Rui and his family members made their way through the palace, their gazes focused, not taken aback by the majestic building.
Although it was a new place, most of the clan members were trained killers who were the right hand of the emperor, used to silence the enemies of the empire.
Rui was initially worried about the kids' reactions that came along with them, but his worries were resolved when he noticed their determined expressions. None of them complained, nor did they cause any issues.
These kids were all promising, with potential as rune masters. Rui had used his [Identify] skill on all of them, but his skill was weaker than the Sword Immortals.
The Sword Immortal had chosen all the promising talents and brought them along.
The Sword Immortal's clone walked calmly in front of their group, not caring about anything. He was tasked with escorting and managing them for the time being so he would complete his mission without complaints.
After passing through a hall with a few dozen paths, the clone turned around and spoke to them.
"The original will be back in a few minutes, so you lot go rest in your assigned quarters. I've already informed the attendants, so they will take care of everything. You will receive an order when the original gets here."
As the Sword Immortal's clone finished speaking, a few figures dressed in impressive garments appeared, their gaze expressionless.
"Escort our guests. Make sure to do your best, I won't tolerate mistakes.."
The clone commanded, prompting the figures to nod.
The figures, clearly trained guards or attendants, approached Rui and his companions with silent efficiency. They gestured for them to follow and led them through the palace corridors with practiced ease.
Guang Chen took the lead as the oldest, followed by the rest. Rui held Jane's hand throughout the process, feeling the turmoil in her heart.
He didn't know why she felt uneasy, but Rui understood she wasn't feeling well, so he offered her a helping hand. He channeled his pure runic energy through her meridians, clearing her mind.
Understanding his gesture, Jane smiled sweetly, kissing him with affection.
She was feeling uneasy due to another new environment. Her heart had yet to calm down from her transportation to a new world, but now she had traveled somewhere even her partner didn't know of.
Rui's comforting gesture eased Jane's worries, and she leaned into him gratefully as they followed the attendants through the palace corridors. The presence of the guards and the Sword Immortal's clone reassured them that they were in capable hands, but Jane couldn't shake off her unease thoroughly.
Rui glanced around the palace as they walked, taking in their surroundings' grandeur. The opulent decor and intricate architecture spoke of the kingdom's wealth and power, but an air of tension lingered in the atmosphere.
Despite the palace's beauty, Rui couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding that hung in the air.
Walking by one of the rooms, he noticed a group of kids beating up a kid who didn't seem to be of direct descent due to his different appearance. Rui frowned at this sight but didn't act immediately.
'The Sword Immortal did tell me that the situation between families is a bit combative, but with the emptiness of the halls and the strictness of the whole place, things are much worse than I imagined.'
For those children to be inside the palace meant they were talented enough for the highest echelon of the kingdom to take an interest in them. However, survival of the fittest was always the cruel reality of their world.
The weak would be forgotten, while the strong will advance and engrave their story to the annals of history.
'However, I'm curious about that kid's talents. If his abilities are extraordinary, I can help him.
Thinking of this, Rui stopped his gaze still on the kids. Although he knew his actions were selfish, he didn't care. Jane, who was still holding onto him, noticed this and glanced at the situation, a frown appearing on her face.
"Isn't that a bit cruel?"
She couldn't help but say, the sight almost making her gag.
Rui nodded at her question, agreeing. The way the kid was treated and abused was sickening, as his face was all bruised up, and countless stitches could be seen on his arms and legs.
However, Rui found his sympathetic thoughts hypocritical since he had not acted on the situation.
Using [Identify], Rui could see the kid's potential.
[Name: Liu Guang Feng, Age: 12
Rank: [Unawakened]
Physique: Azure Dragon Physique
Combat Power: 10
Character Personality Path: Loyal Guardian
Spiritual Root: Azure Dragon Root
Luck: 25]
'Bingo.'
With a determined glint, Rui stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Liu Guang Feng and the bullies surrounding him. He couldn't stand idly witnessing such cruelty, especially towards someone who showed promise. The other kids held no candle against him in terms of potential.
"Enough!"
Rui's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention.
The bullies turned to face Rui, their expressions shifting from arrogance to surprise as they realized someone of higher status was confronting them.
"And who do you think you are?"
One of the bullies challenged, his tone defiant. He was older than the rest, and Rui immediately recognized him as one with a direct name. Rui read his information using his skill, identifying him as Guang Arliang.
Unlike the main family, branch families had a secondary surname other than the Guang surname. This meant that individuals with just the Guang Family surname were of the main lineage, and the kid confronting him was one of them.
Rui raised an eyebrow at the kid's confidence, not expecting such a reaction. He didn't say anything in response, lowered his head, and pointed at his forehead, his third-rank rune master aura unleashed in the process.
Recognizing the rune on his forehead and the intimidating aura, Arliang backed in horror, tears welling up in his eyes.
Since Rui was an Ansuz user, he was, by default, considered a sage candidate no matter where he went.
