Chapter 384: Dalliance Discord (2)
"Can’t you hear? Come in and clarify the situation you’re here to report." Riuzi Aihamaide’s patience had worn thin, and he promptly barked at the servant waiting outside the cultivation chamber. The servant breathed a sigh of relief, relieved to receive clear instructions.
The servant found himself spared from the need to choose whose command to heed, as Riuzi Aihamaide was complying with Xiyamu Saman’s directive, despite their earlier dispute. It appeared that despite their personal relationship issues, they were able to keep their business matters separate.
The servant promptly swung open the doors to the cultivation chamber and respectfully entered. Swiftly, he knelt down on one knee and executed a fist salute with his right fist and left palm, demonstrating his respect.
"Report! Elder Anmuna Ansali was ambushed during her journey to the Khan Clan. Our investigation has revealed that the cargo was seized, our associates were slain, and the Elder was taken captive." The servant relayed, his voice quivering with trepidation. He was fearful of facing immediate retribution from Riuzi Aihamaide, as the latter had a reputation for impulsively venting his anger at a moment’s notice. A servant like himself was very easily replaceable.
"What!? Elder Anmuna was taken captive!? Who dares to do such a thing!" Riuzi Aihamaide erupted in a fit of rage. His aura rapidly expanded, instantaneously encasing everything within the cultivation chamber in ice.
As for the servant... he managed to survive. Given his feeble Physique Transformation Realm cultivation, he would have inevitably perished. However, thanks to the intervention of Xiyamu Saman, he was spared from death’s clutches.
Of course, Xiyamu Saman had no regard for the life of the servant. Her sole reason for shielding him from Riuzi Aihamaide’s outburst was that the servant had not yet completed his report.
The servant quivered with profound terror, his body drenched in a noxious sweat that soaked his clothes. Yet, despite his overwhelming fear, which nearly paralyzed him, he managed to speak through clenched teeth. "Based on our investigations, the culprits behind the abduction of Elder Anmuna Ansali, the massacre of our associates, and the plundering of our cargo are the White Cloud Bandits from White Cloud Mountain."
"The White Cloud Bandits?" Xiyamu Saman murmured quietly, appearing lost in contemplation.
The White Cloud Bandits were a faction of cultivators who had embraced a life of banditry. While they were not renowned throughout the Crystalline Rain Region, they had gained a degree of notoriety in the areas neighbouring White Cloud Mountain.
The leader of the White Cloud Bandits, who hailed from White Cloud Mountain, was rumoured to be an Early-stage Spirit Ascension Realm cultivator. She had earned the nickname ’Black Lady’ due to her diverse Martial Skills and distinctive personality.
The Black Lady also had a group of Qi Transformation Realm cultivators under her leadership, and they naturally assumed the positions of vice-commanders within the White Cloud Bandits.
"Summon the Elders right away! We must convene an extensive discussion on this matter. Additionally, put the Shadow Guards into action." Riuzi Aihamaide issued a rapid succession of orders to the servant.
Even though he had managed to regain his composure following the initial outburst, deep inside, Riuzi Aihamaide seethed with anger and was consumed by anxiety.
Had any other Elder from the Dual Washwood Commerce been abducted, his anxiousness would not have been as intense as it was at present.
The reason for this was simple. Elder Anmuna Ansali had effectively played a crucial role in Riuzi Aihamaide’s cultivation journey from its beginning. She had even provided assistance to the former head of the Dual Washwood Commerce, who happened to be Riuzi Aihamaide’s father.
Riuzi Aihamaide held a deeper regard for Anmuna Ansali than mere respect for her position as an Elder in the Dual Washwood Commerce. In his eyes, she was akin to family. With her abduction, he couldn’t simply remain passive.
"Wait!" However, before the servant could leave, Xiyamu Saman stopped him.
Both the servant and Riuzi Aihamaide cast inquisitive glances toward Xiyamu Saman. They were puzzled as to why she had intervened.
"Given that Elder Anmuna Ansali has been seized by the White Cloud Bandits, they are likely to demand a sizable ransom for her release. Considering that they possess one of our Elders as leverage, the demanded ransom will undoubtedly be significant." Xiyamu Saman explained.
"I understand, which is why I’m assembling the Elders to consider this issue. We must get Elder Anmuna Ansali back at all costs!" Riuzi Aihamaide was fully aware of Xiyamu Saman’s point, but he was willing to expend almost any resources to ensure Elder Anmuna Ansali’s safe return. After all, wealth could be accumulated again in due time.
