Chapter 173


    Across from their sumptuous chambery the grandest of the hot springs in the exclusive guest


    quarters of Seraphic Springs. A gathering of young lords loungedfortably in the warm waters,


    sipping fine wine and feasting on delicacies as they jovially discussed the current martial gathering.


    “This year’s martial gathering outshines the previous ones by far, especially with vin causing


    quite the stir.”


    “Indeed, word about vin’s true identity has already spread throughout Warriors'' Vale. Before


    coming here, he apparently was nothing but a servant.”


    “Thatd is no simpleton; he’s got the patience of a saint!”


    “The Cobalt Strike Commander must have mixed feelings about vin now; he’s brought them


    fame and, at the same time, utter embarrassment.”


    “I wonder what treatment vin will receive back at Cobalt Strike. Will they really take the time to


    foster his talents?”


    “You’d be surprised. It might just not happen!”


    “I heard that Bloodlore is interested in him. Their Commander even personally went to extend an


    invitation.”


    The young noblesughed and conversed at leisure while enjoying their Elixir Fruit and wine.


    In the deepest part of the hot spring, where steam rose, and fog swirled, a muscr young man


    leaned back in the warm water, smirking as he hummed to himself, “vin’s sess is but for a


    moment. He can''t strut around for long. Let’s not forget whom he has offended - the Grand Elder of


    Cobalt Strike. That''s one ruthless individual! He wouldn''t dare leave, because doing so would mean


    betraying Cobalt Strike and abandoning his twenty thousand townspeople.”


    “Oh? Lord Marak, do you have more inside information to share with us?”


    Raising his ss filled with medicinal wine, the muscr youth swirled it and said, “Although vin


    has gained some fame, he has also shamed Cobalt Strike. Others might let it slide, but vin?


    Heh, with no background, no patron, and his open disdain for the Organization, not to mention his


    arrogance, Cobalt Strike might not touch him at first. But in time, someone will surely deal with him.”


    “Lord Marak, what exactly is the grudge between vin and Cobalt Strike’s Grand Elder?” The lords


    were quite curious.


    “You’ll all know when it’s time. But for now, let’s drop the subject; I’m here to enjoy a bath before I


    head back tonight.”


    “Won’t you stay a few more days, Lord Marak? Rest assured, none from the Eight Orders will know


    you’re in Warriors'' Vale. And even if they did, what could they do? They wouldn''t darey a finger


    on you.”


    “I’ve been away for half a month; it''s time I returned.”


    Marak had secretly arrived in Warriors'' Vale even before the martial gathering began.


    The sh of Eight Orders was a grand internal affair of the Eight Orders of the Nortnds, never


    allowing the Five Lords to participate. At every gathering, the Five Lords deliberately avoided any


    involvement, except for sending the necessary spies to blend in. They avoided sending anyone of


    importance, for fear of silent retribution if discovered.


    Marak hade incognito, using Lord Viperbane’s connections within Warriors'' Vale. He took a risk


    to observe Celesse fighting, eagerly anticipating the performance of his future bride and witnessing


    the legendary figures among the current generation of the Eight Orders Protégés. Unfortunately,


    Celesse had not shown, seemingly having left early for her own trials.


    To his surprise, the brash servant vin stood out at The sh of Eight Orders, incredibly making it


    into the top five.


    “vin… vin…” Marak muttered to himself, chuckling silently.


    “What has amused you, Lord Marak?”


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    “Who has made the biggest ssh at this championship?”


    “vin, of course. His name is on everyone’s lips across the city.”


    “A mere servant overshadowing all the prodigies of the Eight Orders, isn’t that amusing?”


    “While that may be true, he’s earned the respect of the Eight Orders Protégés. If he continues to


    grow, his name will surely be known throughout the Nortnds.”


    “Don’t worry. He won’t live to see that day.”


    The young lords exchanged nces, noting Marak’s disdain for vin.


    “Enough about him. Since you’re leaving tonight, why not give you a parting gift?” A burly young


    man grinned mischievously.


    “Lord Marak, are you interested?” The other lords smiled knowingly.


    Marak set down his ss. “Very well, I haven’t fully sampled the delights of Warriors'' Vale during my


    stay.”