In the Duke's Palace, the Duke is listening to the report of the spy he has planted in the Academy of Magic.

The Duke's eldest daughter has just been promoted to Assistant Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the youngest daughter is about to become the Imperial Princess, and now he is unmatched in both power and strength in the Empire. But now the Duke listened to the report of the spy with a solemn face. Contrary to his recent upward spiral, his current mood is completely walking on thin ice. Because he received a letter the other day.

Not what he received, to be exact, but what he picked up. The sender of the letter was Bishop Ronis, and the recipient of the letter was Cedros, the lord of Ofo. By a very coincidental chance, the duke's spy at the magic academy got an errand to deliver the letter, and he naturally delivered the letter to the duke first. When the Duke opened the letter, he was immediately shocked with his self-control and self-restraint.

Bishop Ronis wrote that the Duke had won the political struggle of the Empire, but that the man was too ambitious to seize the throne sooner or later. And if such a person really sits on the throne, it will be a threat to every country around him, so it is best to deal with him while he is just starting out. Ask Cedros to bring the Duke's previous correspondence with him and all evidence of his cooperation.

The friendship between the Duke and Cedros began only six or seven years ago. He didn't know much about the previous situation of the scholar, and he never expected that he and Bishop Ronis were old acquaintances. Judging from this letter, it seems that Bishop Ronis should have known that he was secretly assisting Cedros in establishing Oufu, but he never showed the slightest reaction, and the old man's scheming was so deep that the Duke sighed to himself. And now he has to strike first, and it will be almost a fatal blow as soon as he strikes.

Although Cedros is his friend, he is also a person who does great things, so the Duke knows very well that no friendship can never be better than a strong relationship. Cedros also knew what kind of person he was, and even he knew the words on the letter were not alarmist.

If the letter is delivered, the consequences will be absolutely unimaginable. Now he had to devote all his energy to how to deal with it.

However, Bishop Ronis is high and powerful, and the key is that the relationship between his prestige and status makes ordinary means completely ineffective, and in this case, the duke, who has always been steady, has to take risks. The Duke kept a careful eye around the Academy of Magic, keeping a close eye on the movements of Bishop Ronis and those associated with him, and he was waiting for an opportunity.

Coming out of the teleportation magic array in the royal capital, Asa didn't stop at all, and after inquiring about Clauvis's troops, it seemed that they hadn't returned yet, and immediately left the city.

After only three or four days and one night in the direction of Airy, Asa finally spotted the team of Rodhart and Crowvis's escort of prisoners at a post station. He didn't show up rashly, but quietly went to find Rodhart.

Rodhart, who was reading a book under the lamp, was surprised by his appearance. "You couldn't have come at a better time. I've never heard from the troops chasing after me, so I'm in a hurry. I didn't expect you to catch up alone. ”

"How's your situation here? Your senior brother didn't do anything to your fellow countrymen anymore, did he?"

Rodhart shook his head. "He's really kept us all in check, so there's no need to push me anymore. I didn't do anything unusual along the way, except for slowing down the group without a trace, and I wanted to make him think that I really had no way out and was at his mercy, so he relaxed his guard against me a lot. ”

Asa asked, "Have you discussed this with your fellow villagers?"

Rodhart was stunned, shook his head and replied: "This is impossible, no matter how relaxed he is, he will never give me this opportunity." Besides, how can I let other soldiers find out that I am talking to the prisoner who framed me? ”

"Then what are you going to do if you want me to catch up?"

Rodhart suppressed the already bottom-up voice and said, "Neither the officials of Airy nor the soldiers here know the details, they only know that they are going to bring the prisoner back to the royal capital for trial. So as long as I am led back to the royal capital instead of Clauvis, I have a way to solve this matter perfectly. He patted Assa's hand and said, "No matter what reason or method you use, as long as you can fish my senior brother out of the team alone and trap him for a while, at least half a day, of course, the longer the better." So I can take the team with me. ”

"It's that simple?" Asa frowned.

