Solar Blood Masters (191)

Chapter 191 - Golden-Haired Kid

Raphael stood with his arms folded beneath his chest; a deceptively casual posture that belied the tension coiled within him. Beside him, Kudumei shivered with her violet shell dusted with snow. Opposite them, Bailof towered like a behemoth of muscle and ice, a total opposite to Raphael’s small human form.

A wave of murmurs washed over the courtyard.

“This can’t be happening! That oaf actually accepted the kid’s challenge! He has no idea what he’s in for!”

“And for some food?”

“God, I pray that you protect that child from Bailof’s wrath.”

Others were less sympathetic. Their eagerness for the contest to proceed overrode any concern for Raphael’s well-being.

“Just get it over with! I want my turn!”

“Yeah, I have maidens to woo!”

“I’ll just wait for my turn then.” Enel Snow materialized an ice chair and settled into it with a smug grin. The reason he didn’t dispute Raphael challenging Bailof was actually to regain some of his depleted Solar Essence.

‘Hopefully, Bailof will go easy on that kid and buy me some time to strategize. I won’t let anyone stop me from attaining my goal.’ He glanced up at Labeach.

Sensing the perverted gaze, Labeach glanced at Enel then scowled in disgust.

Beside her Yukiana voiced her thoughts about the situation, “Who does that golden-haired brat think he is, challenging Bailof? He won’t even last a second.”

“Who knows, Yuki. That kid might pull off a miracle and surprise us all. Cough… cough…” Xavier Snow said, wiping his mouth.

Yukiana retorted, “Daddy, please stop speaking from your anus. The only miracle that golden-haired runt will pull off is a swift defeat. Don’t you agree, sister?”

Labeach simply nodded. “Mhm.”

“That young man’s features… They’re… not bad. He has potent bloodlines. He will give me pretty grandchildren.”

“As if, Father! He doesn’t qualify to wed either of us! How old is he anyway?! Ten? Such a baby.” Yukiana scoffed.

“Want to make a bet with me, Daddy? If that boy lasts ten seconds against Bailof, then I’ll consider marrying a suitable suitor who passes the contests.”

“Oh…” Xavier’s eyes twinkled. He glanced down at Raphael. ‘I sense a hidden danger from that kid’s weapon. Others might not have realized due to the snow-covered ground. But there are cracks beneath his feet. That weapon must weigh a ton. No ordinary man can lift it, and yet, this kid…’

He turned to Yukiana. “You have a deal, Yuki. But I propose one of my own. If that kid defeats Bailof, then you will marry the suitor of MY choice. Are you willing?”

“Are you serious, Father? Deal!” Yukiana agreed readily, confident in Bailof’s strength.

Labeach, however, stared at Raphael intently. ‘That kid… Why did Father make such a preposition? Does he see something we don’t?’

Below…

The towering Bailof extended a hand towards the boy.

“State your name, brat. So I can carve it on your tombstone.”

Raphael looked up at the giant and replied calmly, “Raphael.”

Bailof roared with laughter. “Raphael? What a pathetic name for a weakling! A while ago, I gave that old geezer a chance. Five moves without retaliation. I’m feeling generous. I’ll offer you the same. What do you say, Raphael?”

Raphael folded his arms beneath his chest. “No, thank you. Just give it your best shot. And make haste. I’m starving. And the longer we talk, the less fresh that food will be.”

“Damn brat!” Bailof was offended.

“I’ll show you no mercy! If you die, so be it! Let your parents come seek revenge!”

“Parents? What nonsense are you spouting? As much as I hate that bastard, I must admit, you can’t even compare to my father’s bootheel.”

“That’s the last insult I’ll tolerate from a puny brat!”

WHOOSH!

Bailof’s massive claw slashed downwards straight for Raphael’s head.

‘Hmmm… I’m eager to see just how vast the difference is between us. Can these humans compare to even the weakest creatures in Yama Yaguai?’ Raphael thought as he reached out with his left hand and caught Bailof’s fist.

BOOM!

An explosion of snow and ice had the spectators gasping. But Raphael hadn’t budged an inch!

Bailof’s attack was halted. He stared at Raphael with his jaw slack. He was utterly baffled.

‘How can this brat stop me???’

Raphael assessed the attack. “Not bad. That attack of yours could probably wound a mid-tier Great Ordeal beast. Is this the best you can do? Surely you have more… deadly techniques?”

