CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: CITY LORD’S WARNING, TIME TO RELAX

The first light of dawn spilled gently across the horizon, bathing the Sanatan Flame Sect in a golden glow. The sect’s sprawling courtyards and elegant stone pavilions seemed almost ethereal beneath the morning light, the tall banners fluttering softly in the crisp breeze. The battle had ended two days ago, yet its memory still lingered faintly in the air. For now, however, peace reigned.

Disciples could be seen scattered around the sect grounds, their postures and expressions far more relaxed than usual. Some sat beneath the shade of ancient trees, chatting in hushed voices and laughing with relief. Others lay sprawled across grassy courtyards or within their chambers, finally catching up on much-needed rest. The sect, once filled with the tension of war, now carried an atmosphere of leisure and quiet healing.

Even the most diligent among them—Luo Chen and Wang Tian, known for their tireless devotion to training—were taking rare moments of ease. The two were perched lazily atop a broad tree branch, arms folded behind their heads, letting the breeze rock them like children in a cradle.

Under that tree, Shaurya rested on his couch. Not far away, Lin Shu and Elder Liya standing near the Sect Fountain. The water glittered beneath the morning light, throwing arcs of silver as it splashed into the pool. Shaurya’s gaze drifted to towards them, where Elder Liya and Lin Shu stood, chatting together. Their conversation was lighthearted, laughter echoing gently as though the weight of war had never touched them.

Shaurya’s eyes lingered on Lin Shu’s smile. At once, a memory surged into his mind—the moment when Lin Shu had confessed her feelings to him, back when he had died. His cheeks warmed, a faint flush spreading across his face. He covered his cheeks with his both hands.

Flustered, he quickly looked away, his eyes turning upward to the clear blue sky. His heart thumped erratically.

"Oh man. I am feeling weird in my heart. If I tell her that I know everything, then what will happen? I am sure she will blush and get embarrassed. No... no, no. It’s not the right time. I have to perfectly propose to her. Yeah, that’s it."

Just as his thoughts tangled, a familiar flicker of light appeared before him. A system window materialized, translucent and glowing.

System: Host. You had defeated the royal family. Your mission is also completed. You will soon get your rewards.

Shaurya stretched his arms lazily and answered aloud, his tone relaxed.

"It’s okay. Take your time. Right now, I just want to relax for a long while."

The stillness of the courtyard was suddenly broken by the faint sound of approaching footsteps. Shaurya’s ears twitched, but it was Wang Tian who reacted first. From his perch on the tree branch, Wang Tian cracked open his eyes and tilted his head toward the noise.

Emerging from the stone archway was the City Lord, accompanied by several subordinates. His robes were neat, but his face carried a heaviness of worry.

Shaurya immediately rose from the couch, brushing the dust from his robe, and stepped forward with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, City Lord. Long time no see."

The City Lord clasped his hands in greeting. "Thank you, Sect Leader Shaurya."

But Shaurya’s sharp eyes caught the tension clouding his guest’s features. His voice grew curious.

"Is there any problem, City Lord?"

The City Lord swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously. His eyes darted left and right before finally fixing on Shaurya.

"Well... I don’t know how to begin. It’s about your recent war against the Royal Family. You killed the Emperor, the Queen, and everyone else. Your actions have already spread across the dynasty."

Shaurya tilted his head slightly, his expression calm, though his eyes narrowed.

"Oh. It spread sooner than I expected."

The City Lord sighed, his worry deepening.

"It’s really a serious issue. Your image among people outside of Bluestone City is not good."

Shaurya exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting toward the horizon.

"Yeah. They may be afraid of me. After all, I destroyed the entire royal family."

But the City Lord shook his head gravely.

"It’s not that simple, Sect Leader Shaurya. They are not just afraid of you. Rumors have spread that you are connected to demons—that your sect practices demonic arts. Many people in this kingdom now believe you are a demon and evil yourself. Because you and your sect suddenly comes and shown this much power."

Shaurya froze for a moment, stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"What? Demon? Me? Are they mad or what?"

The City Lord trembled, his hands clasped tightly in front of him.