"The Black Lady didn’t earn her title and reputation without cause. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours about her." Xiyamu Saman was unwilling to relent.
Riuzi Aihamaide’s eyes narrowed into slits. While it seemed like Xiyamu Saman was expressing concern, deep down, she was full of glee. She had always disliked and clashed with Elder Anmuna Ansali, as they disagreed on many matters. If Elder Anmuna Ansali met her end at the hands of the Black Lady, not many would be left to oppose Xiyamu Saman’s decisions within the Dual Washwood Commerce.
Xiyamu Saman’s primary objective was to avoid paying a ransom for Elder Anmuna Ansali. Not only would this save the Dual Washwood Commerce a significant amount of wealth, but it would also eliminate one of her opponents, ultimately increasing her influence within the organization.
....
With the adept use of his divine sense, Tang Yin had secretly delved into the souls and memories of Riuzi Aihamaide and Xiyamu Saman, extracting a wealth of information about the Dual Washwood Commerce’s inner workings and everything regarding the organisation. The Dao Pair remained entirely oblivious to his actions.
’Anmuna Ansali? Interesting...’ Tang Yin thought to himself. He had delved into the memories of both Riuzi Aihamaide and Xiyamu Saman through soul-searching, and he had discovered that Anmuna Ansali was, in fact, a genuinely kind individual.
In the world of cultivation, locating a genuinely kind person was an exceedingly rare occurrence. Self-preservation typically overshadowed all else, to the point where individuals would betray even their own family members when pushed into a difficult situation. Kindness was a virtually non-existent concept within the world of cultivation.
However, this fact didn’t concern him. Tang Yin wasn’t thoughtful in assessing a person’s moral character. His primary focus was on whether they could be of advantage to him. Since he had taken an interest in Anmuna Ansali, Tang Yin had already discerned a way to exploit this situation for his own benefit.
....
Despite his deep understanding of Xiyamu Saman’s character, Riuzi Aihamaide found it impossible to disapprove of her or stand against her in any way. Even raising his voice at her felt as painful as inflicting a wound upon his own heart.
Yet, he was not inclined to forsake Elder Anmuna Ansali either. After a brief moment of contemplation, Riuzi Aihamaide mustered his resolve and reached a decision. He uttered a single word, "Sorry," and then exited the room with the servant. It was evident that he had opted to rescue Elder Anmuna Ansali.
In a contemptuous manner, Xiyamu Saman swiftly left the room. Given that all the Elders were gathering for a meeting, and she held one of the two leadership positions in the Dual Washwood Commerce, she couldn’t afford to be absent, especially since the current situation presented an excellent opportunity to get rid of Elder Anmuna Ansali.
Riuzi Aihamaide promptly called for a meeting of the Elders from the Dual Washwood Commerce. In less than an hour, all the Elders set aside their ongoing duties and responsibilities and gathered within the mountain for the convention of Elders.
In the main hall of the Dual Washwood Commerce, designated for meetings among all the Elders, all of the necessary participants had assembled.
Every one of them possessed a minimum of Qi Transformation Realm cultivation. While a few had youthful appearances, the majority bore the marks of age. Nevertheless, such distinctions were irrelevant. They all held the esteemed title of Elders within the Dual Washwood Commerce.
They were all seated around a spacious, circular table, which emanated an air of opulence and a gigantic presence.
As expected, Riuzi Aihamaide and Xiyamu Saman occupied the designated leader seats, while the rest of the Elders took their places in the seats designated for the Elders.
Interestingly, five individuals of differing heights, all donning identical black robes and black masks, positioned themselves around the circular table. They stood a bit farther back, almost like sentinels, exuding an eerie and menacing presence that felt as if it could engulf anyone who ventured too close.
These were the renowned Shadow Guards. All five of them had reached the 9th stage of the Spirit Vein Condensation Realm. Their remarkable strength and the formation of their squad stemmed from their ability to deploy the unique Five Shadows Hell Array Formation during combat.
The Five Shadows Hell Array Formation was so formidable that it could impede and restrain even a 9th stage Qi Transformation Realm cultivator for a significant duration of time.
Collectively, the five Shadow Guards possessed strength on par with that of an Elder within the Dual Washwood Commerce.
"I believe each of you is well aware of the purpose behind this assembly. If, for any reason, you’re not, please signify by raising your hand." Riuzi Aihamaide declared in a solemn tone.
The Elders exchanged glances, seemingly aware of the reason for the meeting. However, after a brief pause, none of them raised their hands, indicating their understanding.
"In that case, let the Elder’s assembly begin!" Riuzi Aihamaide announced with an authoritative voice.
