Chapter 11: Turn of Events

"Viscount Luo Fugude, barging into my house without a greeting—surely not a glorious deed," he said loudly, staring at Mingguang, who was riding the wind from not far away. "Mingguang received the Viscount's letter, was deeply ashamed, and happened to be nearby, so I took the liberty of visiting; please do not take offense, Viscount." Mingguang smiled. "As for those three foolish subordinates last night, I must express my sincere apologies; the matter was entirely the personal misdeeds of those dim‑witted men, unrelated to the Spiritual Temple or to me. You should also know that I, Mingguang, have a sky‑high audacity, yet would never defy you, Viscount."

"Oh?" Viscount Luo Fugude sneered. "So those mages have no connection to you, Mingguang?" "Can't say it like that," Mingguang withdrew his smile. "After all, they are also my subordinates; if the Viscount is willing to release them, I would be immensely grateful. Moreover, the Spiritual Temple is willing to fully compensate for the losses you suffered, Viscount."

"People can be returned to you," the Viscount's gaze glittered. "Compensation—one life for another has already been paid. If Mingguang has any other business, please make it clear now. Old Luo Fugude may be powerless, but I know that your personal arrival would not be merely for two petty ruffians who haven't even attained the 'Human Teacher' rank."

"Viscount, you truly are quick‑tongued," Mingguang clapped his hands. "Since that's the case, I'll be straightforward. Viscount, the young man by your side seems to have Angel Clan blood, right? If I recall correctly, he is the son of the Angel Clan rebels Luo Jing and Qing Yu. He has no kinship with you, so please hand him over to the Spiritual Temple; I am deeply grateful."

"Mingguang, although I reside in this desolate wilderness, I have some knowledge of the Spiritual Temple's affairs. You capture the remnants of the Angel Clan everywhere—not to invite them back for champagne, I presume. This younger brother Luo Shan and I have become close; I'm reluctant to hand him over to you. Could you, Mingguang, spare him for my sake? Whatever you ask of Luo Fugude Manor, as long as it's not wrongdoing, you may speak freely; I, Old Luo Fugude, will bear it." The Viscount frowned, took a step forward instinctively. Qin Yan hid behind her father, frightened, and clutched Luo Shan's hand tightly.

"Viscount," Mingguang rubbed his hands and shook his head. "Viscount, if it concerns my own affairs, once you speak, I would spare not only a single young angel but the entire Angel Clan. However, regarding the current capture of Angel Clan members, I cannot make the decision; I ask for your understanding."

"You can't make the decision?" Viscount Luo Fugude sneered. "You are the High Priest of the Spiritual Temple's main hall; the seven sub‑temples obey your orders. What else could you not decide?"

"Of course there is!" Mingguang said earnestly. "Viscount, have you forgotten the one called the 'Godslayer'?"

"Godslayer?" Viscount Luo Fugude's expression changed. "Could it be the Supreme Deity?"

"Exactly! The Spiritual Temple captures Angel Clan members to use their pure angelic power to resurrect the Supreme Deity. You, Viscount, should be aware of the Supreme Deity's power. If you insist on protecting this youngster today, I have no choice. But should the Spiritual Temple someday succeed and revive the Supreme Deity, its might would surely wipe out everyone at Luo Fugude Manor if it learns of your actions today. My words are not a threat; they are solely for the consideration of you and the manor's inhabitants. Risking the anger of the Supreme Deity for this child, you, Viscount, are a hundred times wiser than I am and must understand the pros and cons, right?"

Viscount Luo Fugude fell silent for an instant; the one called the Supreme Deity evidently wielded immense deterrence, even stirring a hint of fear in him. Qin Yan sensed something wrong with her father, hurriedly tugged at the Viscount's sash from behind, her heart racing with anxiety.

"Mingguang," at last Viscount Luo Fugude lifted his head. "You should know Old Luo Fugude's temper; I naturally fear the Supreme Deity's power, but I will not grovel. I have resolved to protect this youngster today. Mingguang, my words stand; if you persist in stubbornness, there will be no further discussion."

"Viscount," Mingguang paused briefly. "This angel, the Spiritual Temple is determined to obtain."

