Soulbound: Dual Cultivation

Chapter 527: Arrogant Celestials

By the time Lucas and Tom reached the outer command area, a small clearing had already formed around the two men. A few soldiers lingered at a distance, not close enough to intrude, but close enough to observe. It was not curiosity alone that kept them there, it was presence.

The two men stood side by side, both composed, both carrying themselves with the quiet weight of power that did not need to be announced. Their posture was relaxed, yet there was something deliberate in the way they held themselves, as if they were fully aware of the impression they created.

And then there was their expressions.

Arrogance.

Not loud, not exaggerated, but clear enough in the slight tilt of their chins, in the way their eyes moved across their surroundings without truly acknowledging anything beneath them. It was the kind of confidence that came from knowing one’s own strength and believing it to be unquestionable.

Lucas slowed slightly as he approached, observing without reacting.

Celestials.

He could feel it.

The energy around them was controlled, refined, and unmistakably elevated. It was not something ordinary cultivators could replicate, no matter how skilled they were. It was the mark of those who had crossed into a higher threshold.

For men in their mid-thirties, that alone was impressive.

More than impressive, it was rare.

Lucas’s gaze sharpened slightly as he took them in.

These were not just operatives sent for support.

They were likely among Blackmare’s most valuable assets, individuals who had proven themselves repeatedly to earn both their power and the trust required to be deployed in a mission of this scale.

Which meant one thing.

They would not follow easily.

Lucas stopped a short distance from them, his presence finally drawing their attention fully.

Their eyes settled on him.

And in that brief moment of silence, it was clear.

This would not be a simple integration.

Lucas stopped before them, his expression calm, his presence steady despite the subtle tension already forming in the air. For a brief moment, no one spoke, the silence stretching just enough to make their stance clear.

"I am Xavier Alden," he said calmly.

The two men glanced at each other briefly before looking back at him, their expressions barely shifting.

One of them let out a quiet breath, almost amused. "Go and get him," he said dismissively. "We did not travel here for jokes and introductions from messengers."

The other gave a faint smirk. "Bring us Xavier Alden."

Lucas did not move.

"I just told you," he said calmly. "You are looking at him."

That was when their composure cracked, not into anger, but into disbelief.

A short, restrained laugh escaped one of them. The other shook his head slightly, as if dismissing the idea entirely.

"This is him," the first one said, glancing at his companion. "The one they have been speaking about."

"The same Xavier," the other added, his tone carrying clear skepticism. "The one with overwhelming presence and power."

Their eyes returned to Lucas, this time with open doubt.

"I expected someone... else," one of them said.

Lucas remained silent.

He neither defended himself nor reacted to their tone. He simply stood there, his gaze steady, giving them nothing to push against.

Behind him, Tom’s expression hardened.

"That is enough," Tom said sharply.

Both men glanced at him, mildly surprised at the interruption.

"You will address him properly," Tom continued, his voice firm with restrained anger. "That is my lord you are speaking to."

The two celestials looked back at Lucas again, their arrogant expression still plastered on their face.

The arrogance of the two men finally crossed a line.

Lucas’ expression hardened, his gaze turning cold...deadly.

He locked eyes with them, one after the other, his stare sharp enough to cut. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, suffocating.

"What I’ve achieved..." he began, his voice low but carrying unmistakable weight, "is something the both of you can only dream of."

The two Celestials frowned, their earlier amusement flickering.

Lucas took a step forward.

"I have fought opponents far stronger than you and stood my ground. I have stared death in the face, again and again, and I’m still here."

His voice rose slightly, not in anger, but in dominance.

"I have faced a dragon... a creature that could wipe out armies... and I did not die."

Silence fell.

Even the wind seemed to still.

"My name didn’t spread across this land," Lucas continued, his eyes burning into theirs, "for two mediocre Celestials to stand here and mock me."

The words landed like a hammer.

For the first time, the confidence on the two men’s faces cracked. Their expressions stiffened, their throats tightening as the weight of Lucas’ presence bore down on them.

They were stunned.

Completely.

Around them, the soldiers who had gathered felt a surge of pride rise in their chests. Their backs straightened, their eyes shining with renewed respect.

This... was the man they adored.

Tom, standing just behind Lucas, clenched his fists, his chest swelling with pride. A grin tugged at his lips.

That was his lord.

The tension lingered for a moment longer before it broke.

The two Celestials exchanged a quick glance. Whatever arrogance they had carried earlier had been thoroughly crushed.

One of them cleared his throat. "We... spoke out of line."

The other gave a slight bow, more restrained but sincere enough. "It won’t happen again."

It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t dramatic.

But it was an apology.

Lucas studied them for a brief second, his expression unreadable. Then, he gave a small nod, acceptance, nothing more.

"Good," he said simply.

He turned without another word. "Follow me."

They obeyed immediately.

The gathered soldiers parted as Lucas walked ahead, his steps calm and steady, his presence commanding without effort. The two Celestials followed closely behind, far more subdued now, while Tom trailed them with quiet satisfaction.

After a short walk, they arrived at a section of the encampment where three figures stood apart from the rest.

Vorde.

Bartho.

Darmian.

Their attention shifted the moment Lucas approached, eyes narrowing slightly as they took in the two unfamiliar Celestials behind him.

Lucas stopped a few paces away.

"Let’s get the mission briefing started," he said calmly.

A faint smirk tugged at Bartho’s lips, while Vorde’s gaze sharpened with interest. Darmian remained unreadablebut there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

The air grew tense again.

Only this time... it wasn’t arrogance filling it.

It was anticipation.