Chapter 564: Chapter 154 Encounter with Mang Siu_1
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"Boom-" With a fit of rage, Ah Dai smashed a table in the former Assassin’s Guild base, "Those bastards, have they all become cowards? How come none are left?"
Mie Feng watched Ah Dai vent his anger with cold eyes, and casually remarked, "Actually, this is very normal. I had thought of it when we left Tai Ang City, but I didn’t say anything because I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me."
Ah Dai was stunned, asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"
Mie Feng replied, "The people of the Assassin’s Guild are not fools. So many of their strongest have been killed by you. Why would they still stay at the base? To wait for you to slaughter them one by one?"
Ah Dai anxiously asked, "Then where would they have gone? Did they disband? No, they definitely did not, those vile guys would never disband easily? They must be hiding somewhere. Let’s go and check their next base; maybe we will find something."
Mie Feng shook her head and said, "I don’t think it’s necessary. I’m afraid all the bases of the Assassin’s Guild are like this; the assassins have already fled. Let’s go directly to Sunset City. The Assassin’s Guild headquarters is there. If I’m not mistaken, the president of the Assassin’s Guild must have moved all the assassins back to the headquarters. There are not many people in the Assassin’s Guild, definitely no more than four hundred, most of the experts have been killed by you. They must be gathering their strength, hiding in the headquarters, waiting for you to walk into their trap. There, another trap will be set for you."
Ah Dai declared in an angry tone, "I don’t care, even if it’s a trap, I’ll go. I must avenge Uncle Owen. Take me there, take me to the headquarters of the Assassin’s Guild, I want to kill all the remaining assassins."
Mie Feng nodded and said, "I can take you there. However, you mustn’t rush in headlong when we arrive. Don’t forget about the three months you were unconscious."
Ah Dai glanced at Mie Feng and caught a glimmer of concern in her eyes. He reassured her, "Don’t worry, I won’t act rashly. It’s good that they hide together, so I don’t have to look for them everywhere. At that time, I will first clear their ordinary assassins on the periphery, and then I will take the master’s life. I want them to know the taste of the visit from the Grim Reaper."
Ah Dai and Mie Feng embarked on the road to the capital of the Empire of Sunset City, Sunset City. Along the way, they could see the Holy Church’s wanted posters looking for dark alien races in almost every city. The civilians of the Empire of Sunset were attracted by the high rewards, and for a time, there were people all over the place searching for the whereabouts of the dark forces. Even the gambling industry, originally the most prosperous in the Empire of Sunset, dimmed considerably in comparison.
After ten days, Ah Dai and Mie Feng had entered the middle of the Sun Cold Province in the Empire of Sunset. The Sun Cold Province borders the Luzi Province to the south, and Sunset City is west of it. Once they crossed here, they would reach their destination. As they walked on the main road, Ah Dai suddenly sensed a familiar presence ahead. He was startled and couldn’t help but stop, looking towards the fork in the road where the presence came from.
"What’s wrong? Why’d you suddenly stop?" Mie Feng asked, puzzled. Ah Dai narrowed his eyes, pointing at the fork in the road and said, "There seems to be a familiar aura in that direction, like a sacred aura." The thought of the sacred aura made Ah Dai’s heart beat fast. He could clearly feel the power in this sacred aura. He wondered, if this aura came from Yue Yue, what should he do? Should he leave immediately? Or should he sneak a peek at her?
While he was lost in thought, the presence had approached. Ah Dai’s current mood was incredibly complex. His fists tightly clenched, his body slightly trembling, with his face alternating between red and white. Rationality tells him that he should leave immediately; however, the feelings he had buried deep within his heart were begging him not to leave, to meet the approaching individual.
Mie Feng looked at Ah Dai in surprise; she had not seen such a reaction from him since they had both agreed to journey together. She couldn’t help but wonder, the familiar aura he senses seems to be very closely related to him. Just who could it be that caused such a significant reaction from him? At this moment, her thief-like sharp hearing detected dense footsteps approaching from the fork in the road. The individual or individuals approaching must be the ones Ah Dai is interested in. Her gaze also naturally rested at the end of the fork in the road, waiting to see who could attract Ah Dai’s attention.