"He's merely a young angel under twenty years old," Viscount Luo Fugude sneered. "Your Spiritual Temple has already captured so many Angel Clan members; can you afford to miss just one? Mingguang, if you step back now, everyone's face will be saved. Otherwise, damaging the harmony would be undesirable."

"The Spiritual Temple never undertakes meaningless deeds; capturing him serves our purpose," Mingguang shook his head. "Viscount, if you judge a fight between us, what odds do you think you have?"

"Though I'm not certain, I reckon I have a seventy‑ or eighty‑percent chance," Viscount Luo Fugude declared proudly.

"Mingguang also knows he is no match for you, Viscount, but what if the seven sub‑temple masters of the Spiritual Temple arrive together?"

Viscount Luo Fugude laughed heartily. "Mingguang, you think that the mere mention of the seven sub‑temples of the Spiritual Temple would frighten me? Not to mention those masters may not be eager to trouble my Luo Fugude Manor, but even if all seven arrive, Old Luo Fugude would not raise an eyebrow. When troops come, we block; when water comes, we dam it. If you think I would be scared, you are gravely mistaken."

His words were impassioned, and Luo Shan felt moved, yet he did not want Viscount Luo Fugude and Qin Yan dragged into his dispute with the Spiritual Temple. "Uncle," he broke free from Qin Yan's grip at that moment and stepped forward. "Uncle, just hand me over to them; I'm not afraid." "You have no say here," Viscount Luo Fugude snapped, glancing at him. Luo Shan felt a force envelop him, pulling him back behind the Viscount. "Luo Shan!" Qin Yan's eyes reddened. "How could you… don't leave us… Father will protect you."

At that moment, a black beam of light streaked across the sky, thrusting toward the space behind the Viscount. Luo Shan sensed magical energy in the air, whirled around, and before he could release a protective beam, another flash of light cut across his front, colliding directly with the incoming black beam. The two vastly different spells clashed with a thunderous, earth‑shaking roar, then vanished instantly.

Viscount Luo Fugude turned his head slightly, surprise and anger flashing in his eyes, and shouted, "So Lord Gote has arrived, and two masters of the Spiritual Temple grace us today; Old Luo Fugude truly shines in splendor." As his words fell, a deep, resonant laugh echoed from the sky. A towering figure slowly emerged. "Viscount, it's been ages since we last met in the Dark Forest—how have you fared?"

"How can you speak of being 'unharmed'?" Viscount Luo Fugude sneered. "Just now, Lord Gote's 'Electrofire Technique' nearly took Old Luo Fugude's life."

"Viscount truly loves to joke. That petty electrofire move could hardly affect the renowned Viscount Luo Fugude," Gote, clad in a green cloak, sword and staff slung on his back, muscles rippling, a long scar across his left cheek, declared, "Among the continent's top battle mages, his swordsmanship and magic intertwine flawlessly; even if Gote and Mingguang join forces, it might still be a challenge, Mingguang, what do you think?"

Mingguang let out a cold laugh, offering no answer.

"How many have the Spiritual Temple brought today? Appear together," Viscount Luo Fugude's right hand instinctively rested on his sword hilt, and he shouted, "Last night's raid, and today you arrive unannounced—what exactly does the Spiritual Temple intend toward my Luo Fugude Manor? Though Old Luo Fugude may be useless, I am not fearful; if you wish to act, come forward."

"How could we dare confront the Viscount?" Gote crossed his arms over his chest. "Bavaria is on its way, Aorden and Saxony are a bit slower; as for Hessen, Meikelen, and Syrisia, I don't know if those three will come. Mingguang, do you know?"

"How would I know," Mingguang waved his hand. "Even you ignore my words, let alone those guys?" "I don't listen to you?" Gote's voice suddenly rose an octave. "The moment I received your signal, I rushed here nonstop—was that not enough courtesy?" "I told you not to use force against the Viscount, yet you immediately unleashed an electrofire?" Mingguang looked at him. "The Spiritual Temple and Luo Fugude Manor have not yet reached the point of conflict."

"This…" Gote opened his mouth, speechless. "Anyway, if the Viscount refuses to hand over that angel, war is inevitable—whether early or late, the outcome is the same."

