Chapter 179: Subduing Others with Strength

As expected, it's a racial talent!

Lei En was overjoyed; the souls of these two Makurag possess Element runes exactly the same as Xi Ka Lius's.

Upon close observation, he understood this Element's function more clearly.

The primary effect is to acquire a portion of the selected target's physical attributes, stacking onto oneself; the stronger the chosen host, the greater the boost.

However, this Element cannot be used unilaterally; the host's consent is required.

The selected host has a certain binding over the Makurag; as long as they are not too far away, they can hear the Makurag's thoughts, and the host may at any time cut off the Makurag's boost, retaining the initiative.

If the Makurag wishes to change the target, they must obtain the original host's consent.

Once the host dies, not only are all boost effects lost, but the Makurag's soul also suffers severe damage.

At this moment, the three Makurag here have no host.

Their strength is entirely self‑trained.

Lei En can understand their approach.

This racial talent is extremely powerful, a shortcut for Makurag to become stronger, but once a host is chosen, they become tightly bound to the host, making it hard to break the link.

Although this relationship is not as harsh as that between a tyrant and a slave, it still imposes significant constraints; hosts cannot be chosen carelessly.

Xi Ka Lius.

Tuosai Delin shouted loudly.

Xi Ka Lius, deep in training, set down the iron block, rose from the stone slab; his 2.2‑meter tall, massive frame stood like a wall before the crowd, exuding immense pressure.

Lei En, nearly 1.9 meters tall, is already outstanding among ordinary people, yet standing before Xi Ka Lius felt as if shrouded in shadow.

It reminded him of the famous athlete from his previous life who had a repertoire of expressions.

Lei En had once been fortunate enough to see him up close; like a little giant, Xi Ka Lius's height was similar, but he was broader and sturdier, weighing at least five or six hundred pounds.

Boss.

The interruption annoyed Xi Ka Lius; he casually grabbed a towel, wiped his sweat, and looked down at the people entering the training hall.

Without waiting for Tuosai Delin's introduction, Lei En stepped forward two paces, extended his hand and said, "I am Lei En, pleased to meet Mr. Xi Ka Lius."

Xi Ka Lius shook his hand briefly.

"Lei En is the lord of Gra Morgan," Tuosai Delin added from the side.

Xi Ka Lius released his hand; hearing Tuosai Delin's words, his expression shifted slightly as he scrutinized the human before him. He looked as frail as any other human, yet rumors claimed that this very lord had, yesterday, used a legendary soul‑gun to slaughter over a hundred transcendents.

Even a legendary Wizard was killed on the spot!

One who can slay a legend must also possess legendary strength; Xi Ka Lius's slightly arrogant expression immediately tempered.

Having lived in Mo Du for several years, he also understood some human aristocratic etiquette and asked, "Lord, what business brings you to me?"

Lei En had intended to exchange a few polite words to bridge the gap.

However, he suddenly felt it unnecessary to be so formal.

In this world, strength reigns; no matter how nicely it's said, it's better to subdue others with force, or simply crush them with money, cutting out all the petty scheming.

After realizing this, Lei En got straight to the point: "I want you to serve me."

"Not only you, but also your two compatriots," he pointed at the other two Makurag in the training hall, "they can also serve me."

The words left everyone present stunned.

Tuosai Delin's smile vanished instantly, his expression stiffening; he hadn't expected Lei En to be so direct.

He wanted to tear off the pretense, but recalling Lei En's strength and the backing of the Silver Star Title: Duke, he held back.

Most importantly, he had confidence in Xi Ka Lius.

Sure enough, Xi Ka Lius shook his head immediately: "I refuse."

He crossed his arms, his gaze turning somewhat cold; his stance was resolute.

Lei En showed no sign of discouragement, continuing, "Whatever your arena reward or compensation, I can give you double."

"Sorry, Lord, this is not a matter of money," Xi Ka Lius still refused.

However, Lei En saw through his soul‑eye that Xi Ka Lius's attitude wavered slightly, his tone softening toward him.

Seems that crushing with money still works…

"If it's not about money, then why?" he pressed.

Tuosai Delin could no longer hold back and said, "Lei En, the Makurag have their own tradition; they do not serve others casually unless they receive their approval. Lord, you should not force it."

"I will force it."

Lei En bluntly blurted that, then, as if changing his face, showed a hint of apology, "Your Highness, please don't blame my recklessness; I truly admire Xi Ka Lius and wish to make him my guard instructor, to teach combat techniques."

Tuosai Delin, seething with hatred, drew his double‑headed sword and slashed at Lei En's head.

He hadn't realized earlier how rogue this kid was.

Lei En turned to Xi Ka Lius and asked earnestly, "What must I do to earn your approval?"

Xi Ka Lius glanced at Tuosai Delin but said nothing.

