Kai’s fists clenched tightly at his sides, his body trembling with barely contained rage. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he spat. “Yanzi isn’t a toy, and I didn’t run away. I did what I had to do to save her.”
Liang chuckled, his condescension only deepening. “Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep at night, little brother. Just remember, when I’m head of this family, things will be very different.”
“Well, little brother, I have better things to do.”
Kai’s anger flared, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. “Take that back!” he yelled, his voice echoing down the corridor.
Liang stopped in his tracks, turning slightly to gaze at Kai with a cold, condescending eye. “Take what back, exactly?”
Kai’s fists clenched at his sides. “What you said about Yanzi being a toy. Take it back.”
Liang’s smirk grew wider. “Yanzi is its name, huh? Fine, I’ll be sure to call it Yanzi from now on.”
Kai’s rage boiled over. “She isn’t an ‘it’ either! If you don’t recognize her as a person, then you and I are going to have a problem.”
Liang turned fully to face Kai, his expression darkening. “A problem, huh? You’re amusing, little brother. But remember your place. I won’t take back what I said, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
The butler had been standing frozen, watching the whole exchange with unease. He stuttered to Kai, “Y-young Master, we should be going.”
Kai suddenly called out to Liang. “I challenge you to a duel!”
Liang paused, turning back with a look of surprise and disdain. “What do you think you’re up to, Kai? I don’t have time for your childish games. Or are you just looking for a beating?”
“Neither,” Kai retorted. “I’m going to make you apologize and take back what you said.” The butler beside Kai tried to intervene. “Please, Young Master, calm down. This isn’t like you. Let’s just go to the training ground so you can prepare for your test raid.”
Kai glared at the butler. “Shut up. I’m going through with this. Besides, what better sparring partner could I get than the infamous vice branch master of the Reapers guild?”
Liang chuckled, the sound cold and mocking, suddenly his expression turned serious. “I don’t know what you think you’re up to, Kai, but if it’s a beating you’re after, then I guess it’s my responsibility as your older brother to deliver.”
Some moments later, whispers spread across the manor like wildfire. A maid, wide-eyed and breathless, called out to some butlers and other staff members.
“Did you hear? Young Master Kai has challenged Young Master Liang to a duel!”
Gasps of shock and murmurs filled the air. The staff exchanged worried looks at each other, unable to fathom the audacity of such a challenge.
One of the older maids shook her head.
“This won’t end well. Young Master Liang is leagues ahead of him.”
Another butler, frowning, also spoke up, “Kai must be out of his mind to think he stands a chance.”
The maid who had spread the news took a look around at the gathered staff.
“We should head over to the training ground to see. This isn’t something that happens every day.”
Reluctantly, the group began to make their way toward the training ground, their footsteps echoing in the hallways. As they walked, the atmosphere was thick with excitement and unease, everyone aware that this little clash could have serious consequences for the future of the Li family.
As the staff hurried toward the training ground, one of the younger maids, in her haste, rounded a corner too quickly and almost collided with a tall, imposing figure. She stumbled back, eyes wide with surprise and fear.
Before her stood Liang and Kai’s father, Lord Jian Li, the third son of the patriarch. Known for his sharp mind and unmatched strategic prowess, Jian created and organized numerous successful businesses owned by the Li family; it is said he was the one that sold the idea for the new model of the mana disruptors, a man both a business tycoon and a tech expert.
Jian looked down at the maid, raising an eyebrow. “What’s the rush?”
The maid, catching her breath, stuttered, “L-Lord Jian, I-I apologize. It’s just that… there’s urgent news. Young Master Kai has… he’s challenged Young Master Liang to a duel.”
Jian’s eyes narrowed slightly, a look of curiosity crossing his face. “Kai, challenging Liang?” he said, more to himself than to the maid.
The maid nodded quickly, her voice trembling slightly.
“Yes, my lord. It’s causing quite a stir among the staff. Everyone is heading to the training ground to witness it.”
Jian’s expression remained mostly indifferent, though his curiosity was piqued.
“Kai taking action, finally,” he thought aloud. “This is interesting.”
The maid blinked, not expecting such a reaction. Jian simply nodded and began to walk toward the training ground.
“Let’s see what this is about,” he said over his shoulder, his tone more curious than concerned.
As Jian walked, the staff followed in silence, whispering among themselves about the unexpected turn of events. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
The thought of witnessing the duel had suddenly become much more intriguing with the presence of Lord Jian, whose approval or disapproval could significantly impact the outcome and the family dynamics.
….
The training grounds were a massive, open space, large enough to accommodate a small 50 by 50 house. It was filled with various training dummies and equipment, but these had been cleared out to make way for the duel between the young masters.
The air was filled with anticipation as staff and family members gathered at the elevated viewing points, eager to witness the match.
Kai’s father, Lord Jian Li, arrived with a calm demeanor, his curiosity hidden behind a look of indifference. He took his place among the spectators, his sharp eyes observing the scene with interest. The maids and butlers whispered among themselves, all clearly excited.
Liang, standing in the center of the training ground, held a sword with a confident grip. He couldn’t help but smirk as he saw the growing audience.
“Everyone has come rushing over to witness just how helplessly you’ll fail, Kai.”
“Would you look at that, even father is here.”
Kai stood across from him, his stance firm and his expression filled with anger as he gripped twin daggers. He glanced up at the elevated platform, meeting his father’s eyes for a brief moment. Jian gave a slight nod, acknowledging his son’s resolve.
“Ready when you are, Liang,” Kai replied.
“Let’s get this over with.”
Liang’s smirk widened. “Very well, little brother. Let’s see what you’ve got.”