"Indeed, Elder, that was my most outstanding son, who even comprehended the Dragon God Seal on his own. Yet now he has fallen victim to foul play right before my eyes, and with the Holy Light Academy's Judge obstructing me at every turn, I cannot avenge my child."
Habea III's voice was filled with sorrow as he cast a fierce gaze towards Sean Sterling in the sky.
Upon hearing this, not only did Elena furrow her brows tightly, but the other Judges also appeared displeased. Balman, in particular, was furious and no longer cared for the Gray-Clad Elder; he shouted, "You old fool, how unreasonable can you be? Your son died during the Peak Showdown; it can only mean he was lacking in strength. If everyone were to seek revenge like you for every death, then there would be no need for the Peak Showdown to take place. Have you seen anyone else stepping forward for revenge?"
"Hmm...?" The Gray-Clad Elder was taken aback. He first glanced at Balman and then turned his gaze to Habea III, frowning as he slowly spoke, "I am quite familiar with the Holy Light Academy's Qualification Challenge. Although I am not clear on the rules of this Peak Showdown, since this Judge has said so, what is there for you to argue about?"
Watching this scene from a distance, a cold sweat broke out on Habea III's forehead. He realized the implications and thought to himself, "Wow, this Old Guy really has an air about him; he speaks to Habea III like that while subtly reprimanding him."
Habea III could also sense the reproach in the Gray-Clad Elder's tone and seemed unwilling to let it go. Feeling slightly anxious, he quickly said, "Elder... many years ago, my eldest son was killed by someone. You once advised me to let it go for the sake of the country. At that time, although I was unwilling, I followed your counsel.
But today my pride and joy Wuer has been killed again, and the enemy stands before me. Do you expect me to choose to let it go again and simply forget about it?" By the end of his statement, a hint of madness appeared on Habea III's face, and his tone was filled with grief and resentment.
"This..." The Gray-Clad Elder was clearly taken aback by these words. His brow furrowed tightly as he scanned the other Judges, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Seizing this moment, Habea III continued fervently, "I know that what I am doing now goes against the rules of the Holy Light Academy, but a grudge for killing a child cannot be overlooked. Moreover, I have made concessions in this matter; as long as that person who killed my son is willing to take one of my strikes—after that strike, regardless of life or death, I will let go of this grudge."
"Take one of your strikes...?" The Gray-Clad Elder looked at Habea III with a strange expression, somewhat surprised.
At that moment, Sean Sterling could no longer hold back his laughter; his voice was filled with mockery as he coldly said, "You made a concession? A dignified Quasi-Advanced ruler wants someone who has just stepped into Intermediate level to take one of your strikes and regardless of life or death? ...Is it possible that under your Quasi-Advanced strength you cannot kill an Intermediate level opponent with one strike?"
As Sean Sterling spoke these words, the strange expression on the Gray-Clad Elder's face deepened. He seemed to want to laugh mockingly as well but held back fiercely to maintain Habea III's dignity.
Habea III's face twisted in rage as he gritted his teeth and said each word deliberately: "He must take this strike; if he does so, there is still a chance of survival. If he refuses—even if I abandon my title as Duke—I will risk my life to kill him for revenge.
Elder... many years ago you promised me that during my lifetime I could make one request of you; as long as it is within your power, you would fulfill it."
"Today... I wish to make this request, and I hope the Elder will grant it."
With that, Habea III lowered his head and pressed his hand to his chest, revealing a determined expression. The killing intent in his eyes did not diminish; he was resolute in not letting Bu escape easily.
The Gray-Clad Elder's gaze sharpened, and his expression gradually turned serious as he stared at Habea III. After a moment, he spoke in a low tone, "Are you truly planning to do this? According to the rules of the Holy Light Academy, if you kill someone now, the relationship between Crook Duchy and the Holy Light Academy will plummet to freezing point, and you will become the greatest criminal of Crook Duchy.
At that time, it won't simply be a matter of stripping you of your Duke title; you will bear infamy and even leave a stain on history.
Have you considered this carefully?"
As these last words were spoken, an overwhelming pressure erupted from the Gray-Clad Elder, like a storm sweeping through souls. Most people present turned pale, with some collapsing to the ground in fear, trembling uncontrollably.
Habea III's body shuddered, his face revealing a complex struggle, but ultimately it was replaced by murderous hatred. Gritting his teeth, he declared fiercely, "My mind is made up; I have no regrets or complaints!"
Seeing this, the Gray-Clad Elder sighed softly, then his expression returned to calm as he asked quietly, "Who is the one that killed your son?"
Habea III's face lit up with joy as he quickly scanned the area and pointed viciously at Bu in the distance. "It is this boy."
