“How did Siya and Lini end up getting dragged into this game meant for Core Formation Lords?”
Aksai asked as he looked at Haitin. He still didn’t understand many of the things because he didn’t have any information about the Core Formation Lords and how they behaved.
Haitin caressed his chin in contemplation before speaking in a measured tone.
“Hmm. Brother Aksai, I’m only guessing here but I think it should be largely correct.
Let’s just say that the Sun Ocean Lord knows about Haan Di Lord’s injuries and how he got them. But the kingdom he controlled through his sect didn’t share the borders with the Wild Devil Lands. Unlike the Haan Di Lord, he didn’t have a valid reason to get into the demonic faction’s territory.
So he created the right kind of opportunity for Haan Di Lord’s disciples to apprehend Siya. He then planned to use her capture or even death as an excuse to advance his cause. It seems that he knows more about Haan Di Lord’s injuries than the other Lords. That’s why he is willing to take risks and play a bold game.
This was why I saved Siya Solaris from Haan Di’s attacks. I am not scared of Haan Di’s manipulation. But I didn’t want to give Sun Ocean Lord a chance to enter the Wild Devil Lands just yet.
But somehow, the Lord of Green Glory Palace got tipped off. So he sent Lini to keep an eye on things. Through his subordinates, he sent her to join Siya’s team. They probably didn’t tell either of you what was really going on because, well… you didn’t need to know anything.
In fact, letting you know in advance would have affected your actions, which would have tipped off Haan Di’s forces. So they chose to keep you in the dark. It’s as simple as that.”
Both Siya and Lini exchanged a glance, their initial shock slowly giving way to a deeper understanding of the situation they found themselves in. Haitin’s words were cutting, and though they didn’t want to accept it, they couldn’t deny the truth behind them.
Aksai, still processing the conversation, broke the silence.
“But why would the Core Formation Lords of two of the Big Five Sects send their precious disciples here in the Wild Devil Lands? Can’t they just enter the Wild Devil Lands themselves with their own strength whenever they want?”
Haitin shook his head slightly, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips, as if amused by Aksai’s innocent assumption.
“It’s not that simple,” he began, his tone casual but edged with a deeper wisdom.
“The Core Formation Lords can only be stopped by other Core Formation Lords. They are the ultimate trump cards of their respective organizations, yes, but that also makes them careful.
They can’t just casually stroll into someone else’s territory without drawing attention. Especially not from the other Core Formation Lords who are always keeping tabs on each other.”
Aksai’s brow furrowed in thought, his gaze flickering toward Siya and Lini. “So, if the Sun Ocean Society Lord and Green Glory Palace Lord were to act rashly, would they attract attention? From the other sects in the Big Five?”
“Exactly,” Haitin said, nodding approvingly. “If they were to act too openly, the remaining three Core Formation Lords from the other sects in the righteous faction would notice. I’m guessing they are most wary of the Purple River Sect’s Core Formation Lord.
Trust me, none of them want to spark unnecessary conflicts. So what do they need?”
Aksai let the idea sink in, his mind piecing together the implications. “Just cause,” he murmured, almost to himself, as his eyes moved from Siya to Lini and back again.
“Indeed,” Haitin said, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction as Aksai caught on. “They needed a just cause, a reason to move without alerting the other Core Formation Lords. And that’s where these two come in.”
Siya and Lini, standing stiff and silent, seemed to grasp the gravity of Haitin’s words.
“They were sent here not because they’re irreplaceable,” Haitin continued.
“But because they’re bigger pawns. Pieces in a much larger game. The Core Formation Lords have lived long lives, and their perspective is different. They don’t see loss the way we do.
What daughters and sons? As long as they are alive and well, they can sire countless children. At least the male Core Formation Lords think like that.
Do you really think they care about losing a daughter in a high-stakes game when they have centuries ahead of them to produce more offspring? Not to mention they can take on any number of direct disciples to mold as they see fit.”
Siya clenched her fists at her sides, but she didn’t interrupt. Her mind, sharp and quick, was clearly working through what Haitin was saying. Lini, too, remained silent, though the confusion in her eyes had given way to grim understanding.
“I’m not saying they’re completely heartless,” Haitin added, almost as if he could sense the emotions boiling beneath the surface.
“They probably care, in their own way. But when something big shows up—something like whatever’s hidden here in the Wild Devil Lands—they prioritize their own ambitions. They’ve already conquered the third realm of cultivation.
The only thing left for them is to push further, to reach even greater heights. The Dadangar Subcontinent doesn’t usually produce things that grab their attention, but this time, it has. And now, they’re willing to take risks to get their hands on it.”
Haitin paused for a moment, casting a glance around the group.
“Believe it or not, you two are just tools in their plan. Sure, you’re valuable, but in the grand scheme of things? You’re expendable if it gets them what they want.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m surprised as well. I thought we only needed to be wary of Sun Ocean Lord. but who would have thought that the Green Glory Lord has also entered the fray?”
The silence that followed was heavy. Siya and Lini stood frozen.
Aksai, too, seemed to grasp the full scope of what Haitin was saying. The game they were playing wasn’t just about survival anymore—it was part of a much larger, much deadlier power struggle between the top sects.
“Core Formation Lords,” Aksai muttered under his breath, shaking his head. “They really don’t see us as anything more than pieces on a board, do they?”
