Sign-In System: Starting With Invincible Physique

Chapter 275: Chapter 275: A Calculated Risk

Chapter 275: A Calculated Risk

"What did you just say?"

The Vaelstrum elder’s face twisted with pure rage.

BOOM—!!!

His aura erupted without warning, expanding outward and crushing down upon the surrounding street.

The overwhelming pressure of an early-stage Domain Master Realm expert swept through the crowd, forcing the weaker cultivators to drop to their knees in panic.

As an exalted Domain Master and a high-ranking elder of the Vaelstrum Clan, he was used to being treated like royalty wherever he went.

To be publicly told to "get lost" was a humiliation he simply could not stomach.

"You dare speak to me like that?" the Vaelstrum elder roared, "I am a Domain Master of the Vaelstrum Clan! On what grounds are we blacklisted?!"

The Domain Master guard standing in the doorway didn’t flinch.

"On the grounds that these are the direct orders from our superiors," the guard replied coldly. "The Celestial Elixir Pavilion does not welcome anyone bearing the Vaelstrum crest. That is the rule. Now, for the last time, back away, or we will enforce that rule with violence."

Just as the furious elder could escalate the confrontation, a burst of loud, mocking laughter erupted from the entrance.

"Hahaha! Did you go deaf in your old age?"

The elder snapped his head toward the voice.

Standing just inside the lavish hall, holding a beautifully carved jade box containing a flawless Epic-Grade pill, was the leading elder of the Nebula Sword Sect.

His face was plastered with a thoroughly smug, gloating sneer.

"He said you’re blacklisted," the Nebula Sword Sect elder mocked loudly, ensuring the entire street heard him. "It seems the high-and-mighty Vaelstrum Clan isn’t welcome everywhere after all! If I were you, I’d take his advice and scurry back to your estate before you actually get your legs broken. It would be quite embarrassing for a Domain Master to crawl home!"

The surrounding disciples of the Nebula Sword Sect joined in, pointing and laughing openly at their bitter rivals.

The Vaelstrum elder’s chest heaved.

His fists trembled with a rage so intense he was on the verge of spitting blood.

But his rational mind forced him to halt.

Celestial Elixir Pavilion was heavily guarded by two Domain Masters at the front door alone.

And he could sense an even stronger aura inside.

If he initiated a fight here, not only would he likely lose, but he would bring shame upon his clan.

"You will regret this," the Vaelstrum elder spat venomously, glaring daggers at the guard and the laughing Nebula Sword Sect members. "No one disrespects the Vaelstrum Clan in our own city and gets away with it!"

With a furious flick of his sleeve, the elder turned on his heel. "We are leaving!"

He and his retinue stormed away, their faces dark with humiliation.

Within minutes, the news of the confrontation spread through the commercial district like a blazing wildfire.

Celestial Elixir Pavilion had openly and unapologetically blacklisted one of the three foundational pillars of Valdris City in their own place.

The sheer arrogance and profound mystery surrounding Grandmaster Korryn reached a fever pitch.

-------------------

Meanwhile, inside the serene guest sector of the Valdris Royal Academy.

Beside him sat Seris, her beautiful face glowing with a sweet, relaxed smile as she listened to the ongoing conversation.

Liana sat across from her, quietly nodding along.

Joining them today was Elara Thunderwood, whom Rhain had specifically invited over.

Her highly intelligent blue eyes sparkled as she shared insights regarding the commercial layout of Valdris City.

The four of them had been casually chatting, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility amidst the brewing storm.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The sound of heavy footsteps approaching the courtyard broke the tranquility.

Rhain calmly set his teacup down on the stone table.

His dark grey eyes drifted toward the entrance just as the gates were pushed open.

Stepping into the courtyard was an imposing, heavily muscular man wrapped in dark robes.

His aura was deeply suppressed, but the underlying pressure of an 8th-level Domain Master was impossible to completely hide.

It was the Commander sent by Second Prince Arien.

Seris, Liana, and Elara immediately stopped talking, their expressions turning slightly wary at the arrival of the formidable powerhouse.

