Chapter 44: Playing Both Sides (Still Seeking Votes)

He held the soft, fragrant beauty in his arms. They say beauties can only be admired from afar, not appreciated up close, but this saying certainly didn't apply to Lingyuesi. Her face was flawless, her skin as fair as a baby's, as warm and smooth as jade, with a faint, pleasant fragrance—not perfume, but a maiden's natural scent. Princess Ailiya was acclaimed as the First Beauty of Mankind, but this Duke's Daughter was every bit her equal. Women from the southern water towns possess a unique, gentle beauty.

Unfortunately... now was not the time for admiring beauty.

Roar!

The octopus, its tentacles severed, flew into a rage. With a deafening roar, it launched a frenzied attack at the two of them.

"Hold on tight!"

As a Duke's Daughter, Lingyuesi's status was only slightly lower than that of Princess Ailiya, making her one of the empire's most noble ladies. When had anyone ever spoken to her in such a tone?

Yet the young man's demeanor and tone were completely natural, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Lingyuesi extended her jade-like arms and wrapped them around his neck. She felt a bit puzzled by her own obedience.

Whoosh!

The octopus's tentacle lashed out, whipping through the air with a loud crack that spoke of its immense power. The wind it kicked up was sharp as a blade, carrying a foul, fishy odor. Faced with such great danger, fear overcame shyness, and Lingyuesi buried her head deeply in the young man's chest.

The monster was fierce, but Xu Feng stayed calm. Compared to the land dragon he encountered last time in the Misty Forest with Nana, the Demon Octopus was a tier lower. As long as he was careful, defeating it would be no problem.

The air became scorching hot. Xu Feng, having apprenticed under Kelaibafei, primarily practiced fire magic due to its immense destructive power. The Demon Octopus was immune to fifty percent of physical damage but had poor magic resistance.

Facing the tentacle attack, Xu Feng's flame blade shot forth with a howl. This move was somewhat similar to a Wind Blade, but its power was on an entirely different level.

However, the Demon Octopus was now on guard, so severing its tentacles again wouldn't be as easy without the element of surprise.

Thwack!

Seizing an opening, one of the octopus's tentacles snaked around from behind, attempting a sneak attack. Yet, a red light flashed in the empty air. Xu Feng had been prepared, having set up a magical barrier.

Not only did it block the attack, but the tentacle was clearly severely injured, scalded by concentrated fire element. No matter how intelligent a magical beast was, how could it compare to human cunning? Play at sneak attacks? Hmph, it had tried to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice.

Having seized the initiative, Xu Feng naturally wouldn't let the opportunity slip. He chanted an incantation while simultaneously retrieving a red gem from his spatial ring.

It was a gift from Kelaibafei—a fire dragon's core. Using it as a medium, the power of his fire magic could be increased by fifty percent.

Boom!

A pillar of fire shot into the sky, followed by another. Six massive pillars of fire formed a diamond shape, trapping the beast inside. The Demon Octopus sensed the danger instinctively and desperately tried to break free, but Xu Feng wouldn't let it have its way.

Centered around the six pillars, the fire elements coalesced into a giant net, like a massive cage, imprisoning it within.

Fierce flames raged, mingled with the beast's agonized screams. Soon, everyone smelled roasting meat. The giant octopus monster was cooked through—quite fragrant, of course, though no one dared to taste its flesh.

Xu Feng stored the Dragon Soul back into his ring and nodded in satisfaction. Life was meant to be enjoyed. Although lately he had become somewhat engrossed in fine food and beautiful women, he hadn't neglected his magic. His strength was still growing right on schedule.

Who says a life of comfort is a hero's downfall? He reveled night after night, enjoying the tenderness of young maidens, yet his strength hadn't slipped at all!

With a thud, having dealt with the octopus, Xu Feng landed back on the ground.

Gently releasing the young lady in his arms, Xu Feng inclined his head to the Duke. Walter was somewhat surprised—such a young mage, yet his strength surpassed even the two mages he had recruited for his estate.

Genius was the only word for it!

The Duke immediately began to contemplate. After all, mages on Hailan Star were a special group, wielding mysterious powers and enjoying people's respect. Having powerful mages in one's service was also a mark of a prominent noble family's prestige.

This young man's future prospects were limitless!

A smile appeared on the Duke's face as he nodded and returned the courtesy. "Thank you, Your Excellency, for stepping in to save us. Not only did you resolve the crisis, but you also allowed me the privilege of witnessing the wonders of magic. I wonder if Your Excellency would be interested in visiting my estate for a chat?"

