Emperor's Reckoning

Chapter 1025 Ning's Demand, Esmeralda's Challenge

As Lyon's confident figure took center stage, a sense of reassurance washed over the three students. It was as if his presence alone could dispel any doubts or fears that lingered in their hearts. The memories of their training, the trials they had faced together, and the moments of growth flooded their minds, and they knew that they owed much of their progress to his mentorship.

The other teachers couldn't help but notice the significance of Lyon's return. It was no secret that Lyon had once embarked on a dangerous mission to confront the formidable Drogan, and the fact that he had come back meant one thing – he had killed the malevolent bandit and lived to tell the tale.

Cini, the elegant woman with an aura of grace, exchanged a knowing glance with Marak, the powerful and stoic man. They both nodded in silent agreement, acknowledging the significance of Lyon's victory. The sight of him standing tall and proud on that stage was a clear indication that justice had prevailed over darkness.

The sudden return of Lyon sent a wave of astonishment through the crowd, murmurs and whispers spreading like wildfire. But what truly caught everyone off guard was the unexpected appearance of Esmeralda. As she gracefully leaped from her seat and stepped onto the stage, a small smile played on her lips, hinting at the mischief she had in mind.

With her twin snakes coiled around her arms, their scales shimmering in the sunlight, Esmeralda looked more captivating than ever. Her usual air of nonchalance was replaced with an aura of intrigue, and all eyes were drawn to her as she addressed the crowd.

Lyon asked, "Who are you?"

Lyon's casual question, "And who might you be?" stunned not only Esmeralda but also the entire crowd. It was inconceivable that someone, especially Lyon, didn't know who she was – the young mistress of the renowned Ouroboros Clan, a name that had sent ripples throughout the realms of higher heavens.

For a brief moment, Esmeralda's composure wavered, and her usually confident demeanor faltered. She quickly recovered, the surprise on her face transforming into a playful smile.

"Well, well," she said, her voice holding a hint of amusement, "You do know how to catch a woman off guard, don't you?"

Mavis couldn't resist the opportunity to add his own flair to the situation. With a playful leap, he jumped in between Lyon and Esmeralda, unable to contain his laughter.

"Haha! Lyon, meet Esmeralda, the esteemed young mistress of the Ouroboros Clan!" Mavis exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Esmeralda playfully rolled her eyes at Mavis's antics, but she couldn't help but smile as well. "I see he's already made himself quite at home, Lyon," she said, teasingly.

Lyon chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, it appears so," he replied, his tone light and casual.

Mavis, not one to let an opportunity for banter slip away, continued with enthusiasm. "Oh, you two are going to be great friends, I can already tell!" he said, nudging Lyon playfully.

Esmeralda smirked, playing along with the jovial atmosphere. "Indeed, I'm sure we'll get along famously," she replied, shooting Lyon a mischievous look.

The crowd watched in delight as the three of them exchanged friendly jabs and lighthearted banter. It was a sight to behold, witnessing the camaraderie and easy rapport between two powerful young masters and the enigmatic teacher who had just made his grand entrance.

As the playful exchange continued, Yuri was looking at Lyon with a frown on his face. He spoke through his mind.

"Is he the one that creates the disturbance? I thought they would be, more mature," said Yuri inwardly.

A voice, ancient and mystical, resonated within Yuri's mind, weaving through the threads of time like a celestial melody. "An appearance can be deceiving," it whispered, carrying the weight of ages past. The words seemed to originate from a source beyond comprehension as if the very essence of the universe spoke through this ethereal voice.

As Ning's gaze fell upon Lyon's figure, an unwanted surge of irritation washed over her. Memories of their past encounters flooded her mind, and she found herself unable to dismiss the bitterness that had accumulated over time. The sight of him standing there, his hair gently swaying in the breeze, only served to deepen the wound that had yet to heal.

The crowd around her seemed to fade into the background as she locked eyes with Lyon. His confident stance and the air of mystery surrounding him were familiar and infuriating all at once. Memories of their first meeting, the confrontation that followed, and the events that transpired afterward flashed before her like a relentless storm.

