Chapter 679 - Between Light & Light (XVII) (1/2)

Many people turned to Rhode. They knew that this was a signal of retaliation from the Country of Light to the Munn Kingdom. However, this wasn’t too surprising. Ever since the start of the Dragon Soul Ceremony, the Light Parliament had been suffering before the Munn Kingdom and they had even suffered a double loss in the end. If they didn’t retaliate at all, others would think that the Light Parliament was nothing more than a hooting paper tiger. They would be asking for death if they were to taunt Lydia. So, the only choice left in the representative team of the Munn Kingdom was Rhode.

Many people had done their research about Rhode. Even though he had risen in popularity in the Munn Kingdom within a short period of time, there were no lack of grudges between him and the Light Parliament. In just a year, the Light Parliament had fallen under his hands several times. Not only that, but he had also crippled the Mist Sword Saint and made the Cyan Goshawk leave the Munn Kingdom with his tail between his legs. Two of the five Peak Legendary beings in the Light Parliament had been taken down by him mercilessly. As long as one had a brain, one could definitely tell that he was a member of the Anti-Parliament party.

With such a hostile relationship in place and in addition to his ridicule and refute to the Light Parliament in public earlier, Rhode had gained many more enemies. This was why it wasn’t too surprising that the Light Parliament had targeted him.

But even though this was the case, many people were still curious. They gazed at Rhode passionately, hoping that he would take up the challenge. It was no wonder that the people had such thoughts. Although it was an intense juncture, they couldn’t wait to witness Rhode’s strength.

This was because his strength was still a mystery on the entire continent.

The only time that they had witnessed Rhode’s strength was through his battle with Barter in the Midsummer Festival. Back then, the strength that he had displayed was only in the early Legendary Stage. Even though he was just over 20 years old in age and it was incredible that he possessed the strength of the early Legendary Stage, it was still mostly acceptable as the people merely treated him as young and promising.

However, they couldn’t understand his display of strength thereafter. The Mist Sword Saint was in the Intermediate Legendary Stage and yet he was crippled by Rhode’s subordinate. The Mist Sword Saint was currently laying in bed without the ability to move or take care of his urination and defecation. Even though many couldn’t accept this reality, the state of the Mist Sword Saint was more than sufficient to change their minds of how powerful Rhode was.

But if one could argue that the Mist Sword Saint was crippled by Rhode’s subordinate, then the retreat of the Cyan Goshawk was the doing of Rhode alone. After the clash between Rhode and the Cyan Goshawk, several forces had heard of the details in battle. The Cyan Goshawk had been famous for a long time and almost reached the peak of all mortals—the Peak Legendary Stage. The fact that he had to retreat with his tail between his legs before Rhode piqued a whole lot of curiosity in the people. Is he really in the Basic Legendary Stage only? If that’s the case, how did he defeat the Cyan Goshawk? Did he rely on his dirty tricks? But the Cyan Goshawk is a presence in the Peak Legendary Stage. Wouldn’t the Peak Legendary Stage be too worthless if he was able to be defeated by some just dirty tricks?

Seeing was believing. No matter where they heard the news from, it was more or less twisted and exaggerated. They wouldn’t let this chance to witness Rhode’s true strength off because this wasn’t as simple as watching a great show. They were clear of how this formidable young man could change the situation before them. In an instant, everyone turned around and fixated their gazes at Rhode, waiting anxiously for his response. The Parliament camp hoped to expose Rhode’s cheap tricks with this opportunity and prove that his victory was nothing more than just luck. On the other hand, the Anti-Parliament camp wished to witness Rhode’s true strength. If Rhode was truly as powerful as the exaggerated rumors, it would mean that they would have a formidable force in their hands. Not only that, but they would also rope him in with hopes of gaining more benefits from this young man with a bright future.

Rhode stood to his feet. However, he didn’t agree immediately. Instead, he revealed a difficult look and bitter smile to the elderly chairman.

“Sir Chairman, that won’t be too nice.”

Almost everyone was taken aback. They opened their eyes wide because they couldn’t believe that he would show his softer side in front of everybody. Hasn’t he figured out the situation? Wouldn’t it mean that the Munn Kingdom is lowering their heads before the Light Parliament if he shows weakness? This isn’t his style, isn’t it?

In an instant, the Anti-Parliament camp was left dumbfounded. On the other hand, the parliament supporters gazed at Rhode with mocking smiles. I knew it! The ridiculous rumors about this guy is nothing more than made-up lies! He isn’t powerful at all!

“Is anything the problem? Mr. Rhode?”

The elderly chairman’s pathetic face instantly transformed into a smiling one. He didn’t expect that Rhode would take it lying down. It would be enough if he could save some grace for the Light Parliament before the widened eyes of the crowd.

“Of course there’s a problem, Sir Chairman.”

Rhode spread his arms apart helplessly and revealed a difficult expression with the slight trace a of smile.

“There are no eyes on the blades. It wouldn’t be nice for either of us if I accidentally killed someone in such an occasion, isn’t it? Although I don’t really mind, it would be too inappropriate for Her Majesty if it becomes too bloody. So…” Rhode shrugged and ended with a hanging sentence. At that moment, everyone knew clearly what he meant. But,this appeared to be more like an excuse to them.

“Oh? That isn’t right, Mr. Rhode. I’ve heard countless times about you dueling against others in the Munn Kingdom. Why have you become so careful in here?”

One of the parliament members laughed grimly while Rhode twitched his brows without speaking a word. He gazed at the elderly chairman silently and the crowd on the tall platform burst into discussions. The parliament supporters ridiculed Rhode for avoiding the challenge while Marlene, Lize, and the others who understood Rhode’s personality kept quiet. They knew clearly that nine out of ten times there wouldn’t be anything great coming out from the smile on his face when he revealed it to anyone else other than Christie.

“This…”

Even though Rhode appeared to be showing weakness, the elderly chairman couldn’t help but mutter to himself irresolutely. Although he could continue to push Rhode into accepting the challenge, it would be too obvious. Besides, even though the situation was in a deadlock, it would be an entirely different matter if blood were to be spilled. Moreover, the Magician Knights were the elites of the Light Parliament. If they were to stir up trouble with Rhode…

“Sir!”

The Commander of the Magician Knights lifted his pike high and showed a serious expression.

“We’re soldiers and soldiers display their honor on the battlefield! We will not fear any threats. We will never back down no matter what because we’re carrying the expectation and glory of our people! We will not be afraid even in the face of death threats!”

Several people among the crowd in the tall platform applauded.

“Well said! That’s the pride of our Country of Light!”

“Yes! There are no cowards in the Country of Light! We will never back down even in the face of death threats!”

“Hahaha.”

The elderly chairman laughed heartily before turning to Rhode and spreading his arms apart helplessly.

“You’ve seen it for yourself, Mr. Rhode.”

“Since that’s the case…”

Rhode revealed a grin. But, for unknown reasons, the elderly chairman sensed a chill ran down his spine as though a viper had fixated its sinister eyes on him. He uttered but nothing came out of his throat. All he could do was to look at Rhode nodding to him.

“… I don’t mind embarrassing myself then, Sir Chairman. Please accept my deepest condolences.”