บท 29: Navigating the Matrix
"We need to eliminate them instead," said an elderly man with a long white beard in what seems to be a meeting of 8 people.
"I agree; we can't allow them to roam free, Old Bertha. I understand you wish for these people to join your group and enhance your reputation. I know it means a lot for you to even reach out to the influential families for support. However, I don't believe you grasp the seriousness of the situation," spoke another elderly man with a bald head.
"If what you've mentioned about these individuals is accurate, we should eliminate them. Recruiting them is not an option; evidently, they show no fear of the Great families, having disgraced the heir of one of us. They can't be controlled, so the only viable option is to eliminate them.
"I don't understand what's happening here, but I will act as if I didn't hear what you just said, I came to you all for help in acquiring prodigies, not killing them," said Old Bertha, the leader of the Light Sword Sect.
"Old Bertha, the three individuals you wanted us to assist you with are now our adversaries. They are pursuing something significant to us, and letting them live will only bring harm to us. We have no alternative but to terminate them."
"Do you have any idea how valuable they are? Even if I accept this, you'll first have to compensate me because if you don't, I will forget about any rivalries I have with the other sects and form an alliance to get the three individuals, whether you like it or not," Old Bertha threatened. She came to them for help, but the way things were going, if she didn't take care, she would leave this meeting without anything.
"Of course, should everything go well, we'll compensate you with a Great Sage as your slave," the old man spoke again, addressing the gravity of the situation.
Old Bertha's face lit up with excitement as soon as these words were spoken. The idea of acquiring such a powerful figure as a slave brought her immense joy. It opened up a completely new world of possibilities. Though she was happy they would compensate her with such a powerful figure, she couldn't contain her curiosity and promptly asked, "Where would such a powerful slave come from? As a kingdom, we don't even have many great sages, so where would you get such a powerful slave?"
A few days ago, Sect Leader Bertha approached Jude Charleson, seeking his assistance in taking down Rasoul and his companions. In exchange for Jude using his family resources to handle the covert operations, Old Bertha promised him a substantial reward of 10 billion gold coins.
Additionally, she offered him exclusive access to the Pool of Vitality, a reservoir imbued with significant spiritual energy. This pool had the unique ability to cleanse impurities from a cultivator's meridians, enabling rapid advancement in ranks. However, the catch was that this powerful tool could only be utilized by an individual once every 10 centuries.
She knew Jude wouldn't decline her offer since he had already, on numerous occasions, asked her to allow him just a few minutes' bath in the Pool of Vitality. But unknown to her, Jude had already become an obedient slave to Rasoul, the very person she wanted to take down.
Jude's attempts to contact Rasoul were unsuccessful, as Rasoul was deeply engaged in battle on the battlefield, where Operation Demsel had severed all external connections. Faced with the urgency of the situation, Jude took matters into his own hands, buying time until he could establish a connection with his master.
Collaborating with Sect Leader Bertha, they devised plans that seemed to be progressing seamlessly. However, an unexpected variable entered the equation a few days later, introducing a new and unpredictable element to their carefully laid-out strategy.
The Sect Master of the Spearo sect started inquiring about Rasoul and his friends. He overheard a conversation about a Master Stage cultivator who embarrassed a Grandmaster Realm cultivator, and the Grandmaster was not even an ordinary person; he was the heir of a great family.
Like Old Bertha, he also wanted to recruit Rasoul and his pals. Noticing this, Old Bertha became alarmed and sought an alliance with the Great Families. Jude, recognizing the potential threat, continued to contact Rasoul until he could finally reach him just a few hours ago.
*********
Back to the meeting:
"Before we utter a single word, you must first put your signature on a blood contract that forbids you from spilling the beans about this gathering to anyone beyond these walls," spoke the elderly gentleman with a shiny pate.
"Old Charles, what's the meaning behind all this? I came seeking your assistance in recruiting some young prodigies, and here you are asking me to ink a blood contract. This doesn't seem rational to me. I need an explanation, and I want it pronto," demanded Old Bertha, seeking answers in an authoritative tone.
"What we're about to share with you contains crucial information that, if leaked, would unleash chaos on a grand scale. You must sign the blood contract to safeguard this information and our alliance. You're free to exit now, but bear in mind that we, the seven esteemed families, will go to great lengths to hinder the further development of those kids," replied Old Charles, asserting his hidden authority as the head of a prominent family.
