Storm of Gods

Chapter 204 Acting Skills
Vladimir's ascension to demigod status did not cause much of a stir, mainly because the people of Moncaleta had become accustomed to the blessings of the Earth Mother Goddess. This was just another auspicious sign, and the focus of their discussions was solely on His Majesty the King.

The editors of Hexbird and Heldan Daily were working overtime because Sunday's weekly would be another decisive moment. How to describe the Antony affair would be the battle that would determine the outcome for the two newspapers at this stage. Their different positions also meant that Heldan Daily would never surrender so easily. Everyone at Hexbird was giving it their all. Although they had the support of Earl George, they needed His Majesty's approval to truly gain a foothold. Publisher Ma was very clear about this. They had to grasp what His Majesty really wanted, instead of just making empty boasts.

This was the conclusion that Ma Zhe and his group reached after serious discussion. His Majesty the King was a truly shrewd person, capable of enduring and making sacrifices. It would be difficult to gain his acceptance without demonstrating some real ability.

Compared to the people who arrived at the scene, the vast majority of people had only heard the exciting news and had not seen it with their own eyes. Therefore, it was especially important to read a newspaper to see the details. Reporters from Hexbird and Heldan Daily had already taken photos on the spot, and their expectations for the weekly were already at their peak.

Surprisingly, a significant portion of Hexbird's readership was also anticipating the serialization of a novel called "The Utopia Chronicles." Somehow, the novel seemed to be addictive; once you got into it and it lingered for a while, you'd always think about the protagonist—whether this kind, brave, and pitiful character would ever be able to leave that mysterious castle, and what would become of that mysterious old man…

The news agency was in a frenzy, and the students of the Order of the King were also going crazy. Everywhere there were crowds shouting "Long live the King!" Before various conflicts and grievances accumulated to the point of no return, His Majesty the King offered a solution first.

Of course, Li Xin didn't think the conflict would be eliminated or completely resolved, but it was definitely a game-changer. It was quite bizarre that Anthony was executed like that. There must have been a fierce struggle involved. His Majesty the King's Seven Injury Fist and Bone-Melting Palm were quite skilled... Miss Aries is indeed from a wealthy family.

He heard from Simmons that only high-ranking nobles could participate in the society.

The students of the Order Academy were in high spirits, and the golden light and supreme majesty of the Star Tower quickly spread. This was impossible to hide, and it was extremely encouraging for the students of the Order Academy. After all, the Order Academy was nominally the Order Academy, but in reality, it was established with the strong support of the School of Heavenly Principles. Many of its rules and teaching philosophies were based on the School of Heavenly Principles. In essence, the School of Heavenly Principles did not want to oppose the Earth Mother Goddess Church, but rather, one was a divine authority and the other was a royal authority. The School of Heavenly Principles served the king and the country, thus lowering its own status by one level.

Conversely, although the Knight Academy is called the Knight Academy, many of its rules are based on the ancient traditions of the Church. The Church has always been considered inferior because of whether their path is correct. The appearance of demigods means that this is absolutely the correct path and has gained the approval of the supreme will.

Of course, it is not contradictory for both members of the Order of the Church and the Knights Academy to believe in the Earth Mother Goddess. The School of Heavenly Reason is the path to governing the country, and this is the philosophy that the School of Heavenly Reason has always adhered to.

Simmons, Celia, and the others were extremely excited upon hearing the news. Good things kept happening one after another. This kind of dragging-out tactic was a common trick used by nobles. Who would have thought that His Majesty the King would execute it so swiftly and decisively? Impressive!

"Simmons, don't be too happy yet. In this situation, your duel is even more dangerous. Do you think the Nasser family and those people might resort to desperate measures and take it out on you first?" Celia reminded her, feeling both excited and worried.

Simmons waved his hand with a smile, "I was prepared too. Brother Li is coming with me. Brother Li, you're not going to just watch me get beaten to death, are you?"

"Young Master Simmons, you're like an eagle, you need to have confidence in yourself." Li Xin curled his lip, thinking, "I'm just a commoner, I can't get involved in this kind of thing."