Ah Dai’s hearing was naturally not worse than Mie Feng’s. Whatever Mie Feng could hear, he could hear too. His sight was no less than that of the Elf Clan. Eating a crystal of the Giant Spirit Snake Eyes had greatly enhanced his vision, enabling him to see much farther than Mie Feng. He saw dozens of figures approaching in their direction. The one in the lead seemed to be a red figure, and that sacred aura was emanating from this red figure. As the crowd drew closer, Ah Dai could finally see clearly. Although he was relieved, a trace of disappointment showed on his face. Among these dozens of people, there were none of the figures he had been hoping for deep down. The red-clothed person leading the pack was an old man he had never seen before, wearing the red bishop’s robes of the Holy Church. Among the dozens following him, ten were dressed as high-ranking bishops, and the rest were in Judge attire. These people were obviously from the Holy Church, and the one leading the way must be one of the four Red Robe Priests.
As the people from the Holy Church approached closer, Mie Feng saw them as well. She whispered, "These are people from the Holy Church, do you want to deal with them? I don’t want to. I’m afraid they would detect the dark aura I emanate. The Holy Church has always despised us." Her battle aura was of the dark attribute, just as Ah Dai’s life-giving battle aura would emit a sacred aura, her dark battle aura also radiated a dark aura. As a member of the Dark Forces, she naturally didn’t want to come into contact with these people of the Holy Church, hoping now that Ah Dai would quickly leave. However, Ah Dai was motionless, showing no inclination to leave, standing still as those people gradually approached. Distressed, Mie Feng said, "Did you hear what I said? If you don’t leave, I will."
Ah Dai glanced at her and said, "Don’t worry, I have something to ask them. Rest assured, as long as I am here, no one can harm you. Not even the Pope himself."
Mie Feng was dumbfounded, feeling the strong confidence from Ah Dai. A intense feeling of security surged from deep within her, the warmth from her heart caused her eyes to reveal a trace of confusion. She gently nodded and stood by Ah Dai’s side in silence. She felt that as long as Ah Dai was by her side, she would always be safe.
As the people from the Holy Church drew closer to the crossroads, they naturally saw Ah Dai and Mie Feng. The one leading the pack was none other than Mang Siu, the Red Robe Priest in charge of the Empire of Sunset City’s patrol. When he saw Ah Dai, he couldn’t help but shudder. Ah Dai’s appearance was not outstanding, and his dress was nothing more than ordinary civilian clothes, but the inherent mountain-like aura he exuded was incredibly imposing. Merely standing there, Mang Siu felt so oppressed that he had trouble breathing. His heart shivered, and with an uplifted hand, he commanded the people from the Holy Church to halt. The Judges following him instantly felt the emergency situation, quickly surrounded Mang Siu, weapons within grasps, cautiously observing Ah Dai in case he made any suspicious move.
Ah Dai lowered his head and said to Mie Feng, "Wait here for me without moving. I’ll ask a few questions and then we’ll leave." Finished speaking, he floated up, rushing towards the red-robed priest Mang Siu under the wrap of white energy.
The Judges were instantly on edge. They were experts in the Holy Church and naturally saw Ah Dai’s extraordinary power. Four of the Judges of Light immediately lined up to form four columns, lunged their longswords downward, bringing forth four dazzling golden streaks in the air, intending to slash Ah Dai. Because of the alertness towards the Dark Forces, these members of the Holy Church were now in the state of treating everyone as enemies. Their mission was to protect Priest Mang Siu, naturally, they would not let Ah Dai rush through.
Ah Dai didn’t want to oppose the Holy Church. It was only when he charged that he realized he had acted too recklessly. But his rush was established and couldn’t be changed. Helplessly, he spread his hands, each hand transforming into a purple energy shield, confronting the four Judges of Light. The strength of Judges of Light and the assassins from the Assassin’s Guild were not much different, but their attack was dispersed and hence a far cry from the united strength of MieSeven. With a light swipe of Ah Dai’s hands, the muffled sounds of his energy shields easily withstood the chop of the four Judges of Light. Once their attack was blocked, his light purple energy shields instantly transformed into dazzling light bands, each entangled around a longsword. With a shake of Ah Dai’s arms, the four Judges of Light were led aside, yet not injured. This transformation happened in an instant. In a very short time, Ah Dai ingeniously manipulated his energy transformation, effortlessly neutralized the attack of the four Judges of Light and counterattacked them. Ah Dai didn’t rush forward again and utilizing the energy of the attack of the four Judges of Light, he landed on the ground and firmly said, "Do not move, I mean no harm."
