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Chapter 282 Snow White's Duel Invitation

When Wang Xi left the thorny thicket and returned to the palace garden, he happened to meet the little prince, who was also returning.

Following behind Anto was a lovely girl in a pink and white dress. She was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with the same dazzling blonde hair as Anto, tied in aristocratic double ponytails, and had a few freckles on her face.

It's easy to see that she's a natural beauty. As she grows older, she'll be exceptionally charming.

"Mr. Kai!" From afar, Anto waved with a smile, then pulled his sister Lucy along and ran quickly to Wang Xi.

"Let me introduce you, this is—"

Before Anto could continue, the girl stepped forward, extending her small hand adorned with white lace finger guards, a sweet smile on her face, and said in a melodious voice:

“Lucy von Louis. A direct descendant of the Barn royal family, Anto’s sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness Lucy. I am Gai Farrell.”

Wang Xi smiled, politely took the little princess's hand, bent down and kissed his thumb as a sign of respect.

Because they were so close, Lucy could even see the young man's eyelashes and individual strands of hair. Her eyes lit up, and her heart skipped a beat.

Just like what little Anto said!
This Mr. Kai is indeed handsome and dashing, even more so than Brother Snow White!

Perhaps only a man like him is worthy of those legendary adventures!
Lucy's liking for the young man before her grew stronger, and she couldn't help but cover her mouth with her other hand and chuckle. Her cheeks flushed, and her freckles seemed like embellishments on unripe strawberries.

After Wang Xili finished speaking, Lucy reluctantly withdrew her little hand.

At this moment, Wang Xi noticed a glittering gold pendant hanging on the little princess's delicate, fair neck.

It was a golden apple, no bigger than a fingertip.

There was a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"The unripe golden apple (the sacred relic): a manifestation of a fragment of a certain rule, Lucy's companion, symbolizing curiosity, understanding, inspiration, and childlike innocence. It will grow into a fruit that corresponds to the emotions it receives, possessing unparalleled magical power."

Golden Apple?
Fragments of rules and their byproducts?
This was the first time Wang Xi had ever seen such a thing; the words "sacred artifact" in parentheses highlighted its extraordinary nature.

“Mr. Kai, I would like to invite you to join us for afternoon tea desserts.”

Lucy tilted her head back, looking on expectantly.

She gave her younger brother Anto a wink, who immediately understood and chimed in, "The cooks' desserts are delicious. My sister and I both love them. Would Mr. Kai like to try some?"

"okay."

Wang Xi, of course, noticed the subtle interaction between the siblings and smiled gently.

"thanks for treatment."

“Mr. Kai, you will definitely like it. This way, please.”

Lucy was overjoyed and immediately led Wang Xi through the courtyard.

Halfway there, Wang Xi asked curiously, "Your Highness Anto, where is Mr. Fox?"

Fox is the fox who is always by the Little Prince's side.

Upon hearing this, Anto smiled shyly and raised his arm. The next second, a furry little animal poked out from his sleeve and climbed up his arm to his shoulder.

"Is Mr. Kai looking for me?"

Fox said sleepily.

"Ever since I came back from that trip with Prince Anto, I've been feeling unusually sleepy... yawn."

Wang Xi was quite surprised.

He discovered that Fox's stats had changed to "Superior Five-Star/Hero," meaning his strength had increased by two stars.

Chaos's investigation has also changed:

"Immature Protoss (Holy Artifact): A product of the materialization of a fragment of a certain rule, a byproduct of Anto, symbolizing adventure, justice, reason, and dreams. The experiences it receives will determine the kind of Protoss it will become, possessing unparalleled magical power."

Similar to the description of the Golden Apple.

Fox Fox's true nature is that of a Protoss, and also a companion of Anto.

'These two siblings are extraordinary; they've been different from everyone else since birth…'

A thoughtful look flashed in Wang Xi's eyes.

