A burly figure flew backward and crashed into the gate. With a pained groan, he pulled himself up, panting heavily. Clutching his chest, he stood erect, drawing a large battle ax. Growling, he allowed dark gold energy to coat the ax as he prepared to attack again.
Tang Junxin tensed. Flexing his neck muscles, he released his oppressive aura. A cold wind blew across the ground and sparks flashed in his eyes. Icicles formed like sinister fangs off the thatched roof huts. The gold gate froze over, glinting like silver in the midday sun. Tang Junxin stared at the guard with hostility in his eyes.
Spears of ice formed around him in a sparkling circle of cold air. The other combatant stared at him with a fierce look in his eyes.
"STOP!" the head guard yelled frantically.
He panted breathlessly.
"Stop...stop...," he spoke.
The pair turned to look at him with a furious expression. The head guard shrunk back under their gaze. Gaining his courage, he spoke.
"This...this is the prince consort....," he spoke.
The duo turned to look at each other. Spark clashed between them as they clearly wished to continue the battle. Fang stepped forward, exuding a mild smile. Tang Junxin gazed at him, quickly retracting his aura.
Their surroundings immediately returned to their normal state, allowing the head guard to relax. The other guard, however, still bore a hostile expression. Frowning, Tang Junxin stared at him.
"What is the meaning of this?" he asked frostily.
The other guard remained silent. Elbowing him fiercely, the head guard smiled amicably.
"Apologies my lord," said the head guard.
Tang Junxin nodded. He began to walk forward as the gates clanged open slowly. The other guard stared at the duo with a frosty expression on his face. He was not the slightest bit repentant about his actions.
Tang Junxin saw his look and frowned. He would be sure to report this matter to the Emperor. Fang simply smiled and continued his way forward to meet the Emperor, Tang Junxin following closely.
Suddenly, they heard some rapid footsteps. The other guard had followed them, running inside.
"I apologize. I misread the signals from the head guard and thought that you were intruders. It was my mistake. I am willing to shoulder any punishment as it was solely my fault alone. Please forgive me," he asked with a stony expression.
Tang Junxin frowned. Before he could speak, Fang spoke out for him.
"Don't worry. All is forgiven," he spoke, magnanimously.
Tang Junxin stared at him incredulously as they turned around and left. As soon as they were out of earshot, he frowned again.
"Master, why did you forgive him?" he asked.
Fang smiled.
"That man... is special... almost as strong as you are...," he replied.
Tang Junxin replied.
"But master! We defeated him didn't we?"
"No. Rather he didn't show his full strength just now. I think he is here for some other purpose rather than to be a simple guard... this matter is definitely something you should look into...," Fang spoke.
Inside, he smiled with glee. Truly, the capital was a massive gem. It was not just the people or the culture. It was the true hidden nature of the centers where humanity congregated: they were chock full of SYSTEMS!!!!
Chortling with glee, Fang smiled and patted Tang Junxin on the back. Now was the time, as he couldn't wait any longer. His hunger had grown insatiable and this system smelled delicious. Licking his lips, he pulled his hand back.
A flash of blue aura was pulled out of Tang Junxin's chest as Fang immediately pulled his hand down. Sticking the system in a small bottle, he put it in his pocket within a split second. Smiling amiably, looked towards Tang Junxin.
"It's late. We shall not disturb the Emperor now. We shall meet him in the morning. In the meantime, I shall retire to another place," he spoke.
Before Tang Junxin could protest, he faded into black smoke and vanished leaving a surprised prince consort standing there, looking ruffled.
Fang reappeared in a small inn room. He had previously made the arrangements to stay there without Tang Junxin's knowledge. Taking out the bottle of the icy blue system, he licked his lips. There was going to be a banquet tonight.