Mang Siu was, after all, one of the Red Robe Priests beneath only one person in the Holy Church. Despite being surprised by Ah Dai’s formidable power, he wouldn’t let it show on his face. He asked calmly, "Who are you?" Just these five words radiated a holy dignity, the sound wave carried a powerful shock that impacted on Ah Dai’s hearing. However, Ah Dai was no longer the naive boy who was subdued by the four elders of the Yajin Tribe. Since his golden body merged into the Sea of Consciousness and then separated again, his spiritual power had greatly enhanced. Although the forceful shout from Mang Siu still affected him, it was too insignificant to influence his will. A white life-giving battle aura emanated from his body, Ah Dai greeted Mang Siu slightly, "I am a third-generation disciple of the Tian Gang Sword Sect. We accidentally blocked you, there was no ill intention. We were careless, please forgive us."
Mang Siu was even more surprised, not only because his spiritual attack did not affect the other party, but also because the other party was only a third generation disciple of the Tian Gang Sword Sect. However, it seemed that his skills already far surpassed the Holy Judge, he couldn’t possibly defeat four Judges of Light in one blow! With such calculation, the strength of the Tian Gang Sword Sect could only be described as terrifying. Suppressing the astonishment in his heart, Mang Siu asked, "Are you from the Tian Gang Sword Sect? So, you’re not an outsider. Now your sect is joining us in the Holy Church to resist the enemy. Do you need something? I’m Mang Siu, a Red Robe Priest of the Church." He was in no doubt about Ah Dai’s identity as a member of the Tian Gang Sword Sect, as Ah Dai’s radiating True Qi was the best proof. Involuntarily, he felt a sense of fondness for this simple-looking, tall young man.
Upon hearing him say that the Church was allied with the Tian Gang Sword Sect, Ah Dai couldn’t help but smile, there was a hint of joy in his heart. He said, "Nothing very important. I’ve been away from Tian Gang Mountain for quite some time, I wanted to ask about the current situation of the Dark Forces? Have you found their nest? And what is the current situation in the continent?"
The look on Mang Siu’s face changed slightly. He sighed, "The situation is not good! After all this time, there is no news at all. Those Dark Forces can really tolerate loneliness, without leaving a single clue for us. It’s left us in a very passive position. Indeed, those Dark Forces are powerful, but according to the information we’ve received, there are only over a hundred thousand of them. The entire continent has tens of millions of humans, these few ten thousand alien races are inconsequential. However, their ability to hide has left us without a target. In terms of numbers, the Dark Forces are nothing compared to the entire continent, but if they all spread out to every corner of the continent to cause damage, the losses would be potentially massive. Young lad, where are you going? May I know your name?"
Ah Dai thought quickly after hearing Mang Siu’s words, and couldn’t help but feel puzzled, it seems that Mie Feng was right; so much time has passed, and the Church hasn’t even found a shadow of Dark Forces. This was incredible, could the disaster really be about to descend upon mankind? With this in mind, he frowned and said, "Don’t mention it, my name is Ah Dai. What do we do now, continue to wait like this?"
"Ah, if we don’t wait, what else can we do... wait! what did you say your name was?" "I’m Ah Dai."
Mang Siu was completely taken aback, his eyes sparkled with surprise and joy. "Ah Dai, are you the same Ah Dai who is with Yue Yue? I can’t believe I actually ran into you. This is great." He looked at the young man in front of him, and with awe and excitement, this was none other than the Savior mentioned by the Pope! It was no wonder he was so strong.
Under Mang Siu’s intense gaze, Ah Dai felt a bit uneasy, especially when he heard Mang Siu mention Xuan Yue, he couldn’t help but feel a tremor in his heart. He asked, "You know me too?"
