RISE OF THE MARTIAL GOD

"Who dares to cause problems in my house?" An old voice roared, coming from the detached mansion at the edge of Brent's manor. It was Brent's uncle, a crazy recluse who preffered to stay in their family's sacred valley for cultivation, never coming out unless for serious matters. He was a legendary warrior who made mighty waves in his youth, before a tragedy made him lose interest in worldly affairs.

"Ah? Even uncle James is here. It seems that this is serious! They're not taking Leo's safety lightly. This time, it seems that Lord Kaiser has bitten off more than he can chew."

"Not necessarily. Lord Kaiser, that mad man beat up some elders yesterday in the elders council. When he discovered that the elders locked his brother in the perilous lands and sealed the portal to ensure that Kaiser couldn't cross over to rescue him, he went crazy. People who saw him yesterday said that he looked like a beast with golden and red eyes, killing people with his bare hands. It was the people who escorted him, his family's guards that tried to restrain him, if not, he would have reduced everything to rubles."

"He's really crazy. He dared to attack the elders, ignoring the clan's rules."

"I heard he wounded two and even insulted the old grand elder, saying he's only sparing him because of his grandfather status."

"The elders council won't forgive him easily this time."

Lord Frost smiled coldly.

"Does Lord Kaiser need anyone's forgiveness? They're the ones who should fear his retribution when he gets reckless."

Lord Frost's words immediately made everyone turn silent, cutting off their speculations.

"The elders council crossed the line first. They deceived them into believing it was the city of kings. Although it was a dangerous place, at least, the clan's top geniuses and elders also went there at a point during their training. And some people have returned alive— not everyone who went to the city of kings died. Even though his brother grew up outside, they didn't complain when the council insisted that he will go for some life experience. Only to lure Kaiser away with a bomb blast. And what did they do? The moment he left, they tricked his brother who doesn't know his way around the dragon clan into the perilous lands and used an evil technique to seal him in. Even if his brother was strong enough to return, the seal won't let him, ensuring he would get trapped in there till he dies from hunger or exhaustion. Or if he gets tired of waiting and decides to continue the journey, he will fall straight into the portal leading to hell. Everyone in the clan connived to push his family to the brink, of course, he won't take such betrayal lying low. When I heard about it last night, I actually thought he would engage in a massacre out of rage. But surprisingly, even though he was angry and beat up a few people, he was careful not to kill any of them. Considering Kaiser's temperament, that everyone is still alive is already a pretty good outcome we should be content with. If he really loses rationality, how many of the elders do you think can hold him off unscathed? It's best not to poke him anymore, lest he snaps and goes on a rampage."

Lord Frost's words made the spectators shut up. Those that wanted to create trouble no longer had the morale to continue, but others were still unconvinced.

"But even then, Lord Kaiser should have shown some respect because of their age."

"Did they show respect for the absentee patriarch when they schemed against his children? At least, they only have to deal with Kaiser. What would they have done if the patriarch suddenly returned yesterday?" Another person asked in the crowd.

"They brought it on themselves. Kaiser was always arrogant, making everyone hate him. His father is the current patriarch, yet he is still greedy enough to want the dragon clan's leadership to remain in his branch of the family. If it was Kaiser, many people wouldn't have too much to complain about because we all know he's powerful enough to lead as the next heir. But he actually wanted to support his brother who just returned to the clan. It makes sense that others want the leadership to move away from them. With Kaiser's arrogance, he would only keep getting more outrageous as he grows stronger."

"Is that enough reason to exterminate a branch of the dragon clan? Because he grows too fast and wouldn't be suppressed, should we then kill him to remove the threat? Even if Lord Kaiser is crazy, he won't kill a clansman. If there's an enemy attack, a hot headed person like him will definitely volunteer to defend the clan. Even if earth is peaceful and the people that can rival the dragon clan are few and far, there's still a possibility of unknown enemies showing up. That's why it's important for the geniuses of every clan to band together. Competing is good— it motivates people to strive to get better. But using underhanded methods is despicable. If you think Kaiser is arrogant, why don't you go challenge him and tell him to behave properly?" Lord Frost asked again, turning to face the crowd.

"How is that possible? Challenging Kaiser to a duel is equivalent to asking for death. Who is that stupid? Besides, it has been long since he went all out, no one knows how much that monster improved in the past few years." Someone said with a slight chuckle, dismissing the ridiculous advice.

"Exactly! He's that strong! His strength gives him the right to act like that. If you think it's unfair, do what he did. Besides, has Lord Kaiser ever attacked someone who didn't do something to rile him up? He only retaliates against people who attack him. How is that our business if some people have spare time to look for the sleeping tiger? Kaiser is busy enough as it is. He doesn't have time to casually find someone and bully. Besides, no one will take that lying down. If your brother was intentionally sent to the perilous lands where no one has ever returned alive from, since the beginning of its existence, are you going to smile and take it? Controlling someone like Kaiser is actually very easy, but the elders are doing it in a wrong way. Ignore him, and he will forget about your existence. A very simple thing. There are some of us Kaiser had never come to quarrel with even though we are also among the ranking list. As long as you don't attack him, how will he remember to attack you? But I'm afraid, the dragon clan has already made him see us, his brothers, as the enemy. Right now, Kaiser will never believe that some of us weren't in cahoots with the rest. To him, the rest of the clan banded together to attack his brother and himself. As for being our cousin, he has probably forgotten about that. It will be hard to convince him that not all of us knew about it." Another young genius ranking seventh on the list said, making every one turn around.

"Lord Yang Yang? When did you return? What about your elder brother, is he back from his expedition?" A young lady asked, stepping forward with shining eyes.

"Little sis, you've gotten so big. Unfortunately, he's not back. He didn't even tell us where he went." The young man with auburn hair said with a smile and then turned to Frost.

He gave him a slight bow and smiled.

"Senior brother Frost. In the short time since I met you, it seems that your ice moon snow song technique has improved again, your ice now has a calming feeling to it instead of the initial killing aura. It means that the dangerous aura has now converged inside, and your ice energy has been purified even more. I wonder if you truly have the ice dragon physique. In this clan, if there's someone with the potential to have a special physique, you and Lord Kaiser will definitely be among them. Comparison truly hurts."

"Brother Yang Yang, you flatter me. I'm afraid that I'm not that competent. I feel embarrassed that you actually think so highly of me. My talent is not worth mentioning. The dragon clan is full of geniuses, the hidden ones are the most extraordinary." Lord Frost quickly said, bowing to him.

"Brother Frost, you're always so humble."

"It seems I came late. What did I miss? Even the elusive dragon, Lord Frost, came to watch the show." Yang Yang said, going to stand beside Lord Frost. The sight of two men with conflicting auras standing side by side was quite breathtaking. Lord Frost with his ice cold energy, and little flakes of ice-snow floating around him. And Yang Yang with his fiery aura. It always seemed as if he had an fiery halo around him. Such contrasting auras somehow managed to blend perfectly, creating a strange sense of harmony.

"You didn't miss anything except the discussions between us cousins. The show just began. Our cousin Leo seemed to have annoyed Kaiser in some way."

"If Leo falls into a disadvantageous position, will you rescue him?" Yang Yang suddenly asked. Everyone around them immediately turned to Lord Frost, awaiting his response. His answer would exhibit the key factor in this upcoming battle. Any side he supports will have more stability.

He smiled and looked up at the sky.

"This is truly a question that kills."