Chapter 23
C23 – Jiaang Guangran’s Counterattack!
“What are you standing around for? Get moving and attack! He’s only using a firewall, and after being cornered in a small place like Thundery Castle, he can’t be more than a High Level Mage!”
“He’s nothing but a dog kicked out of the Imperial City. What’s there to fear?!”
At Jiaang Guangran’s command, the guards gritted their teeth and charged forward, while the mages from the Earl Mansion effortlessly conjured protective shields and began chanting offensive spells.
“Hmph.”
Choo Qin let out a scornful snort.
Soon, you’ll understand what there is to fear about me.
A subtle breeze began to stir, presenting a formidable resistance to the advancing guards, who found themselves utterly unable to draw any closer to him.
“Guard services for one thousand, ten thousand gold coins for a minor merchant, and one main estate for a Great Merchant or noble. Magicians must pay Devil Stones according to their Rank!”
“Anyone eager for a fight, I’m ready when you are. Just remember, the welcome fee doubles!”
With a light exclamation, the once gentle breeze turned fierce, pinning all the guards to the ground, their joints rendered powerless.
With a crisp “crack,” they were immobilized.
“No-talisman Spellcasting?”
By now, the more observant onlookers had recognized Choo Qin’s spellwork. His mastery over the Wind Element was impeccable, and he hadn’t even resorted to using runes.
The nobles began to buzz with worry and confusion.
“Impossible! Wasn’t he labeled a Loser Royal Highness? A High Level Mage capable of No-talisman Spellcasting is on par with a Sorcerer!”
“What do we do now? Are we actually going to pay this so-called welcome fee? I’ve never heard of such a thing before. He’s clearly a noble, yet he’s acting like a bandit.”
“Humph, no need to worry. What does it matter if he’s skilled in No-talisman Spellcasting? This is the Rain Listening Pavilion, the Jiaang family’s territory. With such an incident, do you really think the Earl Mansion won’t dispatch a couple of Sorcerers?” an official-looking person offered analytically.
After this reasoning, the merchants’ anxiety began to subside once more.
Indeed, this was the Rain Listening Pavilion, located within Long Song City. Surely, if this Loser Royal Highness kept up his antics, someone would step in to discipline him eventually.
Yet, some of the more faint-hearted individuals couldn’t help but retreat a couple of steps, uncertain of what madness Choo Qin might unleash before the heavy hitters arrived to save the day.
”Continue the assault!” Jiaang Guangran commanded, undeterred by the guards’ failed attempt.
“All you mages, the Earl Mansion has been supporting you, not for you to be idle spectators! He’s just one man; you can wear him down with your magic until his mana runs dry!”
“Today, anyone who captures him will be honored as a lifetime patron of the Earl Mansion!”
While speaking, Jiaang Guangran opened a box-like object and retrieved a blue card.
“Blue Dragon Surge! A High Level Rune Card! Who would have thought Jiaang Guangran would resort to such a powerful asset?”
“Now we’ve got him. Everyone, attack together and deplete his mana.”
The blue card was gradually activated, and astonishingly, a water dragon emerged from the void, lunging straight for Choo Qin!
”Enough noise!” Choo Qin shook his head in annoyance. Jiaang Guangran was truly a nuisance, interfering with his lucrative plans.
“A mere water dragon?”
With an outstretched finger, an icy mist began to form, and he pointed directly at the head of the advancing water dragon.
A flash of frost passed, and the water dragon visibly solidified, its form encased in ice as the chill rapidly spread to its tail, icing over the path it had taken.
Ultimately, the frost enveloped more than half of Jiaang Guangran’s body!