Chapter 243: Cavalry Division

Chapter 243: Cavalry Division

As they reached the Palace gates, the mysterious carriage had already entered the inner courtyard.

The surrounding guards and servants all knelt on the ground, too terrified to lift their heads and gaze directly at the carriage radiating sinister energy fluctuations.

The runes on the carriage shimmered subtly under the sunlight, each symbol meticulously designed to form a complex yet harmonious whole.

The monstrous beast pulling the carriage sent its emerald-green compound eyes sweeping over the kneeling crowd, appraising the fragile worth of these mortal lives.

The carriage halted, and its door opened slowly.

A figure clad in black robes stepped out, his face cold, his gaze unfathomable.

As he emerged, the air itself seemed to grow heavier. Many servants gasped for breath, their faces turning pale.

August clearly sensed the immense mana fluctuation radiating from this young man.

The sensation was both familiar and alien—the familiar oppressive weight unique to Full Mages, yet the purity and intensity of this pressure far surpassed any of August’s former mentors.

He could even see the air around the youth contorting from the dense mana, creating a strange visual effect like a mirage rising from desert heat.

“Luo En, mage.”

Andie bowed slightly, his eyes filled with reverence and joy. “Welcome to the kingdom.”

The black-robed mage paused before Andie, nodding expressionlessly. “Andie.”

His voice was soft but carried a chilling power, imprinting itself directly onto the listener’s soul.

Then, the mage’s gaze flicked briefly toward August before moving away.

That fleeting glance sent a bone-deep chill through the old prince, as if his very marrow had frozen and climbed to the crown of his head.

The feeling of being utterly laid bare—like an ant under a microscope, naked and helpless—was overwhelming.

Yet faced with Luo En’s near-dismissive reaction, August felt an odd sense of relief.

…At least he wouldn’t have to deal with this terrifying existence directly.

“Let’s discuss things inside,” Andie said to Luo En, then turned to the carriage. “Should I arrange quarters for your… assistant?”

Luo En shook his head slightly, his eyes as cold and still as water. “Ai Lan will remain on the carriage. She has her own affairs to attend to.”

He turned to the beast pulling the carriage and spoke a few words in a strange language.

The creature seemed to understand Luo En’s command, emitting a low hum before bowing respectfully, signaling its compliance.

Nodding to August, Andie led Luo En through the Palace’s opulent corridors. Every servant and guard kept their heads bowed, barely daring to breathe.

They entered the most secluded secret chamber in the Palace—a space protected by multiple magic arrays, its walls etched with intricate Soundproof Runes.

The thick oak door slowly closed, isolating all external sounds and sights.

As the door sealed, Luo En’s icy mask softened subtly.

His lips curled slightly, the frost in his eyes melting into something more approachable.

His entire aura transformed—shifting from an untouchable, imposing presence to one far more genial.

“You seem to have enjoyed yourself in the Royal Capital, Andie,” Luo En said lightly, the suffocating pressure easing. “Played a masterful game of using another’s blade to kill, I see. Let me guess—Alec’s escape plan was no secret to you?”

A wisp of mischief flickered in Andie’s eyes as he relaxed. “I won’t lie—you’re right. That fool thought I didn’t notice his little schemes and left himself a backup escape route.”

He smiled, his golden pupils gleaming with wisdom. “I intended to handle it myself, but since you’re here, why not use this chance to publicly display our alliance? Let them know challenging me is the same as defying a Full Mage. That threat carries more weight than any other.”

Luo En nodded approvingly. “Your growth exceeds my expectations. The political trials of the kingdom have matured you far more than your days in the Black Mist Jungle.”

His gaze swept the chamber before settling on Andie. “Still, treating your family this way—won’t it leave psychological scars?”

Andie chuckled lightly, a flicker of coldness in his eyes. “Family? In the royal family, there are no such bonds—only allies and enemies. Alec sent assassins after me three times. Without the Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline’s protection, I’d be dead long ago.”

His voice carried chilling calm, as if discussing mundane matters. “In this cutthroat royal family game, mercy means death. You of all people should understand this, Luo En.”

Luo En nodded, dropping the subject.

He understood Andie’s situation and choices all too well.

In this world, power was everything. The best way to protect oneself was to eliminate threats before they could grow.

“Back to business,” his gaze sharpened. “Is the final Solar Corona Breathing Technique lineage prepared?”

Andie nodded solemnly. “I’ve arranged for the Royal Treasury to be opened. All secret manuals and lineage artifacts related to the Solar Corona Breathing Technique will be presented to you.”

Satisfaction flickered in Luo En’s eyes, mingled with anticipation.

This was his primary mission—to obtain the complete Solar Corona Breathing Technique lineage, especially the legendary ultimate realm, the Sun Crown Knights’ cultivation methods.

