A System That Beats Death

Several brigands were trampled to death by his horse while a dozen fell to his efficient swordplay. The battle had raged on for quite some time and sweat began to acc.u.mulate on his forehead.

This was the first time he had utilized his power ever since he hid in the country of Zin. He was silently and unknowingly sent to Zin when his father had became aware of the fact that his uncle was plotting against him with plans to usurp the throne. As he resided in the Tan Palace, his studious behavior and willingness to a.s.sist had allowed him to establish friendly relations with their royal family. The harmony was so conspicuous that people felt they were one family and began to include Xin when it came to discussions on royalty. The first night, he had arrived, to his surprise, the royal family had asked about Riri. He had often doted on Riri and always felt that their affection for each other was greater than the typical sibling relationship.

Deciding to confide to him, the Royal Family of Zin confessed that Riri was actually their long-lost daughter. This information relieved Xin greatly and he yearned to reunite with her. However his uncle had usurped the throne and the Army of Zin had to deal with other invading countries.

In order to rescue Riri, Xin immediately focused on studying war tactics, politics, and began to train himself. As he was basically a part of the royal family already, many people heard of him and his diligence caused him to become famous.

The handsome Crown Prince of Nan who devoted his time and effort to overthrow the corrupt Emperor. Due to his looks, he had many suitors and was offered many proposals. He had rejected them all though as the memory of Riri had always resurfaced and a feeling of longing lingered.

One day, he had unlocked the atavism of his bloodline. The power of Dragon Blood flowed through his veins and strengthened his physique considerably while granting great abilities. Dragon"s Roar would cause a shockwave which would blast enemies and rally troops. Tempered Hide which would cover his skin in dragon scales. Lizard Fangs which would morph his hands into claws that could dent steel.

"Did you hear? Great General Lanye has returned to the Capital of Nan", a servant began gossiping to an attendant.

"I heard he had left due to discontent with the Emperor so it is quite strange that he is back"

Xin began to rejoice. He could ally with Lanye and then the both of them could take down his uncle. He was about to plan further ahead when the servant continued.

"They say he has brought the Crown Prince with him and that the Crown Prince has lost his memories"

Xin was shocked. Someone had dare impersonate him? Wouldn"t that be the equivalent of suicide as it would severely threaten the Emperor"s position?

Xin immediately stopped eavesdropping. He made his presence known and began interrogating the servant.

It turned out that Lanye had brought with him a man named Shen who resembled Xin. Even Princess Riri had thought that Shen was Xin and they became friends.

Xin"s heart had felt like someone had just hammered it. Since Shen was not the actual Crown Prince and she thought that they were siblings, their relationship might become genuine and Xin might be forgotten. He felt that he had to prevent this from happening and claim Riri before Shen did.

He was already ready to send an envoy to Nan when Shen had sent a message.

Dear The True Crown Prince,

When are you retaking the throne? Everyone thinks I want to but I can"t be bothered to govern nations. I have been tutoring your lover on politics so she will be fit for your engagement. If you do not act within the next 4 months, I will begin taking measures against you

Xin"s eyes widened. Somehow this Shen not only knew who he was but also how to contact him. He must be a complicated character with great schemes. This made him wary and he began to tarry when it came to the decision. After 3 months he had finally decided to accede and informed Shen via letter.

A week later while he was entering his chambers to rest, he had heard a m.u.f.fled clamor next to the window. He opened it to find someone who resembled him holding a human-shaped bag.

Xin froze. They nearly looked like twins with minor differences. Shen had sharper features and his eyes had always seemed mysterious while Xin had a broader face and paler lips.

The person threw the bag towards him before immediately vanishing. Fearing that the person inside would be hurt, he caught the bag by using his body as a cushion. To his surprise, it was Riri who adorably struggled before noticing Xin.

"Brother Xin?", she inquired wistfully yet hopefully.

He immediately embraced Riri, having reunited with her at last.

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Brandishing a steel sword he had looted from a dead brigand, Shen charged at Lanye. Their blades clashed and sparks flew, as the two struggled to gain the upper hand.