"It's not easy. How to transfer Crowis away is the most important question. He is a meticulous and clever person, and since he has the heart to guard against us, he will definitely not fall into our trap so easily. I haven't found a flaw in him until now....."

Asa just frowned and thought about it, and immediately nodded and smiled: "Okay, I'll let him leave the team tomorrow morning." ”

Instead, Rodhart was stunned. "Do you have a way?"

"Don't worry. I don't necessarily have no way to do what you find difficult. ”

"Then it's best at noon, when the team is far away from the inn, and you will lead him away, so that I can have a reason to continue with the group. ”

"Good. Asa suddenly remembered and said to Rodhart. "Since that guy is only on guard against you, you go and lure him away now, and I'll go see what happens to those who have been caught. ”

After thinking about it and seemingly hesitating, Rodhart nodded. "Okay. ”

Soon after, Assa, with the assistance of Rodhart, sneaked into the stables where the prisoners were being held. He easily knocked the guards unconscious, not worrying at all that they would report to Clauvis tomorrow. As long as the prisoner didn't run away, it didn't matter, and no one would take the initiative to report an inexplicable accident to a violent and cruel commander.

These Rodhart folks were thrilled to see Asa appear. However, to Asa's surprise, although they had not been in contact with Rodhart, they seemed to have figured out what was going on. Levine, the Hunter, was still alive, and it was he who told everyone else what had happened, and the discussion between them and the conversation with the guards brought the matter to a rough conclusion. Now listen to Asa tell them again, and they all understand what is going on.

"We've already discussed it, and we won't betray you two when we get to the royal capital. "Hunter Levine is blind and his whole body is no longer able to move, but he can still speak and hear. He is still the leader of the group. "Our lives were saved by the two of you, how can I betray you. We're very happy that little Rhodes is where he is today. Anyway, we will all die sooner or later if we fall into the hands of those dog officials, and we would rather kill ourselves than affect him. Just pity those children......"

Asa looked at the group of children next to him, some of them were less than ten years old, and some of them were not yet able to speak.

"They are too young to be sensible, and they may leak the news, and when we have to, we will ....." Hunter Levin's voice choked, his eyes were now just two hollows, but there was already a mother's tears beside him.

"No, I'm here to tell you that we're going to get you out. Rodhart will lead the party forward tomorrow at noon, and he will be able to rescue you as soon as he reaches the royal capital. ”

Asa didn't know what Rodhart could do, but since he said it, he would do it. He smiled at the children over there, patted them on the head, and whispered, "Just wait with confidence." ”

At noon the next day, Asa appeared at the front of the group as agreed with Rodhart.

He was surprised that Clauis appeared alone in front of him, and Rodhart naturally had to pretend to be surprised.

"Lord Priest, so fast?" said Clauvis, staring at Asa slowly. "Thank you for your care, and we came after us on purpose. I just wonder if the heretics of Airy have already settled it, and that's an errand that His Majesty the Emperor and the Bishop have given you......"

"It's been solved a long time ago. Asa stared back at him, the smile on his face full of mockery and confidence. "I'll go back to the royal capital for a few days. Do you want to know what I'm doing in the royal capital these days?"

"Lord Priest, you're so interested...... "Crowis's eyes narrowed, glancing over Asa. He was pretty sure that he had the advantage of the situation. He couldn't figure out where the smashy face in front of him was coming from. "I don't know what the priest did in the royal capital.....

"I'm with your wife. You know we've always had a good relationship. We've had a great time these days. Asa replied.

The expression on Crowvis's face froze.

The phrase is loud. Enough for most people in the line to hear clearly. Suddenly the crowd stirred.

There are not many things that are unclear among the nobles, but they have never heard of it when they dare to shout it so loudly to their faces. There were also several of Clauvis's retinues brought from the royal capital in the ranks.

Asa felt an inexplicable throbbing pain in his heart. Although his intention was to provoke Clauis and make him embarrassed. But when the words 'your wife' came out of my mouth, my chest was like a knife.

"You know what? She actually hates you a lot. Asa's voice grew louder and louder. "If it weren't for that bullshit last name in your family, would you think you deserve to marry him? ”

"If you think I've insulted you, if you're not convinced, I've chosen a place to solve our problems privately. Asa pointed to Crowvis. "Do you dare to come?"