Just then, the little prince Anto's pocket bulged, and a rose peeked out, making a sharp sound:

"Oh dear, it seems Lord Kai has forgotten about me. How sad."

"Of course not," Wang Xi said with a smile. "Long time no see, Rose."

At this moment, he was slightly taken aback.

Yes.

Rose...

Isn't that the name of Princess Rose?

Seemingly noticing the change in Wang Xi's expression, Anto quickly explained in a low voice:
"The roses... were a gift from my eldest sister before she got sick, saying they would protect me. Lucy also received one."

"Here, mine is."

Lucy then took out a thorny ring.

“They are all named ‘Rose,’ so it’s like an older sister is protecting Anto and me all the time.”

"I see."

Wang Xi then looked enlightened.

Not long after.

He followed the two siblings to the courtyard in front of the banquet hall, where they had afternoon tea and chatted.

Wang Xi mentioned, intentionally or unintentionally, the "thorny thicket" deep in the back garden.

Upon hearing this, Anto and Lucy exchanged a glance.

The Little Prince was an honest child who never lied. He hesitated only slightly before explaining to Wang Xi:

"That place... is where my eldest sister Rose lived. However, after she fell ill, she fell into a deep sleep, and the magic that was accidentally released gave birth to that dangerous jungle, which resists the approach of anyone or any creature."

"Over time, no one dared to go in, and it became known as a 'forbidden zone' among the palace servants."

At this moment, Lucy enthusiastically cut a small piece of strawberry cake and placed it on Wang Xi's plate, her eyes filled with anticipation:
"Mr. Kai, please try this. It's my favorite cake."

"it is good."

Wang Xi smiled gently, put a small piece of cake from the plate into his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and nodded.

"It is indeed delicious. Your Highness Lucy has excellent taste."

"Right, hehe."

Upon hearing this, Lucy felt recognized and accomplished, and beamed with joy.

She became more talkative, adding:

"Actually, Father once sought out the 'Insect Sage' in the Dawn Forest, who gave a prophecy that one day in the future, a mysterious man would appear and awaken Sister Rose with a 'True Love's Kiss,' and this man would become the savior of the Kingdom of Barn."

"However... Brother Bai Xue scoffed at the prophecy of the Insect Sage."

"I actually hope that day comes soon."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi's eyes flashed with surprise.

It really does resemble the events in fairy tales...

Will Sleeping Beauty be awakened by a true love's kiss?
If he used "Occam's Razor" to remove Princess Rose's curse, wouldn't that be equivalent to intercepting her in advance?

'Well, not necessarily... after all, you can't completely believe in prophecies.'

Just as Wang Xi was pondering this.

A commotion arose from the courtyard gate.

The three of them followed the sound.

A group of people dressed in finery walked slowly towards them.

Among them, Red Queen Beth's size was so large that she stood out from the crowd, making her hard to miss.

However, Beth's expression was not very good at the moment.

Among the crowd stood a white-haired woman wearing a snow-white high-necked long dress. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, her demeanor dignified, and she wore a dazzling crown on her head.

The woman exudes a natural charm with her every gesture, and her smile is incredibly approachable.

"White Queen Melana (Enemy/Title 1-Star/Legendary)"

Beside the White Queen followed a tall and upright young man.

The young man had long, curly black hair and wore a dark blue silk aristocratic robe with a cape. He was handsome, with a high nose and deep-set eyes.

He also has a pair of beautiful blue eyes, paired with a slight smile that makes people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze.

"Prince Barn's First Knight, Snow White (Opponent/Title 5-Star/Legendary)"

Upon seeing his entry, Wang Xi narrowed his eyes slightly.

No wonder he was publicly beheaded in the previous "retirement preview".

With his five-star gold-framed title, he could indeed crush Wang Xi back then.

"Melana, watch out for the steps."

Prince Snow White gentlemanly extended his hand, took the White Queen's hand, and helped her up the steps.

