I prepared myself for training with Clara, as it was our first session, and I didn't want to be late. After cleaning up, I walked down the hallway to the training grounds.
Right, I almost forgot—that bastard Tristan was planning to steal treasures from our territory. I licked my lips, already thinking about the loot.
However, I decided to deal with him tomorrow. Tristan wouldn't be traveling to the kingdom for a few days.
In the story, Tristan, while crossing our territory, discovered a massive mana crystal field guarded by a giant serpent. Not only were crystals rare and scarce, but this field was brimming with mana, enough to replenish the mana of mages and knights.
Even though our kingdom had numerous cultivators, the value of such a field was immense; it could greatly benefit an entire kingdom. While we weren't short on funds, our growth was hampered by their insufficiency. This mana crystal could significantly elevate our kingdom.
Tristan hadn't mentioned the mana crystal and the significant sum hidden in the forest of her territory. Greedily, he told his father, intending to claim the benefits and elevate their kingdom.
The serpent, a 6-star creature, required at least two 7-star knights and a 7-star mage to ensure victory. I smirked. With the Empress's help, it should be manageable. I decided to tackle it tomorrow; my priority today was to get stronger.
At the training grounds, I saw Clara. Her beautiful yellow hair and golden eyes were striking. We made brief eye contact.
She sighed, "What are you waiting for?"
I nodded and joined her. "So, what's the first training exercise?" I asked, full of curiosity and excitement.
She nodded and smiled. "The skill I taught you yesterday—'Blink.' Try it again."
I nodded and attempted the skill. My mana, denser now, allowed for a more powerful burst of energy. I didn't vanish completely like her, but my speed was incredible—fast enough to catch a peak 1-star cultivator off guard.
I moved about a meter, but it drained approximately 25% of my mana. This skill was costly. I needed to become more proficient.
She nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Now let's try it in practice." Her smile was both creepy and beautiful.
She vanished and struck me with a light blow. Caught off guard, I used 'Blink' to retreat a meter, but before I could control the training swords, she was already in front of me, ready to strike again.
I blocked her more powerful strike, but I was sent flying backward. She gave me a few seconds between each strike, allowing me to attempt to manipulate the swords. I managed to get about four swords aimed at her.
My proficiency wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. She easily blocked every attack, sending the swords flying away as I lost control.
She smiled, then attacked much faster, landing a punch in my gut. I flew back, spitting saliva. "Shit, I can't breathe!"
She smiled. "Not bad, you're improving every day." "Damn it! If it weren't for the divine fruit enhancing my body, I'd be beaten to death by now."
This continued for a few hours. Other cultivators arrived for training and witnessed my beating. They got goosebumps, and rumors quickly spread throughout the castle. They whispered, "Isn't he the guy who was in her lap yesterday?"
Rumors spread that Clara already had a boyfriend, starting the day she was seen with a boy in her lap.
Most people were shocked, and some were heartbroken. Clara rarely interacted with men unless it was for her duties. Given her beauty and strength, she was popular in the kingdom. Many didn't believe the rumors, but as more people believed them, the rumors seemed to gain traction. Clara ignored the rumors, which only fueled the speculation.
After more beatings, my efficiency improved. She gave me a break and stared intently.
She facepalmed herself. "How could I be so stupid? What's your name again? It's a shame I don't know my disciple's name!"
Realizing I hadn't told her, I smiled. "Marquel. How could you not know your disciple's name?" I said dramatically.
She chuckled, then leaned in close, her proximity drawing the attention of others. Confusion washed over my face. Why were they staring?
Noticing my reaction, Clara became more intimate, clinging to my shoulder and resting her face on mine. The people at the training ground watched with hostility and jealousy.
Surprised by her closeness, I tried to push her away, but she subtly suppressed me with her powers.
She smiled. "Don't you know about the rumors already?" Her smile was both mesmerizing and intimidating.
"What rumors?" I asked, curious.
"Everyone here thinks we're dating," she said sweetly, a hint of amusement in her voice.
My face fell. I tried to push her away. What the fuck? Is this girl crazy?
As I tried to push her away, she restrained me further and whispered in my ear, but from another perspective, it looked like she was kissing my cheek. Jealous onlookers stormed out of the training grounds in a foul mood.
Shit, shit?! They would target and beat me up if this spread.
She continued to make it look like the kiss lasted a long time; my face flushed, and her breath on my ear made me uncomfortable.
"Don't worry about it; it's fine," she whispered, reveling in my pale face.
I tried to speak, but she restrained me again. With most people leaving due to jealousy, she finally released me. The remaining people were focused on training or unconcerned.
She smiled, enjoying my annoyance. My temples throbbed. I summoned and manipulated thirteen swords, needing an outlet for my anger. My control was much better than before.
She seemed to relish the challenge. "Angry, are we? But with your strength, you'll have to do much better than that."
She blocked each sword with precision. My annoyance grew. This woman! I'll make you pay once I'm stronger, I muttered.
Within minutes, my qi and mana drained rapidly. In minutes more, all my swords dropped, and my qi completely dissipated. She showed no mercy and gave me another gut punch.