RISE OF THE MARTIAL GOD

Even Leo was surprised by Kaiser's abrupt offer, same with those watching over him from inside the house.

"He wants to help someone who tried to kill him do something impossible like revival?" Someone from among the crowd said in disbelief.

"He must be really desperate to do this." Amber whispered, looking at the duo.

"Of course, he's desperate. That's his soul shards we're talking about here. With the dragon clan's means, killing him using the soul shards is a piece of cake. Why won't he be anxious to get them back?" Yang Yang whispered, stroking his jaw.

"Thank goodness I don't have someone as stupid as Rona as my sibling. She single handedly destroyed the lives of her two brothers. How could she even let another person find out her brother had weapons where he engraved his soul shards on talk more of giving it to someone or bringing it out where others can touch it? A pretty face, nice physique, and good martial skills, yet her head is empty." Someone said loudly, making Rona bite her lips.

"Genius my ass. She only got that far because Kaiser was helping her cultivate. She's useless, a stain to the patriarch's branch. Their useless first brother could even tame the daggers and carried himself with dignity. But she's simply like poo on a block of gold. All those privileges are wasted on her."

"Some people even said she was hitting on Leo. She probably did it because she wanted to get in his good books."

"She's shameless, lusting after her cousin like that. To the extent that she was willing to kill her brothers for him. How can such a disgrace exist in the dragon clan?"

"Could she have known they wanted to send her first brother to the perilous lands instead of the city of kings? Even if many people in the clan knew and kept quiet, she should have considered Kaiser's feelings."

"That's right. She's so close to Leo. It's impossible that she didn't know the real plan."

Rona felt like shouting and defending herself, but she knew that doing that will make her seem to be even more of a joke to everyone. She could only clench her fists and keep a stoic expression, especially since Kaiser pretended to be deaf to their words, even with his super enhanced hearing. It can only mean that he secretly agreed with their criticisms.

Leo smirked as he watched the serious expression on Kaiser's face. The Kaiser he knew was arrogant and unforgiving—he would have killed uncle James for merely disrespecting him. But he was actually letting him go, and would even heal him of the poison which everyone thought had no cure; instead of killing him. It was not like Kaiser to lower his head at all or compromise. This can only mean he was at the end of his rope. It seems that even the almighty Kaiser cannot remain unshaken in the face of possible death. And most importantly, he was keeping quiet as people threw shades on Rona. Kaiser was super protective of his little sister, letting her do as she pleased, spoiling her and even bullying others for her sake. In the past, he would always forgive her without waiting for her to apologize and still give her generous allowances while agreeing to even the most ridiculous and unreasonable request she might have. His motto had always been, only I can bully or discipline my sister, no one else. Everyone knew that offending Rona was equivalent to incurring a broken arm once Kaiser came for retaliation. But he was actually ignoring the harsh words of criticism the crowd was pouring on her. This can only mean that he was truly offended and frustrated with her. Even after punishing her to kneel all night, he was still furious.

"Lord Kaiser, I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have any item that belongs to you. As for uncle James, if you have a method to heal him but keep silent, that will be a crime against the clan." Leo whispered with a calm smile on his face.

"Is that so? I seem to remember that a certain someone killed his fellow clansman. Leo, give me back the items and name your price." Kaiser said again looking impatient.

"Big brother, this desperation doesn't suit you at all. How can the arrogant genius who looks down on everyone act like this and grovel like a dog? I don't have whatever it is you're asking for. If you're done, you can leave. I have things to do." Leo replied rudely, finally doing away with the façade.

"This… Leo will not no matter what Kaiser offers him in exchange. After all, once Kaiser is dead, he can easily get those things." Lord Frost whispered, making others nod in agreement.

"Brent and the rest of you must think that since you have weapons engraved with my soul shards, I will turn into a pig on the chopping block. You just refused a toast, and I will make sure you will drink the forfeit. Are you sure this is your final answer?" Kaiser asked coldly, his eyes piercing through Leo's.

"I said I don't know what you are talking about. How can I provide something I don't have?"

"Having my soul shards is not the problem, can you use it to kill me? Are you sure it won't turn to a useless chess piece in your hands? My life must be really precious considering how many people were sacrificed to pave the way, including uncle James here. Are the elders council and your brother that scared of me? Because they feel like my talent intimidates them, and I won't be controlled, so death is the only option? The next time another genius emerges from the clan, will the greedy elders who don't want to pass power to the rightful owners or hand over to the younger generation kill that one too? Who will be the next person because it sure as hell won't stop with us? The moment anyone shows talent, he turns to the enemy. Or is it that geniuses are only allowed to come from your branch of the family? Brent feels like he can't successfully steal the heir's position as long as I'm still here, is that it? He's so desperate to get something that's not rightfully his that he has sacrificed hundreds of people and will continue to do so in the future to keep his ill gotten power. Is such a person with the conscience of a dog worthy to lead the dragon clan? Such a lowly and talentless animal will only lead the dragon clan to decline and certain ruination. And the power and wealth he so wants to get using the position will be gone forever because of mismanagement. If another branch takes the lead, especially Brent, the dragon clan will decline. Mark my words."

"Stop throwing dirt on others!" Leo shouted, stepping forward.

"Rona, take out his finger, let's leave. He should drop that much if he wants my soul shard!" Kaiser ordered coldly, making everywhere to go silent.