No matter who you were, falling into the hands of an evil soul master rarely ended well.
Especially when it came to those who cultivated sinister techniques—they often used their captives in nightmarish ways to further their training.
Just like the scene before them now. The black-robed man had likely strung his victims up, draining their blood drop by drop, letting it all flow into that reeking pool of blood to nourish his wicked Martial Soul.
Looking at the densely packed desiccated corpses hanging from the rafters, it was clear they were the victims who had been lured here before. All of them had become nothing more than fuel for this evil soul master's strength.
It was the first time Aether had ever witnessed just how inhuman an evil soul master could truly be.
"Cai'er…"
Xu Lai's voice trembled with broken sobs. No one knew where he found the strength, but in one sudden motion, he leapt up and lunged toward one of the corpses.
Thud—
He ripped the rope loose and cradled a small, shriveled body to the ground. As though afraid of hurting it, he carefully untied the bindings, then reached out with shaking hands to smooth the hair on her head, mumbling softly under his breath.
Aether and Paimon said nothing. They simply stood quietly to the side. There were no words that could comfort the grief of losing family.
The three of them remained by the blood pool for a long time. Eventually, Xu Lai came to his senses. He took off his outer robe and gently covered his sister's remains, then picked her up again and slowly made his way toward the cave's exit.
Aether and Paimon exchanged a glance before silently following the staggering figure out.
When they exited the cave, the black-robed man was still nowhere in sight—who knew why he hadn't returned yet?
Xu Lai sat silently on a large boulder, holding his sister's body. His expression was blank, unreadable, but his bloodshot eyes radiated a murderous aura.
Aether didn't feel the loosening of the seal that signified a completed commission. It seemed this task had ended in failure.
They'd found his sister, yes… but—
Right now, the commission no longer mattered.
Aether let out a quiet sigh.
"You two should leave."
Xu Lai stared vacantly into the distance. His sister had died such a cruel death—how could he let it go?
His mind was already clouded with rage and grief. He no longer cared how powerful the fallen soul master was.
Even if it meant dying, he was determined to rip a piece of flesh from his sister's killer!
Still, he didn't want to drag others down with him. That's why he offered Aether that warning.
"We'll help you get justice for your sister."
Paimon's voice, usually lighthearted and cheery, was now grave and firm.
"Thank you… but I don't need help. I'll avenge her myself."
Xu Lai shook his head, declining the offer.
"Tsk tsk tsk~ Still got some slippery little fish, huh?"
A ghastly voice echoed through the rain. Three figures emerged from the mist.
At the front was the black-robed man, carrying two unconscious soul masters—one in each hand. Just behind him trailed the woman and the steward, calm and unhurried.
"Husband, those are the two special soul masters I mentioned earlier."
The woman immediately pointed them out as soon as she saw Aether and Xu Lai at the cave's entrance.
"Special, are they… Seems I underestimated you lot."
The black-robed man muttered to himself before tossing the unconscious soul masters aside. He cracked his neck, a crack crack sound echoing ominously.
"Didn't think anyone would still be hiding an evil soul master in secret. You scum are worse than animals!"
Xu Lai's eyes blazed with fury at the sight of the black-robed man. He gently laid his sister's body on the rock, then shouted, igniting his Martial Soul—a gleaming long blade appeared in his hand.
"Well, well~ A high-grade Martial Soul. Haven't tasted something this fine in… half a year?"
The black-robed man's eyes lit up with excitement.
The stronger the Martial Soul he devoured, the greater the boost to his cultivation.
Looks like that mangy dog of a woman really brought him a pleasant surprise this time.
He turned and slapped the woman hard on the rear, sending her flying.
But she didn't care that she landed face-first in the mud. She scrambled back up and gazed at the man with sparkling eyes full of adoration.
"Looks like you really liked this little gift, my dear~"
"Hahaha~ Not bad, not bad!"
The black-robed man let out a laugh that sounded like wailing ghosts.
"You damned scum! Give me back my sister's life!"
Xu Lai had already gathered his energy. With a roar, his second soul ring lit up and he charged at the black-robed man, slashing down with his blade.
But the black-robed man didn't even bother using a soul skill. He merely circulated a bit of soul power, and effortlessly blocked the strike.
Due to the vast difference in strength, the counterforce sent Xu Lai flying backward. When he struggled to his feet, blood was already trickling from the corner of his mouth.
"Tsk tsk… Such a waste. What a promising seedling…"
The black-robed man shook his head in mock pity.
A high-grade Martial Soul with four or five soul rings—that would've been incredible. Devouring a soul master like that could've skyrocketed my power.
He looked greedily at the furious young man before him. If only he were a few dozen levels stronger… absorbing him would be even more satisfying.
"You piece of filth! I'll kill you!"
Xu Lai was already past the point of reason. He brandished his blade and leapt forward, throwing all his strength into another strike.
Repeated provocations—this time, the black-robed man had no intention of playing along.
Six soul rings rose at his feet. The second yellow ring gleamed with a dark light.
"Second Soul Skill: Hungry Ghost Soul Snatch!"
At his command, a ghostly wail echoed through the air as a shadowy figure lunged toward Xu Lai.
Feeling the sheer pressure of the attack, Xu Lai didn't retreat—he pushed forward with all his soul power to meet it head-on.
"Sigh…"
Aether sighed from the side. The gap in power was just too large.
If that attack hit, this brave but reckless young man would either be gravely injured—or worse.
With a flick of his hand, Aether casually dispersed the ghostly figure. Taking advantage of the sudden break, Xu Lai landed a solid hit on the black-robed man.
Even an evil soul master was still just a soul master. When his soul skill vanished without warning, he had to take Xu Lai's frenzied slash head-on.
He staggered back several steps, and the shoulder of his black robe was torn open, revealing a patch of blood beneath.
Xu Lai, having landed a blow, didn't pursue. Instead, he used the recoil to retreat to Aether's side, gasping for breath with a crazed gleam in his eyes.
"You bastard… So you can bleed!"
"Husband! Are you alright?"
The woman rushed over, clearly distressed by his injury.
But—
"Get lost!"
The black-robed man backhanded her again, this time with such force that she coughed up blood and crashed into the ground, struggling to get up.
The steward hurried over, lifting her in a panic.
"Miss! Miss, wake up! Please don't scare me!"
_
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