Chapter 156 - Weakening future enemies

Aile thought about it, and it was possible if he could get the dark humanoid's and Hazel's help. He looked at Hazel, and she reluctantly nodded. She had seen how most of the people that entered the tomb acted, betraying each other, lusting for her and backstabbing each other. Aile had pointed out to her that leaving them alive would be perhaps worst to those that could not fight back, making the life of common-people more miserable. She was not happy about this line of thinking, but it did make it a bit easier for her to accept. Hazel also knew that it would take a while for her to change Aile. She did not want to be unreasonable as all of her efforts would be categorized as such in the future, and Aile would only hide things from her. While she was not on board with such an approach, she accepted it in the end, for Aile. Hazel had noticed that he did not immediately agree and took her opinion into consideration. That was something that showed her that it would not be long until Aile becomes more considerate.

The treasure and cultivation knowledge of someone so strong was a rare gift. But Aile did not allow this greed to blind him.

"It will be tough; I am not strong enough to get rid of the 6th stage cultivators. You should be able to kill most people here with your darkness, why do you need my help with that?"

The humanoid darkness figure sighed, "If I could, I would, I am in spirit form too, the only way I can be saved is with someone's help, plus I am confined to this place. I can deal with the 6th stage cultivators as long as you bring them here. Does this mean you are willing to help?"

"As you said, you are not a righteous cultivator. Now I can leave here, but it will not be the same after you get your body. So although I am tempted to solve your problem, I am more worried about my safety." Aile recognized its straight forward approach, and he too similarly gave an answer. He would appreciate it, and he would prevent wasting time talking with double meanings.

"Fair enough, what will put you at ease?"

"A promise with fate as a medium."

"Ok."

Aile then used fate law and managed to create a contract that would protect him. The humanoid figure accepted. Aile did not see the gleam of surprise in his eyes as he manipulated fate law.

Then Aile started to think about the best option to deal with the people here. He could try and attract everyone here or deal with them separately.

He started to think, and in the end, the quickest option would be to deal with the weaklings himself and the strong cultivators could be lured here.

He held Hazel's hand and sent a message, "I will be dealing with them. You are just my support even in the dangerous situations you should try to stay your hand. Remember, you are my trump card." Aile also did not want her to join in something she did not fully accept.

With that, Aile nodded at the humanoid figure and with a flip of its hand, the barrier disappeared. Aile could see the crystals that grew on the roof, illuminating everything. The lit grotto gave off a warm light, with plants growing and generating sweet aromas. Trickling sound of water and the light breeze of wind made Aile realize their absence in the darkness.

After the barrier disappeared, and the humanoid figure was gone, the little kid came to Aile and tried to say something that he did not understand. After a few attempts with Hazel's help, he figured out that she was asking why did they take so long. By now, they guessed that she could hear and understand them. Quickly Aile replied, "We want to free the both of you out of here."

Knowing full well that there is a reason that these two are forced here. Releasing someone so dangerous could bring a calamity for many people, Aile remained unperturbed. He did not care about it, the stronger he is, the less likely the people he cares about will face a problem. With Duke White and the royal-side eyeing him, any boon would be appreciated, even if the cost is paid by other's blood.

With that began Aile's hunt.

Fortunately for him, the different paths more or less coalesced in the centre, giving him an advantage. He did not need to look too far away to fulfil his end of the bargain. If the group was weak, without a sound, he would appear behind them, knock them out and bring them back.

If the group was strong, he would tell of a great treasure that needed people of high cultivation to collect it. If they swear they will share it equally, then he would show them the location.

Tempted by treasure, how could they not follow. The last thing they remembered was a wave of dark energy. In their unconscious state, they were carried to a large area where they were placed next to the other people that were brought here.

52 people were already taken here, and Aile heard the next group of people with his enhanced hearing. The group consisted of 12 people, and the leader of the White Clan's group was at the helm.

Removing his royal team's attire, Aile went to tempt them. However, the word of a rogue cultivator was taken lightly. Only when Aile mentioned the 'fact' that the treasure was giving off the pressure as strong as the leader of the group did he manage to tempt them to follow him.

This time after the giant walls turned to a wave of dark energy, it did not immediately disappear. Soon to Aile and Hazel's surprise, an old man who was deeply injured got out of the dark-energy barrier. Before it could sigh in relief, Hazel appeared in front of him. The appearance of another person at least in the 6th stages of cultivation was enough of a distraction for him to let his guard down momentarily.

The normal courtesy of showing no interest in a fight was to lax one's guard temporarily. The old man did this to gauge Hazel. If she moved, he knew that there was another enemy in front of him and if she too lowered her guard, it meant that two sides will each go there own path.

Hazel lowered her guard and made him realize that he was or at least will be safe. The momentary relief in the old man allowed the stealthy Aile land a kick on his solar-plexus, shooting him back into the barrier. Courtesy had no place in battles. At no time should one lower his guard, the very tradition of weakening one's self in front of the enemy seemed like a joke that someone made up. Aile had no desire for honouring such tradition.

Soon the curtain of darkness was removed, and the 6 stage cultivator was knocked out or dead. Aile went there and saw the panting humanoid figure.

"I will try to recover, give me 30 minutes before you bring the next group."

Aile could hear somewhat of a feminine tone from her. But that was not something he cared about. The very fact that someone managed to get out of his or her prison was concerning, so if time could help him restore her strength, he will wait. Aile did not want to fight a 6th stage cultivator and did not want to involve and weaken Hazel either. Aile extended his senses and did not find anyone, sighing in relief, he climbed a boulder to get a high vantage point. Hazel sat next to him.

Aile looked at her and said, "I am going to extend my senses with the other soul, so just treat me as you would treat anyone else."

Hazel nodded, and Aile first took out two plates of food that was prepared and stored in his ring. He gave one to Hazel and other he kept himself.

After warning Hazel and taking the food out, he was ready to allow the other soul experience outside for 10 minutes. Aile did not want to give the other soul any idea that his women also loved him, so if he ever was with them, he would warn them, so that no wrong message was ever sent.

He heard a voice in his head, "So you will finally let me see again... where are we... Oh, food looks delicious... what is it called... who made it... where are we again."

Since he promised Fynn 10 minutes every day, he fulfilled his end of the bargain. At the same time, he tried to question him and get more information out of him. During the 10 minutes, Aile stealthily interrogates him and piece together the bite-size information he collects expanding his knowledge. While the original soul of the body acts like a child sating his basic curiosities.

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