“How dare you belittle me?!” Bailof yelled and yanked his arm back before unleashing his Star System.

BOOM!

His Solar Blood Spirit, the Demon Snow Rabbit, materialized behind him! Its chilling aura washed across the courtyard and froze the very air. 16 Soul Planets were orbiting the spectral rabbit, and as they did so, they were enhancing Bailof’s strength.

Raphael’s eyes widened slightly. ‘Hmmm… A Demon Snow Rabbit Solar Blood Spirit? 16 Soul Planets? This man is a 5th Stellar Soul Layer Solar Blood Master? Hmm, what of his Solar Essence Density?’

He inspected it with his Lingshi Eye.

‘Oh… Despite possessing so many Soul Planets, his Solar Essence Density is only 860,000 kelvin… I see. The quality of his Soul Planets isn't that impressive, which reflects on his meager strength. It is crucial that a Soul Orbital be equipped with quality Soul Planets, otherwise, it would be a waste of orbit, especially for those with only one Solar Blood Spirit. But I have multiples… which means I can be a little bit careless. Hahaha!’ He smiled.

“Are you mocking me?! I’ll skewer you with my full might!” Bailof saw the smile and was enraged!

He began activating multiple Soul Planets simultaneously!

His body bulged!

His muscles rippled!

He began to spin, faster and faster until he became a tornado of snow and ice!

The sky darkened, lightning flashed around him. He was accumulating a terrifying amount of energy.

Raphael observed the transformation. ‘Just then, his Solar Essence Density spiked to 1 million kelvin! So… Soul Planet skills can also temporarily boost a user’s strength. Which means it was narrow-sighted of me to assume his full capability based on my initial reading of his power level.

To commend this man’s effort, I’ll give him a taste of… something delicious.’

“YAAAAH! Demonic Rabbit Twister – ATTACK!!”

Bailof twisted downwards while leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

But Raphael didn’t move. He waited patiently.

‘I won’t use any soul skills. I’ll test this Super Human Constitution. Just how sturdy is it truly? If I can survive Lu Ignis and Silk Yune’s combined Solar Pressure then…’

Bailof was almost upon him.

Raphael thrust out his left fist.

BOOM!

The impact was devastating!

Bailof’s gauntlets shattered. His nose exploded in a spray of blood. And his massive form was sent flying upwards.

He crashed against the palace roof then landed on the balcony before the Snow Maidens and Xavier Snow.

They stared down at his unconscious form, stunned into silence. Yukiana’s earlier boast now seemed foolish.

The crowd below also gaped in disbelief. They couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed. That golden-haired kid… he’d punched Snow General Bailof and knocked him out cold?

Thud!

Enel Snow fell out of his chair! His two rejuvenated front teeth popped out, leaving the two rotten ones from earlier.

A deathly silence permeated the courtyard. It was as if time itself had stopped.

At that moment, everyone was wondering: What is that kid’s origin?

…

Pat… Pat..

Raphael dusted off his palm casually and picked up Kudumei who nestled comfortably in his hands. He turned to a nearby soldier.

“Can I go eat now?”

The soldier, still reeling from the shock of Bailof’s defeat, nodded dumbly. Who dared to stop the child who had just felled their general with a single punch?

Raphael’s stomach growled impatiently as he walked towards the refreshment area. He arrived at a table laden with all sorts of delicacies: roasted meats, exotic fruits, steaming bowls of noodles, platters of sushi, even a chocolate fountain cascaded invitingly that mingled with the savory scent of grilled fish.

He stabbed Kudumei gently into a nearby snowdrift, sat down, and began eating like a ravenous beast. He grabbed handfuls of food, stuffing his mouth until his cheeks bulged. He slurped noodles, devoured entire roasted chickens, and even dipped his fingers into the chocolate fountain, licking them clean with gusto.

The other men, those who had passed the first round of the contest, stared with stunned eyes. How could such a small child consume so much food?

Raphael ate and ate until a coughing fit wracked his body. Remembering the gift Julian Ringtail had given him, he pulled out his Buddhist Pill Gourd. He channeled a bit of Solar Essence into it. Within seconds, it was filled with Sunshine Wine. He poured the golden liquid into a bowl and washed down the food with large gulps.

“GULP! GULP!”

His stomach settled. He sighed contentedly.

“This brat can also hold his liquor?” one of the men whispered, baffled.

