Chapter 157: Encounter

A few days later.

After traveling for several days, Heracles finally rushed from Delphi to Mycenae.

He had already been a famous figure in Mycenae before.

Because Zeus sent down a Divine Oracle stating that the first grandson of Puoerxiusu should dominate all other descendants of Puoerxiusu, i. e., become the king of Mycenae.

He actually wanted to give that honor to the Heracles born of him and Aerkemueni.

But Hera was extremely jealous that such glory would go to the son of her rival, so she caused another grandson of Puoerxiusu, Eurystheus, to be born early; originally he was supposed to be born later than Heracles.

Thus Eurystheus became the king of Mycenae, and after hearing of Heracles' widely renowned deeds in Thebes, he summoned him back, treating him as a mere servant rather than a subject, and assigned a great many tasks.

The two have harbored enmity ever since.

At the city gate at this moment.

The guard watching the city gate saw him return and shouted at him in succession:

"Heracles, you're back?!"

"Shall we go drink together later?"

"Heracles, I heard you went mad and killed your wife and children; is that true? I..........."

"Shut up!"

"Heracles, we big guys believe you're not that kind of person; there must be some hidden story!"

As soon as someone mentioned that matter, a companion beside him immediately hushed him, telling him to shut up.

Don't worry about the truth or falsehood of the matter.

If it's false, that's best; the big guys are still good brothers, and rumors can be heard.

If it's true... what if Heracles hears this, gets provoked, loses control and goes mad again, killing them as well—what then?

They can't beat Heracles! If they make a move, they'll likely be slaughtered by him!

But Heracles only kept a calm expression and said gravely, "Yes."

"I have come for Atonement."

Having said that, he led his horse into the city and said nothing more.

His gaze fell upon the Royal Palace ahead.

He walked slowly toward the Royal Palace.

The people behind him watched his back, exchanging glances, and finally scolded the guard who had just spoken up, saying:

"I told you not to speak recklessly, didn't I? It must have upset people! Luckily his temper is good; otherwise, if he killed you, there'd be nowhere to argue!"

The guard sneered, "I'm just curious, aren't I?"

"Besides, don't you want to know whether it's true or false?"

"If you hadn't blocked me, I still wanted to ask him why he went mad........."

"Stop talking." The other guards covered his mouth, fearing he might say something else.

But Heracles, who had already walked far, stopped at a corner.

A puzzled expression appeared on his face.

In his line of sight.

On the steps of the plaza ahead.

Yu Lin, who had treated him to a meal a few days earlier, was sitting on the steps, flipping through a book in his hand.

In front of him, a girl was striking some strange pose, large drops of sweat streaming down her forehead, soaking her clothes; she looked very exhausted, yet she still gritted her teeth and persisted.

Perhaps noticing his gaze, Yu Lin raised his hand, met his eyes, and gave him a faint smile.

Heracles led his horse forward until he reached Yu Lin's side and said:

"Yu Lin, how did you come to Mycenae? Are you actually a Mycenaean?"

"No," Yu Lin shook his head, closed the book in his hand, which instantly vanished, and smiled:

"I came here to travel; what a coincidence."

"... it's a coincidence." Regarding his 'coincidence', Heracles didn't believe it in his heart, but said nothing, only glanced at Li Ya and then asked:

"Is she your family?"

Yu Lin shook his head again: "I'm just staying at her house temporarily."

"Her parents were killed by thieves; I taught her some martial skills for self‑defense, so when I leave, she won't be bullied."

"I see, then she's my disciple," Heracles nodded, indicating he understood.

He thought for a moment, took off the sharp-toothed pendant hanging around his neck, then came in front of Li Ya, squatted, met her eyes and said with a smile:

"What is your name?"

Li Ya looked at the somewhat familiar-looking man, thought for a moment but still couldn't recognize him, and whispered: "Li Ya."

"Li Ya, I've noted it," Heracles placed the sharp-tooth pendant onto her neck.

"This is the largest, longest fang from the first male lion I hunted."

"It can grant you courage and strength; from now on, you must live well on your own."

He raised his hand, patted Li Ya's head, then stood up and said to Yu Lin:

"I still need to go to the Royal Palace, so I'll leave now."

Yu Lin nodded: "Alright."

"Remember, if you want to find me, shout my name three times."

"Okay," Heracles turned, continuing toward the Royal Palace.

Until he vanished from both of their sight.

Only then did Li Ya come to Yu Lin's side, clutching the sharp-tooth pendant, and asked, "Brother, who is he?"

"Heracles."

"Heracles?! I remembered!"

Li Ya heard the name and immediately let out a startled cry.

No wonder it felt a bit familiar earlier; it was him........

But it was just a surprise; after all, Li Ya is still a child, only knowing that Heracles is powerful and unaware of anything else.

Yu Lin took a towel from his pocket and handed it to her: "There, wipe your sweat."

"Let's go eat."

"What do you want to eat today?"

"Thank you, brother." Li Ya took the towel, wiped herself, then thought for a moment, her gaze falling on a fish being carried by someone not far away:

"Let's have fish today!"

"Alright, we'll have fish today." Yu Lin stood up.

"I'll go catch some fish and bring them back; you wait at home for me."

As soon as the words fell, his figure vanished.

Li Ya watched, envious beyond measure, not knowing when she could do the same, and silently resolved in her heart to cultivate even harder!

And at this moment.

Inside the Royal Palace.

Eurystheus had learned a few days earlier that Heracles would return to Mycenae, and even knew it would be today.

Thus, at this moment, a group of officials, nobles, and elders gathered inside the Royal Palace, awaiting Heracles' arrival.

But among them, Eurystheus was not included.

He was in the Qin Gong behind, lazily lying on a soft couch.

His face was handsome, yet bore a sickly pallor; his slender body was wrapped in a gold‑embroidered robe.

Several maidservants knelt beside him, their delicate fingers massaging his shoulders and arms.

Until.

"My king," a attendant hurried in, kneeling on one knee:

"Heracles has already arrived."