Later;

Back at Moonvilla, the sky was already beginning to dim into the soft hues of dusk by the time they had returned. Vanessa landed lightly in the courtyard, still holding Qin Wei by the arm. She didn't release him until they went past the battle maids and entered his residence.

Qin Wei tried to open his mouth, maybe to joke or maybe to calm her, but she silenced him with a stern look before he even spoke. He doesn't know why, but a worry crept into his heart, but rather for her more than himself. The girl seemed too stressed.

Vanessa then opened her mouth. "For the next few days, it's better not to leave the villa, Master Icarus," she said quietly as she summoned a Twilight Sparrow. With a note tied to its legs, it shot into the air and vanished like mist.

"I've sent word to the Lord," she added. "The House Griffin will take care of this matter."

Qin Wei stared at her in silence but only nodded in the end. Something told him that this won't be over just like that.

In all the novels he wrote and read, every time such a situation occurs against this powerful foe with a big ego, it always ends with an assassination attempt.

Every...

Single…

Damn…

Time.

The next morning - House Griffin Estate;

Qin Wei stepped off the carriage and walked alongside Vanessa as they entered the estate, answering the summons of Kaelan.

The guards at the gate didn't stop them; they bowed and led them directly toward the Elder Hall.

As they entered, a wave of spiritual pressure lightly brushed over Qin Wei, for whatever reason.

The Elder Hall was lit with glowing jade lanterns, and seated around the horseshoe table were Kaelan, a few senior elders, and, to Qin Wei's surprise, Duke Mikhael Fireheart and his son, Zion, were there in the mix.

He indeed expected to get summoned by his father-in-law, but didn't expect to meet these two again, so soon.

Qin Wei's eyes moved quickly over the faces. Some of the elders looked stern, others unreadable. Duke Mikhael's face was like stone, still, and quiet, but Zion Fireheart…

Instead of anger, he had a smile on his face. It wasn't this pleasant smile, but more like a smirk with amusement.

Suppressing his thoughts, Qin Wei stepped forward and performed a respectful bow. "Icarus Phoenix greets the House Lord. Elders."

Kaelan leaned forward but maintained an affectionate tone instead of an authoritative tone. "My dear son-in-law, you know why you were called here?"

"Eh?" Qin Wei was mildly taken aback by how he addressed him. It was the first time his father-in-law addressed him this way, and he didn't think they were that close. 'Is it because of the Talismans?' He could only wonder in his head and then opened his mouth, "Is it because of the incident in the market?"

Kaelan nodded. "Yes."

Qin Wei then straightened his back as he faced his father-in-law. "Back then, I wasn't aware that… the man I clashed with was Lord Zion. But even if I know it, I would still have confronted him." Taking a glance at the side, particularly at Mikhael Fireheart and his son, he added. "Not even the Emperor has the right to molest a woman against her wishes, and that too in public. If anything, it is disgusting and a shame on House Fireheart's ancestors. As someone born in nobility, it is my duty to uphold our values. That is what I did."

A faint flicker crossed the eyes of one elder. Another shifted slightly in his seat, feeling discomfort, listening to such words coming from someone known to be a lecherous trash.

The Duke of Dawnmere, however, didn't have any change in the expression, but Zion Fireheart's smirk vanished and was replaced by anger, although just for a moment.

Kaelan stared at his son-in-law for a moment, too, as if he was trying to see if there was any lie in Qin Wei's eyes. He then spoke aloud. "Whatever the reason behind your actions, you bear the name of the House Griffin now. And so, your offenses are ours to answer for."

Qin Wei remained bowed. "Understood, House Lord. I will accept any decision you make."

Taking a brief pause, Kaelan spoke again, "Qin Wei, we have already discussed this issue with Lord Fireheart. While the House Griffin fully intended to support your actions, in order to bury the matter between the House Griffin and the House Fireheart, a decision has been reached. You were given two options. One, kneel and ask for forgiveness, which I cannot accept. So, that leaves the second option. In three days, you will face Zion Fireheart in a fair duel."

Qin Wei's head snapped up, widening eyes. "Eh?"