Old Bertha pondered momentarily but eventually put pen to paper, signing the contract.
Old Charles began to reveal the confidential information, underscoring the necessity of a blood contract before delving into the disclosure. "You're already acquainted with the heroism of the Deity of War when he was merely a general in the Katan army. He achieved numerous extraordinary feats during his mortal days.
But In his wars and battles before ascending to Deityhood, he fought shoulder to shoulder with some 27 Great Sages globally recognized as the '27 Dark Generals.'"
They were as formidable as Nino was on the battlefield, but they all vanished simultaneously with Nino, and ever since then, nobody has been able to locate them. That was until a few weeks ago when we received information about a mysterious legacy left behind by the deity.
"Two weeks ago, whispers began circulating, suggesting that Nino had left a legacy within his tomb—a legacy holding the key to awakening the 27 Dark Generals. Whoever inherits this legacy gains complete control over these formidable entities. The tomb allows only those up to the age of Semi-Saint under 90 years to enter, so we can only send our heirs and rising prodigies to enter.
"I hope you now grasp the threat posed by these three kids. They are undoubtedly aligned with the princess now. Moreover, they exhibit no fear towards us, meaning they would show no respect to our heirs either.
Just imagine the complications if they decide to enter the tomb for her. Their presence would make things challenging for the men we're sending. It's best to deal with them now before the tomb opens. The fewer less powerful individuals that enter, the better.
"So, Old Bertha, we can't afford to let them live. Eliminating them will give us an advantage over others from the rest of the empire. To ensure the safety of the legacy, we must eliminate all the members of Supreme Nexus," Old Charles concluded with a slight smirk.
"I understand, but what are the chances of securing the legacy when 2700 people are entering? The 7 Great Families have some talented folks, but what about the other strong groups across the vast Empire?" Old Bertha asked, contemplating the information just provided.
With a slight smile, an elderly man seated there spoke, "Even though the odds are against us, we have something they don't. We have you, Old Bertha."
"Me? Since when did my significance become part of your mission? I came to all of you for a simple task. When did I become part of your plan?" Old Bertha asked in a confused yet curious tone.
"The seven Fairies. We want to adopt each one into our families and grant them a pass into the tomb. With them acting as a united force, along with our own men supporting, our success will be guaranteed," replied Old Charles.
He then continued, "Of course, we will compensate you generously. You will receive 200 Billion Gold Coins, an Epic Grade weapon, a purple-grade Spiritual fruit, and, to top it all off, a great sage slave who will obey your every command."
"Why don't you throw in 10,000,000 spirit stones, and then we can talk?" Old Bertha spoke, showing signs of satisfaction.
The tempting proposal presented to her has brought Sect Leader Bertha to the point where she's willing to trade her disciples. The seven Fairies, acknowledged as the most powerful core disciples in the Light Sword sect, now stand as mere bargaining chips. The allure of significant wealth and resources has blinded Sect Leader Bertha, impairing her ability to think logically. Unaware of the consequences, her alignment with the seven great families has unwittingly ensnared her in a complex web that hints at her impending downfall.
"Deal. We will send men to eliminate the three kids. Take it as a gesture of goodwill in our newly formed alliance." declared Old Charles with a broad smile.
Unbeknownst to everyone in the room, Rasoul and his friends had already set in motion a series of events that would significantly disrupt the plans of the Seven Great Families, not only in the Sundance Kingdom but also in the Rainy Kingdom. He intended to take everything from them and show them what it feels like to be on the losing end. His hatred for them keeps growing day in and day out.
*****
In Orange Field City, the air carries the sweet scent of oranges, enveloping the surroundings in various shades of orange. The city is alive with activity, bustling crowds, and diligent farmers harvesting oranges from their fields. In a room at the city's heart, Rasoul and his friends convene to discuss the next steps in their plans—plans that Rasoul had already set into motion. While Rasoul evaluates his gains from the recent monster tide, Lara and Sabrat work on leaving clues for the spies of the Dark Minions Assassin group.
As the events unfold, the stakes rise when Jude reveals that seven Semi-Saints are on their way to Orange Field City with a singular objective: to eliminate Rasoul and his friends. Fate seems to have given Rasoul a golden opportunity; all he has to do is set the trap and patiently await the unfolding events. The matrix of intricate schemes and strategic moves has just begun, placing Rasoul at the centre of a complex web where every move played will determine the course of their destiny.
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