Way of the Knights

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Albert was astounded. 

So much to the point that he couldn't of what to say at this current moment. 

Everything happened too quick that he didn't have time to react properly. From the moment that Raven subtly alerted him about the assassins, to the fight and the eventual near death experience he had and the unexpected move from Raven that saved his life. 

It was too fast. 

Nevertheless, being reminded of what happened just now made him look at Raven on a different light. 

'This guy…did he really come from the lower realms?' His thoughts were filled with doubt, yet knowing how Raven had treated him along the way, Albert could faintly sense that this guy doesn't have any malicious intent. 

"Are you alright Fellow Knight Albert?" Raven asked as he saw Albert staring at him. action

Albert was awakened from his daze, he hurriedly said: "I am fine. Thank you for saving my life, Fellow Knight Raven."

"Don't sweat it, I merely lifted a finger." Raven waved his hand. His attention then turned towards the limping assassin on Albert's arm, he then said: "We don't have much time for interrogation anymore. That fellow is dying. Can you pass him to me?" 

Albert was surprised, he didn't thought much of it before passing the dying assassin to Raven. 

As soon as he got hold of the guy, he placed his palm on his face and performed a soul scrying technique. As he scanned through the memories of assassin, he had taken note of everything that is relevant to the situation and stopped the scan. 

His face became quite pale as he was visibly weakened. He then told Albert everything that he knew. 

"This fellow is from a place called Dark Moon Pavilion. He's a paid assassin there. He received the mission to kill you. The rewards are 5000 Spirit Stones and a shard of Death Relic."

Albert's face instantly changed as he heard this. A suffocating killing intent radiated out of his body as he glared towards the south. His eyes narrowed dangerously and he was gritting his teeth: 

"Good! So some people want me dead huh!? They really think that I, Albert Morningstar, am easy to bully! Hmph!" Albert grunted coldly. "Did you see any clues on who's their client Fellow Knight?" 

"I didn't, but I saw a unique seal imprinted on the mission paper. I believe that guy has it on his spatial ring." As Raven finished telling this to Albert, he was already on the process of claiming the dead assassin's ring. 

Albert shifted through the contents and he fetched a scroll from the ring, he unfolded it and read through the contents, he also saw the unique seal that Raven was talking about. 

Upon seeing the seal, Albert's eyes widened as a trace of disbelief appeared from his face. He unknowingly crumpled the scroll as the killing intent he's radiated turned even more ferocious. 

A knowing smile appeared on Raven's face, he couldn't help but inwardly say: 'This guy is good. He reached 'Saint Knight Realm' with an Immortal Champion's Physique. He's also less than 200 years old. He should be a popular figure in the city if that's the case.'

As he was thinking this, the killing intent emanating out of Albert slowly disappeared. His expression was then replaced by indifference just like before but Raven knew that his mood is definitely anything but calm. 

"Brother, thank you once again for saving my life and providing me with this information. I also want to apologize for dragging you into this mess."

Albert's way of addressing Raven has changed from 'Fellow Knight' to 'Brother', which somewhat surprised Raven. Well, this can't be helped since he really did help Albert out a lot. To him, this is just merely done by lifting a finger, but for Albert this is a big deal. 

"Your welcome, Brother Albert." Raven addressed him as such as well. "But I'm afraid that we have to delay our journey, I need to recuperate for a while. I'm not really proficient in Spirit Techniques." 

"Right! How can I forgot!" Albert slapped his head in exasperation. "Please be at ease, Brother. I'll guard you while you rest." 

"Thank you." Raven didn't say anymore and sat down to recuperate. 

Of course this was just merely a farce. He wasn't truly exhausted. Hell, if he wanted to, he could scan through the memories of a hundred people in an instant without frowning. He only acted this way in order to provide a cover for himself. 

With the identity of a new ascendant, he of course had to act like one. Anyone who came from the lower realms would have to use a bit of time in order to adjust their conditions and adapt to the new surroundings, some of the weaker ones wouldn't even be able to circulate their energy properly upon stepping in here. 

Aside from the abundance and myriad kinds of energy present in the Divine Realm, the Law and order of the Divine Realm is obviously more stable and formidable compared to their homeland. It is also due to that, that those who ascended from the lower planes would experience a shocking transformation upon stepping here. 

Some people have their talents inherently suppressed in the lower planes, but that restriction will be erased here so long as they work hard for it. But of course, this isn't applicable to everyone. 

Raven mediated for half an hour before opening his eyes. He stood up and saw Albert standing in front of him with his back facing him, he was truly guarding him like he promised. 

"Let's go Brother Albert, I've recuperated already." Raven called out to him. 

"Oh? That quick?" Albert was a bit surprised. 

"Yeah, I'm surprised too. It usually takes longer for me to recuperate, but for some reason it's faster right now." He casually stated.

"Oh, that might be because of the abundance of Spirit Energy here." Albert said while hopping on the back of his mount. "Come, let's ride Perry back to Sky Blaze City. It'll be faster that way." 

"Alright." Raven didn't refuse and jumped on the back of Perry as well. 

The young Sky Trampling Boar then drifted through the wind with a speed that's seemingly impossible for something of its size. Their surroundings turned into a blur and their clothes fluttered due to the assault of the gales. 

They were silent throughout their travels. Albert appears like there's something heavy weighing on his mind. His expression was bit solemn, and Raven couldn't help but to ask.

'Did you manage to find out who's trying to kill you?' Raven sent via voice transmission.

An audible sigh escaped through Albert's lips as he too sent a voice transmission. 

'I want to say that I still have no idea, but I'd be lying.' Albert's tone was a bit grim. 'I don't want to believe it but that seal confirmed many things for me.'

Albert was silent for a bit, Raven didn't disturb him since it was somewhat obvious that Albert didn't want to drag him even deeper into this mess. Eventually, he just said this…

'Some people's claws are stretching a little too far…'

***

After travelling for a while, Perry's speed visibly slowed down. 

In front of them, a tall and fancy looking gate appeared. Raven could feel that the energy density in this place was thicker and purer compared to the forest. 

He could see dazzling lights of different shades. He could also feel that his spirit is livening up just by being near this place. Raven was able to see overarching buildings, and feel formidable auras all converging into this place. 

"We're here." Albert said, his voice carried a trace of comfort. "This is the Sky Blaze City." 

"Impressive." Raven commented as he took in the sights. 

"Oh this is nothing." Albert waved his hand, "Remember what I told you before? Sky Blaze City is just one of the vassal forces of Martial Emperor Sect. If you get the chance to join the Sect, then you'll surely agree to me."

As Albert was talking, Perry was still moving forward. Raven could vaguely see a long line of people trying to enter the Sky Blaze City and because the two of them are on a mount, they stood out from the crowd, causing people to look at them. 

Raven could feel the strange looks that the crowd was giving them, Albert seemed to have noticed this which caused him to chuckle.

"Don't pay attention to them, Brother." He said, "Those people won't be able to do anything against us anyway."

Raven was about to ask him why, but they already arrived before the gates. He then heard the guards yelling:

"Welcome back, Young City Lord!"

"We welcome the return of the Young City Lord!"

This caused Raven to be surprised, he couldn't help but ask: "So that's why you told me to not worry about those people outside. It turns out that you're the City Lord."

"Well, not yet. In the future, yeah." Albert chuckled as he nodded. "Right now, it's still my father's turn. I'll inherit the mantle soon.. Which is why they call me the Young City Lord.