Feeling the weight of Rui's authority bearing down on him, Guang Arliang swallowed hard, his bravado crumbling in the face of such power. He stumbled backward, tripping over his feet as he tried to distance himself and Rui.
The other bullies, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier aggression replaced by uncertainty.
"I WILL INFORM GREAT GRAND FATHER ABOUT THIS, YOU WILL SEE!"
Arliang screamed in dismay, not wanting to seem like a coward.
Rui tilted his head at those words, realizing where the kid's confidence came from.
"Are you perhaps a direct descendant of our lord?"
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He asked, still confused about the kid's status.
"HMHP, THAT'S RIGHT! I'M THE GREAT-GREAT GRANDSON OF THE THIRD COUSIN OF LORD GUANG YUAN'S WIFE."
The kid screamed his status, prompting the other bullies to nod respectfully.
However, Rui couldn't help but look at him strangely.
"So what you're saying is, you're not even related by blood with the Sword Immortal. How did you even acquire our surname then?"
Hearing his question, the other kids didn't understand the implication behind his words, but Arliang understood it since he was told to be careful not to divulge too much. He realized that the person in front of him was someone of the main lineage, not a fake like himself.
Before Arliang could devise an excuse, one of the attendants escorting Rui and their group arrived.
"Is there a problem, guest?"
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In the end, the situation was resolved in an unremarkable manner.
Rui and Jane rejoined the group, but now with a new addition.
Liu Guang Feng weakly followed behind them with a steady gaze. His injuries already healed thanks to Rui's and Jane's intervention. He had given them his thanks and decidedly followed behind them without saying anything.
The kid named Arliang had gotten severe detention, and his background was being investigated. Rui had instigated a significant change in the clan without even realizing it with this action.
Rui and Jane followed the attendants to their assigned rooms, their footsteps echoing softly in the palace corridors. The rooms they were led to were luxurious, adorned with elegant furnishings and intricate decorations that spoke of the kingdom's wealth and luxury.
As Jane exchanged glances, they settled into silent communication, expressing their shared concern for Liu Guang Feng. Though the boy seemed to have healed physically, the emotional scars of his ordeal were likely to linger.
Rui and Jane silently supported the young boy without speaking, offering him a reassuring smile as they settled into their rooms.
Liu Guang Feng was an orphan child of a branch family that had minimal influence in the kingdom.
He hadn't yet awakened, so he was a mortal who could only seek refuge with the strong. However, due to his different appearance and status, he was subjected to procedures from the rest of his clan members.
Feng bore no resemblance to the other family members since he possessed tanned skin and green and e. Yes. The typical prominent lineage descendant was similar to Rui in appearance, having pale white skin and either black or brown hair with red or blue eyes.
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Guang Mo and Guang Yuan made their way to the central hall where their father awaited them. The atmosphere was tense as they approached, with uncertainty hanging like a heavy cloak.
As they entered the hall, they found their father, the Rune Sword Immortal, seated on his ornate throne, his expression inscrutable. He regarded them keenly, his eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts.
"We greet Father."
The brothers shouted in unison, their bodies bowing ninety degrees.
"That's enough. I called you here to inform you of a matter before you two start snooping around aimlessly."
Ordered the Sword Immortal with a monotone voice. This wasn't the clone Rui and the others met, but the genuine Sword Immortal who had just returned.
He felt emotional about meeting an old friend, so he wasn't in the mood to beat around the bush or joke with his reckless children.
Both were privileged and greedy but possessed extraordinary talent, reaching the 8th rank.
Guang Mo and Guang Yuan exchanged glances, their expressions sobering as they listened to their father's words. Though they were eager to prove themselves and advance their agendas, they knew better than to disregard their father's orders.
"We understand, Father, What is the matter you wish to discuss?"
Guang Mo said, his voice respectful. "
Their father regarded them with a steady gaze, his expression unreadable.
"I'll just be direct with you two since I know you brats are going to do something stupid otherwise. Me and your mother found the descendants of your deceased brother and have brought them to the palace. I've already taken two of them as my disciples, so you two better not act up in any way."
Guang Mo and Guang Yuan exchanged a startled glance, their expressions reflecting a mix of surprise and disbelief. The news of their father taking in the descendants of their deceased brother caught them off guard, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within them.
Their brother had been presumed dead for years, lost to the treacherous schemes of their enemies; at least, that's the preconceived notion. The sudden revelation that his descendants were alive and in the palace left Guang Mo and Guang Yuan reeling, struggling to accept the implications of their father's actions.
"Father, Are you certain of this? How could they have survived all these years without our knowledge? What about Ren, did you find the reason behind his death?"
Guang Mo began, his voice trembling slightly.
Their father sighed heavily, his expression growing somber.
"I won't get into details, just know that they are Ren's descendants. As for the reason behind Ren's death, we are still unsure. Time was warped and the laws were disfigured when it came to his fate."
He said, his voice tinged with regret.
Guang Mo nodded solemnly, his mind racing with questions and doubts. He couldn't fathom how their brother's descendants had remained hidden for so long or why their father had chosen to reveal their existence now.