"Leader Shaurya, we believe in you. Your disciples believe in you. But we cannot stop the rumors, and they are spreading on a massive scale. Many righteous sects and even other kingdoms’ forces might attack you."

Shaurya’s expression hardened. His brows knitted together as he clenched his fists at his side.

"Are you sure? I don’t think they will do this."

The City Lord let out a long, weary breath.

"I want to hope so too... but you should take this matter more seriously. More than the Royal Family. Because this matter has spread across the entire dynasty. There are many forces that hate demons deeply, and they will come for you."

Shaurya lowered his head. His jaw tightened, teeth gritting in frustration. For a moment, silence hung in the courtyard. Then, unexpectedly, he lifted his head and began to laugh. The sound was sharp, almost mocking.

"So now I am an evil demon to them? What a joke. I am the one who killed real demons more than once! I am the one who saved the people of this kingdom with my own hands!"

The City Lord’s voice trembled with conflicted sincerity.

"But... this is only what we know. We understand you. But what about others? You cannot prove your innocence in front of everyone."

Before Shaurya could respond, two figures leaped down from the nearby tree—Wang Tian and Luo Chen. Their faces burned with indignation.

Wang Tian’s voice cut through the morning air, laced with fury.

"Our master doesn’t have to prove his innocence to anyone!"

Luo Chen added firmly, his tone unwavering.

"Yeah! Our master is innocent, and that’s it."

Shaurya’s lips curled into a half-smile, his eyes narrowing with resolve.

"Tsch. I don’t care what others think about me. Their job is to judge me, to spread rumors about me. But my job is to save people—not to collect some hero badge or righteous title from them. Let them do their job, and I will do mine. I don’t care about their opinions."

He slid his hands into his pockets, his gaze sharp, voice steady with conviction.

"Deep down in heart, everyone knows their reality. And my reality is... I am right. I am a hero. I am their savior. And that’s it."

The disciples who had gathered nearby listened in awe, eyes wide, hearts swelling with admiration. A chorus of cheers erupted around the courtyard, their voices ringing with loyalty.

Lin Shu and Elder Liya, drawn by the noise, stepped closer. Lin Shu’s eyes sparkled with emotion as she whispered with a soft smile,

"Your speech is amazing."

Shaurya glanced at her. His chest fluttered as warmth spread through him. He chuckled.

"Yeah. I know."

Elder Liya clasped her hands respectfully.

"For your concern, thank you, City Lord. But don’t worry—we can handle it."

Shaurya threw his head back and laughed, his confidence radiating like the morning sun.

"The so-called righteous organizations or sects—let them come! Why should I be afraid of anything when I’ve done nothing wrong?"

The City Lord studied the young leader before him, the firm posture, the eyes burning with unwavering belief. A sigh escaped him, followed by a faint smile.

"I believe in you. If you say so, then... okay. Just take care of yourself."

Shaurya softened his expression, nodding.

"Thank you, City Lord."

The older man inclined his head.

"Then I should take my leave."

Before he could turn away, Elder Wu stepped forward from the side, his tone cautious.

"Wait a minute."

Everyone’s attention shifted to him, confusion flickering in their eyes. Elder Wu spoke slowly.

"What will happen to this kingdom? The Emperor is dead. Who will be the new ruler?"

The City Lord’s face grew solemn.

"Well... the dynasty will decide this matter. And if I am correct, they’ve already chosen the new ruler. I’ve just heard that the new Emperor is... a different kind of man. Very powerful, but also of a joyful nature."

Shaurya folded his arms, thoughtful.

"Oh. I just hope he won’t cause any trouble for us."

Something suddenly clicked in his mind. His eyes sharpened as he turned back to the City Lord.

"City Lord, can you tell me—how many kingdoms or dynasties are there?"

The City Lord blinked, a little surprised by the question, but answered nonetheless.

"There are a hundred kingdoms under one dynasty. And in our continent, there are one hundred dynasties. I don’t know much about the other continents, but... I do know that the Central Continent is the strongest in this realm."

