Rearing Demons
Chapter 80: Yur vs Julian

Chapter 80: Yur vs Julian

"Nobility?" They looked at Yur in confusion.

"Why would you want something like that?" The King furrowed his brows, puzzled.

Although nobility sounded appealing, it was useless to most cultivators. A mortal kingdom meant nothing to them; mere titles without real power. Unless it was a grand mortal kingdom with deep connections to true power, those nestled within the heart of the continent, such titles were ultimately meaningless.

"I just want a title." Yur shrugged. "I don’t have much of a background, so having a place wouldn’t be a bad idea."

Though his reasoning seemed casual, it was nothing but an excuse. A carefully crafted lie.

Julian saw through it, but the others did not.

"Fine." Julian nodded. "If you can beat me, not only will you gain the title of a noble, but you’ll also be granted land and territory."

"That’s even better." Yur’s lips curled slightly. Having territory was always part of his plan.

With his strength, taking land was never an issue. But if it was given by a recognized mortal kingdom, it would provide legitimacy, something far more useful in the long run.

"Let’s take this to the training grounds?" Julian gestured toward the exit.

A battle of their level would be devastating, even if they held back. Destroying the banquet hall over a mere test would be idiotic.

Yur nodded and followed Julian.

The family exchanged glances before rising from their seats, hurrying after them.

Even Renri, who opposed the duel, couldn’t suppress his curiosity. Though he had no true grasp of either Julian or Yur’s strength, he knew they were far beyond him.

This is my chance... He clenched his fists. To witness how the strong fight.

The group moved swiftly, turning corridors before stepping into the open air of the training grounds—a vast field bordering the castle.

"Welcome to the training grounds," Julian said, gesturing at the sprawling space. "Normally, only my family trains here, but today, we make an exception."

"Sure." Yur barely paid attention, his focus entirely on the battle ahead.

Julian caught his complete indifference and let out a small snort. Nothing fazes this guy, huh?

"Let’s set some rules," Julian began. "This is a test, not a life-or-death battle, so I’ll hold back—"

"Don’t." Yur interrupted.

Julian’s brows furrowed.

"If you do," Yur’s voice deepened, his presence shifting into something imposing, "I can’t guarantee anything."

The air changed.

A suffocating aura spilled into the field. The atmosphere shuddered, vibrating as if crying out.

The grass stilled.

The wind ceased.

Julian’s eyes widened.

This aura... It wasn’t just powerful. It was beyond him.

This young man... just what is he?

Despite the concern creeping into his mind, excitement flickered in his gaze.

Unlike his family, Julian had traveled across Nor, challenging cultivators and beasts alike. Though his talent was limited in the grand scheme of things, within Freau and the surrounding kingdoms, he was a monstrous prodigy.

Taking a deep breath, Julian released his own aura.

"U-Uncle broke through?!" Renri gasped.

"He did," the King confirmed, nodding. "While you were on your month-long expedition."

Renri felt a surge of pride. Our first Luminous Heart cultivator!

This was monumental for Freau. The Welit Mortal Kingdom was backed by a fifth-rank cultivator from the Raging Dragon Sect, placing immense pressure on Freau.

They barely held on, but now, with Julian breaking through, they finally had breathing room.

"But..." The King narrowed his eyes. "The young man is no weaker than your uncle." His voice was grave.

Renri swallowed. He had spoken of Yur’s strength, but seeing it firsthand was different. As a third-rank Ignited Core cultivator, he had no true frame of reference. Even a Shining Core cultivator outclassed him.

The entire family stood silent as two monsters faced off. The first move would decide everything.

"I’ll let you go first." Yur waved his hand, beckoning Julian forward.

The gesture was casual. Too casual. Julian’s frown deepened.

"Confident, aren’t we?"

"You don’t have a chance." Yur’s voice held no arrogance. Just absolute certainty.

He truly believes it.

Julian’s jaw tightened. He had seen his share of arrogance before, but this wasn’t bravado.

"Let’s see about that." With a grunt, a wooden sword materialized in Julian’s grip. "Since this isn’t a real fight, I won’t use a real weapon."

"Suit yourself." Yur remained unarmed.

If Julian wanted to handicap himself, so be it.

"Here I come." With a whisper, Julian vanished.

Yur’s eyes sharpened. His stance shifted; relaxed, yet coiled for action.

Then—Julian struck.

The wooden sword cut low, aiming for Yur’s legs.

Yur leaped.

But Julian wasn’t done. Mid-air, Julian twisted. His sword whipped upwards, a perfect counter to Yur’s dodge.

He’s fast. Instead of trying to dodge again, Yur pushed down, grabbing the sword mid-motion.

Julian smirked. Got him—

Then, in an instant, Yur used the sword’s upward force, not to resist, but to launch himself away.

"What?!" Julian barely had time to recover before Yur countered.

The moment his feet hit the ground, Yur dug deep and shot forward.

His hands clawed toward Julian’s wrist—disarming was the goal.

Julian reacted instinctively, swinging his sword, but Yur caught his wrist.

A second strike came for Julian’s face. But Julian ducked.

With a snarl, Julian released his wild, heavy aura; an oppressive force like a beast unleashed.

"RAAH!"

A golden cloak of essence surged over him.

Julian ripped free and sent a brutal kick at Yur’s stomach.

The impact landed.

But Yur didn’t move.

A sharp exhale.

His aura flared. Not demonic essence, but human. Foreign to him, but controlled.

His hand snapped out, gripping Julian’s ankle.

"Not bad," Yur muttered.

Killing was easy.

Holding back wasn’t.

His muscles coiled. Then... he lifted Julian.

A snort escaped Julian as he stabbed downward with his sword.

Yur jerked his head, barely dodging. That would’ve been bad.

His legs bent. Then exploded.

Both fighters soared into the air.

Yur whipped Julian toward the earth.

Julian smirked. "You forget... I’m Luminous Heart."

Mid-fall, he stopped.

Floating.

"Height doesn’t matter to me."

Yur’s eyes gleamed. "Are you sure?"

Then, like a shadow through the clouds, Yur fell.

His hand suddenly closed around Julian’s throat.

Julian’s eyes widened. "You—"

Yur tightened his grip. "Let’s see you escape this."

The ground rushed up to meet them.

Julian surrounded himself with a dense essence cloak, bracing for impact.

"Protect them!" The King roared, his aura shielding those around him.

Renri did the same, gritting his teeth.

Then—

BOOOOOM!

The earth shattered. A powerful shockwave tore across the training grounds.

The King shielded his eyes.

Then—through the haze—a lone shadow rose.

A single figure.

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