Loshaar Lakir stroked his long white beard, considering Shen’s words.
“Very well. Let’s see if Aksai can switch sides to Kalingoot before we proceed further. He used to be a rental Spirit farmer of the Lakir clan.
I’m sure he’ll listen to me if he understands what’s good for him. After all, he has stolen the Lakir clan’s resources. It would be a waste to kill him off just like that without making use of him.
I’ll have to nip the problem in the bud if he doesn’t agree though. As his previous employer and someone who inadvertently helped him become who he is, it is my responsibility to deal with him.”
Shen Ji and Kou Lau nodded, relief washing over them. “Thank you, senior. We won’t have anything to fear with you around. No matter what he chooses, that bastard Aksai won’t be able to cause problems for Kalingoot with you here.”
Liana turned to her grandfather, a determined look in her eyes. “Grandpa, if Aksai Everwood is truly here on this island, we shouldn’t use force. At least not from the start. I believe I can convince him to side with us.”
Loshaar raised his eyebrows at Liana’s request but simply nodded in agreement.
“Alright, we’ll do as you say. You take the lead in talking with that rental farmer.
But don’t forget, our primary target is still Ruan Lui, who has the Blood Fined Manual. We came to this place to set a trap for him. We’ll have to change our priorities depending on who shows up first.”
At this time, someone came flying towards the group with an exceptional speed. This was the Spirit Pulse of a FOundation Building Expert.
The distant dot on the horizon slowly grew larger as it approached Loshaar, Liana, Shen, and the others. Initially, it was just a speck in the sky, but as it drew nearer, the group could make out the figure riding on a flying sword.
The figure soon resolved into a man, and Shen and his allies tensed, unsure of who this might be.
However, Loshaar chuckled, recognizing the figure immediately. “It’s him,” he said to Liana. “Get ready to apprehend Ruan and obtain the Bloodfiend Manual.”
‘Ruan? Who the hell is this guy?’
Shen and his group exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of what to do. They felt awkward, caught between the commands of Loshaar and their mission to ambush Aksai. They had come to apprehend Aksai and so far Ruan had not shown any similarities with their target.
Ultimately, Shen and Kou Lau decided to act as mute spectators, waiting for their target Aksai to show up, unaware that Ruan Lui was actually Aksai in disguise.
Liana and Loshaar took to the sky on their flying artifacts, heading towards the approaching Ruan. They soon realized that he wasn’t attempting to escape but seemed eager to meet them, as if he belonged to their group.
‘Hmm? Something’s wrong. Why does it look like he is not approaching us but actually running away from someone?’
As they closed the distance, Liana could make out his facial features and noticed his expression of relief. She immediately sensed that something was amiss but couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“Lass, this man is getting tailed. Come back to me,” Loshaar ordered, sensing danger. As a late-stage Foundation Building Expert, Loshsar obviously had a potent Spirit Sense that could cover greater distance and reveal more. He immediately understood that this Ruan fellow wanted to use him and Liana as collateral damage in his fight against the unknown pursuers.
Before Liana could fully grasp the situation, Ruan accelerated towards them, his voice ringing out.
“Ancestor Loshaar, save me! I have the Bloodfiend Manual, but these goons from the Big Five Sects are after me! They… they are looking down on you– on all us from the Lakir Clan.”
Ruan AKA Aksai’s desperation was clear as he approached, and Liana finally noticed the group of Spirit cultivators tailing him.
Among them were six Foundation Building Experts. It became evident that Ruan was leading his pursuers straight to them, making it appear as though they were his reinforcements.
“Grandpa, what is going on?” Liana asked, confusion and concern in her voice. She thought the man approaching them was someone Loshaar knew or had employed beforehand.
‘Hmm? This man… does Liana know about him?’
On the other hand, Loshshaar obviously assumed that the approaching Ruan was Liana’s contact. However, he dropped that possibility immediately. After all, they wouldn’t have to apprehend this man outside the city if Liana had met with him beforehand.
Loshaar didn’t respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Ruan, now just 100 meters away, slowed his flying sword and spoke earnestly.
“Ancestor Loshaar Lakir, I’m one of the subordinates of the Lakir Clan, Zen Pewlu. I have obtained the Bloodfiend Manual from an antique shop for the benefit of the Lakir clan. Help me!”
With that, Ruan produced an old book from his storage ring and threw it towards Liana. The book spun through the air, and Liana caught it instinctively, her eyes widening in surprise. Ruan flew past her and Loshaar, his gaze shifting to Shen Ji and the others standing behind them.
Ruan AKA Aksai had already stored the manual on his neural link fabric. As such, he had no real use for it. He decided to use the manual as a bait so that he can make the enemies to his back and front fight with each other.
Shen and Kou Lau watched the scene unfold with growing confusion. They had been lying in wait for Aksai, and now found themselves caught in a chaotic confrontation.
Shen clenched his fists, uncertain of how to proceed. They were supposed to remain hidden, but now their presence was known.
Loshaar’s eyes never left the approaching cultivators. He raised his voice, projecting authority. “Defensive formation! Prepare for battle!” Although he hadn’t confirmed Ruan’s identity, the manual he had given to Liana was genuine. As such, Loshsaar didn’t hesitate.
Ruan smiled cunningly as he realized his plan had become successful.
Earlier, Aksai had sensed that he was being followed by the righteous sect forces as soon as he left the Cavereach City. The force was just too strong for him to be taken lightly. He decided to prioritize his safety instead of engaging with them and tried to escape.
Aksai was pleasantly surprised by the commotion that the fight between Shen Ji and Loshaar had caused. He identified Loshaar and Liana immediately after sensing the Spirit Pulse residue of the Bloor Art that was used by them a few seconds ago.
He identified Liana as soon as he laid his eyes on her and decided to use her as a way to distract a huge force that was on his tail.
Leading the tail of the righteous sect forces was none other than Calla Wei, who held a grudge against Ruan for turning into Mao’s successor.
Aksai quickly flew past Shen Ji and his allies, not giving them much thought. He didn’t recognize them and there was no need to ask them for their identities. He was sure that they would be caught in the crossfire now that he had brought the righteous sect forces here to this location.
‘Hehehe. Hope my borrowed knives help me take some of the heat off,’ Aksai thought to himself as he smirked and looked back.
A deadly confrontation between the righteous sect forces and Kalingoot was about to unfold.