‘Hmm? What’s this feeling?’ Raphael paused and closed his eyes. He directed his awareness inwards, towards his heart, where Thienika’s Solar Seed resided.

The seed was active. Microscopic roots had spread throughout his body. They were concentrated at his dantian, where they were breaking down and absorbing the nutrients from the food he’d just consumed. This process fueled the seed’s growth, while simultaneously enhancing Raphael’s own Solar Essence.

‘This is… Gourmet Roots?’

Gourmet Roots, a unique trait of the Draconic Star Lumber species, allowed them to absorb nutrients not just from soil and sunlight, but also from consumed food. This ability enhanced their growth rate and Solar Essence Density, making them formidable cultivators.

Raphael’s Solar Essence Density flickered, then increased by 30 kelvin.

‘My Solar Essence… It’s risen by 30 kelvin? Just by eating?! If I consume a large amount daily, my power will rise gradually! 100 kelvin a day… 365 days… That’s 36,500 kelvin a year, just from consuming food! This is only the bare minimum! If I consume higher-grade food… who knows how high my power will climb?! When I was in Shao Jin’s body, eating never increased my strength this much. This Super Human Constitution… It’s truly amazing!’

Feeling a newfound eagerness to get stronger, Raphael returned to his meal, devouring the remaining food with renewed delight.

Seeing this, the other men also grabbed portions for themselves and began eating.

…

Above, on the balcony, Xavier Snow watched the scene unfold with a smile.

“Impressive. Very impressive. I knew I wasn’t wrong about that kid.”

He rolled his wheelchair to the edge of the balcony, observing Raphael intently. Behind him, soldiers were escorting Bailof to the infirmary.

“I’ve won the bet, Yuki. You’re not going back on your word, are you?”

“Daddy I…” Yukiana was upset, but she couldn’t deny her father’s victory.

“Fine, Daddy…” she grumbled.

“Good.” He coughed, then added, “I’ve found the perfect suitor for you, Yuki.”

“You don’t mean…?”

“Yes, that kid. He’s an outstanding young man.”

“But he’s shorter than me, Father! And the contest isn’t over yet! Just wait until the end before you make your judgment. Don’t you agree, sister?”

“Mhm.” Labeach nodded and her gaze settled on Raphael. ‘What trickery did he use to defeat Bailof? He didn’t even release his Solar Blood Spirit or his Star System. A simple punch… and Bailof was defeated? Is his body that remarkable? Hmph! We shall see in the next round. Marrying me won’t be that easy.’

…

BURP!

A loud belch, more befitting a bull than a child, resonated through the courtyard and the faces of the men by the refreshment table were startled.

The table… was empty!

That golden-haired kid… he’d eaten everything. And he still looked unsatisfied.

“Where’s the rest? Is this all the chef cooked? I thought I could have all I can eat if I beat that guy. So where is it?” Raphael demanded of the female caterers.

They apologized profusely and hurried off to the kitchen to prepare more food.

“Hmph!” Raphael snorted and spun around on the bench, picking his teeth with a toothpick while observing the ongoing battle in the arena. “They better hurry with that food, otherwise, those fighters will be upset when they realize they’ve fought for nothing.”

‘What? But you’re the reason the food is gone!’ Enel Snow glanced at Raphael suspiciously. He still couldn’t believe how strong that small human form was. He couldn’t even read Raphael’s Solar Essence, ‘Is it being suppressed?’ He approached Raphael cautiously, leaning heavily on his ice cane, his frail old man disguise was firmly in place.

“You don’t have to worry about there being an uproar, youngster. This contest isn’t solely about claiming food.”

“Hmm? What do you mean, mister?”

“Please call me Enel. Here. See for yourself.”

He handed Raphael a poster.

It depicted two beautiful women – Yukiana and Labeach.

“Those are the Snow Maidens of our empire, the most beautiful women in these lands. This contest… it’s to determine their suitor. The winner will earn their hand in marriage and potentially become the next Snow Lord! Imagine the bounty!”

“Snow Lord? Snow Maidens?” Raphael looked at the poster briefly, then crushed it and tossed it into the snow.

“Such trivial matters don’t interest me. I’m sticking around for the food. Hopefully, the next batch is even more nutritious.”

‘Huh? This brat is only interested in food?’ Enel was surprised. ‘This might work to my advantage.’

“That kid! Did he just crush our photo?!” Yukiana was outraged.