Ning couldn't help but interrupt with her demand. Her voice cut through the jovial atmosphere, carrying a hint of determination and a touch of rivalry.

"Enough with the pleasantries," Ning declared, her eyes fixed on Lyon. "If the other teachers are showcasing their skills, then it's only fair that you do the same. Show us what you're capable of, Lyon."

Her words hung in the air, momentarily breaking the easy flow of conversation. Mavis and Esmeralda exchanged a glance, recognizing the competitive spirit behind Ning's request. Lyon, on the other hand, regarded her with a calm expression, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement.

Lyra observed the exchange between Ning and Lyon with a hint of surprise. Despite her calm and poised demeanor, she couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in the air. She furrowed her brow, sensing that there was more to Ning's demand than just a simple demonstration of skill.

Esmeralda turned to Ning to the latter's surprise. "That's a great idea!"

Esmeralda turned back at Lyon before Mavis naturally gave them space without question. One look on her face, and the man knew what was going to happen. The teachers exchanged glances wondering if this was allowed, however, they could only see the principal nodding his head helplessly.

The murmurs spread like wildfire through the crowd, and Nyi's own thoughts echoed the sentiment. He had once experienced defeat at the hands of Yuri, and now he found himself on the verge of witnessing another great battle that seemed heavily skewed. It wasn't just Nyi; many others in the audience shared the same concern, wondering how a duel between Lyon and Esmeralda could ever be fair.

Even the most seasoned cultivators couldn't help but express their trepidation at the prospect of witnessing Lyon, the hero who had just vanquished Drogan, potentially facing an opponent with such an advantage in her domain. The renowned Poison Mistress from the powerful Ouroboros Clan was no ordinary adversary, and the thought of Lyon going down the same route as Nyi had once faced filled the air with an aura of uncertainty.

"I do not know why Ning resents you much but," asked Esmeralda as she extended her arm as if asking him to come with her. "Will you accept the challenge?"

Lyon whose gaze was still at Ning, slowly drifted to Esmeralda.

"She tried so hard to humiliate him, I guess we stayed in her mind for quite a while since we last met," Cecile chuckled.

"This wouldn't have happened if I was there then," said Selena as she frowned displeased.

The two wives surprisingly sat together despite the prior violence-filled engagement. The three students who overheard their conversation had their eyes widened in disbelief.

Kesya, Assid, and Graham were silent but their faces showed disdain at Ning. Cecile had greatly warned them not to incite a fight with Sixth Heaven unnecessarily.

Lyon smirked and took the atmosphere lightly, "With them here, it would be bad to say no."

Esmeralda smiled, the challenge was accepted and the crowd went into an uproar. Ning's laughter danced in the depths of her mind as she saw Lyon accept Esmeralda's challenge without a moment's hesitation. It was a moment she had secretly hoped for, even though she knew the odds were stacked against him

Lyon made one step as he extended his left arm and opened his left hand before grabbing Hajinseh which was masterfully thrown by Cecile.

"Oh?" Esmeralda raised her brows in astonishment.

On the second step, Lyon extended his right arm and opened his hand, a black sword zipped through the air before the hilt was embraced by his fingers. Of course, it was from none other than Selena herself.

Javelin in his left, sword in the right. He was the master of both weapons and his eyes hinted how high the mastery was.

Esmeralda was delighted. She opened her hands and the snakes coiled around, eating their own tails before becoming two identical chakrams.

"Hmm?" Kyoko's red eye glimmered. "I think the savior has grown more powerful yet again."

"Really?!" Ryona grinned proudly. "Go, hubby! Kick her—!"

Kyoko quickly covered her lips with her hand and pulled her away from attention.

Karina, whose half of the face was hidden by the hood, had a tinge of smile as she looked at Lyon.

As Lyon and Esmeralda gripped their weapons, a charged atmosphere enveloped the courtyard, tingling with anticipation. The crowd leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the two formidable opponents, ready to witness an epic showdown.