to the side.
I snorted coldly. Mo Ming swept a band of yellow light across the airborne Tian Zhong. Tian Zhong flicked his spear and produced nine spear blossoms in succession—each blossom nine thrusts, a full eighty-one thrusts—striking one after another against the sword light I released. Deep blue battle energy surged and swallowed at his spear tip with puffing sounds. Borrowing the rebound, he slid sideways and avoided my pursuit.
I thought of Jin and Yin’s attacks and silently recited a spell. A large mass of chained fireballs pressed toward him. Tian Zhong in midair did not panic in the slightest. He tapped the spear tip to the ground and launched himself into the air again. The spear tip carried a gust of cold wind that shattered each incoming fireball one by one.
I roared, “Berserk Dragon Frenzied Dance!”
Driven by Mo Ming, my body shot upward like a furious dragon baring its fangs and claws, lunging straight at Tian Zhong. A trace of surprise flashed in Tian Zhong’s eyes. Man and spear merged into one as he formed his body into a cone and charged at me.
In midair, I could already feel my follow-through weakening. I knew I had to finish him in a short time. I used the move I once used against Silver Arrow: my forward-charging body suddenly sank, dodging Tian Zhong head-on. Tian Zhong reacted quickly. Seeing me slip past the frontal line, he immediately flipped sideways, avoiding my attack from below.
I did not give him time to breathe. I shouted, “Berserk Shadow Hundred Shatter!”
Countless figures burst forth, converging on Tian Zhong from all directions.
Tian Zhong cried inwardly that this was bad. He spun his spear so tightly it left no gaps, blocking my strikes again and again. But the impact from every direction was too fierce. I slashed him hundreds of times in a frenzy. Even though the spear’s material was extraordinary, it could not hold. With several cracking sounds, it exploded into countless fragments.
Tian Zhong’s body was blasted away by my powerful battle energy. He slammed into the defensive barrier, rebounded, and fell to the ground. Dropping to one knee, he spat out a mouthful of blood with a wah.
I panted lightly as I stared at him and said coldly, “Well? Get ready to pay eighty million.”
Tian Zhong swayed as he stood up and gave a bitter smile. “You really are strong—stronger than Li Wa was back then. Li Wa lost to my spear after fighting three matches in a row, yet you can heavily injure me. If it weren’t for that eighty million, I truly wouldn’t want to continue. But now I must win.”
I said in surprise, “What? You can still continue?”
Tian Zhong nodded. He clasped his hands over his chest and chanted, “Great God of Darkness, as your servant, I beg you—take my soul as an offering and grant me powerful strength. Darkness Eternal Amplification.”
His chanting startled me. This was dark magic. The moment Tian Zhong used dark magic, it threw the entire arena into turmoil. No one expected dark magic—something that had not appeared for a long time—to show up in the Four Great Academies exchange match.
Layers of black smoke rose from Tian Zhong’s body. His tired look vanished completely, and he stood proud and brimming with energy again. Smiling, he said to me, “My combat power has fully recovered. I can hold this state for about the time it takes to eat a meal. Do you still want to continue?”
I let out a cold laugh. “So it’s dark magic. I can use it too.”
Trying to show off in front of someone who truly knew the blade. I had thought he had some special trick—turns out it was just dark magic. Since he used it, I no longer needed to hide anything.
Dark magic power spun at high speed inside my body. Thick black fog poured out of me. I straightened like a demon god. The dense dark aura made the entire arena atmosphere heavy and oppressive.
Tian Zhong stared at me in disbelief, his face shocked beyond belief. “You… you can use dark magic too—and it’s this strong. I gave up the chance to become a Dragon Knight to cultivate dark magic. Even now I can only use fourth-tier incantations. But you—at minimum, you’re two tiers above me. How is that possible?”
I said coldly, “Want to try? In dark magic, you’re far behind.”
Even without transforming, I could use dark-element magic up to seventh tier. In transformed form, it would be easier and even stronger. Under my pressure, despair appeared in Tian Zhong’s eyes.
Tian Zhong murmured a few words of a spell, then slumped to the ground. The dark energy he had gathered scattered completely. I knew he had abandoned resistance. Sure enough, Tian Zhong said helplessly, “I can’t beat you. I concede. I’ll pay you the eighty million in full. Tianshou produced someone like you—and you’re only a second-year student. Looks like the title of the Four Great Academies’ leader this cycle will still stay with Tianshou.”
