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Young master
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Young master
CHAPTER 66
Adrian stepped out of the car, his coat dusty from travel, his posture straight despite the fatigue buried deep in his bones. Beside him stood Kai–clothed in simple, old–fashioned robes that looked entirely out of place against the modern architecture of the mansion. His back was slightly bent under the weight of two heavy travel bags stuffed to the brim, the fabric strained as if they
carried far more than books alone.
Before either of them could take another step, hurried footsteps echoed from the marble steps.
“Young Master!”
Isabella Reyes appeared at the entrance, her expression a mixture of relief, worry, and restrained authority. She had clearly rushed out without caring for decorum–her phone still clutched tightly in her hand, her brows drawn together sharply.
“I’ve been calling you nonstop,” she said, her voice tight. “Your phone was unreachable. Do you have any idea how-”
She stopped mid–sentence.
Her eyes landed on Kai.
For a brief moment, something flickered across her face–confusion, curiosity, and something far deeper, almost instinctive.
Adrian noticed it.
And suddenly, so did he.
Isabella stood tall under the evening light, her posture naturally regal, her presence commanding without effort. The way she carried herself–elegant, composed, untouchable–made the world around her seem dull by comparison.
And then it hit him.
Princess Elowen.
The image flashed through his mind uninvited: the young princess from the historical zone–graceful, dignified, eyes filled with quiet intelligence and unyielding will.
Different worlds.
Different eras.
Yet the resemblance went beyond appearance.
It was presence.
Soul.
It felt as though one essence had been split across time itself.
So this is what Master meant… Adrian thought quietly.
“All of this… is part of your journey.”
His master’s voice echoed faintly in his mind, calm and knowing.
Adrian’s gaze lingered on Isabella for a second longer than usual.
Was Reyes meant to be part of this journey too?
“Young master?” Her voice snapped him back.
He exhaled softly. “The network was bad where I went,” he said calmly. “That’s why you couldn’t reach me.”
Isabella let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “I would have come searching if I knew where you went?”
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She paused, then glanced at Kai again. “And… who is he?”
Adrian turned slightly. “This is Kai,” he said. “My master’s son.”
Kai straightened awkwardly and gave a respectful nod. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miss”
Isabella’s expression softened instantly. “Your master…?”
Adrian’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. “He passed away.”
Silence fell between them.
“I’m sorry,” Isabella said quietly.
Kai lowered his head. “Thank you.”
Adrian continued, “Kai will be staying here for now.”
Isabella nodded without hesitation. “That won’t be a problem.”
Her gaze sharpened again. “Did you meet him in time?”
“Yes,” Adrian replied. “I did.but I couldn’t talk to him.”
She searched his face. “And the challenge?”
Kai’s grip tightened on the bags.
Isabella’s voice dropped. “Young master… twenty–one immortals. Do you understand what that means? Even the strongest
families wouldn’t dare-”
“You don’t need to worry,” Adrian said evenly.
Her eyes narrowed. “That’s not an answer.”
He met her gaze calmly. “I will handle it.”
Something about his tone made her pause. It wasn’t arrogance. It wasn’t recklessness.
It was certainty.
Kai shifted beside them. “These bags are heavier than they look,” he muttered, trying to lighten the mood. “Ancient medical texts, cultivation records, martial manuscripts… I don’t think I can carry them inside alone.”
Adrian waved a hand dismissively. “Leave them here. The maids will take care of it.”
As if on cue, several staff members hurried forward, their eyes widening when they tried to lift the bags.
“These are… heavy,” one of them muttered under their breath.
Kai looked mildly proud.
Adrian turned back to Isabella. “Let’s go inside.”
They walked through the doors together, the mansion’s warm lights casting long shadows across the floor.
Inside, Isabella finally allowed herself to relax slightly, though her eyes never left Adrian for long.
“You should rest,” she said firmly. “You just came back.”
“I can’t,” Adrian replied.
She frowned. “Why not?”
“I have to go somewhere,” he said. “With Kai.”
Young master
Kai blinked. “Now, I thought after we rest?”
“Yes,” Adrian said.
Isabella stopped walking. “Adrian, whatever you’re planning-”
“It’s necessary,” he interrupted gently.
She studied him carefully. “Is this about the duel?”
“In a way,” he said. “Time isn’t on our side.”
Her lips pressed together. “Then at least tell me this–are you confident?”
Adrian paused.
Then he smiled faintly.
“Confidence isn’t the right word,” he said. “But I know what I need to do.”
She sighed softly. “You always speak like someone carrying the weight of several lives.”
“That’s because I am,” he replied quietly.
Her gaze softened, but worry still lingered.
“Just… come back alive,” she said.
I’m not going to fight”
Adrian looked at her then–really looked at her. ”
For a fleeting second, the image of Princess Elowen overlapped with Isabella Reyes so perfectly it made his chest tighten.
Kai cleared his throat. “Should I… go prepare?”
“Yes,” Adrian nodded. “We leave shortly.”
Kai hesitated, then leaned closer and whispered, “You really think you can face them?”
Adrian’s eyes darkened, a calm storm brewing beneath their surface.
“I don’t think,” he said. “I know.”
As Kai walked away to prepare, Isabella remained standing there, watching Adrian’s back.
She couldn’t explain it, but something about him felt different now-
-deeper, heavier, more dangerous.
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