Chapter 21
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"You broke through to the 100% Tempering Marrow Stage!?" Yan Xue exclaimed, his body trembling from this revelation.
He had still yet to digest Lucifer's most basic cultivation level, let alone the fact that his younger brother had already achieved something that he hadn't—the formation of an Elemental Body!
This revelation left all the Devilduke family members baffled, their reactions mirroring the same as Yan Xue's eye-opening reaction. Even Lady Mu was no exception, nearly dropping her fork at this unbelievable announcement.
However, there was one person who remained utterly unfazed, his facial features not changing by the slightest bit throughout this entire ordeal.
The Leader of the Devilduke Household—the Bane of all Air Nation Experts—the Devil Duke, Lord Xiao!
He was not only who had altered the course of the war with the Air Nation but also the one figure heading the ongoing war with the Water Nation. This made his status as more than just a war hero—it made him a goddamn legend!
With a square-shaped face, Lord Xiao fixed his gaze on his sixth oldest son, a mysterious glint flashing past his blood-red eyes. Suddenly, he got up from his seat and walked toward the happy-go-lucky young man, whose demeanor belied the situation.
Lord Xiao's steps echoed like thunder, his aura radiating dominance, but that didn't seem to affect Lucifer in the slightest, his gaze was calm and his mind sharp and calculative.
WAAAA!
In an instant, the towering man's deadly red aura exploded a millionfold, his earth-crushing pressure forcing Lucifer to his knees. Yet, despite the blood gushing out of his shattered kneecaps, the friendly smile on Lucifer's never wavered.
"..."
Devilduke Xiao observed his son's expression, satisfied with this result. Following his satisfaction, he reeled his aura back and called for a healer.
Wzzz…!
A soft green energy enveloped Lucifer's legs, actively restoring them back to their tip-top shape and mending any damage. While this happened, the man who caused this damage looked past the female healer, his stern gaze never leaving his son.
"Extend your hand," he commanded, his gruff voice clearly not one that permitted refusal or an argument.
Lucifer pretended to hesitate for a second before eventually sticking out his hand with a slightly uncomfortable countenance.
Lord Xiao seemed to be analyzing every minute movement made by his son, and this one, just like the one before, was flawlessly executed by Lucifer.
The Devilduke grunted a little as his substantially larger hand grasped Lucifer's, sending an unknown energy coursing through every inch of the young man's body. After it had coursed throughout the body, the energy returned to its source, Lord Xiao, who gave a light nod.
This was all that was exchanged between the father and son duo before Lord Xiao returned to his seat at the head of the table.
Lucifer followed not long after, taking his place between his father's 5th youngest daughter and 8th youngest son, both of whom were looking up to him with sparkling gazes.
They were two of the youngest offspring of Lord Xiao from his first wife, Lady Mu, and Second Wife, Lady Ying.
Both Lady Mu and Lady Ying were highly respected figures within the Devilduke Household. While they may seem to be on good terms to outsiders, everyone knew of their underlying rivalry, with rumors even suggesting that they once tried to kill each other, only to be swiftly stopped by the Master.
Both Lady Xiao and Lady Mu were present for the early morning breakfast today, along with Lady Wei (the Third Wife), and Lady Yu (the Fourth Wife), who were all attending the early breakfast gathering.
The only ones who weren't able to make it were the Fifth Wife, the Second Wife, and the three dozen or so concubines.
The Fifth Wife was ill, the Second Wife was out of town, and the concubines simply lacked the status to be present, which was why they weren't here right now.
'This father of mine truly knows how to get around…'
Lucifer marveled at the sheer number of women this stone-faced man had at his beck and call. But in the end, this was the way of the strong. It was only natural for a powerful figure like Lord Xiao to have many women by his bedside.
However, deep down, Lucifer disdained his father's careless actions.
Why would a powerful man settle down? Why would he gather a bunch of useless women around him who only knew how to bicker among themselves?? Worse, there was always the chance of being betrayed in the future…
'Such stupid decisions… made by one deemed the strongest…'
'This father of mine… He is a failure.'
Lucifer concealed his disappointment to an impossible degree as he exchanged a few words with his brothers and sisters. Most of them were just talking to him because of the attention he received from their unaffectionate father. Though, there were some who were curious and wanted to know about his recent surge in strength.
After all, to suddenly leap from the Early Pulse Condensation Realm to the 100% Tempering Marrow Realm was a grand achievement!
Including exceptional talent, such a feat would also require quite a fortuitous opportunity. It was this notion that caused a few sinister glints to flicker in the gazes of people like Yan Xue and his Third Brother, Yan Chao.
In fact, they had already begun whispering among themselves, plotting a malicious plan against their dear younger brother...
Even Lady Wei and Lady Yu harbored deleterious intentions in mind as they pondered what their dear stepson must have gained to achieve such a dramatic breakthrough…
Lucifer could read the room very well, and his sharp intuition allowed him to gauge the true feelings of everyone present.
Most were neutral and preferred not to get involved, while some cared little about their blood relations. These people were worse than snakes in human clothing and would likely stab you in the back while smiling all the way.
The 6th Young Master had a few surprises in store for those who wished to get in his way, but for now, he played his part to a T.
If there was a reward for the best asskisser, then it would surely go to him!
...….