"Thank you." Melana smiled sweetly, and a maid in a black dress beside her lifted her skirt for her.

The two were talking and laughing.

They appear to have a very close relationship.

King George III and Queen Adele, standing to the side, exchanged a glance, their expressions not very pleasant.

Clearly, they did not want their eldest son, Snow White, to get too close to the White Queen.

Unfortunately, Bai Xue seemed to only see the elegant and dignified woman in front of her, and she was very attentive to her every need.

“Father, Mother, and Brother Bai Xue.”

As the group approached, Anto and Lucy immediately stood up and bowed in greeting.

Wang Xi also put down his fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and stood up.

"It's little Anto and little Lucy."

King George III was a slightly overweight middle-aged man with a thick beard. He smiled kindly when he saw his children.

The Mirror Queen, standing to the side, wore a purple dress and had her hair up. She glanced at Wang Xi, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, before smiling and nodding.

Immediately, he said to Anto and Lucy:

"Hurry up and greet these two distinguished guests."

"Greetings, Your Majesty Melania, Your Majesty Beth."

Anto and Lucy greeted each other politely.

With a friendly and sweet smile, the White Queen stepped forward, bent down, and patted the two siblings on the head, saying, "Hello."

The Red Queen, standing to the side, merely nodded, her expression softening slightly.

At this moment, Snow White finally shifted his gaze from Melanie to the young man beside his younger brother and sister.

The smile faded from his lips, and he said faintly:

"This must be Her Majesty Beth's most capable lieutenant, Archmage Kai, right? I've heard Anto mention your 'glorious deeds,' how you defeated Peter Pan's sword and maid on Neverland..."

Bai Xue shook her head.

"Of course, he also killed my most trusted subordinate."

As soon as these words were spoken, an awkward silence fell over the room.

The two queens, Red and White, were already enemies, and they wouldn't have gathered here if George III hadn't proposed the Triple Alliance talks.

Now that the old grievances had been brought up, the Red Queen's expression immediately turned ugly, and her pretty eyebrows furrowed.

“Your Highness, if it weren’t for your giant subordinate relentlessly pursuing me, Kai wouldn’t have dared to kill me.”

Beth said coldly.

"You sided with Melania back then, joining forces with her against me, and now you're bringing this up at this inopportune time. What do you mean by that?"

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty Beth.” Snow White turned around, looked up at the towering Red Queen, and smiled faintly. “I’m not targeting you… it’s just that the death of my subordinates deserves an explanation.”

“Alright then.” He raised his arrogant chin and lightly placed his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist. “According to the rules of the nobility, I will have a duel with this Archmage Gai. Regardless of the outcome, this matter will be settled.”

King George III frowned and said in a deep voice:

"Bai Xue, they are distinguished guests."

“Father, I know.”

The eldest prince remained unmoved, only wearing a smile.

"But as a knight, isn't it reasonable to demand an explanation for your subordinates in a fair and just manner? Isn't that what you taught me?"

"..."

King George III fell silent.

To be honest, although Bai Xue is his son, as his eldest son's power and prestige have grown, his voice has been declining.

Compared to the Red Queen, he still favored Snow White more. After all, Snow White was the hope of the Kingdom of Barn.

Beth noticed the apologetic look in George III's eyes, and she couldn't help but snort.

"Mr. Kai, let's go!"

After saying that, she turned and left, seemingly unwilling to stay there for even a moment longer.

Queen Melania asked in surprise, "Sister, are you leaving so soon after arriving?"

She immediately stepped forward, her face displaying just the right amount of surprise and grievance, her voice soft:
“My sister and I haven’t seen each other for a long time and haven’t even had a chance to chat. Besides, His Majesty George has extended a warm invitation to discuss important matters, so it would be rather impolite to leave just like that.”

Her eyes swept over the crowd.

"Could it be that my arrival has upset you, sister?... Hmm, if that's the case, then I apologize to you, sister."