I dispersed the black fog. A wave of weakness also swept through my body. I used Mo Ming to support my weight and waited.
The defensive barrier around the arena dissolved. Xi Lun Academy’s Director of Foreign Affairs walked up, staring at us in shock, and announced, “Final bout: Tianshou Academy’s Lei Xiang wins. The Four Great Academies exchange match ends here. Tianshou Academy will continue to hold the title of Dragon God Empire’s Number One Academy.”
The Vice Principal came up laughing. First he saluted the upper ranks of the other academies, then came to my side and said in a low voice, “Good brat. This time we’ll count it as you atoning for your sins. I won’t punish you. I didn’t expect your dark magic to reach this level.”
Supported by his academy companions, Tian Zhong stood up and said to me, “Come to the City Lord’s residence tonight to collect it. I’ll go scrape the money together now. Sigh… my savings.”
Seeing his helpless look, I felt amused. The Vice Principal tugged me along with a grin. “This time, the academy used you to win so much money. Shouldn’t you contribute a bit?”
So the old fox wanted to squeeze money out of me. Whatever—he had always treated me well. I nodded. “That’s easy. But you’d better say a few good words for me in front of Zi Xue. I’ll donate ten million gold coins to the academy.”
The Vice Principal was overjoyed. “No problem. Truly worthy of our academy’s finest student—hah! Come on. Go back with me.”
My heart tightened. I followed the Vice Principal to the resting seats. Zi Xue’s eyes were red as she looked at me. She suddenly threw herself into my arms, completely ignoring the strange looks from everyone, and burst into loud sobs.
I wrapped an arm around her slim waist, breathed in the fragrance of her hair, and felt a deep sense of fullness in my heart. I said softly, “Zi Xue, I missed you so much.”
Zi Xue shoved me away, tears like pear blossoms in the rain as she raged, “Missed me? If you missed me, why did you take so long to come back? And you didn’t tell me anything. You—”
Afraid she would blurt out my secrets, I hurriedly covered her mouth and coaxed, “Good Snowy, let’s go back and talk, alright?”
The anger on Zi Xue’s face gradually faded. She threw herself into my arms again. Zi Yan walked over. I knew she wanted my embrace too. Her longing for me was no less than Zi Xue’s. But our relationship was not public, and there were too many people around, so she could only watch me quietly.
I gently pushed Zi Xue back and said softly, “Let’s go.”
Zi Xue nodded obediently, took her sister’s hand, and murmured something to Zi Yan.
I followed everyone to the quiet lodgings Xi Lun arranged. Teacher Zhuang smacked me and said, “What were you doing all this time? If the Vice Principal and I hadn’t spoken for you, you would’ve been expelled from the academy long ago. Do you know that?”
My face reddened. “Thank you, Teacher Zhuang. It was like this, back then…”
I repeated what I had said to the duke. Aside from Zi Xue and Zi Yan, everyone else believed it completely.
Knock, knock, knock—someone rapped on the door. Zi Xue ran to open it. A young Xi Lun Academy student stood there and said respectfully, “Greetings, teachers and seniors. Our headmaster invites you to the academy’s VIP hall for lunch.”
The Vice Principal said, “Understood. We’ll go right away.”
……
Except for Feng Wen, who was still unconscious, everyone attended the luncheon. I didn’t want to go, but the Vice Principal said that since I had performed so brilliantly—defeating four Feng Tong experts alone—refusing would be discourteous. With no choice, and wanting him to speak well for me in front of Zi Xue, I went.
Xi Lun Academy’s VIP dining hall was extremely luxurious. A red carpet covered the floor. More than ten large round tables filled the room without feeling crowded. The moment we entered, the Sword Saint headmaster came up to greet us. He looked at me deeply, then said to the Vice Principal, “Heh. You old thing—feeling proud again, aren’t you? I didn’t expect you to bring out a secret weapon. At first I felt our academy lost unfairly, but after seeing this youngster’s performance, I have nothing to say. You old brat can really hide.”
The Vice Principal laughed. “Of course. Lei Xiang is someone our academy focuses on training. Well? Jealous?”
The Xi Lun headmaster laughed. “What good is jealousy? Would you give him to me? Take your seats.”
We students sat at one table. The Vice Principal, Teacher Zhuang, and the teachers from the other academies sat at another. The meal was lavish—rare delicacies from all across the Dragon God Empire.