Rodhart looked at Asa dumbfounded, he couldn't have imagined that Asa would use such a method. This is no longer a matter of using stratagem to compromise, but directly fighting to the death.

A few green tendons were jumping on Crowvis's forehead, and they were dancing so hard that they almost broke through the skin. A head of blonde hair without wind automatic. The soldiers were still looking at him just now, and now everyone dared to stop their eyes on him. But just as the anger on his face was about to burst his expression, he suddenly began to laugh, laughing more than wildly, as if he was crazy.

Then his laughter stopped abruptly. He nodded, "Okay." I accept your challenge. I'll go with you. ”

Clauvis turned to Rodhart and said, "Lord Rodhart, then, as you wish, the team will be completely handed over to you, and you will take them first." He smiled, and it was all hideous. "Take them with you quickly, don't let down the good intentions of the priest. ”

Rodhart met his gaze coldly, nodded, then looked at Asa and sighed. "Okay. ”

Clauis followed Asa out of the group. The team continued to move forward under the leadership of Rodhart, and after a while disappeared from sight.

Then there were only two left, and Clauvis followed Asa in the opposite direction. Neither of them said anything more along the way.

I don't know how long I walked. Reaching the junction of a meadow and a grove, Clauis stopped. "Here it is. You don't have to go far. Anyway, your purpose has been achieved. ”

Asa turned around and saw Clauis smiling. It seems that since he left the group, he has been wearing this expression on his face, which is very rare for him. Asa frowned and asked, "You seem to be happy?"

"Of course I was happy. for I can justifiably slaughter you with my own hands. Clauis was still laughing, smiling like a ferocious beast. His eyes were as sharp as a venomously hardened needle. "I don't bother to pay attention to that kid from Rodhart, just do what he wants. The Duke is holding these people to get you two to submit and contain Bishop Ronice by the way. This is perhaps indeed the greatest political interest of this matter...... But for me, it's nowhere near as enjoyable as killing you. There have been opportunities before, but the misfortune has made you run away. This time, you actually took the initiative to come up and provoke, and I have a legitimate reason to kill you. ”

"I won't forget how happy I was today because I was going to slaughter you with my own hands. Clauvis's hand rested on the hilt of his sword at his waist. "I know you're trying to stall for that kid. Rest assured. As a reward for your own door-to-door delivery, I'll let you get your wish. I promise to spend a whole day here slowly killing you. It's absolutely amazing, and you won't forget it until you go to hell. ”

"Haha...."Asa was also laughing. "You seem to have a chance......

But his laughter lasted only as soon as Clauis drew his sword.

Although Rodhart has always had a high opinion of Crowvis, Asa is not impressed. He has always believed that a person's ability can be seen from his personality and demeanor. The extraordinary broad-mindedness of the magnanimity is often the proof of outstanding ability. Like General Gru, like Sandru. And how tall can a narrow-minded, insidious and vicious villain like Clauis have?

Perhaps there was some truth in his judgment, but he had forgotten something very important. Clauvis is the head of the Holy Knights, the apprentice of Roland, the first swordsman of the Empire, and the successor to the position of the head of the Holy Knights in the future, and this position is by no means obtained by relying on family status and any conspiracy.

So it wasn't until Clauvis's hand waved and his body moved that Asa knew he was wrong, and he was very wrong.

Instead of a sword, Clauvis drew a great river. An impassioned river that seemed to come from heaven and condensed all the majesty for a hundred years, and then flowed eastward to the sea and never returned, drowned everything in front of it, and swept away the surging river that was twisted to the point of not being left at all.

He had seen such a surging river of sword qi and sword momentum before, and it was stabbed from behind one night in the royal capital. He also thought that the sneak attack was Duke Mrak.

But he was completely wrong, according to the duke's depth and cunning, even if he really wanted to kill someone, he would never do it himself anyway. If he had figured this out at the time, he would never have provoked so hastily this time. At least he had to take his weapon, and now he was empty-handed.

