Chapter 17: Killing intent

Allow me to assist you. Crystal Chu carefully took the cloth from Drake Dragon's hand and began to bandage his arm. Her voice was calm and composed as she said, "I apologize." For some reason, Crystal Chu saw something different in Drake Dragon compared to others. In her mind, he was the only "servant" who dared to challenge her. Looking into Drake Dragon's fierce eyes, Crystal Chu could tell that he was someone who was fearless, willing to sacrifice himself rather than harm her again. This unexpectedly touched a soft spot in Crystal Chu's heart. Upon closer reflection, Crystal Chu realized that Drake Dragon hadn't done anything wrong. Maybe he simply didn't understand the full story of the situation. This was the first time Crystal Chu felt a tinge of guilt during her personal growth. "I..." Drake Dragon tried to speak. "No need to apologize. Today, we... we don't owe each other anything. I bit you, and you..." Crystal Chu's face turned red as she felt an unusual sensation lingering in her chest. "No, I want to say..." Drake Dragon shook his head. "I've already said that the matter is behind us. What else do you want?" Crystal Chu replied with a touch of anger. "Miss, what I want to say is that you wrapped my right arm even though it was my left arm that was bitten," Drake Dragon said, somewhat dumbfounded. Only then did Crystal Chu realize her mistake. Due to her confusion, she had bandaged the wrong arm. She couldn't help but blush, looking at Drake Dragon's helpless expression. She softly scolded him, saying, "Bad guy, why didn't you remind me earlier?" She proceeded to re-bandage Drake Dragon's arm, but in the end, it was just a superficial wound. Besides a slight pain, it wasn't a serious injury. Deep inside, Drake Dragon couldn't help but smirk. This beautiful young woman had a conscience and was also a bit mischievous, making her easy to read. In truth, Drake Dragon had healing medicine in his ring, capable of external and internal use. However, he didn't take it out because it would ruin the effect of this elaborate trick. Initially, Drake Dragon had low expectations and was prepared to be strong if necessary. Unexpectedly, this girl fell into his trap, surpassing his expectations. At the same time, he found himself forming a positive impression of someone from the royal family for the first time. He softly admitted, "In truth, your brother is being used. Ethan Zhou wants to exploit your brother to suppress me." Afterwards, Drake Dragon briefly recounted the conflict between him and Ethan Zhou. This time, there was no need for dramatic exaggeration; he simply shared some of his own experiences. "Drake Dragon, I'm sorry. I misjudged you," Crystal Chu said, feeling both embarrassed and resentful towards herself for being too quick to judge. "No worries, I'm used to it anyways," Drake Dragon calmly responded. Though his words were plain, combined with his sorrowful eyes, they created a powerful visual impact that left people stunned. Drake Dragon's expression only deepened Crystal Chu's sense of guilt. It felt as if she had added salt to an open wound, making her even sadder. "Haha, don't take it too seriously. I was just trying to evoke your sympathy," Drake Dragon laughed. For some inexplicable reason, Crystal Chu felt even more melancholic seeing Drake Dragon's smile. Her eyes turned red, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Oh, please don't cry. How about we stop talking?" Drake Dragon, who feared nothing under the heavens, was at a loss when confronted with a crying woman. "Do you forgive me?" Crystal Chu asked sadly, feeling as if she were the worst person in the world. "Like I said, it's not your fault. There were others who influenced you. Don't blame yourself," Drake Dragon reassured her. "But..." "It's nothing. It's over. If it brings happiness, we'll remember it. If it causes annoyance, we'll forget it. That's how I've lived for so many years," Drake Dragon explained. "Thank you, Drake Dragon," Crystal Chu wiped her tears away, her face beaming with joy. As Drake Dragon gazed at Crystal Chu, his heart skipped a beat. Although she couldn't compare to Dreama Qi, Crystal Chu had an undeniable beauty. Especially when she smiled, it was difficult for any man to resist her charm. Confused by Drake Dragon's sudden stare, Crystal Chu asked with a hint of bewilderment, "Drake Dragon, why are you looking at me like that?" "Ahem, it's because you're incredibly beautiful. I can't help myself," Drake Dragon's old face turned red, and he coughed twice. "Am I really that attractive?" Crystal Chu asked seriously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Drake Dragon was taken aback and spoke earnestly, "It is truly magnificent, isn't it? Has no one else mentioned it before?" Crystal Chu shook her head and replied, "Some people mention it every day, but I don't believe everything they say. I dislike those who wear masks constantly." As Crystal Chu spoke, a hint of helplessness appeared on her beautiful face. It was heart-wrenching to witness. She seemed like a completely different person compared to before. Drake Dragon couldn't have anticipated that Crystal Chu had this side to her. "Let's find somewhere to sit. Standing here isn't ideal." suggested Drake Dragon. He found a clean stone for them to sit on. Crystal Chu nodded in agreement. However, as soon as she sat down, she suddenly leaped back up with a shriek. Drake Dragon was bewildered, "What happened?" Blushing, Crystal Chu retorted angrily, "It has nothing to do with you!" Drake Dragon understood immediately and felt a bit embarrassed. He discreetly rubbed his right hand a few times behind his back, still feeling the lingering sensation of bliss in his palm. Crystal Chu retrieved a lengthy blanket from her pocket and covered the stone with it. She then gingerly sat down. Although she frowned slightly upon touching the stone, it was noticeably less painful than before. "I... I apologize for my rudeness," Drake Dragon said sheepishly. His actions were hardly gentleman-like, yet he never aspired to be one. Furthermore, he was acting in haste, making it a purely reflexive action without any real intention to take advantage of others. "I've never met someone as audacious as you before. You're the first person of your kind in my life to dare