Chapter 1173: Chapter 94 Setting Off on an Adventure
Xuan Yue spoke gravely, "That’s right, it’s self-awareness. This Evil Sword has absolutely no defensive ability; its only power is attack. Its attacking power is the strongest among all the Divine Artifacts of this age. I’m afraid even Grandfather’s Divine Wand cannot contend with it. The so-called self-awareness of the sword is entirely an evil consciousness. Whenever someone uses it, it exerts a mind-controlling power proportional to the strength of the moves performed. Once a user becomes obsessed with its power and unleashes evil energy beyond their capacity, they will be controlled by it and become the Hades of this world. Then, I fear countless lives will be in jeopardy. This is also why Grandfather has always placed so much importance on this sword. Ah Dai, you better be careful in the future. Never use Hades Sword Technique beyond your own strength because of your hatred for the Assassin’s Guild!"
Ah Dai broke out in a cold sweat. The words of Xuan Yue shook him deeply. That day, when he was besieged by the mercenaries, he had considered using moves that surpassed his capabilities. It was only Xiao Qie’s appearance that stopped him from doing so. Reflecting now, he realized how close he had come to the situation Xuan Yue had just described. Hades of this world! What an evil term that was! No, he could absolutely not let his personal grievances bring devastation to the creatures of the continent. He would have to use the Sword of Hades less in the future.
"Brother, you’re right; it’s best to use the Evil Sword sparingly. Now that I have almost mastered the Divine Artifact, it’s about time we leave. Where do you plan to go first?"
Hearing Ah Dai mention leaving, Xuan Yue’s body trembled slightly. During the half-month in the Illusive Forest, she had grown deeply fond of the peaceful life here, having spent every day with Ah Dai. There, undisturbed by anyone, picking fruit from the forest with Ah Dai had been her happiest moments. Actually, with her intelligence, she had memorized the path long ago, but to have Ah Dai lead her, she always pretended to be lost, prompting Ah Dai to tease her, saying her memory was worse than his.
During the day, they would study the use of Divine Artifacts together, and by night, they shared a bed. As time passed, Xuan Yue’s shyness had gradually faded and sleeping with Ah Dai no longer felt awkward. In fact, she felt it was natural.
Ah Dai had also gradually adapted to the presence of "Xuan Re". Even though a constant sense of oddity lingered in his heart, he interpreted it as missing Xuan Yue. Spending those many days together, he grew increasingly close to Xuan Yue, transformed into Xuan Re, and he vaguely sensed that this closeness was different from the brotherhood he shared with Yan Shi.
"Brother, what’s wrong? Didn’t you say you had already planned our itinerary?"
Xuan Yue responded with a sigh, "Yes, it’s time to leave. Together with the power of Sheng Xie, even if those eight assassins come again, we have nothing to fear." She knew that once they left this place, they would no longer have such peaceful days for a long time. She truly wished to give up everything and live out her days with Ah Dai here, but they couldn’t do that yet.
Seeing Xuan Yue’s forlorn expression, Ah Dai felt that strange sensation rise again in his heart and asked with concern, "Brother, are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so pale?"
Xuan Yue let out a light sigh, "I’m fine, just a bit reluctant to leave this life behind. Oh, how I wish to stay here with you forever, Big Brother."
Listening to Xuan Yue’s heartfelt words, a sourness welled up inside Ah Dai, "Brother, that’s impossible. You are the Pope’s grandson, and I’m just an ordinary commoner. We are bound to part ways one day. After all, we are from two different worlds."
Hearing Ah Dai’s calm words, something stirred in Xuan Yue’s heart, as if she realized something, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Shaking off the depression, she said, "Ah Dai, in my heart, there’s no difference between you and me. Since we are all people, what’s the point in distinguishing between high and low, noble and ignoble? Didn’t you once say that those Nobles of the Empire of Sunset City aren’t even worthy of being called human? Status doesn’t signify anything. Since we have to leave, let’s pack our things. Our destination is the Death Mountain Range."
The first part of Xuan Yue’s sentence brought Ah Dai a lot of comforts, but the latter part shocked him, "What? The Death Mountain Range? Brother, have you lost your mind?"
Xuan Yue looked at Ah Dai’s astonished face and revealed a slight smile, "Big Brother, I’m not crazy, and I haven’t misspoken. Our destination is indeed the Death Mountain Range. Of course, before heading there, we have two other places to visit—first, the Pu Yan Clan, to meet your two brothers. Secondly, the Elf Clan. Only with the Elves’ help can we successfully cross the Tian Yuan Clan’s territory and make it to the Death Mountain Range. Let’s fulfill the mission you and Yue Yue couldn’t complete back then."
"But, didn’t Yue Yue ever tell you about the horrors of the Death Mountain Range? It’s too dangerous; we can’t go there."
Xuan Yue replied with a smile, "What’s danger? Without facing crises, how can one progress? Didn’t I say I wanted to help you find a way to break through your current Realm? Perhaps, only by facing life-and-death trials in the Death Mountain Range can your technique break through its final barrier. You are no longer the same person you were back then. And I’m not the weak-magic Yue Yue, plus with Sheng Xie, the only dragon in this world, there’s nowhere on this continent we can’t go. I want to fulfill my sister’s wish and reform the Evil Sky Mercenary Group with you to journey to the Death Mountain Range. If I don’t visit that place in my lifetime, I’m sure I’d die with everlasting regret."
