Chapter 476 Silent Victory
The battle at Maple Hill concluded quietly. Though blood had been spilled and bodies buried, the outside world remained largely unaware.
Compared to the uproar when Dane issued his challenge, the aftermath's silence defied imagination—as if James and Dane had never faced each other at all.
Two days later, Lancelot sat cross-legged on the top deck of a three-story yacht floating on Glowing Oasis's great river. His white robes flowed as his fingers caressed an ancient zither, his expression serene while his gentle touch produced a passionate melody that stirred the blood of Clarence and the others.
James, who had been invited to attend, was surprised to discover that Lancelot's mastery extended beyond martial arts to music.
As the final notes faded, Lancelot removed his hands from the zither and smiled at James. "The battle at Maple Hill is over, yet you haven't gained widespread fame. Do you know why?"
While speaking, he reached for a tea pot and tea leaves, unhurriedly beginning to brew.
James approached with a smile. "I don't know—or rather, I don't care."
"First, Dane is dead. This is Lumaria's shame," Lancelot explained as he expertly prepared the tea. "A renowned high-level master killed by you would bring disgrace to the entire Lumaria Martial practices. So they've spared no expense to suppress this matter, claiming to the public that Dane suddenly went mad and died accidentally before the duel."
"Second, though I removed Tessa, others still seek reconciliation. For the sake of relations between both sides, the Martial Arts Association has completely blocked news of this battle."
"Tessa harbors extreme resentment toward you and doesn't want you to gain fame from one battle. Despicable as she is, I must admit her social skills are impressive—she's already diverted public attention with a celebrity scandal."
"Third, and most importantly, I don't want you in the spotlight." He gave James a gentle smile. "Do you understand my intention?"
James lifted his head. "At my age, whatever glory I might enjoy from this victory would bring equal danger."
"Exactly!" Lancelot nodded approvingly. "Reaching the High Level at your age is unprecedented, if not unrepeatable. If news of this battle spread, not only would countless Lumaria fighters risk everything to assassinate you, but martial practitioners from other countries would likely want you dead as well."
"A prodigy who becomes an advanced master in his twenties could potentially reach the Special-class Level in the future. They won't casually allow such a monster to emerge—they always unite to suppress such talents."
"Your foundation isn't yet stable, your cultivation not deep enough. You can't afford any missteps. So this glory must be suppressed for now. When your advanced-level strength is solidified, you can gradually emerge into the spotlight."
"Don't worry about Orval's retaliation. With Dane's recent death, they won't dare cause trouble in Celestia for now. Most importantly, I've already set the challenge for six months from now, which will keep them frantically busy."
"The Ten Prodigies are all future successors, treasured like national treasures—the loss of even one would cause instability." He placed a cup of tea before James. "You have ample time to strengthen yourself."
James nodded lightly. "I understand."
"After such effort and a life-or-death victory, you must forfeit the glory..." Lancelot picked up a cup of coffee. "Aren't you disappointed?"
"There's nothing to be disappointed about," James replied, taking a sip of his own coffee. "I don't care much for fame. My focus isn't on Martial practices either."
"I'd rather be a simple doctor, marry a lovely wife, and live an ordinary life. Fighting and killing isn't what I want. So the more this battle at Maple Hill fades away, the happier I am. It would be best if all participants forgot this memory entirely."
James spoke with complete honesty. Had Lancelot not dealt fairly with Terrence and appointed him First Envoy, James would have resigned as branch leader after the duel. His decision to stay now was partly to repay Lancelot's recognition and partly to support Ruby and the others.
Lancelot burst into laughter. "It seems we're kindred spirits. Your thoughts mirror mine from years ago."
"I once dreamed of three hills of peach blossoms, two dogs, and one beloved wife—rising with the sun, resting at sunset. Eating fish I caught myself, drinking wine I brewed myself. Life's pleasure is that simple."
His eyes took on a distant look, as if recalling spring winds over water towns and a beautiful face framed by thousands of peach blossoms. The peach blossoms remained, the spring breeze continued, but his beloved was gone.
"One sentence changed everything. I came ashore barefoot, my sword swept across the world, through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, never retreating," he murmured. "Now I stand resplendent, controlling half the nation with one hand, while you sleep never to be seen again. When will I be able to marry you?"
Watching Lancelot's rising silhouette and hearing his barely audible soliloquy, James clearly felt his heartache. Clearly, Lancelot was a man with his own story.
After a moment of melancholy, Lancelot turned back, his face regaining its serene expression.
"James, I understand your thinking. Peaceful days are truly beautiful, but the tree desires stillness while the wind refuses to stop."
"When you possess extraordinary skills, your life is destined for turbulence. When facing bullying, humiliation, or harm to those close to you, you can no longer endure everything as before."
"Once you resist, you inevitably invite more brutal retaliation. So you must become stronger, gain higher positions and greater authority. Only then can you suppress them, make them fear you, and protect those around you."
He patted James's shoulder like a veteran imparting wisdom. "In chaotic times, one has little choice."
In chaotic times, one has little choice? James paused briefly, then sighed softly. "I understand."
Lancelot's words completely dispelled James's thoughts of leaving the Mystic Alliance.
"Enough of this. I invited you today mainly to share a good drink," Lancelot said, sitting down with a smile. "Later tonight, I'll be leaving Glowing Oasis. We won't meet again for half a year."
James asked curiously, "Are you traveling far?"
"Home," Lancelot's voice softened. "To visit an old friend who has slept for many years."
James spent most of the day on the boat—drinking tea, eating, listening to music, and getting slightly drunk. He returned to Leo Villa only at dusk.
His parents and Samantha had returned from the Lee Manor, so as soon as James opened the door, Samantha came to greet him. She had prepared soup and brought a towel to wipe his face, attentive as a caring wife.
Before James could fully appreciate this tenderness, his ear caught the sound of sobbing. He rose from his chair and gently pushed open his parents' door.
He saw Michelle wiping tears away as she held her phone. Virgil was comforting her beside her.
James's eyelid twitched as he asked, "Mom, what's wrong? What happened?"
Michelle instinctively hid her phone and waved dismissively, indicating nothing was wrong.
James stepped inside. "You're crying like this and it's nothing?"
"Your mother is just happy," Virgil explained with a smile. "Your great-grandmother has finally allowed her to return for a visit."
James fell over in shock. "I have a great-grandmother?"
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