George III's expression darkened, and the surrounding attendants and nobles cast strange glances his way.

Beth stopped abruptly.

She was already furious at Snow White's public provocation, and Melania's words only fueled her anger. Beth whirled around, her pretty face frosty, her eyes fixed on her sister: "Melania, you..."

The White Queen, however, seemed oblivious to Beth's anger. Instead, she covered her mouth and chuckled, saying in an innocent tone:
"My sister is usually tall, imposing, and has an extraordinary presence. Why is she so cautious today?"

She deliberately emphasized the words "tall and imposing," and her eyes seemed to casually sweep over Beth's figure.

This struck a nerve with Beth, hitting her deepest wounds.

Her body image has always been a persistent source of anxiety for her, the root of her inferiority complex and sensitivity. Kai's companionship and guidance during this time had finally helped her calm down and regain some confidence, only to have it exposed in public by her own sister.

Beth felt a surge of evil fire rush to her head, her rationality about to snap, her magic power surging uncontrollably, and her long scarlet hair moving without wind.

boom!
Just then, a steady hand gently grasped Beth's clenched fist.

Wang Xi stepped forward, blocking Beth's path and facing Melania and Snow White directly.

Although he was not even as tall as Beth's chest, he appeared tall in her eyes at that moment.

"Her Majesty Beth is not intimidated, nor is she being disrespectful."

Wang Xi spoke calmly.

"She simply disdains sitting at the same table with certain hypocritical and divisive people, as it would make her look inferior."

Upon hearing this, Melania's fake smile froze.

Wang Xi then turned to Prince Snow White: "As for Princess Snow White's challenge to a duel... Kai Farrell, on behalf of Her Majesty Beth, accepted."

When these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.

Is there really anyone who dares to duel with the First Knight of Barn?!
Beth looked at Wang Xi, her eyes filled with astonishment and worry, but even more so with an indescribable sense of gratitude.

Kai stepped forward and saved her face in the most direct way. This act of protection warmed her heart.

Anto and Lucy, standing to the side, had their mouths slightly open.

Lucy thought for a moment, then lifted her skirt and ran to Snow White's side, tugged at his sleeve, and looked up at him with a sweet, coquettish expression:
"Brother Snow White, please don't fight, okay? Mr. Kai is a guest, and also my friend..."

Snow White looked down at her younger sister, a gentle smile on her face, and patted Lucy's hand lightly: "Lucy, don't worry. Your brother is just sparring with Mr. Kai, it's just a friendly exchange, nothing serious, he won't hurt your 'guest'."

Upon hearing this, Lucy was skeptical.

Wang Xi sneered in his heart.

'Won't hurt me? You're planning to kill me directly... Indeed, a dead person can't be hurt anymore.'

At this moment, Adele, the Mirror Queen, who had remained silent all along, finally spoke, her voice elegant and dignified:

"In that case, we shall do as the prince wishes."

She turned her head slightly and whispered something to a servant beside her. Soon, an elderly man dressed in a simple white robe, his face hidden in the shadow of his hood, appeared silently in the corner of the courtyard.

He held in his hands a teapot-shaped magic lamp with an ancient design and a faint golden glow.

“Grand Preceptor,” Adele called out. “Please set up protection in the courtyard to prevent the guests and children from getting hurt.”

The old man nodded slightly, muttering something to himself.

A flash of golden light appeared from the lamp in his hand, and wisps of thick blue smoke, as if alive, surged out and quickly spread out, forming a huge hemispherical barrier that enveloped the courtyard.

The smoke appeared ethereal, yet it exuded a powerful spatial isolation force.

Wang Xi's gaze sharpened, and the corresponding entry information instantly appeared above the other person's head—

"Aladdin, the Grand Tutor of Barn (Neutral/Title 5-Star/Legendary)"

Aladdin's Lamp?
Yet another seemingly plausible fairy tale character has appeared.

