Urban Seduction: Housewives Club

Nors' frankness made Eric feel somewhat favorable towards this seemingly stern old man. He smiled and said, "No worries, I have three days anyway."

Anos turned his head and looked deeply at Eric, saying, "Mr. Eric, to achieve the rank of Archmage at such a young age, which is rare in the magical world for centuries, truly makes one marvel at your talent. It also piques curiosity about your teacher—who must be a master capable of instructing such a young Archmage."

Eric raised an eyebrow and replied with a smile, "Elder, you flatter me."

From Ophelia, Anos learned that this handsome young man was not only the world's only Archmage but also possessed formidable combat skills. He once used the Giant's Sword to force out Sword Qi, piercing through a stone wall!

Anos's remark was a probe to see who could teach such a disciple who excels both in magic and combat, but Eric remained tight-lipped.

Anos refrained from saying more and looked up at the entrance of the solitary iceberg, saying, "Please follow me."

Eric nodded and silently followed Anos inside.

The icy walls of the cave faintly emitted light. Although dim, it illuminated the path beneath their feet. After advancing ten meters straight ahead, the light dimmed further. At this point, a dark stone entrance appeared before Eric.

Anos waved his hand and silently cast an illumination spell of the light element. A bright white sphere appeared above his head, illuminating a winding stone staircase leading upwards.

As a peak Pre-Heaven master, Eric naturally possessed "night vision" and wasn't bothered by this level of darkness. Whether there was illumination magic or not made no difference to him.

Guided by the light, Anos turned back to glance at Eric, his gaze slightly strange.

Previously, Anos had cast the illumination spell without relying on any magical equipment, demonstrating his ability in silence. He had intended to show the Archmage that he possessed strength not inferior to Eric's, but Eric remained unmoved.

Anos suddenly felt that this young man was unpredictable and profound.

Clearing his throat slightly, Anos said, "Please follow me." He then ascended the steps.

Eric followed Anos step by step up the spiral staircase. Every five to six meters, Anos would cast the illumination spell again.

Seeing this scene, Eric couldn't help but marvel. Was Anos's magical technique lacking, or was his mana insufficient, that an illumination spell could only last for over a minute? If it were him, Eric speculated, this illumination spell could become a permanent light...

After the eighth illumination spell, they reached the end of the stairs. Eric found himself in a spacious stone chamber, empty except for a large square stone against the far wall. A densely bearded old man, whose face was unseen, sat cross-legged on the stone.

Anos took a few steps forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Master Lek, Anos pays his respects."

Eric was slightly surprised. Didn't Anos call him a "friend" before?

Why was he now addressing this Lek as "Master"?

This was quite astonishing!

According to Ophelia, Anos was one of the executive elders of the Presbyterian Church, a position of great authority. Even facing the Queen of Denmark, he would only nod in greeting.

Who could make him respectfully call someone "Master"?

Thinking for a moment, Eric understood.

This heavily bearded old man must be a secluded elder, known to only a few people besides Anos. So, when Anos referred to him earlier, he used the term "friend" to dismiss Ophelia and others...

"Hoo~~" Lek, sitting quietly without moving, began to exhale deeply, filling the stone chamber with the echoes of his breath.

This breath lasted for more than a minute before Lek's slow and deep voice was heard, "Anos, what has happened? Why have you brought an outsider?"

Anos answered respectfully, "This Mr. Eric is very likely to be the legitimate descendant of King Gom. I have specially invited him to meet you, Master."

Lek finally opened his eyes, which were surrounded by long white eyebrows and wrinkles.

In the dim stone chamber, they seemed to light up like two bright morning stars. His profound gaze slowly scanned Eric up and down, finally fixing his face.

Lek's gaze was not merely a "stare."

If Eric's feeling was correct, this old man also possessed a skill similar to "True Sight."

At that moment, Eric felt as if he was being seen through. However, he immediately reacted by casting a barrier-type magic, completely blocking the probing gaze of the old man.

Lek was slightly surprised, and then the wrinkles around his mouth eased into a faint smile as he said, "Young man, you are strong."

Something strange happened. At that moment, three words popped into Eric's mind—Old Glass!

Seeing Eric's disregard, with even a hint of disdain on his face, the friendly demeanor of the old man turned stern. He spoke in a low voice, "If I can't discern your combat aura, then I'll have to test you myself..."

"Be my guest," Eric disdainfully replied.

Lek's face darkened like water as he coldly declared, "So be it. Be cautious!" With that, he leaped up and swung his massive fist towards Eric.

The dazzling white radiance emanating from Lek's fist indicated he was a high-level Paladin, nearing the ranks of a Divine Knight.

For Eric, a punch from someone of his level still posed a threat. Therefore, he didn't confront it head-on but instead employed the Seven Star Steps, swiftly dodging.

After seven consecutive punches missed, a frustrated Lek yelled out to Eric, "Don't dodge around like a coward! Come on, face me like a true knight!"

Could fighting serve as proof?

Though Eric was puzzled, driven by curiosity about this so-called "evidence," and not genuinely fearing the old man, he steadied himself, preparing to face him directly.

Having spent much time with Meyer, Eric had heard tales of knights' battles. Judging by the old man's words, he too seemed to be a knight. Therefore, Eric decided not to use Eastern martial arts but to rely purely on Western combat techniques!

Confident in his abilities learned from the Giant's Sword and Beowulf's battle formations, Eric believed he could hold his own against the old man in combat.

Seeing Eric stop, Lek's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration. He chuckled softly, and though his colossal fists remained at his sides, a visible powerful aura swirled around them, akin to two tornadoes. Meanwhile, a bright white radiance churned within the aura, intimidating to behold.

Eric's expression turned solemn as he replaced sword with arm, slowly raising his hands. Two faint afterimages appeared in front of him, and two circles of white aura overflowed from his arms, sweeping the surroundings.

With no further ado, Eric and Lek simultaneously lunged forward, unleashing their techniques.

Their fists collided, sending successive waves of white combat aura rippling outwards. The immense force caused both men to grunt in pain, their internal organs churning as if hit by a heavy explosive. Even the isolated Ice Peak couldn't withstand the shaking, shedding snow and ice.

Blood trickled from Eric's lips, his feet unsteady as he staggered back nine steps. Lek fared worse, with torn garments and bones on the verge of breaking, enduring unbearable pain and near-total physical collapse. A thick sweetness filled his throat, and he couldn't contain a mouthful of blood.

Fortunately, Anos foresaw this and activated a defensive magic, Ice Crystal Barrier, stored in a magic device made from crystal ore, protecting himself. Thus, despite being closest to the scene of the "aura burst," he suffered no harm and was the first to sense Lek's side.

Without further ado, a Holy Light Healing spell descended upon Lek as Anos chanted. Once Lek's injuries were mostly healed, Anos considered approaching Eric, but what he saw was Eric looking spirited and composed.

"Mr. Eric, are you alright?" Anos couldn't believe it—the young man, seemingly a direct descendant of the old King Gom, had just faced off with the revered 'Sir' so nonchalantly!

Eric smiled lightly, shook his head slightly, then turned to Lek.

Lek chuckled wryly, with a hint of respect, asking, "May I inquire, how much combat aura did you employ?"

Lek's change in demeanor left Anos and Eric somewhat enlightened. After a pause, Eric replied, "Tenfold."

Upon hearing this, relief and regret washed over Lek's expression. "It seems I was too arrogant, thinking that seventy percent of my combat aura would suffice to deal with you..."
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Anos seemed eager to redirect Lek from lingering in the aftermath of battle. He asked with anticipation, "Sir Lek, have you found any evidence that could prove Mr. Eric's identity?"