At these words, Luo Chen’s expression turned sharp, his gaze sinking with thought. Shaurya, too, was startled.

"Wow... so this dynasty is that big. What is this dynasty called?"

The City Lord’s voice carried weight.

"Azure Moon Dynasty."

Shaurya bowed slightly with a smile.

"Thank you, City Lord. I understand."

The man returned the bow.

"It is my pleasure, Leader Shaurya."

Then his eyes softened, and he asked hesitantly.

"Well... may I meet my daughter?"

Shaurya laughed lightly.

"Of course. Why would you need my permission? Meet her anytime you want."

The City Lord’s lips curved into a grateful smile. From the crowd, Xu Ran rushed forward, throwing her arms around him. He embraced her tightly, tears shining faintly in his eyes.

Shaurya watched the tender reunion from afar, his own lips curling into a gentle smile. The bond of father and daughter filled the courtyard with warmth, a rare moment of peace after so much chaos.

After a while, the City Lord finally departed with his subordinates, his expression lighter than before.

Shaurya stretched, reclining back onto his couch. Lin Shu approached him quietly, her gaze lingering with curiosity.

"So... what are you going to do?" she asked softly.

Shaurya smiled, his voice laced with ease.

"I am going to relax. For now, I don’t want to disturb my free time. I just want to relax."

Lin Shu chuckled, her laughter like the chime of a bell.

"You deserve it. After all, you worked very harder."

Shaurya suddenly stood, turning toward his disciples with a playful grin.

"Okay, everyone! No training for one week. Enjoy yourselves as much as you can during this time!"

For a moment, silence reigned. Then the disciples erupted in pure joy, their cheers echoing across the sect grounds.

Xiao Rui and Lee Bie threw their arms around each other, tears glistening in their eyes.

"Finally! One week of vacation!" Xiao Rui cried.

Lee Bie sniffled, wiping his eyes before grinning mischievously.

"Now I can try on gir—" He coughed violently, quickly correcting himself. "I mean... I can have fun! Yeah, fun and excitement!"

The courtyard roared with laughter.

Shaurya’s tone grew mock-serious.

"If you want to go down to the city, or anywhere else, then you are free to go. Just... return alive."

The laughter of the sect echoed joyously, the air alive with celebration. Some disciples were already planning trips to the city, while others simply rolled on the grass with childish freedom.

Among them, Wang Tian cast a quick sideways glance at Muo Qian, who was standing not far away. For once, his expression softened, his usual pride giving way to hesitation. Gathering courage, he raised an eyebrow and asked, his voice low but deliberate:

"Well... would you like to accompany me to the city?"

Muo Qian’s cheeks immediately flushed crimson. She fiddled with her sleeves before replying shyly,

"Ye—Yes. I love going out with you."

A faint blush spread across Wang Tian’s face as well. He quickly turned away, trying to hide it.

"Then... we will go after some time."

Muo Qian nodded eagerly, unable to suppress her smile.

Luo Chen, watching this from the side, let out a dramatic sigh.

"Seems like I’ll have to go alone..."

But before he could wallow further, a gentle tap fell on his shoulder. He turned to see Su Quan standing there, her gaze calm but her cheeks faintly red.

"If you don’t have any problem," she said softly, "then I can go with you."

Luo Chen’s heart skipped. His mind raced in confusion.

Wait... is she proposing me to go on a date?

His face turned scarlet, and he stammered,

"I don’t have any objection. I’d... love to go with you."

Su Quan’s lips curved into a soft smile, and her eyes shone with relief.

At that moment, Wang Tian and Muo Qian approached them. Wang Tian smirked.

"We’re all going to the city. So let’s go together. You two can come with us."

Both Luo Chen and Su Quan nodded. Luo Chen, trying to regain his composure, draped an arm over Wang Tian’s shoulder and teased,

"Just admit it—you’re missing me already."

Wang Tian’s face darkened with irritation. He grabbed Luo Chen by the collar, growling,

"Who would miss you, idiot?"

Their playful banter was interrupted by a cheerful voice.

"Can we join?"

