Unexpected Encounters at Moon-Gazing Pond

“Bai Que, you rascal, why didn’t you say anything when you arrived?” Luo Tianjin said with a laugh, clapping Bai Que’s shoulder.

Bai Que shot him an annoyed glance. “You know perfectly well what kind of task Yuan gave me…”

“Oh, so your target is that Kiramei too, right?” Luo Tianjin paused. “Why not join us?”

“No, I’m working alone this time!”

“Alright then!” Luo Tianjin knew Bai Que’s stubborn nature well; what he said, he meant. There was no point in wasting breath trying to convince him.

“Luo Shang, you’ve arrived as well?” Yun Xun asked, unfurling his folding fan and smiling alluringly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Indeed, I’m leading this mission. While I’d love for you to join our ranks, there can only be one leader. I’m sure you wouldn’t wish to bow your head to anyone, would you? So, I won’t extend an invitation.”

Yun Xun then turned his head, his gaze falling upon Su Han. He was visibly struck by her beauty, prompting him to raise an eyebrow and inquire, “And who might this lovely lady be?”

“This is my girlfriend,” Bai Que interjected sharply, pulling Su Han into his embrace before Luo Shang could even respond. “What, do you have designs on her?”

Luo Shang pressed a hand to his forehead, thinking, ‘This guy, he’s at it again.’

“Huh? Who’s your girlfriend?!” Su Han exclaimed indignantly, pushing against Bai Que’s chest.

“Shhh, just pretend to be my girlfriend for a while. Otherwise, your situation could become quite perilous~”

“What in the world? Perilous situation???” Su Han, naturally, had yet to fully grasp the gravity of her circumstances.

Why would her situation be perilous, one might ask? Because the impending struggle would descend into utter chaos, where most would inevitably perish. If Su Han were merely Bai Que’s casual acquaintance, other factions might seize the opportunity to eliminate her. However, if she were proclaimed as his woman, everyone would afford Bai Que some measure of respect.

They might not actively protect her in the melee, but they certainly wouldn’t plot her demise. Without Bai Que’s declaration, Su Han could very well vanish like a wisp of smoke amidst the tumultuous battle against the Kiramei.

Yun Xun’s pupils contracted sharply, then he let out an awkward chuckle. “No, no, no, how could I? I wouldn’t dare try to steal the woman of the Dark Hall Master’s direct disciple.” He quickly added, “I merely found the young lady remarkably striking!”

“Of course,” Bai Que retorted, his expression unyielding. “How could I be mistaken about my own woman?” He offered Yun Xun no pleasantries. Even Luo Shang and Yun Xun, both from the Radiant Church, were constantly vying for power, let alone Bai Que, who hailed from the Dark Hall. Yet, Luo Shang and Bai Que shared a unique bond.

“We’ve been so caught up reminiscing, how could we neglect His Highness, the Third Prince?” Luo Tianjin interjected, hoping to disperse the palpable tension. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

Su Han mused, ‘Luo Tianjin is truly the quintessential good Samaritan. Not only did he alleviate Yun Xun’s awkwardness and earn his favor, but he also seized the opportunity to curry favor with Morfitos.’

“Come, come, Your Highness Morfitos,” Luo Tianjin began, gesturing. “Allow me to introduce you. This is Bai Que, our Hall Master’s disciple. And that gentleman is Luo Shang, one of the Radiant Church’s Saint Child candidates.”

He then turned to Luo Shang and Bai Que. “As for this esteemed individual, I’m sure he needs no further introduction, does he? His Highness, the Third Prince of the Azure Heron Empire—I trust you’ve heard of him!”

Following a series of polite, if somewhat insincere, greetings, they soon found themselves on the brink of Moon-Gazing Pond.

The emerald waters of the pond rippled gently in the breeze, which, though cool and refreshing, carried an underlying, bone-chilling cold that raised goosebumps.

“As expected of Moon-Gazing Pond,” someone murmured, “the water temperature hovers near absolute zero, yet it remains unfrozen. Truly astonishing!” Another voice chimed in, “But what puzzles me is, where exactly is this Kiramei?”

The Moon-Gazing Pond had been claimed by a four-headed Kiramei, who reigned as its undisputed overlord. Consequently, all other magical beasts, sensing its immense power, had fled far away. This left the surroundings eerily desolate, with nothing but mountains, water, and verdant trees in sight.

A deathly silence descended upon the area; not a single person uttered a sound. Then, ripples of green began to spread across the tranquil surface of Moon-Gazing Pond, followed by the distinct sound of crashing waves.

“That’s… the Kiramei!” someone in the crowd suddenly shouted. The momentary silence that followed was quickly shattered by a surge of excited murmurs.

Four dragon-like heads, adorned with massive horns, emerged. Its body was covered in scales, with some areas even bristling with sharp barbs. Enormous talons glided across the water, kicking up colossal waves, while gigantic, purple wings, vast enough to blot out the sun, gradually surfaced.

Within the myriad legends of the Aelta Continent, Kiramei appeared with striking frequency. These formidable beasts inherited the magical might of abyssal demons and the formidable physique of dragons.

Once they developed their third head, a Kiramei could instantly cast most spells below Level 70 and simultaneously wield three elemental magic types. At this stage, a Kiramei was an undisputed airborne monarch, its combat prowess easily surpassing the Eighth Tier. For knights on the ground, encountering one was an absolute nightmare!

What then, was the concept of a four-headed Kiramei? A four-headed Kiramei lived for at least several millennia, simultaneously commanding the four elemental magic types: earth, fire, wind, and water.

Aside from their inability to create their own magical domains, their spellcasting abilities rivaled even those of legendary mages. In true combat, simply relying on their innate magical domain meant that even a mage at the peak of the legendary realm might not be their match.

“Humans, what business do you have trespassing in my territory?” the four-headed Kiramei thundered, speaking in the common tongue.