At that time, Clauis had only a shoddy sword at hand, but now it is the most convenient and suitable weapon that can exert the power of this blow.

But none of these are the most fatal, the most fatal is Asa's own mental laxity, which is more lethal than being unarmed and attacking with his back. The loss of vigilance and fighting spirit put him at an absolute disadvantage. He had no choice but to retreat.

The sword light in front of him was no longer a surging river wave, but had evolved into a tsunami rushing wildly with a shout, and he didn't even have time to turn around, he could only retreat, retreat, retreat again.

There are people who are mediocre everywhere else, but who have unparalleled talent in a single field, and Clauis is such a person. He is indeed narrow-minded and too scheming, and he can never be regarded as an outstanding talent, or even a very good person, but he is indeed a genius swordsman. As soon as he had a sword in his hand, his talents, vitality and soul that could not be used elsewhere could immediately burst out with brilliance.

As a top-notch swordsman, as long as he grasps the right moment, he will definitely kill his opponent as soon as he strikes. To fight the opponent or dismantle the moves, or even to only let the opponent suffer a little injury and not kill him, it is all the work of second- or third-rate swordsmen. Crowvis's first sword is a killer sword, a sword that determines victory or defeat.

Asa continued to retreat, as if the sword qi that could destroy everything was a foot in front of him, and as soon as his steps stopped, he could be completely devoured and torn to pieces.

He retreated into the woods behind him, and a tsunami of sword qi followed. The trees around him and behind him crumbled and shattered. His body seemed to be shrouded in an invisible but powerful lawnmower, and the trees seemed to be all as fragile as foam, shattering, blowing away, and flying as he retreated, and he forced himself out of the woods to exit a path. But in this way, the tsunami of sword light did not hinder him in the slightest, but got closer and closer to him.....

The sword qi was only half a foot away from him, his hair had begun to break, and his skin could already feel the pain before the tear.

You can't retreat again, and if you retreat, you can only die. Asa stood still, all his spirit and strength contracted together. With the high concentration of his spirit, the tsunami of sword qi was reduced to a sword in his eyes, and he condensed all the fighting spirit that could be condensed in the current situation, and grabbed the sword with both hands that was radiant and devastating.

Asa's fingers and palms could feel the speed, power, vibration, murderous aura emitted by the sword, and the sword aura was all integrated, as long as anyone who could feel this sword would have another feeling: there is nothing in this world that this sword cannot be broken.

But he did not pause, did not hesitate. If you are not sure, you have to pick it up, and catch the wrestling that is about to become his fighting spirit and the other party's murderous and sword energy, that is, the contest between strength and force, ** naked and desperate.

The air between the palm and the sword has been compressed to the extreme, and as long as there is contact again, it will be immediately clear who is alive and who is dead, who wins and who loses.

The sword is like a tsunami. Can a pair of bare hands be able to grasp the entire tsunami?

I don't know, because this sword qi tsunami suddenly disappeared, and he was gone, and he only caught a void. The sword suddenly and inexplicably tilted to the side and left its original track, so the incomparable sword momentum and sword qi disappeared from the sword. Like a great painting, all the previous brushwork and charm are perfect, but the last stroke suddenly scribbles like a child's graffiti, and all the subtlety is completely scrapped.

Although this earth-shattering sword suddenly gave up halfway, it was perhaps a more fatal change for Asa. The sword detached from its original orbit and trajectory, grazing past his outstretched hands and stabbing him into the throat, the tip of which was no more than two inches from his skin.

Asa was shocked, this change was too converted, too incredible. But even this shock was fatal, that sword lost its sword energy, but it still had speed and strength. Although there is no longer an overwhelming momentum, it is a deadly weapon after all.

In just this frightening moment, the tip of the sword had already broken through the epidermis of his throat, and it was about to cut into his throat and insert it into his cervical vertebrae......

In this case, there was no tactic or skill, only instinct, and Asa put his hand on the sword and slammed it outward, while his body twisted desperately to the side..... A puddle of blood erupted from his neck.