Moreover, like Snow White, he possesses the strength of a five-star gold-framed title.

'This must be another trump card of the Barn royal family...'

A thoughtful look flashed in Wang Xi's eyes.

The existence of this Aladdin Grand Tutor is probably one of the reasons why the two queens, Red and White, dare not completely break ties in the capital.

Inside the blue smoke barrier, only Wang Xi and Prince White Snow remained, standing facing each other.

Outside the courtyard, all eyes were focused on this place.

Snow White, with his elegant posture, casually rests one hand on the hilt of his ornate sword at his waist, his chin slightly raised, exuding undisguised arrogance:
"Grand Mage Gai, please."

Wang Xi's expression remained calm.

He was not annoyed at all by the other party's underestimation, and did not even show the slightest emotional fluctuation.

With a thought, the immense magical power within his body was unleashed.

—"Ancient Dragon Lord"!
Wang Xi didn't want to waste time, so he immediately unleashed his ultimate move.

Bear!!

A burst of blazing golden flames erupted from the ground, instantly engulfing his entire body. An ancient wooden sword appeared in his hand, its blade also igniting with raging golden flames.

Wang Xi's figure changed rapidly in the astonished gazes of the crowd—fine golden dragon scales covered his body, a burning crown condensed on his head, majestic dragon horns sprouted from his forehead, and a pair of enormous dragon wings that blotted out the sky unfolded behind him with a whoosh.

A violent, ancient, and terrifying aura, like facing an abyss, swept across the entire area.

"Um?!"

The arrogance on Snow White's face froze, replaced by astonishment.

He frowned.

To everyone's surprise, this guy known as the "Archmage" possesses such a terrifying close-combat stance.

This is not how a spellcaster should behave.

Snapped!
Wang Xi took a step, and the ground cracked.

The burning wooden sword, accompanied by a terrifying shriek, slashed down at Bai Xue without any fancy moves.

Simple, direct, and domineering!
bass--

Bai Xue dared not underestimate him any longer and drew her sword to parry.

clang! ! !
A deafening clang of metal clashing.

The terrifying power that could not be resisted surged through the sword, and the Snow White Prince felt a sharp pain in his arm, as if he had been punched by a giant.

Both feet left the ground, and he flew backward uncontrollably.

boom! !

He slammed hard into the blue mist wall behind him, causing the barrier to ripple violently and emit a muffled hum.

"Cough...cough cough!"

Bai Xue forced down the metallic taste rising in her throat, her heart churning with turmoil.

This guy has a human body, but his strength is more terrifying than the seven giants under his command.

Shaking her numb arm, Bai Xue smiled:
"A bit of brute force. But this swordsmanship... isn't it just a fancy move that Anto learned from Peter Pan? It's just child's play."

Wang Xi completely ignored it.

His eyes were indifferent, and with a flap of his wings, his figure approached again like a ghost.

—"Complete in One Breath", "Sword of the Mind", "The Firewood Bearer", "The Immortal God", "The Incurable Burning", "True Dragon Scales", "The Invincible God"...

A series of overlapping imprints.

In addition, it is enhanced by permanent functional cards such as "Giant's Grip" and "Dragon Scale Resistance".

Each of Wang Xi's sword strikes was as heavy as a thousand pounds, as fast as lightning, and at a tricky angle.

He only attacks and never defends, showing extreme confidence in his own defensive capabilities.

Swish!Swish!Swish!
Ding-ding-ding-ding! !
The wooden sword, wreathed in golden flames, transformed into a destructive curtain of light, completely enveloping Snow White.

Snow White completely lost his composure. He desperately tried to block and dodge, and each collision between his ornate sword and the burning wooden sword sparked dazzling sparks and energy ripples.

His prized swordsmanship appeared pale and powerless under Wang Xi's storm-like attacks.

After only a dozen or so rounds, he was already drenched in sweat, veins bulging on his forehead, his magnificent robes torn by sword energy, and even scorched by golden flames on his arms. His blood and qi were churning inside him, and he could only struggle to hold on.

