Bab 17: Tasia's Thoughts
Chapter 17: Tasia's Thoughts
Luckily, Aerich's wish was granted, and soon a group of cultivators flew overhead, coming from the direction of the Azure Sky Sect.
Aerich could feel powerful auras from the group, but one stood out. It wasn't just the strength of the aura but also the individual's relatively young age compared to the rest.
He recognized him instantly—it was Mo Jian, the son of Sect Leader Mo Zhenhong of the Azure Sky Sect.
For a moment, Aerich felt as though he had locked eyes with Mo Jian, but when he looked again, he noticed Mo Jian was gazing behind him. Aerich didn't need to turn around to know—it must be Tasia Lowlance, his fiancée.
"Everyone, quiet down!" Mo Jian commanded, addressing the crowd of cultivators. "Before the Azure Sky Sect Entrance Test begins, everyone will undergo a body check to ensure no hidden artifacts are used to gain an unfair advantage."
Although Mo Jian spoke to the entire group, Aerich could sense the words were aimed directly at him.
'So, he is also a transmigrator like me,' Aerich thought, smiling faintly. He didn't react outwardly—there was no need. If the elder overseeing the test confiscated the locket he once wore, it wouldn't matter.
'It seems he hasn't used the Destiny Eye from his system on me yet. Otherwise, he'd know I'm no longer the protagonist.'
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
"What? This has never happened before!"
"Yeah, even my mother, who was once a disciple, never mentioned anything like this!"
"Has the Azure Sky Sect fallen so low that they're after our artifacts?"
"This is shady! I'm not participating—let's find another sect!"
Aerich listened to the complaints around him. While many were dissatisfied, others seemed indifferent, quietly awaiting their turn.
The elders in the sky observed the situation and couldn't help but praise Mo Jian's foresight. It was his suggestion to announce the artifact confiscation before the test. Though some elders had argued this would cause public backlash, Mo Jian countered that those dissatisfied were likely planning to rely on artifacts to pass.
"Now, everyone, line up!" Mo Jian continued. "Female cultivators will be checked by Elder Rocca, while male cultivators will be checked by Elder Canon."
Aerich chuckled internally, watching as the cultivators shuffled like sheep.
"Best of luck, Tasia and Berlotte," he said sincerely.
"You need all the luck in the world right now, and here you are handing it out like water," Tasia retorted sarcastically. Berlotte nodded in agreement.
Aerich's self-esteem took a hit at their response, but he held his tongue, kicking the ground lightly as he joined the male cultivators' line, which was steadily growing longer.
When his turn arrived, Elder Canon paused before beginning the check. Aerich noticed the elder turn briefly toward Mo Jian, likely sending a divine sense message to examine him thoroughly.
Elder Canon began his inspection, using both divine sense and physical methods. The process took so long—nearly ten minutes—that the cultivators behind Aerich began to grow restless.
'Good thing I left the locket at home,' Aerich thought, relieved.
Anticipating this exact scenario, Aerich had deliberately left the artifact behind, indirectly signaling to Mo Jian that he was no longer the protagonist.
Once the inspection was complete, Aerich was directed to the waiting area just outside the massive sect gate.
"Why did you take so long?" Tasia asked with a frown. "Everyone else came out in seconds, but you took forever."
"How would I know? The elder wasted too much time checking me," Aerich replied nonchalantly.
"I don't see the locket around your neck. Did it fall off somewhere?" Berlotte asked, her curiosity piqued.
"No, I left it at home. I had a feeling something like this might happen," Aerich explained.
"How did you know?" Tasia questioned, doubt evident in her tone. Berlotte perked up, listening closely.
"Instincts. And my cautious nature. I always consider every possibility," Aerich said seriously. Then, with a mischievous glint, he added, "I even thought you were trying to use me when you first approached me at the Yu Family."
Tasia's body stiffened, a chill running down her spine as a cold gleam flickered in Aerich's eyes.
Realizing he had said too much, Aerich quickly laughed, waving off his earlier comment. "Relax! I was just joking. Look at your face!"
Tasia saw his mischievous smile and knew he was teasing, but guilt stirred in her heart. What Aerich said had been true—once. However, those plans had long been abandoned. Now, she genuinely considered Aerich a close friend, someone she could speak to honestly, unlike Berlotte, whose loyalty often prevented candid answers.
What puzzled her most was Aerich's gaze. Unlike other men, his eyes never held lust when he looked at her. In the beginning, she thought he was merely afraid of her, but over time, that look changed to one of pure indifference.
Even as she matured and grew more beautiful, his gaze remained the same. At first, she thought he simply didn't like her and even sent Berlotte to test him. But the result was identical—his eyes held the same respectful detachment. He didn't even look at the maids in the Yu Family.
For a while, she wondered if he might prefer men, but that too proved false.
When her curiosity overwhelmed her, she finally asked Aerich directly—and his answer left her stunned.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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