“There’s one more matter,” Andie said suddenly, his face showing uncharacteristic hesitation. “Regarding the kingdom’s current situation… I seek your counsel.”

Luo En regarded his old friend, waiting.

Andie inhaled deeply, a rare flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “I now control most of the kingdom’s power, but resistance remains in certain regions. Particularly the northern border Earls—they refuse to acknowledge my authority and secretly conspire with neighboring nations, attempting to provoke war.”

His voice darkened. “Normally, I’d consolidate power and crush them entirely. But doing so would leave the northern frontier vulnerable to foreign invasion. More troubling is the region’s most formidable military force—the tundra Half-Beast Cavalry Division. They’re their trump card.”

Luo En raised an eyebrow. “Half-Beast Cavalry Division?”

“Precisely,” Andie nodded, his eyes shadowed. “A force of several hundred tundra Half-Beasts, each possessing strength and power multiples of an ordinary human soldier. On the battlefield, they’re nearly invincible.”

Interest flickered in Luo En’s eyes. “Several hundred Half-Beasts? Sounds intriguing.”

His thoughts drifted to Thousand Shifting Shadows’ evolution process.

Absorbing these Half-Beasts’ souls might provide vast mana for Thousand Shifting Shadows, accelerating its advancement.

As if reading his mind, Andie hesitated. “But there’s an issue… As you know, the School Alliance has an agreement prohibiting Full Mages from mass slaughtering ordinary humans to avoid unnecessary panic.”

Luo En chuckled. “Half-Beasts aren’t ordinary humans. They’re supernatural beings—the agreement never restricted actions against such entities.”

A cold glint sharpened his gaze. “Besides, if they strike first, there’s no question of violating the agreement.”

Andie’s eyes lit up. “You mean…”

“I need a demonstration of power, not war,” Luo En fixed Andie with a direct gaze. “Lead those Half-Beast Cavalry to a place suitable for my techniques. I’ll handle it. This resolves your northern issue while giving me an excellent spell experiment opportunity.”

His fingers lightly tapped the table, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable light:

"Moreover, the souls of these Half-Beasts should be quite valuable... They would greatly aid my specialized research."

A flicker of shock and reverence flashed across Andie's eyes.

Though he had long known Luo En as someone who pursued power by any means necessary, hearing such open talk about harvesting souls still sent a chill down his spine.

However, he quickly composed himself, regaining his calm, authoritative demeanor:

"Then it's settled. I'll arrange for forces to lure that Half-Beast Cavalry Division into a suitable ambush zone. The rest is up to you."

He paused, then added:

"One issue remains though – most of these tundra Half-Beasts specialize in frost-type spells. While not particularly powerful, they shouldn't be underestimated."

Luo En smiled faintly, a glimmer of confidence flashing in his eyes:

"Frost-type spells? Perfect. This will be a good opportunity to test my newly developed spell applications."

Their eyes met, and both saw mutual satisfaction in each other's gaze regarding their future plans.

"There's one more thing", Luo En suddenly changed the subject:

"The lineage of the Solar Corona Breathing Technique is merely foundational. I require additional components as well."

Andie showed slight surprise but quickly nodded, "As long as it's something within the royal family's possession, I can arrange it for you."

Within the sealed chamber, the conversation between the two young men continued for a long time. Their voices were low and calm, yet carried enough weight to alter the fate of the entire kingdom.

August stood alone in the corridor, gazing at the closed door, his heart in turmoil.

Suddenly, he recalled his days at the Black Mist School during his youth – how he had to bow and scrape before those lofty Full Mages, how he'd carefully navigated interactions with that terrifying Herbal Medicine Shop hag.

And now, despite being one of the most respected figures in the kingdom, holding a position of great importance...

...Yet before this young mage, he still felt the same smallness and helplessness.

"Commoners will always remain commoners", the old prince murmured with a sigh, his voice filled with resignation and realization.

In this moment, he seemed to finally recall the age-old truth:

"Commoners, even High Apprentices, must look up to and obey mages. A mage's dominion and power were absolute – a single thought could reduce any resistor to a mess of brains. And this, was the ironclad law of this world."

At dusk, Ralph Family's castle stood bathed in warm golden sunlight, exuding a timeless, solemn beauty. Towering spires, heavy stone walls, and the family banner fluttering in the wind – all spoke of this family's ancient history and noble bloodline.

Luo En's carriage slowly rolled through the castle gates, the wheels producing a rhythmic sound against the stone pavement. He could sense it – from the moment he entered family territory, countless eyes were watching him covertly. Those gazes – some curious, some reverent, others probing – shadowed this family member's long-awaited return... Or more accurately, this Full Mage.