The phrase "for a chat" was a polite and indirect way of speaking; the true meaning was naturally to recruit him. The young lady beside him also looked up, her beautiful eyes holding a trace of anticipation. In that critical moment, Xu Feng had saved her, and his unique temperament had sparked a flicker of curiosity in this beautiful Duke's Daughter.

If he accepted her father's recruitment, it would mean they could see each other often... Don't misunderstand. Love at first sight is rare, and a Duke's daughter wouldn't fall for Xu Feng simply because he saved her life. For now, she was merely curious, but this was already a good start.

Duke Walter's words left Xu Feng momentarily stunned. He felt both amused and exasperated inwardly, but he couldn't blame others. Unlike other nobles with their ornate attire, Xu Feng dressed simply and casually. No wonder the Duke thought he was merely a mage.

Recruitment was, of course, impossible. He was a Viscount personally enfeoffed by the Emperor and had no intention of serving anyone. Just as he was about to refuse, a commotion reached his ears.

"Lord Marquis, are you alright?"

Xu Feng looked up and saw a familiar face—it was Marquis Luoxiqi, with whom he had a good relationship. Behind him were several fully armed knights, clearly experts, though they had arrived a bit too late.

As an Imperial Advisor, Luoxiqi was also a prestigious noble in the capital. Walter's attitude toward him was much more amiable and respectful. "Thank you, Lord Marquis. The magical beast has already been eliminated by this mage."

Mage?

The Marquis was taken aback. Was there a mage participating in today's hunt? Following the Duke's gaze, his face showed a hint of astonishment. "Xu Feng!"

"Uncle Luoxiqi."

"What, do you two know each other?"

The Duke frowned imperceptibly. Had this young genius already been recruited by Luoxiqi? It would be a shame if such talent couldn't be used for his own purposes.

Of course, he wouldn't show this sentiment.

However, the Marquis was momentarily lost in thought. By chance, he had learned that Xu Feng was a Saint Expert, a disciple of Magister Kelaibafei. That's why he had been trying to curry favor, gifting shops and beautiful women, striving to build a good relationship. Little did he know this young man was even more remarkable. So young, yet he had slain a fearsome Demon Octopus. What terrifying talent! Perhaps he could become a Saint Expert in the future. Such a person was definitely worth investing in. Hmm... should he send more money and beautiful women over?

All these thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant before Luoxiqi recovered. He laughed heartily. "Your Grace jests. Viscount Xu Feng is one of the New Nobles in our capital. Naturally, I've met him a few times."

"Xu Feng?"

Even the usually composed Duke Walter couldn't help but show surprise. Princess Ailiya's savior, the one who cured the strange illness even His Holiness the Pope was helpless against with a few golden needles. He hadn't expected him to be so young. And wasn't he a doctor? Where did such astonishing magical power come from?

Miss Lingyuesi looked up. Although she was a young miss who lived a sheltered life, she was familiar with the rumors about Xu Feng. Seeing him in person was better than just hearing his name. The legends, combined with his demeanor and his status as a noble personally enfeoffed by the Emperor—unconsciously, this beautiful young lady was no longer merely curious.

"Haha, heroes emerge from the young. I thought it was some genius mage, but it turns out to be Viscount."

"Your Grace flatters me."

Establishing a good relationship with such an important figure would undoubtedly be highly beneficial for him.

From the side, a venomous glare shot toward him—it was from that playboy who had been hit by the pie, Baron Riva. However, Xu Feng naturally ignored him. Such a coward, who wet his pants at the sight of a magical beast, wasn't worth worrying about. An enemy? Hmph, he would regret being born into this world.

"Step aside, let us through!"

Another commotion came from outside. The Duke and Marquis frowned. Both were powerful and prominent figures who naturally disliked being disturbed. Xu Feng, however, tilted his head slightly... that voice sounded somewhat familiar.

The crowd parted. Passing through the servants and attendants, three noble young ladies walked in. Bright-eyed with pearly white teeth, though they couldn't compare to the Duke's Daughter's peerless beauty, they were still very pleasing to the eye.

Daisy, Linda, and Fanny. The three girls had followed Xu Feng's instructions and stayed in place, but waiting was agonizing. Gradually, they grew restless. The monster's roars and human shouts in the distance had also ceased. Impatient from waiting and worried about Xu Feng's safety, they mustered their courage and quietly made their way forward.