Kulu Capital City…
Seven Star Inn…
Kent remained seated at his corner table, his patience unwavering as he awaited a response to the jade slip message he had sent earlier. The inn had become quieter as the night deepened, and just as Kent was considering retiring to his room, the entrance doors creaked open.
A tall figure strode in, immediately drawing attention. She was unlike the average city dweller. Her long, sharp ears twitched under the hood she wore, and her feline eyes glowed faintly in the dark. Her movements were fluid, calculated, and her beast-like aura revealed her identity.
Many people tried to touch her as she walked forward. Without hesitation, she made her way to Kent’s table and sat across from him.
“You’re the one who brought Khoya’s contact?” Her voice was low yet commanding.
Kent, without speaking, reached into his space ring and pulled out the golden ring Khoya had entrusted to him. He placed it on the table, letting the faint glimmer of its intricate carvings catch her eye.
The beast woman narrowed her gaze, taking a long look at the ring before nodding. “I am Dakini,” she introduced herself. “Where is Khoya now? Any message from her?”
Kent retrieved the red jade slip Khoya had given him. “This is to be delivered directly to Princess Ai Ping,” he stated firmly. “Khoya made it clear—no one else is to see it.”
Dakini examined Kent closely before nodding. “Understood,” she said. “But getting to the princess won’t be easy. The capital is tightly monitored, and with the Emperor’s growing paranoia, new faces are always watched. Follow me, and whatever happens, do not speak. Do not look anyone in the eyes. If I tell you to lower your head, you do it. Understood?”
Kent gave a small nod. “Fine.”
With that, Dakini rose from her seat and swiftly sent out several messages using her own jade slip. Her fingers moved quickly, and within moments, she was done.
“We move now.”
—
The towering iron gates of Kulu City loomed ahead, their engravings shining under the torchlights. Armored guards stood watch, eyeing every entrant with suspicion.
Dakini led the way, her posture straight, her steps precise. Kent followed, keeping his expression neutral. As they approached the checkpoint, the guards took immediate notice.
One of them, a burly man with a thick mustache, sneered. “Well, well, what do we have here? Another rat from the slave village sneaking in?” His eyes then landed on Kent. “And who’s this? A lost noble boy playing adventure?”
The other guards chuckled, their laughter dripping with mockery.
“Look at him! So fine and delicate,” another soldier said. “He thinks he’s some warrior, but wait till the real men of Kulu City teach him a lesson.”
The head guard, still grinning, approached Kent and studied him with clear disdain. “We should take some pictures of this pretty boy. Who knows? Maybe someone’s looking for him.”
Two soldiers stepped forward, pulling out a recording crystal to capture Kent’s face and features. Kent didn’t move, but his fingers curled slightly into a fist. He could feel their gazes, their ridicule, and he knew all too well that such people only respected power.
“Not worth the effort,” another soldier muttered. “Once inside, he won’t last long. The city’s warriors will eat him alive.”
Dakini stepped in front of Kent, subtly blocking his path. “Let us pass,” she said coldly. “We’re on official business.”
The head guard laughed. “And what business would a slave village mutt have in the capital?”
Dakini remained silent, unwilling to provoke them further, but Kent had heard enough. He turned slightly, his eyes flashing with an eerie calm.
“Remember your words,” he said softly.
The guards paused, exchanging confused looks.
“One day,” Kent continued, “you will fear to see my face.” He then raised his hand and casually knocked on the iron gate beside him.
A deep, metallic groan echoed through the checkpoint as a visible dent formed on the surface of the Star Iron Gate. The soldiers’ faces drained of color. They all knew the strength of the Star Iron—it was supposed to be indestructible by normal means.
Kent smiled slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he turned back. “Don’t judge a man by his looks. Instead, look at his hands.”
The guards stiffened, their bravado gone in an instant. They exchanged nervous glances but dared not utter another insult.
Dakini smirked slightly but quickly masked her amusement. “Let’s go,” she muttered, pulling Kent along before he could do anything more.
As they walked into the city, Kent could feel the burning gazes of the soldiers behind him, filled with confusion and an underlying fear. It was only the beginning. Soon, the entire city would know his name.
And when that time came, they would regret ever mocking him.
—
Kent followed Dakini deeper into the capital. The streets were alive with activity—merchants shouting their wares, warriors training in open courtyards, and nobles riding beasts through the main roads.
“This is only the outer village,” Dakini murmured. “The real power lies in the inner city, where the Emperor and 8 ministers and 33 village heads reside. That’s where Princess Ai Ping is.”
Kent nodded, his mind already calculating his next moves. He had made his first impression at the gate, but soon, he would make an even bigger one inside the city.
The game had begun.
—
Red Sword City…
The fury of Emperor Kai reached its peak as yet another month passed without a response from Kent. He had sent messengers and proclamations throughout the Endless Green Desert, demanding proof of his daughter’s well-being.
The ultimatum was clear—if Kent failed to comply, the Emperor would execute a member of the King family for each day of silence. Yet, no word came. No proof. Nothing.
Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Kent had already left the desert, making his way toward the Kulu Nation’s capital city alongside Princess Chi Kai. His silence was not defiance but distance.
Enraged by Kent’s disregard, the Emperor summoned his most trusted war general, General Wei Xun, to his grand hall. The atmosphere in the palace was suffocating, the tension thick like a storm on the horizon.
“General Wei,” the Emperor’s voice boomed, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his throne’s golden armrests. “That boy mocks me! I will not tolerate this humiliation. Take fifty of your best soldiers and deliver a message to the King family—one of their own dies today.”
The general hesitated for a fraction of a second. “Your Majesty, the princess is still in Kent’s hands. If we act recklessly, we may—”
“I have made my decision!” the Emperor’s voice cut like a blade. His eyes glowed with an imperial rage that left no room for argument. “That bastard might have already harmed my daughter. If I don’t strike first, he’ll believe he can do as he pleases. Let him know the price of arrogance!”
Seeing the Emperor’s unwavering resolve, General Wei Xun bowed deeply. “As you command, Your Majesty.”