Mang Siu smiled and said, "Of course, I know about you. You are the Savior of the millennia-old disaster on the continent! I couldn’t believe I would meet you here. Come back to the Church with me. You don’t know how much the Pope values you. If you join us, we will be able to eliminate the Dark Forces quickly."
Ah Dai shook his head and said, "I’m sorry, I can’t follow you back to the Church, I have other things to do." No matter the reason, he would not go to the Church with Mang Siu.
Mang Siu uncertainly said, "Don’t you want to see Yue Yue? It’s actually a misunderstanding between you two. Come back with me."
Ah Dai responded with a wry smile, "Misunderstanding? Hmph, what misunderstanding could there be when I heard everything with my own ears? Priest Mang Siu, thanks for your kindness, but I have something else to do. I’m leaving now." He didn’t give Mang Siu a chance to explain and rose into the air, returning to Mie Feng’s side in a single leap. He grabbed Mie Feng’s arm, increased his battle aura to the maximum, and sped off towards Sunset City like he was running away. He couldn’t bear to hear the name Yue Yue anymore. Every time he thought of Xuan Yue’s beautiful face, his heart ached as if being sliced by a knife.
"Ah Dai, you..." were the only words Mang Siu managed to say before Ah Dai and Mie Feng disappeared into the distance. He sighed internally, realizing that clearing this misunderstanding would not be easy. The young man the Pope hailed as the Savior was very stubborn in his views. Could he have transferred his affections to the young girl with a faint aura of darkness they just met? It was too late for any words now, Ah Dai’s skills were unexpectedly profound, it was impossible to catch up with him with the strength of him and his followers. However, he must report Ah Dai’s sighting to the Holy Church as soon as possible. The Savior must not be corrupted by dark forces. Everything should be left to the Pope’s decision.
Ah Dai sped ahead with Mie Feng. The pain in his heart came in waves as Barovi’s words in the Elf Forest echoed continuously in his mind. Unable to suppress his inner sorrow anymore, Ah Dai let go of Mie Feng’s hand and roared, violently punching forward. A faint purple glow emanated from his fist, causing a huge explosion and leaving a deep crater in the near distance. Ah Dai landed on the edge of the crater, panting heavily, his body shaking uncontrollably from the emotional pain.
Mie Feng landed not far behind him. The lightning speed at which Ah Dai had traveled made her feel like she was flying. She had heard the entire conversation between Ah Dai and Mang Siu, reinforcing the speculations she had in her heart. Ah Dai’s current state was caused by the girl named Yue Yue. He must have loved her very deeply, hence the pain.
Kneeling behind Ah Dai, Mie Feng gently asked, "Why didn’t you let the Red Robe Priest explain it clearly just now? Maybe, it really was just a misunderstanding between you and her?"
Ah Dai looked up at Mie Feng and roared out, "Misunderstanding? How could it be a misunderstanding? I heard her myself, how could it be a misunderstanding? Don’t mention her in front of me, I don’t want to listen, I don’t want to hear anything." He clutched his hair tightly, his shaking body radiating a dangerous aura.
Seeing Ah Dai’s pain, Mie Feng felt a twinge in her heart, she said gently, "Since you’re in such pain because of her, it proves you still love her. Why don’t you give her and yourself a chance? I’ve met her, she’s indeed very beautiful. It’s no wonder you are so infatuated."
Ah Dai collapsed weakly onto the ground, murmuring, "Yes, she’s beautiful, breathtakingly so. And she has a noble status. She’s the daughter of the Red Robe Priest, the granddaughter of the Pope. How could someone as noble as her lay her eyes on me? What am I? I’m just a humble commoner. She’s kind-hearted and a good person, but we are not a good match. I don’t want her to feel pain because of me."
Mie Feng sat down next to Ah Dai, looked at his pained face, and said softly, "Would you tell me about what happened between you and her? It might make you feel better."
Ah Dai looked at Mie Feng in confusion, sighed lightly and said, "You really want to hear it?" Mie Feng nodded, "Tell me, I really want to hear it."