But the House lord raised a hand, continuing with calm authority. "Because you lack a mana in your core, and Zion is a renowned Rank-7 warrior, we are placing a restriction that neither party will be allowed to use mana or spiritual techniques. It will be a contest of pure close-combat skill."

Qin Wei's brows furrowed at the suggestion. Just physical strength?

Before he could respond, Kaelan's gaze slid sideways, toward Duke Mikhael Fireheart. "Regardless of the outcome, House Fireheart has agreed that this matter will be resolved by the duel. There will be no repercussions following it. Is that correct?"

The Duke gave a short nod, with a poker face, "That is correct."

Zion Fireheart leaned back in his seat, still smiling, as he had already won.

But then, Qin Wei's gaze settled on Zion's face. That arrogant smirk, full of certainty and full of contempt, irked him more.

"Thank you for the arrangement," he said calmly as he turned his gaze back to his father-in-law, "but I would prefer to fight without any restrictions."

Kaelan blinked. "What…?"

Silence dropped like a blade at once.

Even the elders stirred. Mikhael's brow lifted in surprise. Zion was also momentarily caught off guard.

"You do realize the consequences of those words," Kaelan said carefully.

Qin Wei nodded once. "I do."

Kaelan shook his head, clearly not in favor of accepting his decision. "This isn't a decision made lightly, Icarus. It is not in any way to give you some advantage. This…"

"This is my fight, and this is my decision, Lord Griffin," Qin Wei interrupted gently, yet maintaining firmness in his decision. "I want no restrictions in the duel. If the House Lord wishes to put a restriction, then keep a restriction against borrowed weapons or artifacts."

Pfft "huahaha"

Across the room, a loud burst of laughter echoed, following his words. All heads turned as Duke Mikhael Fireheart stood, his broad shoulders shaking with amusement.

"I like your guts, kid," he said, eyes gleaming like a tiger entertained by a mouse with spirit. "Since the boy wants it unrestricted fight, let him have it. But nothing to worry, my son will hold back just enough not to kill him."

Kaelan's lips tightened. He turned a sharp look toward Qin Wei, worry now evident in his eyes. "What's wrong with this kid?" He couldn't help but wonder.

Qin Wei, however, seemed a bit firm.

It's not that he had the guts to make such a demand, but he had no other choice.

His techniques depend on his skills. And without those techniques, he is like a paper doll who will definitely die, because Zion Fireheart isn't a sorcerer but a warrior. There's no way he would be a match for someone who reached rank-7.

And the other reason was that: A holographic screen was flashing in front of his vision. On it, there was a quest.

Emergency Mission: Defy the Oppressor

Description: The House Fireheart seeks to use its authority to trample your dignity. Show them that strength is not inherited; it is proven.

Reward: Win: Secondary Bloodline: Eye of Truth, Lose: 500 credits

Qin Wei clenched his fists as he muttered under his breath. "Secondary Bloodline."

*

Later, in a private guest room of the House Griffin state, dimly lit by a bronze lantern, Zion leaned back on a cushioned chair with a goblet of wine in hand and a self-satisfied grin stretching across his face.

"That fool actually removed the restrictions himself," he chuckled, swirling the crimson liquid. "He's walking into his own grave. Does he think he can defeat me because he defeated a bunch of weaklings?"

At his side, a maid knelt obediently, refilling his cup with a shaky hand.

"Master," she said cautiously, "if he's confident enough to make such a demand… maybe he has some hidden strength. It might be wise to remain cautious…"

Smack.

His hand moved like a whip at once. Her cheek turned red instantly, and she collapsed onto the floor with a gasp.

"Cautious?" he sneered. "I need to be cautious… of that trash?"

The maid didn't respond. She picked up the wine jar again, bowed, and refilled his goblet with trembling fingers.

Zion reclined once more, taking a long sip as a satisfied sigh escaped his lips.

"I'm only forbidden to kill him. The House Griffin didn't say to spare him with his limbs. By the time I was done with him, that arrogant bastard will be disabled for the rest of his life." After a pause, a wicked smile appeared on his face. "How about I turn him impotent for good?"

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