Grand Ancestral Bloodlines

The enforcers all carried the same white-gold hair and eyes that Isemeine did. It was very much likely that this region of the Martial Gods' territory was set aside for the Heaven's Dew branch. Unfortunately, this just made things just that little bit more complicated to deal with. 

The enforcers immediately recognized Isemeine. So, they were also immediately aware of her background. Despite the fact they knew that the perpetrator was Ryu because their Spiritual Sense had reached out long ago, there was no denying that Ryu was one of Isemeine's people. 

At the same time, though, this wasn't the territory of the Silver Touch branch and it had to be remembered that both of Isemeine's parents were King-level existence of that opposing branch. As a result, the sway she had over things here was lesser. 

However… were things that simple? Could they just end here? 

If everything was 100% fair all of the time, there would be no discussion. Isemeine's friend would be detained and punished. It should only be all the more easy since this wasn't Silver Touch territory. 

But, since when was anything in the Martial World fair? If they offended Isemeine now, not to mention the fact that aside from the Dao Pedestal Realm enforcer, none of them could beat her, who was to say that she wouldn't complain to her father? Or god forbid her mother?!

Even if they were in the right, only the strong had privileges to argue about right and wrong. Since they were doing a thankless job like this, it was obvious that their backing wasn't the strongest… 

In a weaker region, enforcers might be able to bend the law to their whims and gain some benefits under the table. But, up here, things were so strict and uptight that even the most corrupt individuals didn't dare to breathe too hard. 

This might sound contradictory. But, once again, everything was based on power and strength. If someone at the World Sea Realm did as they pleased, it wouldn't count as corruption, it was just be writing a new set of rules. Things were that simple. 

There was one aspect, then, that was left out of all of this, and that was Isemeine's personal worry. She had panicked the moment Ryu shot into the sky, and that was most definitely not her making a big deal out of nothing. 

At this moment, she wasn't entirely certain if she could protect Ryu at all because she knew one thing very clearly… Those ugly expressions these enforcers were wearing likely meant that they would pass on their duties to someone else. And, that someone else would be of higher standing than themselves. 

Once this happened, Ryu would truly be finished. 

Isemeine was trying to figure out what to say, but she also wasn't a fool. If she displayed how worried she was, it would just be a sign of weakness. In the martial world, no one appreciated weakness or felt pity in the face of it. You were more likely to end up trampled than garnering any sort of sympathy. 

But, at the same time, if she came out as abrasive as she usually would, that would give these enforcers even more of a reason to call their superiors. 

At this moment, the enforcers were still hesitant to do so. Calling forth their superiors for something that could be seen as a minor infraction depending on a number of factors would reflect badly upon them as well. They almost wanted Isemeine to snap so that they could have a legitimate reason to call for help without gaining the ire of those above them. 

However, today… Isemeine seemed tame. Almost too tame. 

The result was an odd situation where both groups became eerily silent—Ryu and Isemeine standing atop a set of wide stairs and the enforcers standing below. At the same time, they had to deal with several Spiritual Senses sweeping by them with a probing curiosity. 

Isemeine suddenly felt resentful toward Ryu. Wasn't he going to at least try to do something? Communicate with her at least. She was trying to help!

When Isemeine looked over to Ryu, looking for some aid, she almost fainted from rage. This bastard actually had his eyes closed, breathing lightly as though he was taking a morning stroll. How infuriating could he get?!

Ryu was indeed calm. The harsh, cold wind that left most shivering was like a spring breeze to him. It licked across his exposed skin with a gentle touch, wafting the fragrance of his long, white hair toward the surroundings. 

Delicate crystals formed from the fog of his breath, making it seem as though he was breathing shimmering lights in and out. His very soul was soothed, his body reaching a state of relaxation it never had before. 

True serenity. 

The prayer mat that had laid dormant within Ryu's Inner World for years trembled slightly before going back to a resting state. It was impossible to tell whether Ryu noticed this infinitesimally small shift at all. 

A light smile curled Ryu's lips. He hadn't felt such peace in a long time. 

He had wondered why it was he managed to lower himself to the ground before. Even he didn't believe he had matured so much so quickly. So… It was because of that. 

To the Martial Gods, all they could sense was a harsh cold, one they couldn't even raise their children in. It was difficult to tell if they even had a single settlement near the Shrine Mountain due to how harsh the conditions were. 

However, to Ryu… All he sensed was the warmth of his mother. 

Her aura hung all around him, her arms draped across his shoulders, her hands resting on his chest, her kiss gracing the side of his cheek. 

They had benefited from such a thing for so many years… And yet they couldn't even appreciate it. 

Sparkling snow began to fall from the skies above as the temperature suddenly began to plummet all the more. 

Ryu suddenly rose into the skies once again, a strong confidence pumping throughout his heart. Isemeine didn't even get the chance to stop him before his voice boomed, causing even the skies above to quake. 

"I've heard many things about the Martial Gods of the Martial Plane. I, Ryu Tor, come to challenge you all."

Ryu unleashed his aura, a wave of devastation rolling out from himself in all directions.