Chapter 39: Honest

Upon hearing Rana's words, Iwao visibly showed a hint of astonishment. In the Land of the Five Kingdoms, several sects have a yearly test, and according to tradition, the top three in the test must participate in the Dragon Gate Assembly. The Dragon Gate Assembly is where the top talents of several major sects gather to compete! During the assembly, many treasures are wagered in the contests. The strong remain strong. The weak remain weak. Over the years, this tradition has been upheld. In this upcoming Dragon Gate Assembly, Rana will be facing Julio from the Wind Sword Sect! Naturally, Rana had heard about the animosity between Julio and Iwao, which prompted her to inquire before leaving. "As long as you defeat him normally," Iwao slowly raised his head, and a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes, "The next time we meet, I'll personally sever his head. Blood debts must be repaid with blood!" "Understood." Rana didn't dally, she turned and walked out of the room, disappearing into the vast night. Iwao closed the door and went straight to the training room to practice. The next day. Another piece of news broke out. Benny was ambushed on his way back to the sect. The scene was extremely tragic! A punch shattered his face, crushing his skull! How powerful must that punch have been to cause such devastation? After a thorough investigation by the Outer Sect Elders, it was concluded that both Benny and Elod died at the hands of one person! Whether that person was a disciple of the Fiery Fire Sect was hard to say. No one in the Outer Sect possessed such formidable strength! And the Inner Sect Disciples were few, mostly busy with their cultivation and rarely seen. Who would target two insignificant Outer Sect Disciples? The only witness was directly knocked out by a punch that night and didn't come to his senses until half an hour later. So, he was clueless. Once again, this matter ended unresolved. On this day, no one came to provoke Iwao in his courtyard. Everyone felt suspicious. Could it be that Iwao was involved? Both Benny and Elod were the most provocative! They stood outside the courtyard and insulted everyone, unbearable to anyone. If it was Iwao, why didn't he accept the challenge and instead ambush them at night? No one could explain it! "Iwao, are you in there?" Magar knocked on Iwao's courtyard door. Shortly after, Tammy came out to open the door, "Oh, it's Elder Sexton. My brother is in his room practicing diligently. Is there something you need?" "I... have some matters to discuss with him." Magar smiled and walked in. "Elder Sexton, please have a seat. I'll go get him." Tammy offered Magar a cup of tea and then knocked on Iwao's door. "Elder Sexton is here?" Iwao came out from inside, a hint of surprise evident in his eyes. "Come, have a seat." Magar smiled bitterly, took a sip of tea, and said, "These past few days, Elod and Benny were ambushed and killed in the city. Was it you?" "Elder Sexton, you can't wrong an innocent person!" Iwao looked surprised, "I've been practicing in my room all this time and haven't paid attention to these matters. Even Benny was killed?" Perhaps Iwao's acting skills were just too convincing, leaving Magar momentarily stunned. Could it be that I misunderstood him? Magar furrowed his brows, carefully pondering the events leading up to this. Elod and Benny had no prior connection before this incident, their only interaction being the heated exchange outside Iwao's courtyard. Yet, they were the ones who ended up dead. It was inevitable to cast suspicion on Iwao. "Elder Sexton, you know me well. I've always been cautious and rarely dare to offend others. Besides, I am kind-hearted. How could I possibly ambush someone in the middle of the night?" Iwao's expression was pained and sincere, "Your suspicion weighs heavily on me." Tammy nodded beside him, "Yes, Elder Sexton. I know my brother's character best. He's completely focused on his cultivation and wouldn't stir up trouble on his own. Perhaps, there's someone else behind these killings?" "I've considered that too, but why specifically them?" Magar sighed, "It's too coincidental. I couldn't help but suspect Iwao." "I stayed indoors not because I couldn't handle them, but because I didn't want trouble." Iwao declared solemnly, "Elder Sexton, think about it. I'm someone who avoids trouble. Why would I go out of my way to ambush them in the dead of night? It's not my style!" "That's true." Magar nodded slightly, acknowledging Iwao's words. "Sigh, all I can say is, good and evil will eventually be repaid!" Iwao took a sip of tea, his voice filled with melancholy, "A kind-hearted person like me frequently being bullied, even heaven can't bear to watch." Magar's expression changed. If these words came from anyone else, it would be fine, but coming from Iwao, it felt strange. You... kind-hearted? Back then, in the arena, you didn't hesitate to kill Arata and Raman! Someone who kills without blinking, talking about kindness... Hmm, indeed, it felt very off. After leaving Iwao's courtyard, Magar's head was spinning, filled with those few words — "kindness", "cautiousness", "purity and integrity", and "simple and honest". Perhaps, I misjudged him? Is he a kind person at heart? Magar pondered deeply as he walked further away. ... ... The location for the Dragon Gate Assembly this time was in the Syton Kingdom. During this time, both inside and outside the Fiery Fire Sect, discussions about this event were fervent. After all, the Dragon Gate Assembly represented the face of the sect! Which side's top talent was the strongest would determine the future. As disciples of the Fiery Fire Sect, they were accustomed to the feeling of victory. This time would be no different. "Did you hear? The first battle is Senior Rana against Julio!" "I heard. It was a complete domination from start to finish!" "Julio reached the Seventh Level of Earth Spirit Realm, extremely powerful. But under Senior Rana's hands, he couldn't put up much resistance at all. Senior Rana truly lives up to being the pride of our Fiery Fire Sect, the top talent of the Land of the Five Kingdoms!" "I was there today. I don't know why Senior Rana went so hard. She directly broke Julio's limbs in the arena, the screams echoing through the skies. I can't forget it even now!" "At that moment, Mateo's face turned green!" "Hahaha, satisfying!" Numerous Outer Sect Disciples gathered together, discussing the matter. Though Iwao remained in his courtyard, he still heard everything. He couldn't help but smile bitterly. He had specifically instructed Rana to treat it as a normal fight. But she ended up venting her anger so fiercely! If it wasn't for him, Rana wouldn't have had a reason to be so ruthless. This was simply creating enmity for no reason!