Chapter 84: Chapter 21 Hades’ Evil Sword_2
It was only when the Sword of Hades stopped regenerating completely, that Ah Dai relaxed, gasping for breath and pressing his right hand firmly against his chest. The terror that the cold Ultimate Evil Power exuded was simply too much, even when the sword was sheathed. No wonder Uncle Owen became the continent’s top assassin by relying on it.
After a while, Ah Dai finally calmed down and was startled to realize that he had lost near half of his True Qi within. It must have depleted when he was suppressing the Evil Aura.
The day was breaking. Ah Dai didn’t have time to cultivate his power back because he had to pack his belongings and wait for Xuan Yue to wake up. This was his first time learning of the Nether Flash. The learning vow had depleted all his spiritual power, consumed half his life’s Qi, and left him with a lingering fear, declining the impulse to chant the creed casually in the future. He made a few hand gestures according to the instructions of Nether Flash, but the results were not as expected. It seemed no different from ordinary Swordsmanship. Ah Dai decided to try again after his power was restored. Carrying the Sword of Hades was highly risky, akin to carrying a volcano that could erupt at any moment on his back.
He walked to the window and slid it open. The air of early morning exhibited a faint chill. The sun was slowly rising and hung at the horizon in the orient, appearing like a giant red gemstone set against the azure sky. The morning sun looked gentle with no eye-pricking rays, giving off a vibrant aura of life.
Ah Dai took a deep breath of fresh air. A new day was coming. He was both excited and slightly anxious, wondering what awaited him in the distant Death Mountain Range.
"Ah Dai, Ah Dai." It was Xuan Yue calling him from outside. She woke up early, it seemed!
Ah Dai opened the door and saw Xuan Yue. She didn’t seem to be in good health, still in her white Mage Robe. Her large eyes were slightly red, indicating that she must have had a bad sleep last night.
Ah Dai said, "Miss Xuan Yue, it seems you didn’t sleep well last night."
Xuan Yue huffed and replied, "It’s all your fault. After tossing and turning for a long time, I finally fell asleep, only to be woken by the cold." Compared to the previous night, her sleep last night was a lot worse. She couldn’t help but miss the warmth of Ah Dai’s arms.
Ah Dai was taken aback. He thought Xuan Yue had discovered him cultivating the Nether Flash, and quickly apologized, "I’m sorry. I won’t do it again."
Xuan Yue pouted and said, "As long as you know you were wrong. You can’t just touch a girl’s body casually, can you? We are about to hit the road. You’d better listen to my instructions. Otherwise, I won’t share any Top-Grade Magic Crystal with you."
Ah Dai nodded and replied, "I am your servant, Miss. I will naturally follow your orders."
Xuan Yue felt uncomfortable at Ah Dai’s submissive attitude and taunted, "You act like a good servant. In just two days, you’re already doing so well."
A wave of anger and resentment hit Ah Dai, flooding his body instantly. He clenched his teeth, trembling as he looked at Xuan Yue, his eyes seemed to spit fire.
Xuan Yue, having said that, stood still in surprise, not understanding why she had spouted such hurtful words. They certainly weren’t her real feelings!
The two stood in silence for a long time, neither uttering a word.
"I’m hungry. Let’s go eat, then head out." Xuan Yue broke the silence first, her voice devoid of any emotion. She turned and walked towards the restaurant. Ah Dai remained still, not moving until Xuan Yue was out of sight. He let out a quiet sigh, put on his red Mage Robe, and concealed his body in the robe. He slung his Tian Gang Sword and the package over his shoulder, heading for the restaurant.
Under the strange atmosphere, both Ah Dai and Xuan Yue ate little. During breakfast, neither of them spoke a word.
Upon leaving the restaurant, they went to the West City Gate, where Yue Ji and Moon Scar had been waiting. Yet, of the dozen or so mercenaries they had with them the day before, only two remained. Including Yue Ji and her brother, they were now a group of four.
Seeing Ah Dai and Xuan Yue approaching, Moon Scar hurriedly welcomed them, saying somewhat awkwardly, "Miss Mage, you’re here."
Looking at Moon Scar and his people, Xuan Yue asked, "Why are there only four of you? Where are the others from the Moon Scar Mercenary Corps? Don’t tell me they’re backing out."
Moon Scar gave a bitter smile and replied, "I had no choice. After all, we are good brothers, and this task is indeed dangerous. I can’t force them to go! Besides, many of them have families and responsibilities, so in the end, only my sister, these two brothers, and I were left. These two brothers are orphans and have no family ties, and both were keen on going on this expedition."
Xuan Yue replied curtly, "Humph! Just make sure not to back out once we reach the Death Mountain Range or it would be better to part ways now."
Moon Scar reassured her confidently, "You don’t have to worry about that. Once my sister and I decide on something, we never change our mind. Let me introduce you. This brother is named Wan Li, he specializes in the Heavy Sword. And this brother is named Miao Fei, skilled in the Fast Sword and movement techniques." Wan Li had a big build, almost the same as Ah Dai, carrying a Heavy Sword on his back. His weapon was even wider than Ah Dai’s Tian Gang Sword, albeit slightly shorter. His hair was somewhat unkempt, giving him a rugged appearance, approximately 24 or 25 years old. Miao Fei was much slenderer, about half a head shorter than Yue Ji. His long arms almost reached his knees, reflecting an agile demeanour. His shifty gaze alternated between Ah Dai and Xuan Yue. Xuan Yue could not see his sword, but his monkey-like figure made her chuckle.