Feng Duo from Songzhi Academy came to my side and said with a grin, “Brother Lei, you were really glorious today. You avenged our academy. I didn’t expect you were actually a Tianshou student.”
I smiled slightly, stood, and said politely, “I had to keep it secret then, so I didn’t tell you. Sorry about that.”
Feng Duo didn’t care, lowering his voice. “It’s fine. I’m thrilled Tianshou beat that arrogant Feng Tong. Later, if you have time, come sit at our table.”
I nodded.
Zi Xue, sitting beside me, asked sweetly, “How do you know people from Songzhi Academy?”
I leaned close to her cute little ear and smiled. “I met them on the way here. They treated me pretty well.”
The heat of my breath made Zi Xue’s small face redden. She leaned away and whispered, “Hate you. Why are you so close?”
I laughed. “It’s been so long. I missed you.”
Zi Xue puffed her cheeks. “Stop sweet-talking me. If you really loved me, why didn’t you tell me those secret things?”
Thinking of how I had lied to her, Zi Xue’s beautiful eyes immediately reddened again.
Zi Yan on the other side saw Zi Xue upset and pinched my thigh hard. The pain made me bare my teeth, but I didn’t dare make a sound.
Zi Xue saw my expression and glanced at Zi Yan, then burst into a giggle. “Serves you right.”
I put on an innocent look and said softly, “Back then, I really couldn’t say it. The dishes are all here—eat. It’s my fault. You missed me so much you got thinner.”
Zi Xue huffed, “Who missed you? Don’t flatter yourself.”
Even as she spoke, she still lifted her chopsticks toward the dishes.
Because of my performance in the match, many students from the other academies came over to toast me, including my former opponents. My alcohol tolerance was average, so I only took small sips.
A calm voice sounded at my ear. “Can you tell me how you broke through my Ice Spirit seal?”
I turned and saw Yun Miao. I nodded and answered, “Your seal was very clever. You should have seen my final bout with Tian Zhong. My dark magic has been cultivated to the point where I can cast seventh-tier spells, and your sealing spell was sixth-tier. Even though you’re a natural-born elemental user, with a one-tier gap, you naturally couldn’t succeed. If I hadn’t broken through recently, the one who lost today would’ve been me.”
Yun Miao nodded. “Next exchange match, I will definitely defeat you.”
I said in surprise, “Then you’re a third-year-or-below student.”
Yun Miao replied, “I’m in Feng Tong Academy’s second-year magic class.” After that, she turned and left.
Zi Yan said, “She really is competitive. Lei Xiang, you’d better work hard. Otherwise, next time you might really lose to her.”
I smiled and shook my head. “I won’t, because I won’t be competing next time.”
Zi Yan frowned. “Why? Are you leaving again after coming back?”
I sighed and carefully formed a soundproof barrier so only Zi Yan and Zi Xue could hear. “Do you remember the three-year promise I told you about? I came back early this time not because everything is finished, but because I have something important to tell you. After I tell you, I still have to handle something. I won’t return to Tianshou again. This time, consider it my final contribution to the academy.”
Zi Xue exclaimed, “You’re leaving again? No. I won’t let you go.”
My face darkened. “I have to go. My mother is still over there. She’s human. I must bring her back to her homeland. And what I have to tell you is extremely important. If you can’t forgive me, then…”
Zi Yan sensed the seriousness and asked, “What is it that needs our forgiveness?”
I looked at the sisters one by one. “After we finish eating, we’ll go back and talk. I don’t want to ruin the atmosphere here. I can only tell you this: I did something wrong—something I’ll regret for the rest of my life.”
I shut my eyes in pain, my heart twisting.
Zi Yan and Zi Xue exchanged a look and fell silent. From my tone, they understood what I wanted to say would be momentous.
The delicious meal left everyone satisfied in a harmonious atmosphere, and the Vice Principal drank until his face was flushed. Near the end, I went to Songzhi Academy’s table. Aside from Lian Lu still being icy toward me, everyone else admired me greatly. Tian Xing even discussed some questions about battle energy application with me.
After lunch, the Four Great Academies returned to their respective lodgings. Although the exchange match was over, for the sake of “exchange,” the other three academies would remain here for a few days.
Back at the quiet lodgings, everyone else went to rest, while Zi Yan and Zi Xue followed me to the room Xi Lun had arranged for me. Both of them were silent. I knew they were waiting for me to tell them the truth.
It was time to speak.
