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Chapter 34 - Trouble

Finn studied the group of young men in front of him. His brows furrowed slightly when he realized the one leading them was a 2nd Level Scarlet Gold Rank—someone as strong as Alaric, the assassin he'd once fought and decapitated.

As their eyes met, the young man Finn had spoken to earlier quietly slipped away. He clearly knew this group—and he was certain they were bringing trouble.

Despite feeling the obvious hostility from the five Core Members, Finn smiled politely.

"In that case, I'm truly grateful for your kindness," he said. "May I know your name?"

The four men standing behind their leader sneered as soon as Finn spoke. Even the bystanders looked confused by the scene unfolding before them.

"Todd Lilytel? What are they doing here? Their quarters are much bigger and more comfortable. Why waste their time in this place meant for ordinary Core Members?"

They were right. This housing area was assigned to Core Members from common clans. Those who came from Aristocrat and Noble Clans lived separately, enjoying large and lavish residences—just one of many privileges the nobility received.

"You're new, so you wouldn't know me," said the young man with a cold smile. "I am Todd Lilytel, from the Lightning Wind Family. I'm the cousin of Lore Lilytel—the strongest Core Member in the entire Cloud Soaring Sect."

A few bystanders clicked their tongues at Todd's arrogance. But no one dared challenge him. He did have the right to be proud: he belonged to the most powerful Noble Clan, and he had Lore Lilytel's backing.

Finn kept his expression calm. "It's an honor to meet you, Mister Todd. May I buy your spare map? I'll pay you."

He still didn't know exactly what Todd wanted, but it didn't matter—as long as it didn't push him past his limit.

"You're in such a hurry, Finn Doria." Todd's smile widened. "How about this—I'll give you the map for free."

He locked eyes with Finn, his voice dropping to something almost mocking.

"But first… you'll have to beat me in a duel."

Gasps and murmurs erupted among the bystanders.

"A 2nd Level Scarlet Gold Rank… challenging a 9th Level Gold Rank? Is this some kind of joke?"

L

"He's also three years older than the newcomer. This is blatant bullying. But… this sort of thing happens all the time in the Core Division."

"If you all want to keep living peacefully, you'd better stay quiet," a girl whispered nervously to the crowd. "If they hear you, you'll be next."

While the others whispered, Finn's expression remained perfectly calm. He slowly shook his head.

"Mister Todd, I'm far too weak to face you. I'm sorry, but I must decline."

He gave Todd's group a small, courteous smile and turned to leave.

But Todd's voice rang out again—this time with no trace of amusement.

"I'm the only one who can help you. I'm the only one with a spare map. So here's my offer—I'll suppress my strength to match your 9th Level Gold Rank. Does that satisfy you?"

Many of the onlookers grimaced. Even if Todd lowered his cultivation level, he was still a Scarlet Gold Rank cultivator, with far more skills and experience.

Todd swept his gaze over the watching crowd. With just one glance, everyone understood—he was warning them not to interfere.

Finn felt the threat clearly. His expression grew cold.

He had no idea why Todd had singled him out, but this had gone far enough.

He'd tried so hard to avoid trouble… yet here it was, walking straight to him.

He met Todd's gaze, voice steady and serious.

"I don't know what I've done to offend you, but can you just leave me alone? I came here for a quiet, peaceful life. Don't push me any further. Because if you do… you'll regret it."

Everyone fell silent.

No one had expected Finn to stand up to Todd's bullying so directly.

"Hmph… looks like this will be an entertaining show," someone whispered under their breath.

The hush broke when Todd threw his head back in loud, mocking laughter. Tears gathered at the corners of his eyes as he wiped them away.

"Thank you," Todd said, his smile returning, "you've truly made my day with your little speech."

He leaned closer, his gaze sharp and scornful.

"Did you forget? You spoke to Miss Ashe the other day. That alone was enough to infuriate my cousin Lore. He didn't teach you a lesson himself because he didn't want Ashe to think poorly of him. But I… I don't care what anyone thinks. And now that I've heard you threaten me, you've given me all the reason I need to make an example of you."

'So that's all this is about?' Finn thought, exasperated. 'Hmph!'

The spectators began to understand what was happening. Everyone knew Lore has feelings for Ashe—feelings she'd rejected time and time again. It was no secret he'd joined the Cloud Soaring Sect just to stay close to her.

"So you're giving me a reason to start a fight. What of it?" Finn said flatly. "Why do I need to justify myself to you?"

"Like I said," Todd snapped, "I do whatever I want. So—are you going to keep playing the coward, or will you accept my challenge?"

Tension crackled between them as the crowd murmured. But the low voices went quiet when another group of young men approached Finn's side.

"Hmph. Todd Lilytel… you really are shameless," said the newcomer, his voice edged with scorn. "You're older, stronger, higher-ranked—and you still want to bully a newcomer? If you need to pick a fight, why not fight me instead?"

He turned to Finn and gave a respectful bow.

"Young Master Finn, I am Leo Reeve, second son of Augustus Reeve, head of the Golden Lion Family. I'm here to offer my support."

The crowd's eyes widened. Everyone knew Leo—he was just as famous as Todd in the Core Division. Even though he was "only" a 1st Level Scarlet Gold Rank, his talent allowed him to rival Todd easily.

"Leo Reeve!" Todd growled. "Stay out of this! And why are you defending him?"

"The Golden Lion Family and the Azure Wood Family are allies," Leo said calmly. "It's only natural for us to protect each other. If you're determined to teach Young Master Finn a lesson… you'll have to go through me first."

Many Core Members nodded. They'd heard rumors of this alliance but hadn't paid much attention—until now.

"But your clan is merely an Aristocrat Clan," Todd sneered, "while the Azure Wood Family is just a common clan. Why show him such respect? Has the Golden Lion Family grown weak?"

"That's none of your concern," Leo shot back coldly. "So—are you going to fight me or not?"

Three days earlier, Leo had received a letter and a package of rare treasures from his father—sent by Lightning Sparrow, a small Vicious Beast used for delivering messages swiftly. When he'd read the letter, he'd been shocked to learn the treasures came from Finn's generosity toward their clan. It was thanks to that gift he had managed to advance so quickly.

"Leave now, Leo Reeve," Todd snarled. "Your family can't compete with the Lightning Wind Family. Know your place."

Leo burst into laughter. He looked at Todd with disdain.

"You're right. We can't rival the Lightning Wind Family. But don't be ridiculous—do you think your entire clan will bother interfering in this petty squabble? And you… you're just one of the thousands of ordinary members. You think you matter that much?"

Todd's face darkened. His hand went to his interspatial ring. His companions bristled, drawing their weapons. Leo's men did the same, ready to defend him.

Leo remained perfectly calm. He lifted his head—and unleashed his aura.

Everyone nearby gasped at the sudden surge of soulforce.

"3rd Level Scarlet Gold Rank?!" Todd choked out, eyes wide. "That's impossible! You were only 1st Level a few days ago!"

If he couldn't outmatch Leo before, what hope did he have now?

"I got lucky," Leo said with a small smile. "So—do you still want to fight me?"

The "luck" he spoke of, of course, was the trove of treasures Finn had given. With his talent, it had taken Leo only days to absorb them and ascend to a new level.

Todd's face twisted with frustration.

"Hmph! This isn't over, Leo. And you—Finn Doria—don't think you can hide behind others forever. One day, I'll teach you your place!"

Finn just smiled faintly.

'You're wrong, he thought. Because soon enough… I'll show you exactly how wide the gap between us truly is.'

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