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“Oh, by Sigrew’s spirit, my dear brother has actually become clever!”
Steve reacted first, rushing to the central statue in the plaza and bowing repeatedly before the knight impaled yet unyielding. This was Sigrew, the legendary Battle-God and illustrious ancestor of House Saint-Cain.
Duke Anges studied Du Cheng briefly, his face unreadable, and simply said, “Good to know.” Turning to Foye, he continued, "Since Francis is alive and sane, you may stay. Educate him properly."
Foye, overjoyed by the sudden recovery of his young master, nodded fervently. "I promise to teach him to become an exemplary nobleman!"
“Come along, Steve, Charlie,” Anges commanded flatly, seemingly indifferent to his son’s astonishing recovery.
Bewildered, Du Cheng hurried after him, smiling earnestly. "Father, I've become intelligent—isn't that something to celebrate?"
“What is there to celebrate?” Anges replied coldly, dismissively turning away.
Charlie sneered, "So you're no longer Saint John's fool, but you're still the shame of House Saint-Cain! Imagine—a descendant of Sigrew unable to wield battle qi! You're the laughingstock of the entire continent!"
Giving Du Cheng a disdainful look, Charlie continued mockingly, "You know what people say? 'Sigrew the Red-haired now has a blond descendant who cannot even cultivate battle qi!' Disgraceful."
Stunned, Du Cheng stood silent as Charlie and their father retreated into the manor. A bitter disappointment and confusion rose within him. Francis's lingering feelings of abandonment and hopelessness echoed painfully.
Steve approached gently, placing a comforting hand on Du Cheng's shoulder. "Don't mind Charlie. Even if you can't wield battle qi, you can excel in other ways. Perhaps in literature or diplomacy."
Du Cheng smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Steve. There's still so much I don't understand. Could you explain more to me?"
Steve nodded, leading Du Cheng and Foye back to his room.
Through Steve and Foye, Du Cheng learned he was now in a world resembling medieval Europe, consisting of three major continents arranged triangularly amidst vast oceans. They lived in Saint John City, the capital of the Lanning Empire on the eastern side of the Ains Continent.
Ains was dominated by a single religion—the Church of Battle-Gods, revered much like medieval Christianity on Earth. Unlike mythical deities, this religion worshipped historical warriors known as "Battle-Gods," who had performed extraordinary deeds for humanity.
Their ancestor, Sigrew, was among these legendary Battle-Gods, venerated in shrines across the continent.
Battle-Gods wielded immense power, categorized into ten levels. The first five were warriors, levels six to nine were considered Battle-Gods, and those surpassing the ninth level, achieving extraordinary deeds, became "Titled Battle-Gods," their statues honored in sacred temples.
Their descendants were born nobility, granted privileges and reverence by society.
“But why can't I cultivate battle qi?” Du Cheng asked curiously.
Steve chuckled, delighted by his brother's newfound intelligence. “Battle qi comes from natural forces. You, my dear brother, unfortunately, can't sense these forces. But don’t worry, you can charm a queen easily with your looks! Who knows, maybe you'll become a king someday!"
Du Cheng laughed uneasily, silently lamenting his celibate fate due to the Lotus Scripture.
"Speaking of which," Steve teased, "you're fifteen and still a virgin. That's tragic! I’ll take you to Princess Yuna's banquet in a few days. Perhaps we'll fix that issue there!"
Steve stood, smiling warmly, "Alright, I must go help father figure out how to correct the announcement of your death."
After Steve left, old Foye said gently, "Young master, Steve is a good man. Listen to him."
“I will,” Du Cheng replied sincerely. Having a caring older brother felt oddly comforting.
Aliza nodded vigorously, sitting awkwardly on the carpet due to his massive frame. "Yes! Steve vowed to protect you when he began his journey as a Battle-God."
"Battle-God vow?" Du Cheng asked.
Foye smiled, "It's something sacred among Battle-Gods. Just know Steve won't harm you."
Du Cheng laughed inwardly. He, a master thief in his previous life, rarely faced trouble unless self-inflicted. Rising from his seat, he announced, "Foye, I’d like to see Saint John City."
"Take Aliza with you, and remember to return for dinner!" Foye smiled warmly.
Outside, Du Cheng ignored the curious stares of servants and guards, climbing onto Aliza's broad back. "Are you fast?"
"I can outrun a horse!" Aliza boasted proudly.
"Good! Take me to the busiest places," Du Cheng ordered enthusiastically.
"Why?" Aliza asked, puzzled.
"Just do it. I'll buy you roast beef tonight!"
Excited, Aliza sprinted through the city streets, Du Cheng eagerly sensing for opportunities to perform good deeds, driven by the relentless demands of the Lotus Scripture.
Their chance finally arrived in the bustling southern district. Du Cheng felt the familiar tingling sensation—an opportunity awaited nearby.
"Quickly, Aliza, down that alley!" Du Cheng shouted eagerly, sensing his path toward virtue—and eventual freedom—was unfolding once more.
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