I drew a long breath, sorted my thoughts, and let the Zi sisters into the room. They sat—one on the sofa, one on the bed—staring fixedly at me. It felt like a boulder was pressing on my chest, making it hard to breathe.
Zi Yan said, “Now it’s just the three of us. You can speak.”
“I…”
Seeing me hesitate, Zi Yan encouraged me. “Say it. No matter what it is, it has to be said.”
I nodded heavily, gathered my courage, and said, “Ever since the last time at Stru Fortress, when I separated from you…”
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone knocked. I could clearly feel myself loosen with relief. Zi Yan and Zi Xue’s tense nerves relaxed too. I went to open the door. It was a middle-aged man I didn’t recognize. From his appearance, he seemed to be a servant of some noble family.
I asked, “What is it?”
He said politely, “Hello. May I ask if you are Mister Lei Xiang?”
I nodded. “I am.”
The middle-aged man smiled. “It’s like this. I am a servant of the City Lord’s family. Our second young master asked me to come find you and invite you to collect something.”
Something? Ah—my winnings. Didn’t he say tonight? It was still afternoon. Whatever. If I could delay one moment, I would.
“I understand. Wait a moment. I’ll come out right away.”
I turned back into the room and said to them, “I’ll go out for a bit and collect the gambling winnings from earlier. When I come back, I’ll continue talking to you. Alright?”
Zi Yan rolled her eyes. “We’re going too.”
I lowered my voice. “No need. I can go alone. I’ll be right back.”
Zi Xue said, “No. We’re definitely going with you. What if you run again? I don’t want to stupidly wait for you to come back anymore.”
Seeing how close she was to tears, how could I refuse? I could only nod.
The three of us followed that middle-aged servant to the City Lord’s residence. When we entered the hall, I was surprised. The furnishings were actually very plain. The floor was paved with cheap bluestone bricks, and every arrangement was practical.
Tian Zhong came to greet us. He looked tired, as if he still hadn’t recovered from the morning’s consumption. He looked at the Zi sisters and said, “Welcome. I didn’t expect you to bring two beauties with you. It truly makes my humble residence shine. Please sit.”
I said coldly, “No need for pleasantries. I’ll take my things and leave immediately. I still have many matters waiting for me.”
Tian Zhong smiled. “In that case, fine. Please.” He turned and walked toward the inner rooms.
He led us into an inner room, then said awkwardly in a low voice, “It’s like this. Although my brother is a City Lord, he doesn’t have that many gold coins. You see…”
“Don’t bother. I think Tianshou’s victory also helped your outside gambling stalls earn quite a bit. Don’t cry poor to me. You were the one who got greedy and accepted my wager.”
Seeing there was no room to negotiate, Tian Zhong sighed. “Fine. We did earn quite a bit, but it truly isn’t enough to pay you. Like this: I have a bit over thirty million in cash here. For the rest, you can pick some rare treasures from our family’s treasury to make up the difference. Is that acceptable?”
Treasures? If I picked a few good items to please Zi Xue and Zi Yan, maybe tonight’s matter would be easier for them to accept. With that thought, I said, “Fine.”
Tian Zhong said, “Then take this first.”
He pulled out four cards and a slip of paper. One of the cards was green, and the other three were blue.
“What is this?” I asked.
Tian Zhong looked at me in surprise. “These are the continent’s most popular savings cards. Blue is the highest grade, with a maximum of ten million gold coins. Green has a maximum of five million. All four cards are filled to their limit. These cards are made by Magister-level mages and have special usage methods. The slip of paper has the unlocking method. As long as you’re within Dragon God territory, you can withdraw gold coins anywhere. There are withdrawal machines in the residence. Later I’ll take you to confirm the amounts.”
I took the cards and the paper. “No need. I trust you.”
A strange gleam flashed in Tian Zhong’s eyes. “Then follow me to the collection vault. To be honest, if I didn’t owe you so much, I truly wouldn’t want to show those treasures. I was scolded harshly by my elder brother because of this. But for the reputation of the Tian family, I can only do this.”
With that, he turned and went into an inner room.
Inside was an ordinary study. Several large bookshelves stood around it, and a few ordinary calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls. Tian Zhong pulled out a book halfway from the top shelf on the far left. Immediately, three of the wall paintings rolled up automatically, revealing the stone wall behind them. Behind each painting was an irregular groove.
Tian Zhong took out three metal blocks and inserted them into the grooves in different positions. A grinding, clacking sound followed, but nothing in the study changed.