However, his two compatriots approached; the two Makurag, hearing Lei En's terms, were clearly intrigued.

One muttered, "We do not serve the weak; you must defeat us in a 'Mackgora' duel."

Lei En's eyes lit up, "Mackgora? What are the conditions?"

The other Makurag replied, "No armor may be worn, no overly powerful weapons, no ambushes, and no spells; only one's own strength and skill may be used, fighting in the most primal way until one side falls. That is the tradition of the Mackgora duel."

"Fine!"

"Ha ha, I like this tradition!" Lei En laughed heartily; this duel was exactly to his liking.

Everyone felt a bit bewildered, then heard Lei En say to Xi Ka Lius, "I challenge you to a 'Mackgora' duel."

He then turned to the other two Makurag, "And you two, I challenge you as well."

"Lord!"

Fabian cried out in terror, "Never…".

Ai Mi Li Si also interjected, "Sir, please reconsider."

She had only just managed to sign the contract, hadn't earned a single Gold Shield yet, and didn't want to watch helplessly as her employer was beaten to death right before her eyes.

The others wore stunned expressions; this lord was far too impulsive.

Although he killed a legendary Wizard yesterday, everyone knew he relied on a legendary‑grade weapon and was clearly not a legendary transcendent himself.

It was said the lord's transcendent profession was Battle Wizard, his melee strength was impressive, but how could he compare with Xi Ka Liusi?

You should know that Xi Ka Liusi is a three‑year consecutive champion of the Great Hammer Arena!

For three years, challengers have faced Xi Ka Liusi daily; his overwhelming power is terrifying, and his combat techniques have been tested in hundreds of matches.

Mo Du's population exceeds ten million; the number of transients and elite warriors of all races is unknown, but below legend, no one can defeat Xi Ka Liusi in the arena.

The title of a hundred battles, a hundred victories is not given in vain!

Tuosidelin frowned, unsure what Lei En was scheming; although he disliked Lei En digging at his own corner, he also didn't want Lei En killed, and urged, "Lord, you cannot match Xi Ka Liusi; better to give up."

"How would we know without trying?" Lei En remained unmoved.

Xi Ka Liusi stayed silent.

According to Makurage tradition, one cannot refuse a Makegora challenge, yet he did not wish to face Lei En, as it was unnecessary.

Lei En's lips curled upward as he tossed a bait, "If you win, I'll give each of you ten thousand Gold Shields."

Xi Ka Liusi suddenly looked at Lei En, "Are you serious?"

Ten thousand Gold Shields—he had been in the Great Hammer Arena for three years, and even with his earnings plus the champion's prize, it amounted to roughly ten thousand Gold Shields.

"I always keep my word,"

Lei En pulled a thick stack of gold notes from his ring, "This is ten thousand Gold Shields; if you defeat me in Makegora, these notes are yours, and I'll have another twenty thousand Gold Shields delivered when I return."

The three Makurage men were all drawn to the gleam of the gold notes.

"However, if you lose…" Lei En's tone shifted, "then the three of you must serve me for three years, with conditions no better than before, only matching the arena's standards."

"So, what do you think? Have you decided?"

Seeing Lei En's confident demeanor, the others began to doubt.

Tuosidelin sensed something amiss and was about to speak out when Xi Ka Liusi shouted loudly, "Fine, I accept your challenge."

Xi Ka Liusi turned, grabbed the great sword leaning against the wall, and said, "Let's go to the arena."

"No need, right here," Lei En shook his head.

The training ground wasn't small either, spanning five to six hundred square meters, very open, enough for two to fight.

Lei En stripped off his shirt, leaving only his trousers, wrapped the Song of Azure Sky, the rune book, and two magic rings in his clothing, and handed them to Fabian.

Seeing his body of steel‑cast, solid muscles, well‑proportioned and sharply defined, like a meticulously carved perfect statue emitting an odd muted sheen, everyone was astonished.

The legendary swordsman A Si Tan's gaze hardened, as if recognizing something.

He leaned close to Ai Mi Li Si's ear, whispered a few words, and Ai Mi Li Si's eyes widened instantly.

Lei En walked to the weapon rack in the corner and selected a two‑handed war hammer.

The hammer's shaft alone measured a meter and a half, as thick as an arm; its massive head was square, cast from a single block of metal, weighing close to five hundred pounds.

Such a hammer normally requires both hands and is forged for barbarians over two meters tall.

Lei En grasped the handle and lifted it effortlessly, as light as holding a straw.

Seeing this, everyone's expression changed dramatically.

Xi Ka Liusi dared no further contempt; he inhaled deeply, laid the great sword horizontally before him, and said, "Come on."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lei En's figure suddenly swelled before their eyes, and the hammer crashed down with a boom!

(End of Chapter)