Simmons smiled. "I'm confident. I feel like I've improved a lot lately. My chances of winning have increased by at least 10%!"

Li Xin shrugged. "The degree of your improvement determines the level of satisfaction you bring to Didia."

Simmons's smile vanished. "Is there absolutely no way? Then all my training was for nothing?"

“It’s not like we’ve been training for nothing. We need to change our strategies and tactics. Do you want to have a fair fight with him?” Li Xin asked.

“Yes, with His Highness the Prince around, there’s no other way.” Simmons paused for a moment. If there were other tricks he could use, he wouldn’t mind, but if this kind of thing were discovered, it would implicate the George family, which would be even worse.

“What I mean is the rhythm of the battle. He’s stronger than you, so as long as you’re cautious, you won’t have a chance. But if you’re careless or have murderous intent, there’ll be a sliver of an opportunity—your only chance to turn the tide,” Li Xin said. “So you need to provoke him with your attitude, retreat step by step to lure him in, and wait for an opportunity. Today’s events will be a rehearsal of that. It’ll mainly be about acting skills, and I think you’re fine.” This Didiah is similar to Zheng Shengxun. Simmons has a chance, but not a direct one; he can only exploit the opponent’s psychology. The current external situation is actually favorable. The Nasser family has lost face, and even because of Anthony, the nobles have lost a significant amount of ground in their struggle with the king. Once they lose their immunity, the nobles will have a hard time. How can they not be angry? Will the Nasser family retaliate?

Face sometimes represents prestige and cohesion.

And sure enough, Simmons walked right into the line of fire. Before this, they might have spared his life, but now, Didia's goal is definitely to kill Simmons.

Even if Didia doesn't understand this, someone in the Nasser family will, and the outcome won't change.

Celia blinked her big eyes, having already realized what was happening. She was very sensitive in this regard. Looking at Li Xin, she was quite surprised. She admitted that Li Xin was very strong, but why was he so perceptive about this kind of thing?

What a strange person. If she had known the Secret Castle was so interesting, she would never have let Simmons go in her place.

dong dong dong...

"Captain, Brother Li, that strange owl outside is here again. Should we chase it away?" Lancer shouted at the top of his lungs.

The next second, a gust of wind swept past Lancer, and Li Xin arrived at the door like a leisurely stroll. The owl, carrying a letter, tossed it far onto Li Xin's head. As the most dedicated messenger of Hextech, it certainly wouldn't release the owl without seeing the benefit, but how it released it was its business. It casually tossed the letter, twirled its proud tail, and flew away. This time, Li Xin didn't bother with it.

Is he in a hurry? No, he's not in a hurry. Why would he be in a hurry?

As Li Xin opened the letter, his smile widened. He was going to the Bird Society that evening to discuss the manuscript.

Li Xin was in a much better mood when he returned to the training room, and he was more patient in his practice with Simmons. "The important thing in this battle is acting. You have to show that you are going all out, so that he will be proud... No, no, that's too fake. Do you think he's a fool?"

Disguising himself is a bit difficult, after all, Didia's level of expertise makes it easy to spot Simmons's problems. Once such an expert discovers the problem, it will become troublesome. Simmons needs to blend in.

After a long night of activity, everyone ate together. They ate like hungry wolves, enjoying their food immensely. Simmons was very happy, as he felt no pressure despite the upcoming tough competition.

"Brother Li, how about some extra practice tonight?" Simmons asked between bites. "I felt like I was a little short on the emotional intensity just now."

“The master leads you through the door, but the cultivation depends on the individual. I have other things to do tonight. You can try with Lancer, give him a handicap. If you can fool Lancer, then your acting skills have improved. Also, don’t overdo it. Acting is about being natural, going with the flow, and adapting to the situation,” Li Xin said. “We’ll continue tomorrow morning; that’s a more important part.”

Simmons nodded. He had been looking forward to visiting the Sacred Land again on Sunday. The lightning he had witnessed that time had given him great hope and inspiration. If he could awaken his lightning abilities, he would have a better chance of defeating Didia.

(End of this chapter)