Chapter 188
Chapter 188: Inner conflict
Han Shuo’s “Art of the Demonic Ninth Heavens” was more than a bit faster than the levitation spells that the archmages could cast. Therefore, when he circulated his magical yuan during his flight, his speed was faster than anyone could possibly imagine.
Because he had previously used the “Demonic Art of Assimilation” to absorb the flesh, blood, and souls of one of the knights, his injuries from when he’d clashed with Bob Ascher had been completely healed. When he flew now, his speed was like a loosed arrow. He flashed through the dark sky and disappeared from view.
Lawrence and Belinda were inwardly rejoicing as they drew close to Han Shuo, only to see his speed suddenly double and disappear from their line of sight.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, Lawrence was full of agitation as he became even more aware of Han Shuo’s amazing abilities.
He also made up his mind at this moment that he would recruit Han Shuo under his banner.
“Well?” Han Shuo slowed down after increasing the distance between him and the other two.
“How did you do it?” Phoebe’s voice was full of surprise.
“Heh heh, don’t pay attention to that. The reason I can fly through the air is not because of necromancy.” Han Shuo smiled with explanation.
Dawn was about to break after a night of chase. The Kerlan Grand Canyon was bathed in morning light as the sun slowly began to rise.
Han Shuo and Lawrence looked at each other and moved a particularly thick chunk of snow away from the entrance, revealing a dark and looming cave entrance.
Han Shuo took a peak and discovered that this entrance was actually as large as a basketball court. It was enough for everyone on their side to enter.
“Go on in one after another. Don’t enlarge the hole, or it’ll be too difficult to cover up!” Han Shuo said and moved away from the entrance.
Angelica was the first to walk in, replete with teeth chattering from the cold. Emily, Candice, and the others all followed in one after another. Phoebe and Lawrence were the lasts ones in, with Han Shuo bringing up the rear. He set up a few branches at the entrance and shifted some of the excavated snow to cover them.
When Han Shuo felt that all was complete, he walked into the depths of the cave after taking a look around. A bonfire had already been lit at this time and the warm wave spread throughout the cave. The originally chilly cave had become a warm zone.
Thanks to the space rings, all mages carried some firewood on them during the winter time, in case they needed warmth. All sorts of tents and soft carpets were also brought out at this time and placed next to the fire. Everyone settled comfortably into their equipment to rest.
Emily and Caspian felt their limbs slowly thawing thanks to the fire. They sighed with relief as Emily slowly got to her feet. She made for the entrance, saying, “I’m going to set up a concealing boundary to prevent us from being discovered here.”
Caspian also got up at the same time and walked with her, saying, “I’m going to go help her.”
As Emily and Caspian got up to set up the magical boundary, Belinda and Johnny’s expressions grew a bit unnatural. Their eyes danced uneasily and they looked defensively at the mouth of the cave, seemingly afraid that Emily and Caspian would do something to the cave entrance.
This was indeed the case. Han Shuo had been walking back when he saw Emily and Caspian walk towards the mouth of the cave. He turned back absentmindedly and saw that Emily and Caspian had indeed set something up at the entrance of the cave out of wariness.
“Miss Belinda, you should pay us the fees that you still owe us!” Just as Han Shuo was looking on in astonishment, Candice was already looking at Belinda unhappily and spoke with an irritated tone.
Everyone had worked together before because they had a common enemy, and the relentless pursuit from the Gryphon Legion had made it so that they couldn’t relax even for a moment. This was why they hadn’t taken each other to task for debts. Now that the threat from the Gryphon Legion was temporarily abated, the already existing conflict between people began to come into play.
“You’re already quite lucky to be alive! Sorry, the Calamity Church has never had the habit of paying our mercenaries!” Belinda’s voice was quite soft as she flicked a glance at Candice, replying noncommittally.
Clang rang out as Candice’s broadsword was unsheathed. She glared ferociously at Belinda, “I escorted you to Valen City! Not only did I not receive a single gold coin of my payment, you even tried to kill me! Looks like it’s time to settle our debts.”
“I think you’ll regret trying to do anything!” Belinda was obviously not afraid of Candice. She turned to look at Johnny and took out a scroll with the image of Ansidesi on it.
“The cave is only three meters tall. Your golem won’t be able to do much if it’s released!” Candice snorted and walked towards Belinda. It looked like she was planning on making a move.
Phoebe had been standing by Han Shuo’s side and was basically a sister to Candice. When she saw that Candice was about to make a move, she unsheathed her longsword without hesitation and was already flaring milky white aura from its tip.
Belinda had had a disdainful expression in her eyes when they lit up upon seeing Phoebe’s milky white aura, seemingly surprised.
“Humph, you’re looking to die!” Johnny’s chest wound had been dressed as was now covered by gauze. The sword in his hand right now was sparkling with thunder and lightning, and he didn’t seem any weaker than Phoebe.
“Give them their payment. You should’ve paid this, otherwise you’ll die!” Han Shuo quickly sized up the situation and walked over with a cold face to Phoebe’s side, looking at Belinda and snorting coldly.
Gilbert also cackled as he cracked his knuckles. Caspian and the Battlefire mercenary band also stood on Candice’s side. It looked like a fight would break out as soon as Belinda refused to back down.
Although Belinda’s voice was soft, her temper was quite stubborn and she didn’t display any fear at this time. She seemed to be prepared for a hard fight.
“This doesn’t seem to the be the time for inner conflict. Heh heh. Miss Candice, how much do they owe you? I’ll pay it for them, so let’s not fight over this right now, shall we?” Lawrence suddenly stood up, to everyone’s great surprise and smiled to smooth things over.