Chapter 108: Subtle Threat

Questions among questions swirled in Tan's group mind. 

In what reality would a mighty Mid-Stage Profound Soul talent ever refer to mere lower ranks, Nascent Formation cultivators?

These two were even weaker than their own Nascent youths! 

And yet, Amber spoke with a noticeable different tone towards the sibling duo. It was completely different than what she used with them.

A tone that was filled with respect. 

While their Martial Immortal Valley may not be on the Crimson Sea Academy level, Tan and his whole group know their status should be feasibly far higher than those two. 

And yet….at that moment, particular gazes landed on Cain and Kali.

In the face of the sudden attention, Cain and Kali didn't even react. Hell, the sibling duo didn't spare one glance at them, focusing their attention on Amber. 

Kali already put these boot lickers as lower than dirt in her eyes. They were nothing, only a couple of dogs that had slightly greater strength than her at this time. 

She even partially welcomed the negativity, hoping they would do something so she could, in turn, violently retaliate in the future.

As for Cain, his thoughts focused purely on Amber. He was actually feeling a bit touched. When throwing the option on to him, Amber did it out of genuine respect. He could see the admiration in her eyes.

Her intention was entirely pure, not even the slightest bit of malice. 

Cain's time in this universe wasn't long at all. But he clearly understood the significance of asking that one simple question.

And towards this question, Cain leaned to one conclusion. No matter how much potential problem may arise, latching on to these Martial Immortal Valley disciples was their best and only option.

His injuries healed, but his Soul's Core was still heavily drained. In no way could he unleash another Chaos teleportation, at least not for around a short while. 

Thinking of this, Cain calmly looked over towards Tan's group. His gaze evenly matched with each of the Martial Immortal Valley's disciples' increasingly hostile eyes, not fearing anyone of them. 

He simply said, "Sure. Let's go. This is our best choice."

With his confirmation, Amber turned back around, showcasing her same faint smile, and spoke in an entirely different tone she didn't even realize she was using. 

"Well. There you have it. We'll follow right behind you."

"....Right. Let's go." Tan rather stiffly nodded. 

He and the others had their suspicions about Cain and Kali. But at the same time, they all were tactful enough to realize provoking the sibling duo would lead to disagreement.

With everything agreed on, Cain's group began following right behind Tan's team. 

For the first short while, a strange silence permeated between them. The addition of Cain and Kali truly made for an odd scenario. It made it a bit difficult to approach Amber.

But suddenly, Tan worked up the courage to slow down his pace, subtly getting about four feet from Amber. 

As he fell back, his other members continued to walk.

And as he got close to Amber, he asked in a friendly tone, "Miss Hiyashi, where we're going is the Great Soul Tree. There's been some text about it within our Valley but nothing too enlightening. Perhaps, you know more about this?"

"Hm? This? I guess I know….so-so." Amber casually replied, taking only a single glance at Tan just for formalities sake. "It's apparently some high-ranking treasure that can supposedly help out with the soul, right? Let's see….my memory is a bit foggy; can you tell me some of what your text said?"

Amber truly didn't feel like talking with them, so she threw all the conversation back on them. 

And Yao Yang was eager to showcase his own knowledge, eagerly replying with, "Ah, as far we can tell, the Great Soul Tree been around for countless years. It was originally planted by several World Spirit Masters who study the rarest affinity of them all, the Soul affinity. With their combined powers, they planted a seed into the ground, creating this tree. And from this tree, Soul Peaches will blossom. These Soul Peaches can tremendously increase anyone's Soul's Core and in turn, slightly boosts their Martial Talent!"

"Oh? Is that so? Interesting…." Amber replied in faint interest. She was glad she could end that conversation there. 

But as she subconsciously gazed over to Cain, a spark of interest suddenly rosed inside her.

Hearing Yao Yang's tale, Cain's eyes brightly lit up. Soul cultivation was just as mysterious as Astral cultivation. The only difference is that he has somewhat of a method to strengthen his Astral Energy.

As for his soul, he was utterly clueless. 

Like with Astral cultivation, Cain assumed he would need to wait until he joins the World Spirit Force guide for any possible leads.

It was a bit frustrating having such a lack of information, but Cain couldn't really blame these Lower Realm cultivators. 

