Chapter 1014 - 499: Unfinished Old Matters (4)

Chapter 1014: Chapter 499: Unfinished Old Matters (4)

"Can the Alma Clan not find a support team?" Another elder beside him spoke bluntly.

Elaphia did not answer, and the person continued, "Or is it that your father, who was at the Legendary Realm, passed away, and under your management, your clan can’t even assemble a support team?"

A middle-aged, blond member of the Haven race stroked his beard and chimed in, "Elaphia, if it’s difficult, the representatives of the Alma Clan can be chosen by us uncles, after all, the Alma is not just your father’s branch."

"Uncle?"

"He is Satudin Alma," Farlonio said.

Li Ang nodded. This was the younger brother who once contested with Elaphia’s father for the inheritance rights. It seems the old dispute hasn’t been entirely resolved.

Is it the old hatred that burns like smoldering embers to this day, or are there more complex relationships involved? Li Ang thought.

"As for the Alma Branch, isn’t that so-called Ernest descendant also helping you? Even after the Divine Artisan, is it still not enough for you? Or is it that she too..."

Satudin even cast shade on Farlonio. Li Ang noticed that the usual business-like smile of the brown-haired Douding had also disappeared at this moment.

"I understand, no need to say more."

Elaphia immediately spoke up, interrupting Satudin’s disparagement of Falo.

"Elaphia, the ancient teachings also say that our race should proudly stand with martial prowess in the world. The First Family recognized was the late Taladin Alma, not you. By rights, your status does not grant you the authority to use the ancient teachings to reproach the elders of the clan," the elder at the center of the high platform added.

"I have overstepped."

Elaphia turned around, stepping out of the Dueling Arena, leaving bloody footprints with each step.

The opponent, Faneya, leaned on her weapon, looking at her, then at the high platform, her expression complex, yet said nothing.

"Let’s go greet her quickly." Falo pulled Li Ang along as they walked briskly.

Just like how many athletes in sports and combat arenas have their own preparation rooms, the Martial Extreme Trial also has preparation rooms for participants. When Falo led the "Kaliya trio" into the room, they happened to see Elaphia tending to the wound at the sole of her foot, with bloody bandages and unused healing items placed aside.

"Back already?"

Elaphia nodded calmly towards Falo.

Falo chuckled, "It sure took a whole lot of effort this time..."

Perhaps knowing this fellow’s antics, before she could finish speaking, Aifei was the first to stand up and look towards the three with Li Ang. "You’re not Kaliya and her group, are you? When they see me, their expressions change significantly more."

"It’s me."

Li Ang dispelled the Illusion, revealing his true appearance. As the Spirit Casting Art was lifted, the sudden increase in height made him feel a momentary dizziness, but he tried his best to maintain a composed expression.

Seeing Li Ang, Elaphia hesitated.

The slight frown from the pain unknowingly smoothed out a bit.

She immediately opened her mouth but suddenly froze, unsure of what to say.

Realizing she appeared slightly out of sorts, the blonde young girl immediately wanted to say more, but could not. This added a faint pink to her cheeks.

Likewise, Li Ang was no better, also opening his mouth but suddenly at a loss for words. The misunderstandings from last time flashed before his eyes—well, maybe not misunderstandings, but a degree of trust between them led him to believe it wouldn’t lead to a rupture, though his subsequent guilt grew.

But even so, he came; there’s no need to hide its purpose, which was for her, to help her.

Their gazes intertwined, and Li Ang felt that Aifei seemed similarly hindered by the unresolved matters left unspoken from their last parting.

Though the three beside them sensibly said nothing, after their silence transcended ten seconds, the atmosphere began leaning towards awkwardness. Li Ang felt his mind racing as it did when confronting the greatest peril in the Desperate Secret Realm.

What he previously thought of saying couldn’t be stitched into sentences now, so he abandoned them all, leaving only what mattered most in this moment.

"Does your foot hurt?"

Aifei raised an eyebrow, her stiff expression melting into a serene smile.

"This little injury is nothing."

She seemed to recall something, and after two seconds of silence, suddenly blushed as she sat down again, raising her foot, wiped clean of blood but still bearing fine cuts.

"What are you standing there for? Come, come over and help me apply the medicine!"