strike me," Crystal Chu admitted tearfully. Her eyes turned red and her face was filled with grievance. "Well, please don't cry. Otherwise, I might even spank you as well," Drake Dragon swiftly said upon seeing Crystal Chu about to burst into tears. "Pfft." "Ha." "Who wants to strike you? You're so deplorable," Drake Dragon's words amused Crystal Chu. Her pretty face flushed, and she hastily averted her gaze. Relieved to witness Crystal Chu's tears transform into a smile, Drake Dragon couldn't help but exhale with relief. He was brave enough to provoke the princess. "Drake Dragon, despite your flaws, it seems like you wouldn't deceive me or say things to please me against my will. Can we be friends?" Crystal Chu suddenly asked earnestly. "Of course, as long as you promise not to throw me off a cliff again. Honestly, I was genuinely afraid that you'd let go and send me plummeting," Drake Dragon responded with a smile. Crystal Chu also smiled, recalling how embarrassed Drake Dragon appeared when he was thrown off earlier. It tickled her funny bone. Their laughter seemed to bridge the gap between them, and Crystal Chu began sharing with Drake Dragon some of her and her brother's experiences. It was the first time she had encountered someone she could confide in, so she opened up to him about many things. "Crystal Chu, how long has it been since you last saw His Majesty?" Drake Dragon suddenly inquired. Shaking her head, Crystal Chu replied, "I haven't seen him since I was three years old. I've never seen my younger brother either." Drake Dragon nodded and hesitated for a moment before deciding against asking further questions. Their trust had only just been established, and he didn't want to rush into sensitive matters. In truth, Drake Dragon was eager to learn about the current state inside the palace and who was targeting the Long family. He had always wanted to uncover the truth. Calculating the timeline, Emperor Leon Dragon had summoned his son to return to the imperial capital after five years of seclusion. However, Leon Dragon refused to comply. What had occurred in the interim? There had been no news from his father for over a decade. Were they truly abandoned by their own kin? Though his memories were somewhat hazy, Drake Dragon's mind still held the image of his father's resolute face. He knew his father wasn't the kind of person to do such a thing. So, what was really going on behind the scenes? Drake Dragon felt that he had stumbled upon a colossal mystery but didn't dare to expose it recklessly. The closer he got to the truth, the greater the danger became. Prior to fully regaining his strength, Drake Dragon had to continue lurking in the shadows. Drake Dragon subtly inquired about the welfare of the other princes residing in the palace, carefully disguising his true intent. Crystal Chu, oblivious to his motives, mistook his concern as genuine and answered all his queries willingly. Drake Dragon couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Deceiving a woman like Crystal Chu made him uneasy, prompting him to cease his inquiries altogether. The guilt only intensified with time. As we draw closer to unraveling the truth, it becomes imperative to focus on strengthening ourselves. With the nascent formation of Fengfu Star, its spiritual power has grown significantly, allowing us to expedite alchemy and continue nurturing Fengfu Star. Once Fengfu Star attains full perfection, he can take on the challenges of the blood coagulation stage. Only then will he be deemed a true warrior, as his current strength still pales in comparison. Moreover, an unexpected discovery delighted him. As Fengfu Star grew stronger, his own body experienced a corresponding increase in vigor and resilience. Fengfu Star acted as a revitalizing spring, constantly nourishing his physical being. At present, his strength could be described as extraordinary. The Nine-Star Hegemonic Body Technique has become his ultimate support, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. His recollections only entail knowledge of its cultivation method, leaving much unknown. For over two hours, Crystal Chu excitedly shared stories while her cheeks turned rosy. Inevitably, she lost her composure and started inquiring about Drake Dragon's experiences. Sporting a smile, Drake Dragon regaled her with amusing tales, intentionally omitting any mention of past pain. Unquestionably, Drake Dragon possessed an exceptional talent for captivating storytelling, often eliciting spontaneous laughter from Crystal Chu. The once unruly and capricious princess now transformed into a young girl, embodying an entirely disparate persona. When the sun gradually sank, both of them became aware of the passage of time. Crystal Chu gazed at Drake Dragon and asked, "Drake Dragon, can we continue spending time together in the future?" Drake Dragon hesitated for a moment. He possessed an aversion to becoming entangled with royalty, a feeling tinged with trepidation. However, unable to resist the expectation in Crystal Chu's eyes, he relented and replied with a smile, "Of course, but let's keep it between us, a secret." Catching hold of Drake Dragon's words, a blush suffused Crystal Chu's lovely countenance. Her captivating eyes momentarily averted ever so slightly, betraying a hint of anxiety. She whispered, "Then let's return." "You go on ahead, I'll walk," Drake Dragon responded, grinning. Riding the same horse as the princess would undoubtedly create an enormous predicament if discovered. Crystal Chu comprehended the situation and bid Drake Dragon farewell in a hushed voice, mounting her falcon and soaring away. Watching her gradually disappear from sight, Drake Dragon experienced a disconcerting unease within his heart. After a long pause, he sighed and made his way back home. However, upon reaching the entrance of his abode, he discovered a throng of elite soldiers tightly encircling the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion. Drake Dragon's face darkened, his eyes glimmering with a vengeful intent. With every blow to his already foul mood, anger surged within him. If they sought their own demise, then he would gladly assist them. The seething rage within him reached its boiling point as he boldly advanced towards the gate, confronting the formidable assembly of elite soldiers.