"Commander," Rhain greeted flatly, not bothering to stand up.

The muscular Commander walked forward, stopping a respectful distance from the stone table.

"Rhain," the Commander spoke, his gravelly, deep voice resonating in the quiet courtyard. "His Highness informed me of your intentions. He mentioned that you plan to leave the safety of the Valdris Royal Academy soon, and that you requested protection for this endeavor."

Liana’s emerald eyes widened in alarm. "Leave the Academy? Rhain, you can’t!"

Seris also frowned, her delicate hand instinctively reaching out to grasp his sleeve. "Husband, the Old Dean said his protection ends the moment you step outside these walls..."

Rhain gave the two girls a reassuring look before turning his calm gaze back to the Commander.

"That is correct," Rhain nodded, his expression completely serious. "If we are going to pull the Vaelstrum Clan to our side and completely dismantle Lucius’s power base in this city, manipulating them from behind these walls won’t be enough. I need to meet them personally."

The Commander gave a firm, approving nod. "His Highness agrees with your assessment. He has tasked me to accompany you and ensure your safety during this excursion."

Rhain leaned back in his chair, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

He looked the towering 8th-level Domain Master up and down.

"With all due respect, Commander," Rhain said, "I am currently the prime target of a Royal Decree. Emperor wants my head, and Lucius is undoubtedly frothing at the mouth for my blood. Are you absolutely certain that you alone are enough to stop the Royal Court’s assassins?"

The Commander let out a low, confident chuckle, crossing his thick, muscular arms over his broad chest.

"If we were anywhere else in the dynasty, you would be right to worry. But we are in Valdris City."

The Commander’s gaze hardened as he spoke about the laws of this city.

"The foundational treaties that established Valdris City two and a half millennia ago strictly forbid Imperial Family members from entering this territory indiscriminately with their private armies. Emperor cannot simply march a horde of Domain Masters into this city to hunt you down. If he tries, it would be viewed as an act of war by the all three major powers."

The Commander offered a fierce smirk.

"Any assassination attempt the Royal Court makes inside Valdris City will be severely limited in scope and numbers. They can only sneak in a handful of covert operatives. Against a limited strike team... an 8th-level Domain Master is more than enough to ensure they do not take a single step near you."

Rhain processed the tactical breakdown, his dark grey eyes narrowing slightly before a satisfied glimmer brushed past them.

The political barrier of Valdris City was indeed the perfect shield against brute imperial numbers.

"I see," Rhain nodded calmly, standing up from the stone table. "Then I will place my safety in your hands."

But inwardly, a chilling light flashed past his dark grey eyes.

Place his safety in the hands of Arien’s dog?

In his dreams.

He knew perfectly well that Arien was just as treacherous as Lucius.

If the situation turned sour, or if Arien decided that letting Rhain die was more politically advantageous, this commander would undoubtedly abandon him without a second thought.

But Rhain dared to step out of the protection of the Old Dean for one very specific reason.

Within his spatial ring, resting quietly among mountains of flawless pills and weapons, was something very important he had received from the System.

Spatial Void Shift Talisman.

An ultimate, life-saving trump card that could instantly tear through the fabric of space and teleport him anywhere within a 1,000-mile radius, bypassing all spatial lockdowns below the Mystic Grade.

He wasn’t entirely leaving his life in the hands of the Second Prince.

With the talisman in his possession, he had the confidence to roam within a safe range of the city.

If the 8th-level commander betrayed him, or if the Emperor’s assassins overwhelmed them, Rhain could simply activate the talisman and instantly teleport back into the impenetrable sanctuary of the Valdris Royal Academy.

Rhain turned his head to look at the beautiful, blue-eyed girl sitting across the table.

"Lady Elara," Rhain spoke with a sharp gaze.

Elara immediately sat up straighter, sensing the shift in his demeanor. "Yes, young master Rhain?"

"Sorry for the inconvenience," Rhain spoke with a smile. "But I am going to soon need your help."

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