The Terrifying Gaze
Glancing around, Nux spoke slowly, his voice calm but sharp, each word like a blade cutting the air:
"I haven't been ridiculed in a long time, and I couldn't control my emotions, so I trembled twice in anger. I'm sorry… it seems that something was misunderstood just now."
The malicious, maniacal laughter of the crowd froze midair, as if someone had gripped their throats. Eyes widened, jaws slackened, and every onlooker stared at Nux in disbelief.
"Isn't this guy… without cultivation?"
"He's so young! How could he possibly be stronger than us?"
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Isn't he just a better-looking commoner?"
Despite their certainty, the knights' arrogance was rooted in two facts: the Queen had always hated men, and no man could approach her freely. Using these points, they dared to act with such overconfidence.
At this moment, Nux's body radiated no aura of cultivation. Yet the confidence in his eyes—the wicked curve of his smile—made the silver-armored knights around him uneasy.
Nux's deep black eyes scanned the circle, settling on the Spiritual Monarch with five rings. His voice was flat, steady, but carried the weight of judgment, as if issued from the very gates of Hades. It sent shivers down spines.
"Let me ask you a question."
The five-ring Spiritual Monarch stiffened, unease creeping into his posture. For the first time, he hesitated. He could detect no cultivation in Nux, yet something intangible—something primal—set his nerves on edge. He took a cautious half-step back.
"You're arrogant—" the monarch began, but Nux's next words cut through the air like a whip.
"Does your mother know?"
The question struck like thunder. The Spiritual Monarch's eyes immediately bloodshot. His fists clenched as if grasping onto life itself.
"You are too arrogant," he growled, veins throbbing at his temples. "Maybe I misjudged just now… but no matter who you are, this is not your place to act so boldly in front of the Soulforge Citadel."
He turned sharply, voice commanding: "Brothers! Don't hesitate! No matter the origin of this boy, we've provoked him. I am certain he has no cultivation base. If we strike together, it will be over quickly. Later, if the powers behind him come for revenge, we'll claim he provoked us first. We were forced!"
His words ignited the knights' resolve. Panic flared in their eyes, but so did determination, murderous intent surging. They stepped forward, pressing their attack.
Nux arched an eyebrow, amused. "Talented at stepping onto a horse, are we? Truly, you amuse me."
He hooked his fingers toward the oncoming threat. "You're right—I have no cultivation. So… hurry up and kill me."
"Ah! Bravado boy!"
"You dare speak nonsense while facing death? Brothers, don't hold back! Kill him quickly!"
The five-ring Spiritual Monarch took the lead. His soul rings exploded outward, forming the phantom of a roaring tiger that tore across the sky. Streaks of brilliant soul light slashed the courtyard. Energy storms roared, cascading toward Nux like waves determined to obliterate him.
"Idiots." Nux's voice was soft, almost playful, yet carried the weight of death.
Murderous intent burned around him. Yet, calm as a summer lake, Nux pinched the ears of the Soft-Boned Charm Rabbit cradled in his arms.
"Shua!"
Pink radiance erupted, cascading like dawn over the courtyard. The attacks from the silver-armored knights vanished instantly. Energy storms were swallowed whole, leaving only stunned, frightened faces frozen in disbelief.
"What… what just happened?"
"I… I can't move!"
"What kind of magic is this?"
Screams, exclamations, panic—all replaced the earlier arrogance. Every knight was rooted to the spot, frozen, eyes wide with fear and despair.
Nux shook his head slowly, almost gently.
"You people… if you obey, you're arrogant and domineering. If you resist, you bow and obey your master. Since you refuse to be good, then kneel and be dogs."
"Plop!"
The pink light pressed like a heavenly weight. One by one, the silver-armored knights collapsed to their knees. The steel of their armor and the floor tiles cracked beneath the force.
Now, completely terrified, the knights begged for mercy.
Only the five-ring Spiritual Monarch retained a shred of pride, his voice trembling yet commanding:
"Beating a dog depends on its owner. Even if we were wrong, if you kill us… the Soulforge Citadel will never forgive you. Besides… my uncle is a Spiritual Ascendant! Touch me and he will not forgive you!"
Nux stepped forward, baring a grin. "Your uncle is a Spiritual Ascendant, huh?"
"Yes! If you're sensible… let me go!"
Snap!
With a flick of his fingers, Nux sent several of the monarch's teeth flying into the air. The pain bloomed across his face as it quickly swelled, leaving him gasping.
"You… how dare you!" The monarch's rage and disbelief were palpable. Does this boy know the power of a Spiritual Ascendant? My uncle is a Spiritual Ascendant of the Hall of Spirits!
Snap!
Another strike silenced the next word.
Nux examined the swollen, lopsided face and nodded in satisfaction. Symmetry, after all, was important.
"My uncle…" the monarch stammered, helpless and furious.
But Nux raised his foot and trampled him to the ground. Leaning close, he whispered coldly:
"Your uncle… a Spiritual Ascendant? My Rose, your Queen, humbles herself before me. Do you think from that perspective you can measure my pride and authority?"
Blood stained the monarch's face. Resentment and fury swirled in his eyes. "You… dare insult the Queen? No matter your background… you are dead!"
A guard shouted in alarm, "My lord! My uncle is coming!"
Nux's gaze lifted toward the streaming light racing across the sky toward the Queen's Palace. A soft, almost playful smile curved his lips.
"Then… let's see if your uncle can protect you."