In Scott City, along the main thoroughfare of Rose Road, a noble carriage drew attention, pulled by two level-seven Snow Spirit Horses. Their majestic and handsome appearance, with pure white, flawless fur and clear, intelligent eyes, made them the dream horses for any equine enthusiast.
Such a display was beyond the means of ordinary nobles in the capital, and the commoners and lesser nobles wisely cleared a path for the carriage.
Unexpectedly, someone dared to stop the carriage, and the situation quickly escalated, attracting onlookers.
Lin, a man in a light blue mage robe, exuding a natural, refined air and maintaining a youthful appearance, slightly furrowed his brow inside the carriage.
"Stopping the carriage…"
Curious, Lin opened the carriage door and stepped down.
He then saw a brown-haired young man... a mage?
Sensing the magical fluctuations at close range, he estimated the young man to be around level eight, with attributes mixed with a hint of fiery heat and earth's sturdiness.
Realization dawned on Lin, and he looked at the young man with delayed understanding.
Grey Apachi made the first move, drawing his black sword, its blade burning with fiery battle energy. He charged forward like an arrow, striking with immense force and wind.
Andy nodded, adding, "Back when we were studying at the Halley Magic Academy, Apachi lost in the Empire's Garden Art Design competition, breaking his winning streak due to Lin. Seeking inspiration, he ventured into the Night Forest, where he tragically died in a monster tide."
Lin, Colin, and Andy understood the reason.
Lin smiled and readily agreed!
Regretfully, Regulus, being in the royal family, couldn't miss the shift in the wind.
The mountain basin naturally formed an open space, perfect for a duel.
A dual-element mage! And seemingly a warrior too!
"I am Grey Apachi! A dual-element level-eight mage of earth and fire! May I inquire if you are Master Lin?"
"He seems quite confident."
Lin said this, but his expression remained calm and natural.
News spread quickly.
At the palace of the third prince.
"Well, that might be troublesome."
Grey's tone was cold and arrogant, revealing his purpose without any concealment. The crowd around erupted in excitement at the prospect of a powerful duel.
Regulus, feeling ashamed, said, "My father is getting senile. He couldn't see the change in the wind."
The natural depression at the mountain's waist, with its clear, open view, was an ideal battleground.
A dual-element mage! A warrior!
"Sure, I accept your challenge!"
"Sorry, Lin. I was rash. Recently, the pressure has been high."
The surrounding area was crowded, with many citizens and nobles arriving after hearing the news.
Water Element Level Nine Magic — Raging Python Flow!
"..."
Undoubtedly, he was a prodigy!
Regulus clenched his teeth, frustrated. "It's deliberate, challenging you right before your ennoblement ceremony!"
Colin's plump face twisted into a strange expression, adding, "To be precise, the former number one garden designer of the Empire!"
The crowd parted, making way.
"Bang——!"
The powerful strike from Grey was easily blocked and deflected, water swirling in torrents around Lin, resembling a lifelike indigo python.
Recoiling from the shock, Grey clutched his chest in pain, struggling to stabilize his boiling blood with his battle energy. He looked at Lin in shock, thinking, "How can his magic power be so strong!?"
Lin smiled faintly. Though he had concealed most of his power, this water magic was diluted from divine power. Even a sword saint would kneel before it!
Grey Apachi, 36 years old, a dual-element level-eight mage and level-eight warrior!
Indeed, Lin was to blame for the death of Grey's grandfather many years ago.
"Master Lin has arrived!"
Outside Scott City, Redleaf Mountain.
The Emperor's decision to delay Lin's ennoblement was seen as a lack of confidence in his victory, even anticipating his potential downfall.
Colin, Andy, and Regulus were taken aback. What was going on?
The Emperor's move seemed casual but indicated his disbelief in Lin's victory, even expecting his potential demise.
"Grey Apachi! The Empire's top garden designer!"
Grey laughed triumphantly, challenging Lin, "Three days later, let's battle at Redleaf Mountain!"
Regardless of the reasons, backing down from a challenge was shameful on the Violet Continent, especially when the challenger was weaker.
"Alright, I like your spirit!"
The area was swarming with people, many civilians and nobles coming to witness the event.
Water Element Level Nine Magic — Raging Python Flow!
"..."
No doubt, he was a talent!
Regulus, grinding his teeth, complained, "It's intentional, challenging you just before your ennoblement ceremony!"
"Master Lin, congratulations on reaching level nine. I, a junior, dare to challenge you. May I have the honor of learning from you?"
Lin didn't respond, just shook his head calmly.
Grey Apachi, a warrior dressed in battle gear, closed his eyes in meditation, holding a black sword inlaid with fire attribute magic cores. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, filled with cold killing intent.
Some supporters of Master Lin immediately changed their expressions.
With that, Lin walked away.
"Bang——!"
Grey's confident attack was easily blocked, the turbulent water creating continuous waves, repelling him.
Staggering back, Grey clutched his chest, his battle energy surging to suppress the turmoil. He looked at Lin in shock, thinking, "How can his magic power be so strong!?"
Lin smiled faintly, although he had restrained most of his strength, his water magic power, diluted from divine power, was overwhelming. Not even a sword saint would stand a chance against it!