But he knew better than to question their father's judgment. The Rune Sword Immortal was formidable, and his decisions should not be questioned lightly.
"We understand, Father, we will do as you ask and treat them with the respect they deserve."
Guang Yuan spoke at this moment, his voice steady.
The Sword Immortal nodded in approval, a sense of relief washing over him; however, he was still vigilant. He knew how greedy his two sons were.
"Good, now go, my sons, and make yourselves useful. There is much work to be done, and little time to waste."
He said, his voice firm.
Guang Mo and Guang Yuan bowed respectfully to their father before leaving the central hall. As they made their way out, they knew that their lives had just become infinitely more complicated by the sudden news.
The kingdom's internal power structure was about to change without their involvement.
----------------------------------------
Guang Mo returned to his living quarters, a separate estate outside the main castle, and relied on the information he had just acquired from his closest kin, ensuring they acted appropriately towards their new family members.
Mo had a cold disposition, and unlike his other family members, his dark mood often exacerbated this.
As he stepped into the elegantly decorated room, he was greeted by the warmth of his family members, who had been eagerly awaiting his return.
Despite the stern exterior he often presented to the world, he carried a gentle warmth in his heart, especially regarding his family. His demeanor softened as he closed the door behind him, and he was ready to embrace the familial bonds that awaited him.
His wife, Guang Lin Mei, a graceful and elegant woman, greeted him with a smile. She eagerly awaited his return, her eyes revealing concern and curiosity.
"Mo, what did your father say?"
Guang Lin Mei inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest.
Guang Mo sighed, a hint of weariness in his eyes.
"Father found the descendants of Ren. They're here, in the palace, and he's taken two of them as disciples."
Lin Mei's eyes widened, surprise and intrigue lighting up her features.
"Ren's Descendants? That's incredible news! But why now, after all these years?"
"Father didn't go into too much detail, but it seems the circumstances surrounding Ren's fate were complicated. Time and fate played tricks, he said."
Guang Mo shrugged, relaying his father's words without hiding anything. While he seemed like the cold and calculating of the two brothers, this was, in fact, his true nature, which had been hidden from his younger brother.
Lin Mei nodded, absorbing the information with thoughtful consideration.
"It must have been quite a shock for your father to discover Ren's descendants after all this time. But it's heartening to know that they've been found and welcomed into the family."
Guang Mo nodded in agreement, a flicker of emotion passing through his stoic expression.
"Yes, it is. We must ensure they are treated with respect and kindness, despite the circumstances of their arrival."
As they spoke, their children and grandchildren entered the room, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth and joy. Guang Mo's demeanor softened further at the sight of his beloved family, his heart swelling with love and pride.
"Grandfather!"
The children exclaimed in unison, rushing to greet him with hugs and smiles.
Guang Mo enveloped them in a warm embrace, his affection for them evident in his gentle touch and fond smile.
"Ah, my little ones, how I've missed you."
He chuckled in delight, enjoying this moment to his heart's content, his cold and baleful appearance nowhere to be seen.
The children giggled with delight, clinging to him eagerly as they shared tales of their day and sought his attention with innocent enthusiasm.
----------------------------------------
Guang Yuan unlike his brother Guang Mo, presented himself as a kind and generous individual to the outside world. He smiled charmingly and spoke softly, earning the trust and admiration of those around him.
He soon headed towards his living quarters, located at the city's edge. As he entered, he activated all of the protective measures of the place, his face warping into that of hatred.
Guang Yuan's facade of kindness melted away as soon as he stepped into his private chambers. His charming smile faded, replaced by a scowl of pure malice. The warmth in his eyes turned cold, reflecting the darkness within his soul.
Alone in the dimly lit room, Guang Yuan's true nature emerged. He was not the benevolent figure he portrayed to the world but rather a cunning and ruthless individual driven by ambition and greed. His kindness was nothing more than a facade, a tool to manipulate others to his advantage.
"Damn it, that rat Ren had descendants left. I even made sure to erase my involvement in this matter, but if Father is too dig a bit more, he will find that I'm the true culprit behind his death."
Guang Yuan gripped his head, rage seething out of him. His red eyes turned a shade of purple as demonic energy ran rampant throughout his body.
He was too emotionally charged, making his usually hidden demonic energy act up. For this reason, he quickly sealed off his estate, making sure his father wouldn't notice anything.
His thoughts raced as he contemplated his next move. He couldn't afford to let his father uncover the truth about his involvement in his brother's death, nor could he allow Ren's descendants to pose a threat to his ambitions.
"I need to take control of this situation before it spirals out of hand. If Father learns the truth, I'll be ruined, and all my plans will come crashing down."
With a steely resolve, Guang Yuan formulated a plan to ensure his survival and safeguard his position within the family. He knew he would have to tread carefully and manipulate the situation to his advantage if he hoped to come out unscathed.
As he plotted his next move, a wicked grin spread across his lips, his eyes gleaming with a newfound determination. He would stop at nothing to protect his secrets and secure his place as the heir to the family's legacy.