But Asa knew he had won, and the tip of his sword only slashed at his carotid artery and was pulled further and further by his fingers, bringing only the small flesh around the deadly vessel, which was not fatal. It was only then that he was able to distract himself, and he saw the face of Clauvis, who had been in front of him all along.

It was the face of a loser, angry, unwilling, and fearful. His sword had been pulled out, his sword momentum was old, his moves had been exhausted, and in this short blink of an eye, he had completely lost his combat power as a swordsman, and had completely failed.

Asa naturally would never give him a chance to put away his sword and form an offensive again, and the other hand had already caught his wrist holding the sword and exerted force.

For the first time, the sound of bones shattering sounded so pleasant.

The hand that had been withdrawn from the sword was clenched into a fist and slammed into Clauvis's chest. At the sound of dense bones shattering, he immediately flew upside down, floating in the air like a broken kite for some distance before falling to the ground.

Asa gasped for air, clutched his neck and used healing techniques to stop the bleeding, listening to his heart pound in his chest.

As long as the sword blade was a little more upside just now, he would be lying on the ground now. And the reason why he was able to pull away the blade of the sword was because the blade touched the ring that he had just gotten. Otherwise, the buffer time that Jianfeng had cut into his hastily unprotected finger might have been enough to slice his carotid artery.

Asa stepped forward, and Clauis lay on the ground motionless, blood pouring from his mouth and nose. Asa gasped, looked at him and shook his head and said, "It's not that I won, it's that you yourself lost." ”

If it was a hard encounter, Clauis would definitely have a much better chance of winning than Asa, and even if he lost in the end, he would never lose so completely, and Asa would never win intact.

Maybe it's because he wants to win with skill in an easy win, or maybe he's worried about seeing Assa's empty-handed sword. According to his judgment, it is true that Asa should not be able to completely remove the blade of the sword in the end, but the last moment is on the ring, which is indeed luck, but this luck comes from the choice he made.

is too accustomed to not solving things head-on, too obsessed with means, so when the last moment is a moment, I give up the hard encounter that despite the advantages and inevitable losses, I choose to take a shortcut.

If you want to win the easy and beautiful people, the result is often the most complete loss.

Clauvis still lay there motionless, and it was unknown whether he had fainted or died, or was seriously injured and dying. Although it is not a bad thing that someone like him seems to be dead. But if you go up and make up for it twice, it seems that Asa can't do it.

Remembering someone who said it, Asa said to Clauvis on the ground: "Character is everything. ”

The horses had already gone there, so Asa had to return to the royal capital after a five-day hike. Head straight to the Paladin's headquarters to find Rodhart.

When I passed through the square, I saw that there was a crowd of people, and it seemed that the execution was being carried out. The sound of the scythe falling and the severed head and neck, and the roar of the crowd, seemed to be a little unbearable, but still cruel pleasure prevailed. Asa didn't care.

The show ended, and the people who watched the excitement began to go back one after another. Hear the exclamations of the hilarious.

"There are a lot of people killed this time, and there are also children, which is really a bit miserable. ”

"But these mobs really deserve to be killed, and they even dare to kidnap and kill the minister. Or Lord Rodhart has a way, and the case that has not been solved for so long is closed in his hands, which is really remarkable. ”

"Of course, that's a hero. "There are admirers who are sighing. "But these mobs don't look so violent. If it weren't for the conclusive evidence, even the seal of the former minister would have been found, which would be unbelievable. It's ridiculous to hear that these mobs have also falsely accused Lord Rodhart and another priest of the Church as murderers......"

Asa jerked away from the crowd in front of him and rushed to the side of the execution ground.

The execution was over, and the executioner and his assistants were picking up more than a dozen heads from one place and putting them in their pockets, while the soldiers were carrying more than a dozen headless corpses to the wagon, presumably to be sent to Sandru.

The first thing Asa saw was a head with a deformed face and no eyes, and there were only two holes left where the eyes were originally located, so even if he died, he still couldn't close it, and seemed to be looking at himself. There were also several children's heads nearby, each of which he had seen.