Galock was confused at first, but the Commander's words slowly began to make sense. He started to wonder if he had truly misjudged the situation.
The Commander seemed to have a greater agenda, and Galock knew that if they succeeded in roping in the Young Miss, the looming challenges against Sand‑Scale City could very well be finished.
"Sir, that's a perfect plan," Galock admitted, saluting with eyes filled with apology. "I have gotten it wrong and would have jeopardized all your planning with a single rash move. I hope the Commander can forgive me."
He realized then that his young master's aura of charm was still present, and with his polished appearance it had become even more wondrous. Perhaps that was what had drawn the Young Miss closer.
An unusual smile crept across Salza's face as he waved his hand dismissively. "You shouldn't be bothered. But you must work on not making rough conclusions in matters like this. Every situation, however odd, must be turned to your advantage. Even I didn't expect that child to help me this much. I will have him invite the Young Miss after some time." he said, before looking behind him.
"What are you waiting for? Is there something in the sky?" he barked suddenly, jutting the warriors awake, who still seemed to be gazing at the long‑gone dragon.
"Onward!" he commanded.
The warriors held their breaths and obeyed, continuing forth. The Commander truly knew how to change matters.
Kamil snorted coldly but didn't respond. The earlier situation had left him feeling strangely unsettled. He soon commanded his troops onward, grumbling under his breath.
He had not known that his rival's son had such a close relationship with the young lady. He sighed as he led his force away.
___
Blood, along with Kate and her mount, proceeded through the shimmering entrance. It was an Empty Realm, inside stretched a barren land, stripped of vegetation.
Blood's eyes brightened as he scanned the spacious expanse cautiously. Then his gaze fixed upon Kate, who wore a sinister smile.
"Why did you bring me here?" Blood asked, his eyes narrowing.
That was an Empty Realm of the lowest grade, no valuables could be found there. Its barren soil stretched endlessly, devoid of vegetation. The air itself felt hollow, indicating the place had long been abandoned.
"What do you think?" Kate replied with a soft giggle. "This environment is surely a good place to die a silent death, don't you agree?"
Blood was momentarily mesmerized by her smile, the faint gesture of her ti.. "Wha…at did you say?" he asked bluntly, exhaling a heavy sigh.
Kate's expression changed rapidly, turning to seriousness. "Now, let's get straight to business. First of all, you did well in the battle against Bland Town. Your city even triumphed over them, despite their support from a grade five faction. Sand‑Scale's troops were no doubt led by great commanders." She paused, then continued.
"However, don't grow overly confident. The real challenge begins in the second or third clash. Considering how fierce the first battle was, I fear your city will not withstand the third challenger."
Blood's heart immediately sank. Just the first wave had been that intense—how much worse would the following ones be?
The one who assisted Bland Town was from a grade five force! Blood was alarmed.
Kate was doubtful that Sand‑Scale City could survive further without the aid of a high-grade faction, one that was capable of shielding them with ease.
"So what's your deal in this? Did you bring me here just to let me know that my city will fall?" Blood asked with confusion, his voice almost breaking.
Although young, he understood that the battles ahead were inevitable, and more importantly, beyond his control. If she intended to propose a way to stop the war, coming to him was certainly the wrong choice.
Kate's silvery eyes glinted as she leaned forward. "Don't think too much. My problem isn't with Sand‑Scale City or its fate, it's with you. I misjudged you at first, only to realize your potential later. Especially the unnatural techniques you displayed on the battlefield. With talent like yours, I suppose many sects and factions will come seeking you, if they haven't already."
"However, none of them can give you what I am about to. Afterward, you may choose freely, and I won't interfere with your decision."
Blood simply gazed at her, allowing her to continue.
"There are many things not made known to those of the lower regions. Even their peak powers may hold fragments of knowledge, but it is vague at best. The world is simply too vast. This domain alone has more than twenty zones scattered across it, and within them dwell countless experts—beings who could kill us with nothing more than a breath."
Blood listened intently, his eyes narrowing as she continued.
"With your talent, you could join any faction you desire, and they would accept you without hesitation. But you must understand that it would only last for a time. Eventually, their knowledge will no longer suffice for you.
"The grade six territories are the highest grade, ruled by peak experts with the strength to annihilate everything. By now, you should already know my purpose here. I want to invite you to join one of those peak factions. There, you will easily obtain whatever resources you seek for cultivation. They may even shield your city from annihilation." she said gently, stating only what mattered.
Blood listened to every word and was rather surprised by the prospect itself. Joining the Central Academy had always been his goal since he could think for himself. But now, another path had been revealed, which was to join a peak faction, a far greater choice.
However, such a thing was not easily attained. He had read that higher‑grade territories were far away, and were unreachable, like climbing into the heavens. He wouldn't be able to locate them unless they sought him first. Learning under their care was surely the best chance he could ever hope for.
Still, Blood was reluctant. If this had been before he discovered the Red Domain, he might have accepted without hesitation. But now, things were different.
Even if he agreed, as a blood cultivator, he required blood qi which was the essence of his path. Cultivating with other energies would be fatal. Blood was afraid of being reduced at last to nothing more than an ordinary cultivator.
His eyes narrowed as a thought settled. is she purposely luring me away from the Red Domain.
It was possible she harbored a hidden motive. The contract binding them was limited and could be broken. She had already attempted to shatter it once before, and perhaps now she had discovered another way.
Although Blood hadn't explored much of the Red Domain, what he had seen was enough to convince him of its worth. That was precisely why he had yet to take her there.
He drew a slow breath, deciding to reject her gently. He couldn't afford to lose the blood qi.