Ah Dai stared into the distance with a hazy gaze, saying lightly, "About five years ago, after my uncle was killed by the Assassin’s Guild, I left the small town of the Xi Bo Clan and entered the mainland. My uncle, before he died, told me to find the Mage Guild in the city, pass their test to become a mage, that way, I would have a source of income. It was during the magic test that I met her, a pretty little girl—Xuan Yue. She was not yet sixteen, but she was already very beautiful, a beauty I had never seen before..." With each memory of his time with Xuan Yue, Ah Dai’s voice was dreamy as he recounted his past. One by one, the stories of him and Xuan Yue entered Mie Feng’s ears, narrating all the way until when Barovi revealed the "truth" in the Elf Forest. "She, she was only with me because she wanted to repay a favor. I don’t want her to repay me. How could she, with her noble status, fall in love with me? And I was so stupidly in love with her. I was really stupid, I..." Ah Dai wept uncontrollably, the sadness in his heart surged out, constantly gnawing at his soul.
After listening to Ah Dai’s story, Mie Feng’s eyes were moist. She hadn’t expected Ah Dai to have experienced so much pain and twists and turns between him and Xuan Yue. Sighing softly, Mie Feng patted Ah Dai’s back, saying, "So the reason you made the death agreement with me was because of her. You didn’t want to live anymore, because of her, right?"
Ah Dai’s crying gradually subsided. He sighed and said, "You could say that. I’ve never known who my parents were and had no relatives. The ones who were kindest to me, Teacher Goris, Uncle Owen, and... they’re all gone. Now I’m left alone. And the woman I deeply love was only with me because she wanted to repay a favor. You wouldn’t understand my pain. What’s the point of me living now."
Mie Feng looked at Ah Dai’s desolate state, she scoffed and said, "You are really the biggest fool in the world. You don’t understand a woman’s heart at all. Your pain serves you right."
Ah Dai was puzzled and looked at Mie Feng blankly, "What...what did you say?"
Mie Feng stared into the distance and said, "Actually, Xuan Yue wasn’t with you just because she wanted to repay a favor. Can’t you even figure out whether she is genuinely in love with you or just repaying a favor? Judging from her behavior towards you, she truly likes you. I’ve never seen someone as foolish as you."
Ah Dai violently shook, suddenly standing up from the ground, furiously saying, "No, you’re lying to me. I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it."
Mie Feng coldly replied, "Whether you believe it or not is up to you, after all, this is your own matter. If you wish to keep suffering, nobody is stopping you."
The corners of Ah Dai’s mouth were slightly trembling as he shook his head forcefully, saying, "No, it can’t be. She’s so noble, how could she like me? Even if that’s true, I won’t go to see her again. My life isn’t mine anymore, since I’ve promised you that after my revenge, I’ll be at your mercy, I won’t break this promise. Baba would be a better match for her, they would be happy together." Despite what he was saying, Ah Dai’s heart was aching as if being strangled by a knife. Although he didn’t fully believe Mie Feng’s words, he realized that it was a possibility. If everything was just a misunderstanding between himself and Xuan Yue, how would he face it? As he thought about this, Ah Dai subconsciously chose to escape. He was extremely confused and didn’t know what to do.
Mie Feng also stood up, glanced over Ah Dai, and said, "Let’s go. We’re going to Sunset City to continue executing your revenge plan." After hearing the story between Ah Dai and Xuan Yue, Mie Feng felt an extreme pain deep inside her chilly shell. She didn’t know why, but every time she thought of Ah Dai deeply in love with another woman, she felt stiflingly unable to breath.
Ah Dai took a deep breath, trying hard to dispel all complex emotions, and headed swiftly towards Sunset City. Mie Feng followed him, pushing her dark battle aura. Both of them held the same idea in their hearts - to dissipate the emotions within them by exerting all their strength. In order for Mie Feng to keep up with him, Ah Dai purposely detached a pale purple stream of energy from within him, wrapped it around Mie Feng’s slender waist and after a while, their speed had reached the maximum.
