C11 King the Benevolent Did It!

A murderous glint surged in the middle-aged man's gaze.

Mid-sentence, he transformed into a colossal cloud serpent, stretching over a hundred meters, and rocketed skyward.

In an instant, he was already a hundred meters away.

His destination was the distant Newcliff.

Unaware of these events, Soong Lin remained in the imperial mausoleum, immersed in meditation.

"Ding dong! Congratulations to the host for acquiring the primary Eyes of Deception."

The system's crisp notification echoed.

Soong Lin's brow furrowed slightly.

"Primary Eyes of Deception? The rewards are dwindling. Seems I need to advance further."

Speaking, Soong Lin stepped forward and resumed his stance.

But he wasn't idle.

With a mere thought, a flash of crimson swept through his eyes.

In moments, the entirety of the Vrabouton imperial mausoleum lay bare before him, its most hidden recesses unable to elude his gaze.

"This... even at the primary level, the Eyes of Deception are potent. The sign-in system's rewards are truly generous."

Soong Lin reveled in silent elation.

He devoted time to thoroughly examine the capabilities of the Eyes of Deception.

He found the primary Eyes of Deception exceedingly effective against illusions and covert methods.

For other uses, however, it offered little.

"Still, not too shabby."

Soong Lin nodded in approval.

He was about to resume his meditative cultivation when a clamor of footsteps erupted from outside the mausoleum.

"Hurry, secure the area. Let not a single one of those Envoys of the Netherworld scoundrels slip away!"

The Commander of the Vrabouton Imperial Guards bellowed from beyond the mausoleum walls.

Yet, Soong Lin merely smiled faintly, without a hint of interest in stepping out to investigate.

He was well aware that the Fourth Prince and his entourage had already perished by his hand.

The Imperial Guards, diligently executing their duties, were bound for disappointment.

Sure enough!

Dozens of breaths later, the Commander's voice rose once more.

"This is the residual aura of the Vrabouton Empire's delegation. Could they have already perished? Who could dispatch such formidable beings in so brief a span?"

"Quickly, report this matter to King Soong," came the urgent command.

Outside the imperial capital of the Vrabouton Empire, King Soong's authority remained unchallenged. Clad in his dragon robe, his expression was one of grave seriousness. His hand rested firmly on the hilt of the imperial sword, ready to act at a moment's notice. It was then that a young eunuch rushed in, breathless.

"Your Majesty, the Commander of the Imperial Guards has reported that the Evilkind's Fourth Prince was slain just outside the Vrabouton imperial mausoleum."

"What?" King Soong's face contorted with shock.

The Fourth Prince, Yao Tiankui, was known for his formidable power, a force not even the Vrabouton Empire's State Preceptor could rival. It was inconceivable that Yao Tiankui had met his end so swiftly outside the imperial mausoleum.

"Who is responsible for this?" King Soong demanded, barely containing his astonishment.

"This... This servant does not know," the eunuch stammered, visibly shaken, yet he responded with honesty.

With a furrowed brow, King Soong gestured for the eunuch to step down. His stern gaze then turned to the State Preceptor at his side.

"State Preceptor, I entrust this task to you. You must locate the one who felled the Evilkind's Fourth Prince."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the State Preceptor answered, departing with haste.

Unbeknownst to them, the news of Yao Tiankui's demise had already begun to circulate quietly. Across the Vrabouton Empire, people rejoiced.

"Yao Tiankui appeared serene, but his arrogance was well-known. His death at the hands of an unknown hero outside the imperial mausoleum is well-deserved!"

"Our empire may be in decline, but we are not without our dog-slayers. Well done!"

"Whoever this hero is, they have avenged a great wrong on behalf of the Vrabouton people. What a relief!"

Before long, the citizens of Newcliff were celebrating in the streets, their cheers echoing through the city. The sorrow of those who had lost loved ones in the arena battles seemed to lift, if only by a fraction.

Outside the imperial mausoleum of the Vrabouton Empire, the State Preceptor extended his Divine Sense.

After scrutinizing the remnants of the battle, his expression turned grave in an instant.

"This sword energy... it's formidable. From the first strike to Yao Tiankui's demise, only three moves were made. And each one struck true, hitting vital points. Such precision requires the experience of a seasoned warrior. When did Newcliff gain such a formidable presence?"

The State Preceptor was inwardly alarmed.

He probed the vicinity with his Divine Sense once more, and upon finding no one but Soong Lin standing in the imperial mausoleum, he approached without delay.

"Prince Soong Lin, may I have a moment of your time?"

The State Preceptor's voice echoed at the entrance of the imperial mausoleum.

Soong Lin ceased his cultivation technique and, with a smile, turned towards the entrance.

"State Preceptor, my apologies for not greeting you sooner."

"Your Highness, you flatter me too much," the State Preceptor responded with a wry smile.

He hesitated before continuing, "Moments ago, members of the Envoys of the Netherworld were slain just outside the imperial mausoleum of Vrabouton. Are you aware of this incident?"

"Envoys of the Netherworld killed outside the imperial mausoleum? I can't say I've heard anything about it," Soong Lin feigned surprise.

The State Preceptor's face took on a peculiar look as his eyes meticulously scanned Soong Lin.

After ensuring nothing was amiss, he ventured, "Your Highness, are you truly unaware?"

"If I were aware, wouldn't I have informed you, State Preceptor? Moreover, as the deposed crown prince confined to the imperial mausoleum, I've lost all interest in court affairs."

Soong Lin's demeanor remained eerily composed.

Observing him, the State Preceptor let out a deep sigh.

"There was a time when Your Highness was full of vigor, striving for excellence in governance, embodying the spirit of a great sovereign. But now... times have indeed changed."

With those words and a heavy heart, the State Preceptor took his leave.

With a heavy sigh, the State Preceptor bid farewell, his face etched with disappointment. He quickly made his way to Soong Wang's side.

"State Preceptor, have you identified the assailant?" Soong Wang inquired, his voice tinged with anticipation.

"Your Majesty, the situation is... rather peculiar," the State Preceptor replied, a wry smile on his lips.

Noticing Soong Wang's confused expression, he hastened to clarify.

"I examined the site of Yao Tiankui's demise myself. The perpetrator's strength was formidable, slaying Yao Tiankui in just three moves. The fate of the other Netherworld Envoys' champions was even more tragic; they likely didn't survive the initial strike."

"Do you have any idea who could wield such power?"

"I cannot ascertain their identity," the State Preceptor admitted.

"You cannot?" Soong Wang's countenance fell, a shadow of displeasure crossing his features.

The esteemed State Preceptor of the Vrabouton, unable to resolve such a trivial issue, stirred a surge of irritation within Soong Wang. He was on the verge of reprimanding the State Preceptor when the latter's voice once again filled the space.

"Your Majesty, while the identity of the assailant eludes me, I can attest to their extraordinary prowess. They are at least a realm above Yao Tiankui."

"Moreover, this individual is a master swordsman. The ferocity of their blade likely surpasses all within the Vrabouton Empire."

"And, judging by the residual combat aura at the scene, it appears they are of royal blood!"

Soong Wang's demeanor shifted, a spark of realization in his eyes.

"Adept with the sword, of a superior realm, and of the royal lineage? King the Benevolent is the only one who fits all these criteria."

"Could it truly be King the Benevolent who intervened?"

A look of astonishment washed over Soong Wang, swiftly followed by a gleam of ecstatic revelation.

"It must be so. Aside from King the Benevolent, who has secluded himself in Newcliff, there is no other. Quickly, prepare King the Benevolent's sanctum. I shall personally greet him as he emerges from his seclusion!"