The family estate had been thoroughly renovated, with festive ribbons adorning the entrance. Each window gleamed spotless, reflecting the afternoon sunlight. The once-familiar details now seemed strangely foreign to Luo En's eyes, as if veiled by an invisible curtain.

Within the castle courtyard, a reception party stood in orderly formation, awaiting his arrival. Leading them were Luo En's father, Earl Lalf, and his elder brother Edmund.

His father remained as tall and upright as in Luo En's memories, though his temples now bore a few silver strands; Edmund appeared even more dignified and composed, his gaze reflecting the maturity and wisdom gained through life experience.

As the carriage came to a stop, Ai Lan nimbly leapt down and respectfully opened the door. Earl Lalf's knuckles whitened around his cane, his eyes shifting nervously – clearly at the peak of anxiety.

Luo En disembarked with calm composure, his black robe fluttering in the breeze. An indescribable aura of authority radiated from him. In an instant, the entire courtyard seemed to fall silent, even the wind dared not stir too loudly.

"Father, elder brother", he nodded slightly.

Earl Lalf and his eldest son exchanged a glance before bowing deeply to Luo En. That reverent posture seemed less like a father greeting his son, and more like paying homage to a deity.

"Welcome home, Luo En", father's voice trembled slightly, his eyes flashing with a complex emotion: "The entire family has been eagerly awaiting your return."

This completely unfamiliar sense of reverence drew a slight sigh from Luo En's heart. He could understand his father's stiffness. After all, he had been away from the family for several years. Now returning, he had become an extraordinary being – their life levels had become completely different.

This change in address drew another slight sigh from him. Once, he was just "Little Luo En", even affectionately called "our family's mischievous one." Now, even his own father could no longer interact with him in that former intimate way.

The moment he became a Full Mage, the world's definition of him had changed forever. The commoners' fear and reverence toward mages was an instinctual reaction etched deep into their souls, unchangeable by mere surface-level willingness. Just as a cat will never feel close to a tiger, even if that tiger was once raised by the cat.

Luo En stepped forward, reined in his Radiant Field, then gently embraced his father. The old Earl's body stiffened visibly, and he almost instinctively held his breath. Then cautiously, he raised his hand and lightly patted his son's back – as if handling some fragile treasure, afraid his rough movements might cause offense.

"I know everything is different now", Luo En whispered softly, his tone unusually gentle: "But no matter what I've become, here I am first and foremost a member of the Ralph Family."

The old Earl nodded gratefully, yet clearly understood – even if his son spoke these words, the chasm between mages and commoners couldn't be easily bridged.

Edmund stepped forward, his tone carrying a trace of caution:

"Little brother... No, I should address you as Sir Luo En. Your achievements have spread throughout the kingdom. Father and I feel immense pride for you."

Looking at this elder brother who had once sheltered his mischievous behavior countless times, Luo En now felt cautious, as if facing a stranger.

He shook his head slightly, saying:

"The formalities aren't needed among family. If you truly can't interact with me as before, at least in private, I hope you'll use my name rather than titles like 'sir.'"

Father and elder brother's expressions eased somewhat, yet that deeply ingrained reverence remained difficult to fully dispel.

Luo En understood – this would take time, perhaps a very long time.

"The family banquet has been prepared, awaiting only your arrival", Earl Lalf respectfully led the way: "The kitchen specially prepared the freshest ingredients for your favorite grilled lamb chops."

Luo En nodded, following his father toward the castle hall. Ai Lan followed closely behind, her unique plant-like scent drawing many curious glances. Yet no one dared to scrutinize this unusual Squire beside Luo En too closely.

The banquet began with a somewhat stiff atmosphere. But as wine flowed and conversations gradually unfolded, Earl Lalf and Edmund began to relax, discussing the family's developments and transformations over these years.

Over these years, thanks to the critical funds he had previously sent back to the family upon becoming an Elementary Apprentice, combined with the joint efforts of father and elder brother Edmund, the Ralph Family's sphere of influence had expanded. Thanks to those two shops in the Royal Capital, the family's business had become more diversified, with overall strength steadily increasing.

"The most significant transformation has been Crown Prince Andie's attitude toward our family", Edmund said excitedly:

"Since you established connections with the prince, our family's status has experienced a qualitative leap. Many resources and channels that were previously difficult to access now lay open before us."

Luo En nodded slightly, a flicker of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. The seeds he had sown upon leaving were beginning to bear fruit.

"Speaking of Andie", Luo En set down his wine glass, his tone turning formal:

"This time returning home, aside from visiting you all, there's an important matter I must discuss with the family."

Father and elder brother immediately straightened their posture, eyes filled with anticipation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end