The two sides remained locked in a tense standoff. The manor's mages and swordsmen, sensing trouble, drew their weapons and surged forward, surrounding Mingguang and Gote. Mingguang's face still wore an indifferent expression; Gote crossed his arms, his complexion growing increasingly grim.

Luo Shan was restrained by Viscount Luo Fugude's magical power; though he yearned to charge recklessly forward, he could not move. Watching the manor on the brink of disaster because of him, his heart seemed to bleed. If only he had enough strength now… then he could fly away and spare the manor a calamity. Qin Yan, Qin Yan… he must not let her suffer any harm because of himself.

He suddenly realized how much he cared for the girl; though they'd known each other only two days, it felt as if they'd lived a lifetime together. This feeling was unlike anything in the past twenty years. She now faced danger, alongside her father and the home she grew up in. He had to do something; he had to protect her…

"Do you want power?"

At that moment, that gloomy voice sounded again deep within his mind.

"Yes!" Luo Shan answered without hesitation.

"Then offer your body and soul to me."

"Body and soul…" Luo Shan's consciousness grew hazy, yet at that instant another clear, moving voice rang out from afar, as if from another world.

"Luo Shan, what a pleasant name."

"I am Qin Yan."

"Father often says that no danger or hardship should be feared, because they will eventually pass. You too, no matter how hard life gets, should never abandon hope."

No, he must not lose his body and mind, nor his soul, for if he does, that voice, that girl in white dress and skirt will drift away in his world.

He would rather die than accept that.

"I… I don't need you!"

Luo Shan clenched his teeth, speaking word by word. At that moment, a power rose from his limbs, warm and immensely abundant. His right arm twitched, then his left; the magical aura that had enveloped him seemed to loosen and crumble piece by piece.

He raised his hand, and the magical barrier set by Viscount Luo Fugude shattered instantly into nothing. Seizing the chance, he leapt upward; two dark beams shot toward Mingguang and Gote respectively. "Spiritual Temple!" Luo Shan roared. "If you want to capture me, come forward; don't trouble the Viscount!"

Mingguang saw Luo Shan step forward, a hint of joy on his face; raising his hand, a black bolt of lightning surged toward Luo Shan. Viscount Luo Fugude bellowed, and two white flashes blocked the attack at the moment of electric fire—one deflected Mingguang's strike, the other, from an impossible angle, struck Gote nearby. Gote instinctively drew his staff, weaving a defensive barrier; with a boom, the white light dissipated like smoke. Yet during that block, Luo Shan had already sprinted away. Gote let out a long howl, chasing on the wind, but his magic was not swift; having been blocked earlier, the distance grew, and he could not catch up.

"Luo Shan!" a girl's startled cry rang out—it was Qin Yan. Tears welled in her eyes, her heart feeling as if a knife churned. Luo Shan's perilous departure needed no explanation; everyone knew. Yet he left without saying another word to her.

She knew he left to protect her; for that, he was willing to sacrifice himself.

But how could that be, when she herself had promised to protect him!

She watched Luo Shan's receding silhouette fade into the sky, disappearing.

She felt her heart empty, tears uncontrollably flooding down like a breached dam.

Mingguang saw Luo Shan vanish; though anger burned within, he had no recourse. Viscount Luo Fugude's magical swordsmanship was top‑tier across the continent, and the Spiritual Temple had long avoided provoking him. Last night's raid was merely an accident. If one truly opposed Viscount Luo Fugude, neither Mingguang nor the other masters would wish it. Since Luo Shan was now gone, there was no need to continue battling the Viscount.

With that thought, he flung his hand, laughed loudly, and said, "Viscount, today's events show the Spiritual Temple's recklessness. Since the Angel Clan remnants are gone, Mingguang shall depart now."

Mid‑sentence, he rose on the wind, dark light swirling around him, majestic as a deity.

"No escort," Viscount Luo Fugude withdrew his magic, coldly gesturing. The Spiritual Temple's power was unparalleled across the continent; even the Viscount lacked confidence in confronting them. Seeing Mingguang voluntarily step back, he also retreated a step, turned, disregarding the hundreds of manor folk beside him, took Qin Yan's hand, and left.

He did not yet know that after this battle, the entire continent would be roiled with wind and clouds.

Yet a mere mortal, even as powerful as Viscount Luo Fugude, could not foresee the future.