At this moment, Senju Yukika was not only furious, but he also had the impulse to kill Tanaka!
However, he was well aware that he didn't have his two elite guards with him this time. Though he was a high-ranking martial artist, he couldn't gauge the true depth of the man standing before him.
A deep caution crept into Yukika's heart.
He knew that entering the Jufeng Mountain Range had already placed him in countless life-threatening situations. Having finally found a cave to hide in, he absolutely couldn't fall into this man's hands now!
To have just barely escaped the swarm of locust beasts only to die at the hands of a fellow human warrior? That would be a cruel twist of fate.
Besides, Yukika believed that his royal identity should command respect. If this man knew he was a prince, surely he would behave with reverence and submission.
After all, this was the territory of the Rakshasa Kingdom. Who would dare oppose the might of a nation?
Tanaka let out a cold laugh. "Why should I care about your status? This place isn't yours. Get lost!"
He thought, even if your identity is impressive, my master is on another level entirely.
Whether you're the leader of a sect or the ruler of a kingdom—so what?
To Tanaka, Maple—his master—was a being who had transcended earthly power with his terrifying cultivation. In his eyes, there was no one in the entire Rakshasa Kingdom to be feared.
Tanaka was shrewd. From subtle clues, he could infer the larger picture.
His reasoning was sound: as long as he clung to Maple's guidance, he feared no faction or person in Rakshasa.
Others might view the Third Prince as powerful and awe-inspiring, but in Tanaka's eyes, the prince still didn't measure up to his master.
However, Tanaka's words ignited the prince's fury. A man of royal blood being treated with such disdain by a commoner?
If he'd had his elite guards, Yukika would've already ordered this insolent fool's execution!
But alas, he had come here alone.
Worse yet, he couldn't even discern the stranger's cultivation level...
Had he known that Tanaka had just recently broken into the realm of high-tier martial artists, he might have attacked immediately.
Yukika had held that level for some time. In his mind, this newcomer couldn't possibly be his equal.
Unfortunately for him, Tanaka radiated an intense aura—mysterious, unreadable, and strong enough to deter a direct attack.
Yukika could sense danger. If he made the first move, the consequences could be disastrous.
So instead, he chose intimidation.
Yukika sneered. "Let me make this clear. I am the Third Prince of the Rakshasa Kingdom and its future sovereign. Now, will you step aside or not?"
He looked smug, as if revealing his identity would finally force submission.
Even if they didn't fear a prince, surely they would fear the future ruler of the entire Rakshasa Kingdom!
To his surprise, Tanaka's eyes flickered with a hint of astonishment. So this was the famed Third Prince of Rakshasa...
Tanaka had heard the rumors. This prince was the most favored among the royal siblings, widely believed to be the next Rakshasa King.
And yet, something about it felt off. Tanaka had never heard of a prince publicly declaring himself the next ruler while the current monarch still reigned.
Wouldn't such words displease the current king?
It was as if Yukika was saying, "I deserve this, and no one can stop me."
With the Rakshasa Sovereign still alive, Yukika claiming the throne sounded like blatant disloyalty.
Tanaka's eyes lit up, and he spoke righteously: "Your Highness, how could you say such a thing? The current king is still in power. Are you plotting treason?"
Yukika froze, stunned by the accusation.
Tanaka smirked inwardly. Strike the snake at its weakest point—he knew exactly where to hit.
These royal princes were all so arrogant, and in a moment of carelessness, Yukika had let something slip.
Tanaka seized that opening, leaving the prince speechless.
Furious, Yukika barked, "You insolent commoner, stop twisting words. Get out of my sight!"
Seeing Tanaka slightly relax, Yukika tried to assert dominance with his royal authority.
But Tanaka showed no fear. From every angle, Yukika could do nothing to him now.
Within the cave, Tanaka began to emit a mysterious Chakra. It flowed from his palms like the aura of a monk, spreading throughout the space.
This was the manifestation of his chakra pathways—transformed through his deep understanding of Buddhist teachings.
Yukika squinted and sneered, "So, you want to fight? Bring it on!"
Though Tanaka seemed mysterious, Yukika wasn't about to back down from a mere high-tier martial artist.
He let out a furious roar, launching both fists forward, each transforming into a golden dragon that roared through the air!
This was a signature Chakra technique of the Rakshasa royal family—Dragon Qi Chakra—capable of forming powerful golden dragon projections.
Their two Chakras collided midair with a thunderous boom!
The ethereal monk-like figure suddenly opened his eyes, radiating a strange and profound aura.
But the golden dragons spiraled downward with unstoppable force, jaws wide open, devouring the monk projection in a single gulp!
Inside the small cave, it felt as if thousands of warhorses were thundering past—an awe-inspiring sight.
After a violent exchange, the golden dragon completely consumed the monk projection.
Tanaka's face instantly turned pale, his blood surging, struggling to hold back the urge to vomit blood.