When she heard those two words, “Mo Wang,” Ailiya’s gaze, which had seemed cold and indifferent, finally flickered, a glint of intense interest flashing in her eyes.
She set down the wine glass in her hand and swept her gaze across everyone present. Her voice was not loud, but it carried an arrogance that brooked no doubt.
“Finally, a proper topic.”
She stroked the hilt of the sword at her waist, and a wild, proud curve lifted the corner of her lips.
“Everyone here today, including those so-called prodigies from other races—in my eyes, they are nothing but weaklings.”
“Right now, within this same rank, the only one who can last a couple of moves against me is probably that Mo Wang.”
The entire hall fell into a dead silence.
Ailiya raised her head, looking at the pitch-black night sky above, as if she could already see her ultimate enemy.
“Once I defeat that Mo Wang and cut off his head, then I will become the legend of this world.”
Claudine the Empress, who had been standing nearby listening quietly, suddenly let out a soft laugh.
She swirled the red wine in her glass and looked at Ailiya with a rather amused expression.
“Actually, I’ve heard that over in the Extreme North Land, there’s a little princess of the Silver Dragon Clan with an incredibly powerful talent. They say that the moment she was born, she awakened her ancient Dragon God’s bloodline.”
Ailiya frowned slightly. She was clearly not interested in this topic.
“Silver Dragon Clan?”
“Those lizards that just hide in the ice and snow and sleep all day?”
“Heh heh, I hear that little one is quite the troublemaker.”
Claudine covered her mouth as she chuckled, a hint of teasing in her tone.
“Though she’s still quite young, her personality is extremely mischievous. They say she even dares to bully the Dragon Clan Elders in her tribe.”
‘Claudine spoke lightly, but inside she couldn’t help sighing: Ah, that little ancestor named Yisela… she’s usually a bit naughty, always pulling all kinds of pranks.’
‘But that child really does have amazing talent, and she has no concept of restraint when she fights.’
‘This foolish Hero is talking so big now. If she actually runs into my little Silver Dragon, she’ll probably end up bruised and swollen.’
‘When that time comes, don’t come crying to me…’
‘Oh well, young people have to walk their own path.’
‘As long as she doesn’t get beaten too badly and can come back alive, that’s fine.’
Ailiya, however, let out a sneer, her eyes full of disdain.
“She’s just a child hyped up by her clan.”
“So what if she’s a Dragon Clan?”
“If she dares to stand before me, one strike from my sword will send her running back in tears.”
She turned around, her red cape flapping in the wind behind her. Her gaze was firm and burning with fervor.
“Your Majesty, there’s no need for you to test my resolve any further.”
“Those so-called Dragon Clan prodigies mean nothing to me.”
“I’ll leave right now and begin my journey to slay the Mo Wang!”
“I’ll make everyone in the world know that Ailiya Lieyan is the one and only absolute truth in this world!”
Looking at the young girl before her, full of spirit yet brimming with overbearing arrogance, the smile in Claudine’s eyes deepened. She did not try to stop her any further. Instead, she raised her wine glass and gave Ailiya a slight toast.
“Very well.”
The Empress’s voice cut through the bustling crowd and reached Ailiya’s ears with perfect clarity.
“Since you have such ambition in your heart, I’ll see you off with a toast right here.”
“Go, my Hero.”
“Go conquer this world—or…”
“Be conquered by it.”
Ailiya did not catch the deeper meaning hidden in the Empress’s words. She simply raised her glass high, downed the wine in one gulp, turned, and strode toward the edge of the terrace.
The night wind stirred the crimson lotus-colored cape behind her, billowing like a battle flag.
“Mo Wang…”
She looked down at the bustling capital beneath her feet, a glow of supreme arrogance shining in her eyes.
“Wait for me there. Once I defeat you, I will become the legend of this world.”