Then he pushed the half-pulled book back in. The paintings fell back down, as if nothing happened.
“Follow me.” He turned and left the study again.
We followed him out of the hall and around to the back courtyard. He walked quickly, weaving through turns and leading us into the City Lord residence’s garden. In the center of the garden was a water basin. He stopped beside it and reached into the bushes to the side, feeling around. Bracing himself, he pulled as if tugging something. A faint tremor sounded, and bubbles rose in the center of the water basin.
Gradually, a stone platform about ten square meters rose up. In its center was a pitch-black tunnel leading underground.
Zi Yan exclaimed, “What a clever mechanism.”
Tian Zhong looked at her with a trace of infatuation and said, “Our ancestors collected these treasures over dozens of generations. Of course it’s secret. If I hadn’t activated the mechanism over there first, this platform would not rise. Outsiders could never obtain our three keys. Even if they did, they wouldn’t easily find this place and discover the entrance. I hope that after you choose, you will forget what you saw here and not tell anyone. Alright?”
I nodded. “I will.”
Tian Zhong smiled. “I trust Brother Lei and the two young ladies’ character.”
Zi Xue said in surprise, “You know our identity?”
Tian Zhong said, “My brother holds a hereditary baron title and is also the City Lord here. Naturally, he knows more than ordinary people. Let’s go down.”
With that, he lightly leapt over first.
I wrapped an arm around Zi Yan’s waist and Zi Xue’s waist, one in each hand, and followed.
Tian Zhong murmured a few spells. A small flame appeared in his hand. He turned and said, “Follow my footsteps. Don’t step wrong. There are mechanisms everywhere inside.”
Then he led the way down.
I said to Zi Yan and Zi Xue, “Be careful.” Watching Tian Zhong’s steps, I followed.
Zi Yan cast a light-element illumination spell, and the tunnel brightened a lot. Together with Zi Xue, they followed behind.
After all of us entered, Tian Zhong seemed to press something somewhere. The tunnel entrance closed. The tunnel shook slightly. I knew the entrance had sunk back into the water basin.
The tunnel twisted and bent. Jagged stones lined both sides. Tian Zhong walked slowly and very carefully. With his warning, we all followed cautiously. After about the time it takes to eat a meal, the way ahead suddenly opened up. The narrow tunnel gradually widened. Tian Zhong turned back with relief. “Alright. Relax a little. There are no mechanisms ahead.”
He quickened his steps. After turning two bends, an enormous iron gate appeared in front of us.
Tian Zhong said, “Within several li, everything is hard granite. To carve out this vault, my ancestors spent who knows how much effort. This iron gate is cast from white iron produced in the deep sea. It’s a full zhang thick. Without the opening method, even several Dragon Generals working together couldn’t open it.”
I said skeptically, “Several Dragon Generals together could shatter heaven and earth. How could they not open this gate?”
Tian Zhong said, “Perhaps they could break the gate, but they would also trigger the mechanisms. Beneath our feet are thousands of jin of explosives. Above are tens of thousands of tons of boulders. If this collapses, even a god couldn’t survive.”
Zi Xue shrank back in fear. “Does it have to be that terrifying?”
Tian Zhong said proudly, “Of course. The treasures our ancestors accumulated are beyond what you can imagine. Even compared to the imperial palace, it doesn’t fall short. The cheapest item inside is worth over one hundred thousand gold coins. The best are priceless. Brother Lei, how about this—once we enter, I won’t speak and I won’t introduce anything. You choose any five items. Let’s see how your luck is.”
Zi Yan snapped, “Five items? You’re too stingy. Can five items be worth forty-five million gold coins?”
I stopped Zi Yan. “Forget it. Don’t be too excessive. It’s only a wager. Brother Tian already gave up a lot. Open the door. We’ll choose five.”
Tian Zhong looked at me gratefully. “Thank you, Brother Lei, for understanding my difficulty. The gate’s main lock is a gemstone with an unknown name. Back then, my ancestor placed a blood curse. Only someone with our family bloodline plus the keys can open it. Wait a moment.”
He took out a white stone from his clothes and walked over. Standing before the gate, he seemed to pray, his manner extremely reverent. After a long while, he stopped praying, bit open the middle finger of his right hand, and smeared his blood across the white object until it turned red, then pressed it to the seamless iron gate.
The blood-red key seemed to have no physical body at all as it seeped inside.