They turned to see Lu Fang approaching with Jun Hua at his side. Jun Hua waved happily, her arm clinging tightly to Lu Fang’s.

Wang Tian frowned in confusion.

"What is she doing here?"

Lu Fang shrugged, completely unbothered.

"She also joined the sect."

Jun Hua grinned, hugging his arm tighter.

"Now I don’t have to be separated from Lu Fang."

Muo Qian and Su Quan exchanged warm smiles at the reunion, clearly happy for their friend.

Lu Fang clasped his hands behind his head and announced with a teasing grin,

"So let’s go—we’ll all be three couples."

His words hung in the air like a thunderbolt.

Except Lu Fang and Jun Hua. The other three froze, their faces instantly burning red. Even Lu Fang himself blinked in realization, quickly covering his mouth in embarrassment. But then, brushing it off with casual bravado, he added,

"Stop acting like I said something wrong. Accept it if you love someone."

The group blushed harder, unable to form a single word in reply. Finally, Wang Tian muttered,

"We must go now."

Everyone nodded hurriedly, their faces still hot, and together they set off, chatting awkwardly but happily.

From a distance, Lee Bie, Xiao Rui, Cheng Fang, and Zong Bu watched them leave. Their expressions were a strange mix of smiles and tears.

Lee Bie clenched his fists dramatically.

"I don’t know why, but I want to hit those three bastards very badly."

Xiao Rui groaned.

"They ruined my mood."

The other two nodded in unison, their faces sour with jealousy.

Cheng Fang, however, wiped at his eyes and straightened his posture with mock pride.

"Who cares? Don’t forget—we are members of the Single Mingle Organization. We can’t fall into those types of traps. We are happy being single."

The four of them raised their fists to the sky and shouted together,

"YEAHHHHH!"

But before their words could settle, a soft voice called out.

"Cheng Fang..."

The boys froze and turned. Xu Ran stood behind them, her cheeks red, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her robe. She inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, summoning courage.

"Cheng Fang, would you like to go out with me?"

Her words struck the group like lightning.

Xiao Rui immediately grabbed Cheng Fang by the collar, shaking him violently.

"When... when did this happen?"

Lee Bie roared in disbelief.

"You were doing this behind our backs?!"

Zong Bu jabbed a finger accusingly.

"You traitor!"

Xu Ran’s face grew even redder. Her voice wavered.

"Well... if you don’t like, then—"

Before she could finish, Cheng Fang caught her hand. His eyes sparkled with excitement, his voice smooth and gallant.

"When did I say I wouldn’t go out with you? Rejecting a beautiful lady like you... how could a gentleman like me ever do that? Let’s go."

Xu Ran’s eyes lit up, joy spilling across her face. She clasped his hand tightly, and together they ran off, laughing like children.

The other three stood frozen, jaws slack, as if struck to stone. The wind blew past them, their clothes fluttering while their minds went blank.

Not far away, Shaurya observed it all with amusement. Stretching leisurely, he chuckled.

"They’re all having fun. I guess... I should too."

He turned his head, his gaze locking onto Lin Shu, who had been standing quietly at his side.

"Let’s go with me," he said suddenly.

Lin Shu’s eyes widened. She flushed crimson, her voice stammering.

"What... what do you mean?"

Shaurya’s smile was relaxed but inviting.

"Everyone else is having fun. So why not us? You and me. Let’s spend some time together—these kinds of relaxing moments are rare."

Lin Shu’s lips parted slightly in shock. But as her heart fluttered, she nodded shyly, her face glowing red.

"You’re right."

Shaurya gently reached out and took her hand. She trembled but did not pull away. The warmth of his touch made her heart race as they walked away side by side.

From behind, Xiao Rui, Lee Bie, and Zong Bu watched in despair.

Lee Bie covered his face.

"I can’t watch this..."

Zong Bu muttered bitterly.

"Then don’t watch it."

Xiao Rui groaned.

"I can’t handle this. Seems like we’re going to remain single forever."

The three of them nodded in unison, their eyes misty with tears, their smiles filled with tragic acceptance.

Poor single boys.

Like all of us.

To be continued...