Lanye raised his knee to harm Shen"s shin which he deflected via a hard blow with his elbow. Both staggered from the impact before rushing towards each other once again.

The two swung and stabbed to no avail as the stalemate continued. It reminded Lanye of the times when the two had sparred in the woods. They would fight until the wooden swords, Shen crafted became frayed and splintered.

As the duel continued, Lanye began to push back Shen as his experience and skill were a level above Shen"s. Shen was also quite skilled but he was lacking when it came to the 20 years of swordplay experienced by the Great General.

Shen grimaced as the poison continued through his system and began to inhibit his dexterity. Not only was his skill holding him back but now the poison had finally affected him.

"Give it up, brat. I admit you"re skilled but you need 10 more years before you can challenge me", Da Lan taunted as he perceived his victory in the near future.

Shen responded with a chuckle and a menacing grin.

[Sword B+ Upgraded to A(-2500)]

The consistent sparring and training with a.s.sa.s.sins had drastically improved his Sword skill. Going from C+ to B+ took a while so he had finally decided to use the system to gain an edge.

"I believe you mean 10 seconds", Shen retorted before he thrust the blade towards Da Lan.

He prepared to block but Shen had already created a gash in his shoulder.

The gash was deep enough to cut bone but Lanye had been used to worse pain.

To his astonishment, Da Lan found that Shen had become more proficient in a matter of seconds. His swordplay rivaled his, reaction time surpa.s.sed his, and his sword could no longer reach him.

He literally did improve in a matter of seconds, Da Lan thought. Truly a demon.

On the battlefield, the battle soared in intensity. Da Lan"s elites would decimate many of Xin"s soldiers but they also would succ.u.mb to fatigue overtime. During these crucial moments, they would either be shielded by an ally or struck down to eternally rest.

Having decapitated another enemy, Xin rushed towards the palace. The situation was getting dire and only their General"s death would demoralize them.

Unlike Shen, Da Lan did not have the advantage of Vitality and eventually ran out of stamina. Shen might"ve had a few bruises from before upgrading, but they were minor compared to Da Lan"s.

His clothes were slightly shredded, a few severe wounds littered his body, and his breaths became irregular.

"You"re good, really good. But you fought the wrong person. There"s a reason the emperor didn"t chase after me", Da Lan smirked before saying, "He thought I was dead"

He then poured the contents of the entire vial in his mouth. Both collapsed as excruciating pain racked their bodies. Even with pain reduction, Shen felt as if his his bones were being crushed. Blood began to flow from bloodshot eyes and his vision began to blur.

Da Lan laid motionless on the floor. He could be presumed dead if not for the phantom flame which started to emerge.

"HAHAHAHAH!! A MERE MORTAL CANNOT MATCH THE PHOENIX!"

He rose while enveloped in flames. Lifting his arm, he commanded the inferno to incinerate Shen.

Awaiting the pain, Shen sighed internally. He had failed this time but he would probably not get something as good as the Phoenix Heart again.

Suddenly, a shadow descended over Shen and the flames dissipated.

"Get up! I know benefactor is stronger than this"

Shen glanced up casually but was surprised to see Xin.

He had activated Tempered Skin and blocked the flames. Although dragon scales were protective, the flames eventually started to have an effect.

The scales had began to char and Shen knew that Xin was going to run out of time.

[Strength B+ Upgraded to A(-2500)]

"You"re right. A mere mortal can"t match the phoenix"

Xin"s face contorted into one of confusion but turned into one of surprise right after.

Shen grabbed Xin and threw him across the palace and back on the battlefield. This action would"ve killed Xin but he had Tempered Skin activated. The force of the hurl had crushed many people and crippled Da Lan"s second-in-command.

Shen rose and to Da Lan"s surprise, spontaneously combusted. Two gigantic flames soared into the sky with one of a crimson color while the other being blue. The sight caused the armies to pause and stare in awe. Their General, the Phoenix had truly met his match.