2026-02-10 18:10:02
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
255.
Ardhana fell silent. Flashes of memory crossed his mind—his mother’s hands teaching him how to identify illnesses, his father guiding him through calm steps before battle. Being a healer was not unfamiliar to him.“I don’t need your advice… One day, if you try to use me or provoke me again, I won’t hesitate…” His words trailed off as he continued walking out of the room.Nimira smiled faintly. “Do you think you can move freely within enemy territory that easily? Ardhana, I will be waiting for the day you come back… begging for my help!”*The next day, at the edge of a valley, stood a small village bustling with simple daily activities.“Uncle? Why are you still wearing a mask?” a young boy named Steven tugged gently at Ardhana’s clothes.Though still young, Ardhana—hiding his identity from the Blades troops—smiled faintly behind his mask.“Steven, your uncle has scars on his face… You might be scared if you saw it.”Steven fell silent, then shifted his attention toward a simple house
254.
Ardhana’s body lay unconscious on a flat stone stretcher, covered in wounds. A corrosive, purplish-green poison still pulsed through his veins. His breathing was heavy, his skin pale, and even the pulse within his body was barely detectable.The winding stone corridor leading to the Sacred Lotus Pavilion felt cold and silent. The black-veiled troops carrying him moved swiftly, but their faces revealed concern.“The wounds are too deep,” one of them whispered. “That poison is no ordinary toxin. It’s a blood-destroying poison used by Kardaya’s elite forces to eliminate rebels like us on the spot.”“But he managed to survive this long…”“Silence! Do you want our heads to be cut off for talking too much?” his companion snapped.Their steps halted right in front of an underground gate engraved with silver lotus patterns. As the stone door opened, a damp breeze mixed with the fragrance of lotus flowers filled the air. Crystal lanterns glowed softly, illuminating the vast underground chamber
253.
Arrows whistled through the air, slicing toward Ardhana’s shoulder at high speed. He ducked swiftly, spun midair, and landed on the rooftop of a partially collapsed stone house. Flames raged beneath him, spreading across every corner of Kardaya.“Don’t let him escape!” an officer shouted from below. “Archers! Fire arrows!”A barrage of flaming arrows shot into the night sky. Ardhana ran across the rooftops, leaping from one building to another. Each time his feet landed, shattered roof tiles scattered in all directions.CTIIING!He slashed two arrows out of the air, then spun quickly. The aura of his blade glowed with a faint blue light amidst the raging red flames.From a distance, Kardaya’s troops in red-silver armor began surrounding him from four directions. They formed an arched formation, using the narrow streets as a trap.“Member of the Sacred Lotus Pavilion!” one soldier shouted. “You’ve brought hell to this city! Surrender yourself!”Ardhana stopped at the edge of the roofto
252.
Explosions after explosions shook the city of Kardaya. Flames licked the night sky, while thick black smoke swallowed the moon. Screams, the clash of swords, and the sound of collapsing buildings echoed throughout every corner of the city.Ardhana stood in the middle of the ruined marketplace, his hair whipped by the scorching wind, his eyes scanning the surroundings with an expression that was a mixture of anger, confusion, and disappointment.“Shinra!” he shouted, his voice overpowering the roar of explosions. “What are you doing?!”Shinra emerged from behind the blazing flames, his battle attire covered in dust and ash. In his right hand, a long sword dripped with fresh blood, and behind him, dozens of members of the Sacred Lotus Pavilion continued attacking civilians and the city guards.“Nimira’s orders are clear,” he said coldly. “Destroy Kardaya until nothing remains. They are all traitors who hide the truth!”Ardhana clenched the hilt of his sword tightly. “This isn’t the way!
251.
Nimira turned without saying another word. Her silver-white gown swayed gently with each step, leaving behind traces of dew that slowly faded on the stone floor. Ardhana followed, his steps steady, though his face was filled with questions.They walked through a long corridor behind the altar, where stone walls were adorned with lotus and dragon reliefs covered in damp moss. The deeper they went, the heavier the air felt, as if it held great secrets about the organization hidden beneath the Seven Ghost Cities.Eventually, they arrived in a circular chamber. At its center stood a stone table engraved with the Sacred Lotus emblem, and upon it lay a map of seven hidden territories. Bluish-green lanterns hung low, illuminating several red points that glowed like blood.Nimira stopped before the table and looked at Ardhana.“Dragon’s son… your grandfather, the Great King, indeed died at the hands of the death warriors of the Sacred Lotus Nation.”Ardhana frowned. “I know that. But I don’t
250.
From behind the faintly shimmering lotus pond, the silhouette of a woman slowly stepped forward. Her footsteps were calm, yet each step seemed to ripple the water around her.Her gown was silver-white, long enough to brush the floor, and a silver mask covered half of her face. Her hair was tied high with a pale pink ribbon—the only soft color in that shadow-filled place.Ardhana slowly raised his head, his eyes meeting the sharp gaze of the woman. Calm eyes, yet undeniably dangerous.The woman spoke, her voice cool but carrying an undeniable authority.“My name is Nimira, the successor to the head of the Sacred Lotus Pavilion. And you…” she paused, her gaze sharpening at the golden plaque in Ardhana’s hand. “You carry a symbol of honor without my direct permission. That means someone outside has placed great trust in you. But here, trust is measured by one’s ability…”Nimira raised her hand, and the water in the pond began to swirl as if pulled by an unseen force. From its depths, a s
You may also like
The Legendary King Of War Returns
Victoria T.O207.5K viewsThe Consortium's Heir
Benjamin_Jnr1.7M viewsSon-In-Law: Love and Revenge
Mas Xeno86.7K viewsI Married a Beautiful Boss After the Breakup
Seafarer's Strike198.9K viewsAZRAEL
JESpears1.2K viewsThe Supreme And Amazing King Of War
HONO.V149 viewsRise of the Masked King
Collins write1.3K viewsThe Son-in-Law Who Was the God of War
Christina Wilder597 views