At that moment, Sean Sterling's expression darkened significantly upon hearing the Gray-Clad Elder's words. Fury flickered in his eyes, but considering the Elder's strength, he could only suppress his anger and remain silent for now. However, his figure swiftly darted toward Bu.
Watching Sean Sterling's unwavering figure, Elena furrowed her brow tightly. In the end, she bit her lip and suddenly launched herself toward Bu as well.
The Gray-Clad Elder observed this scene with keen eyes. His gaze flickered as he looked at Bu standing far away, who showed no signs of panic.
Feeling the old man's gaze upon him, Bu smiled politely but did not dare to meet his eyes directly.
The calm demeanor of the Gray-Clad Elder caused him to pause and reveal a look of curiosity, but in the end, he sighed and turned to Habea III, saying, "Although you have made up your mind, I still have to consider the fate of the Crook Duchy.
Since this individual has stepped onto the Arena of our Crook Duchy’s Peak Showdown, he should be regarded as one of our people. As the Guardian Martial Saint, it is my duty to protect him."
At this point, the Gray-Clad Elder appeared troubled, but then seemed to recall Habea III's earlier request. He ultimately shook his head with a wry smile and said, "...sigh... very well... I can agree to this. Let this individual take one strike from you, but to avoid any misunderstandings, I will temporarily seal your energy field so that you only possess the peak power of Intermediate Level 5.
Furthermore, after this strike, if he does not die, you must not seek revenge. Not only must you refrain from vengeance, but you must also provide him with some form of compensation that he finds acceptable. If he dies in the end, you will need to ensure a proper burial for him, grant him an additional title, and bestow upon him a noble name."
"This..."
Habea III showed hesitation, but upon noticing the increasingly displeased expression on the Gray-Clad Elder's face, he quickly acquiesced, saying, "Alright... I will follow Elder's words."
"Given my strength, even if my energy field is sealed and reduced to Intermediate Level 5, it should be more than enough to kill someone who is merely at Intermediate Level."
After agreeing to the Gray-Clad Elder's terms, Habea III's gaze flickered as he gradually relaxed.
Their conversation was not overly concealed; anyone present with some level of power could hear it clearly. Reactions varied among those present, but most looked at Bu with sympathy, lamenting that his life would likely end here.
Sean Sterling sneered repeatedly, showing no fear on his face as he landed beside Bu. His protective intent was obvious; it seemed that anyone wishing harm upon Bu would first have to get past him—even High-Level Giants were no exception.
Elena moved closer, her eyes revealing complexity as she silently stood alongside Sean Sterling in front of Bu.
Though she said nothing, her attitude and stance were equally resolute. Perhaps it was not solely for Bu; rather, it was because Sean Sterling had made a choice that she decided to make the same one.
What joy is there in life? What fear in death? If one must tread a thorny path accompanied by a kindred spirit or beloved companion, then they shall wield their sword and sing along the way.
Boo's gaze gradually softened as he looked at the backs of the two people in front of him, feeling a warm current stirring in his heart.
Though their figures were not tall, at this moment, in Boo's eyes, the two transformed into mountains and solidified into the earth. They stood before him when he needed them most, blocking the storm and shielding him from all crises.
"Both of you... I believe you have heard my previous words. In order to avoid conflict between the Crook Duchy and the Holy Light Academy, I do not wish to engage with you two. Why not listen to what this Fellow has to say... before making a decision?"
The Gray-Clad Elder wore a smile and was quite polite, suggesting that if it were not necessary, he truly did not want to offend the colossal Holy Light Academy.
"This matter is non-negotiable. Since I, Sean Sterling, stepped into Quasi-Advanced, I have yet to truly unleash my full power in battle. Today, I would like to see just how strong High-Level really is." Sean Sterling's expression was cold as he spoke, his magical energy surging. The storm aura activated, and his white eyes emitted dazzling light. In an instant, a howling wind suddenly rose, gathering raindrops into a torrent.
Beside him, Elena also showed no hesitation. As her internal energy surged, she was about to unleash her full power when Boo's voice suddenly rang out: "Senior Sean... Lady Elena... please hold on for now. I am willing to accept this challenge."
Upon hearing these words, both Sean Sterling and Elena were taken aback, their movements pausing. Habea III's eyes brightened, and a cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Brent... this is not the time for your nonsense; you've already caused enough trouble today." After her initial surprise, anger suddenly flashed across Elena's face as she turned to glare at Boo with sharp brows, her tone filled with disappointment.
Not only Elena felt this way; even Sean Sterling frowned slightly, looking at Boo with an expression that hinted at displeasure.
Anyone who had gone through great lengths to protect someone and resolve their troubles would likely feel extremely disappointed upon discovering that the person they were protecting still acted recklessly. It could even lead one to question whether they had misjudged that person.
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