"Damn it!"

A look of horror flashed across Bai Xue's eyes.

This guy's strength, speed, defense... every aspect is ridiculously strong.

Where did the Red Queen find this monster?!
If you keep it for a long time, you will lose...

A ruthless and resolute glint flashed in Bai Xue's eyes.

It can't go on like this!

He poured his magical power into his sword, causing it to burst forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling white light.

hum-

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!
"aurora."

Bai Xue said indifferently.

He slashed down with his sword, the blade flashing and disappearing in an instant.

It was as if space itself was being torn apart, emitting a piercing shriek.

However, Wang Xi showed no intention of defending or dodging this inexplicably powerful sword strike.

He just flipped through it casually.

A dark shadow flashed by.

—"Zeno's Tortoise"!
Bai Xue's dazzling sword light suddenly seemed to be caught in an infinitely extending vortex.

No matter how fast the sword light was, it couldn't outpace the speed at which the vortex expanded. The distance between the sword tip and Wang Xi not only didn't shorten, but actually felt infinitely far away.

Space was stretched infinitely, and the flow of time became bizarre.

The paradoxical power of the rules made this sure-kill sword an unattainable dream.

"How can this be?"

Snow White was bewildered.

He was completely baffled by this mind-blowing scene before him. His prized, deadly sword strike, the one that had slain countless powerful enemies, seemed to have frozen in place before his opponent.
This……

What kind of magic is it?
Just as he lost his composure, a sudden weight settled on his shoulder.

Suddenly, Bai Xue realized that the ancient wooden sword burning with golden flames was resting steadily on her shoulder.

The destructive aura and scorching heat emanating from the sword made his body stiffen, and cold sweat soaked his back.

He clearly sensed that the majestic golden figure had appeared behind him at some point.

She just watched him quietly.

He pressed the blade against the side of his neck.

"..."

The entire courtyard was deathly silent.

Bai Xue's pupils contracted, her expression blank, as if she couldn't accept the reality before her.

He, the First Knight of the Kingdom of Barn, actually...

They lost so easily?

Bai Xue's inner pride caused his brain to freeze; he opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Outside the boundary.

The smile on Queen Melania's face had vanished without a trace, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

"how so……"

The Snow White Prince, whom she had painstakingly won over and considered a vital ally, was defeated by the people her sister brought.

The power of this Archmage Gai completely exceeded her expectations.

When did Beth acquire such a trump card?
This led to her subsequent plans...

Melania's eyes grew increasingly dark.

King George III frowned, his face filled with surprise and solemnity.

He looked at his distraught eldest son, Bai Xue, and then at the golden dragon-winged figure within the barrier, his heart filled with turmoil.

This young man... has probably already reached the level of the Imperial Advisor?

No.

Even snow white was defeated by him.

Even the Imperial Advisor would likely find it difficult to defeat him.

How did Beth manage to recruit such a person?

The future landscape of the Chessboard Kingdom may be about to change because of this... For the first time, his inclination towards Snow White began to waver.

Queen Adele carefully examined the young man, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.

"Mr. Kai... won?!"

Princess Lucy and Prince Anto stared wide-eyed, and at the same time, they both secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as no one gets hurt, that's fine.

Aladdin waved his hand gently, and the blue smoke that enveloped the courtyard receded like a tide, shrinking back into the magic lamp.

In the center of the courtyard, Snow White stood dejected and heartbroken.

The sword in his hand fell to the ground with a clang.

He left without saying a word or looking back.

"Brother Bai Xue!"

Lucy rushed forward and called out, but Snow White kept walking and paid no attention.

Seeing this, a hint of worry flashed across Lucy's face.

But soon, she gritted her teeth and ran back to that tall and awe-inspiring figure, saying with concern:
"Mr. Kai, are you alright?"

(End of this chapter)