Legacy of a Benevolent Lord
Chapter 37: Azhula and Azira... they went with him?

Chapter 37: Azhula and Azira... they went with him?

Repaying Water Pavilion.

It wasn’t the modest library that the Murong clan presented to the outside world to maintain their humble image as an old but modest family.

Inside, a vast library open only to the Murong bloodline and trusted soldiers revealed the richness of their history, offering a glimpse into their proud legacy.

Inside a study room, Murong Fu sat in the half-light, hair disheveled, eyes bloodshot.

Gongsun Qian stood quietly before him, having just returned from his mission.

He respectfully relayed Riven’s warning: that the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual must not be practiced lightly.

But Murong Fu only sneered coldly.

"He said that?" he scoffed. "If Riven Ashvale can practice it, why can’t I, Murong Fu?"

"Am I inferior to him?"

’He didn’t say he practiced it though...’. Gongsun Qian wanted to say it, but pursed his lips.

Bitterness twisted his face. Their Young master was getting out of hand. They were generals adopted by Murong Fu’s late father.

So for them, Murong Fu was but a boy. Someone they took care of since childhood. It pained them to see the once-graceful young master fall into such demonic obsession.

Instead of heeding the warning, Murong Fu only became more obsessed.

He pored over the manual again and again.

But without the missing incantation and remark that mentioned about ’castration’...

The right method continued to elude him.

His spirit had grown more agitated by the day.

Just then, a servant rushed into the room, whispering something into Gongsun Qian’s ear.

Gongsun Qian straightened and said,

"Master, there’s movement from the Duke’s Residence."

Murong Fu’s body tensed, a bloody red light sparking in his bloodshot eyes.

"Did Azhula and Azira succeed?"

Without warning, he grabbed Gongsun Qian’s shoulder. He palms like claws with a blood red light filament flickering over it.

The move was sharp and fast, bearing the savage aura of the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual’s sword techniques.

He couldn’t comprehend the manual’s internal methods yet,

But his swordplay had improved in dangerous ways.

"Tell me," Murong Fu demanded hoarsely. "How do I practice it?"

Gongsun Qian’s brows furrowed slightly. The aura of Murong Fu’s hand slightly hurt him.

There was madness in his young master’s eyes now.

A dark, violent edge.

He remembered Riven’s warning!

And realized grimly that it hadn’t been a lie.

Practicing the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual without proper understanding...

could very well lead to ruin.

Still, could he stop Murong Fu?

Could anyone?

Gongsun Qian sighed softly.

"Master," he said carefully, "Azhula and Azira have only just entered the Duke’s household. It’ll take time for them to gain real trust."

Murong Fu’s grip loosened.

His gaze dimmed with reluctant understanding.

"True," he muttered. "He’s not that easy, that boy."

He slumped back into his chair, exhaling heavily.

"When I restore our Kingdom, they will be rewarded generously."

Trying to steel himself, he asked,

"What else is happening inside the Duke’s Mansion?"

Gongsun Qian hesitated for a moment before replying,

"This morning, Riven Ashvale took Azhula, Azira, and over ten attendants and left the city."

Murong Fu sat bolt upright.

"Left?"

"Where to?"

Gongsun Qian answered,

"The word is, it is a journey for study and travel."

Murong Fu blinked.

What kind of nonsense was this?

Traveling for studies?

He paced the room, his mind racing.

After a moment, he sneered. Piecing together his predictions, he spoke.

"He just recently broke through. He’s probably going to parade around the Martial World and show off."

Still pacing, he asked sharply,

"Azhula and Azira... they went with him?"

"They did," Gongsun Qian confirmed.

"Our people saw them board the same carriage as Riveron Ashvale."

Murong Fu’s fists clenched.

For some reason, a deep discomfort gnawed at him.

He couldn’t explain why.

But hearing that Azhula and Azira were traveling side by side with another man... it stung.

Badly. Very badly.

They were supposed to be his.

His trusted servants.

His future concubines after the kingdom was restored.

He hadn’t thought about it much before.

But now that they were gone...

Now that someone else had taken them...

Regret twisted inside him like a blade.

He turned abruptly to Gongsun Qian.

"Should we send others?"

"Other maids?"

But Gongsun Qian shook his head calmly.

"Master, the two of them are rare talents. Other girls won’t be as clever, won’t be able to win Prince Ashvale’s trust.

If we send unprepared girls now, it’ll only ruin everything."

He paused, then added in a lower voice.

"And besides... they’ve already entered his sight. Sooner or later, they’ll seize what we need."

Murong Fu breathed slowly through his nose.

The anger simmered down, giving way to cold calculation.

"Right," he muttered. "You can’t hunt wolves without sacrificing lambs."

His eyes darkened.

"But! If he had a very comfortable journey, it wouldn’t teach him humility. Let’s make it rocky."

His lip curled into a cold sneer.

"Spread rumors throughout the Martial World.

Tell them Riveron Ashvale has obtained a mythical technique: Heavenly-Tier Evil-Repelling Divine Skill.

Tell them he’s also mastered our Murong family’s Star-Shifting Technique. Tell them he holds a secret treasure map from the old Nocthar dynasty.

Hmph! Peace? Let’s see how long he enjoys peace!"

Gongsun Qian’s eyes gleamed. Seems that their young master hasn’t gone over the edge yet. His calculating mind was still there.

"Master’s plan is brilliant. This will test his true strength. If we have that information, we can plan better for the future. And! It will create opportunities for Azhula and Azira."

Murong Fu’s confidence surged back.

He straightened his back and said proudly:

"On strategy, none can match me, Murong Fu! Little Prince Ashvale is merely enjoying temporary success!

The one who laughs last laughs best."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking.

"Have there been any signs of another Innate Life Realm expert at the Duke’s Mansion?"

Gongsun Qian shook his head.

"Not a single sign."

"But," he added, "Some speculators suggest that the second figure was likely to be a woman. After all, the second vision was a moon. Likely the mysterious expert who saved Riven Ashvale.

Thinking about his meeting with the Prince, he continued, "And Prince Ashvale was definitely behind the Sun vision. I felt it when I met him. Overwhelming heat!"

Murong Fu’s fingers tapped the table thoughtfully.

"A woman..."

He sank into deep thought.

Could it be?

Practicing the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual needed the help of a woman?

Could that explain the explosive yang energy surging uncontrollably in his own body whenever he practiced?

A slow, wicked smile curved across his lips.

"I see."

His voice turned low.

"Brother Gongsun, proceed with everything."

"Yes, Young Master."

......

That night, outside Commercial City

On the dark waters of Great Lake, under swirling mists, a pleasure boat was rented under false names.

Inside, eight to ten young women huddled together, their bodies covered with bruises and scratches.