In the Sacred Calendar’s year 998, July, Ah Dai and Mie Feng arrived at the capital of Empire of Sunset City, Sunset City, after rushing forth like gust of wind and bolt of lightning. Since the episode with Priest Mang Siu, the two had spoken very little. Ah Dai had attempted ceaselessly to seal his complex emotions once more, focusing wholeheartedly on seeking revenge on the Assassin’s Guild.
Sunset City, the capital of the Empire of Sunset City, named after its proximity to the sunset, was located at the far western side of the Tianyuan Continent, making it the largest city in the Empire of Sunset City. Vigorous soldiers continuously patrolled on its towering fifty-meter-high city walls and the broad city gate could easily let twenty people pass through at once. The city, which was backed by the sea, occupied over 30,000 square kilometers, equivalent to twice the size of Dark City. The drawbridge was down, and pedestrians and carriages moved back and forth in an endless stream, presenting a thriving and bustling scene. Nothing had changed from the last time when Ah Dai was here, which led him to recall the incident when he rescued the Elf Princess Star and the old magician who helped him escape at the last moment. His magical power was definitely not inferior to Larthas.
Mie Feng was also very familiar with Sunset City. Although the headquarters of their Thieves Guild was not here, this place which was frequently "visited" by them was gathered a lot of nobles. "Let’s go into the city, first find a place to stay, then I’ll take you to familiarize with the surroundings of the Assassin’s Guild, and prepare to make a move," she suggested.
Ah Dai nodded, resentfully thinking, Assassin’s Guild, here I come, wielding an endless vengeance, you brutalized Uncle Owen, I will annihilate you completely as revenge for him. The thought of confronting Owen’s real enemies made his blood boil. Clenching his fists, he strode towards Sunset City with unwavering determination.
As the two approached the city gate, they were stopped by the city guard, the guard in charge asked, "Who are you? What are you here for?"
Ah Dai furrowed his brows and looking at the people passing by unhindered nearby, he protested, "Why are you only inspecting us, why not inspect the others?"
The guard in charge raised an eyebrow, saying, "Quit your jabbering, I’ve seen you two and you look suspicious. Answer my question quickly or I’ll arrest you." In fact, he didn’t see anything off about Ah Dai and Mie Feng. He had intentionally caused trouble to detain them because he was attracted to Mie Feng’s beauty. Ah Dai did not understand this situation, but how could Mie Feng not comprehend? A faint smile appeared on her icy face as she stepped in front of Ah Dai, saying, "Mister Guard, we’re just countryside folks, why make things difficult for us? If you let us go, we certainly won’t forget your kindness."
The guard, spellbound by Mie Feng’s seductive smile, chuckled lewdly, "Missy, how would you remember my kindness, huh?" He reached out to touch Mie Feng’s charming face.
Ah Dai, who was already filled with killing intent since arriving in Sunset City, couldn’t tolerate the guard’s offensive gesture towards Mie Feng any longer. He darted out from Mie Feng’s side like a flash of lightning and slapped towards the soldier. With Ah Dai’s speed, even if Mie Feng wished to stop him, it would be impossible. With a splatter, under the impact of the tremendous true Qi, the guard was instantly reduced to a pile of flesh. There was a fierce flash in Ah Dai’s eyes, and he coldly said to the shocked soldiers, "Whoever provokes us, he will meet the same fate."
Mie Feng helplessly shook her head and took out a silver badge from her pocket, gave it a slight wave in front of the soldiers and said, "We’re from the Imperial City Plainclothes Patrol Team. With his sort of demeanor, he was not at all qualified to be an Imperial City Guard, so I executed him on the spot. Clean up his body. We won’t be lenient if we find you randomly bullying the people again." Being a high-level thief, dealing with any emergency was essential.
The soldiers could hardly believe that anyone would dare impersonate a government officer at the city gate of the capital of Sunset City. Seeing the authority exuded by Mie Feng and the domineering aura from Ah Dai, they fully accepted Mie Feng’s alleged identity, and immediately knelt down. The civilians nearby, seeing a soldier killed and moreover, a government official, were scared and quickly hid, not wanting to get into trouble. Some unworldly civilians, on seeing the splattered flesh on the ground, couldn’t help but vomit.
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