Hell, Kali had mentioned that even in God Galaxies, it was difficult to cultivate the soul.

The consequences for failing with soul are far more brutal than Qi or Astral cultivation. 

Cain thought he would need to wait for some time, but now, it appears that lady luck is slightly on his side.

He didn't have huge hopes that he could strengthen his soul enough to advance to the second layer of the Ancient Choas Book. But it should certainly be enough to increase the range and uses of his Chaos teleportation.

Thinking of this, there was only one critical problem. 

That is actually getting a Soul Peach. No matter his current means, he absolutely had no way to take all of the treasure from powerful Profound Soul warriors.

Moreover, Cain wasn't naive enough to think these Martial Immortal Valley would simply give him something just because he asked nicely. 

He realized that something of equally great value is needed.

But just what could he possibly give? 

Far deep in thought, Cain didn't notice Amber's gaze at all. And before he could continue his train of thought, he felt a nudge. 

Pulling away from his thoughts, Cain snapped over to Amber and promptly felt curious by amused gaze. 

"I can tell you're wracking that little brain of yours for a solution. Here's one. Want me to just get one for you?" Amber casually asked, uncaring to all those hearing her.

For everything Cain did so far, she felt that going out of her was only natural. But even if this was under regular times, Amber was also sure she would still help out Cain anyways.

Cain nearly paused, his expression showcasing some surprise. 

He didn't want to push an unnecessary burden on Amber. And knowing her personality, he was sure that she would've simply found this too troublesome.

But since she is so graciously offering, why shouldn't he accept? No pride or some weird thought process influenced Cain's decision. 

He didn't care at all about the intent gazes on him, focusing purely on Amber when saying, "Sure, thanks. It would be a huge help for me. But… .don't you want one for yourself? Passing by this treasure would be a massive waste." 

"Fufu~. Now, now Cain~." Amber teasingly giggled. "You do know me quite well at this point. And anything related to cultivation is such a low priority in my book. As for a cultivation junkie like you, this is undoubtedly at the top of your list."

"You know….if you were to actually put in the work, you could probably have more time to laze around. Somehow, I know that's possible for you." 

Hearing this, Amber's expression genuinely became fraught. It was like she was just told the worst joke in the entire world! 

Putting a hand to her chest, she sighed, exasperatedly saying, "Huu~. Don't even joke around like that, Cain! I wouldn't be able to take being an insane, cultivation junkie."

"Right-right. Really, I do wonder how the hell you reached the Profound Soul realm so quickly with this damn lazy mindset." 

'Tch here they go again.' This conversation made Kali roll her eyes nearly to the back of her head.

She wasn't exactly sure why, but it felt particularly annoying seeing them so seamlessly banter together. It made her feel like her presence was entirely ignored! 

In response to this, Kali did her best to ignore them and tried to focus back on her own thoughts for sanity's sake. 

But as she attempted so, a cold sensation washed over Kali's mind.

This coldness stemmed from smoldering hostility that didn't even bother trying to hide away. 

"Hm?" 

Kali knit her brows. Subtly and without them noticing, she swept a glance over at Tan's group.

Upon doing so, her slight disdain gradually morphed into utter contempt. The feeling of wanting to cave some skulls in sprang up, but Kali dutifully suppressed it.

She only coldly smirked to herself, realizing that Tan's group won't bother to keep their friendly facade very soon. 

Within the four males' eyes, Tan, Yao Yang, Sun Ahi, and Lan Kun all didn't hide their disgusting envy.

While with the only girl, Chen Ai, she had the utmost disdain for Cain. 

And as Kali expected, everyone in Tan's group simply believed she and Cain were nothing but mere Nascent leaches.

These Profound Soul talents genuinely believed they belonged in different worlds. Therefore, they have zero reasons to ever act kindly to them. 

This is why everyone in Tan's group forced themselves to believe that Amber was simply being friendly.

She comes from a High-Class level Family, maintaining a nice act would be a par on course for her. 

In Tan and everyone else wildest dreams, they believe they can show Amber the true disparity of two different worlds!

However, things were bound to go contrary to expectations. 

"Ah, Miss Hiyashi, I just wanted to ask, what was your original purpose for coming down here?" Tan rudely interrupted her conversation, treating Cain like thin air.

In response, Amber practically forced herself to throw a single glance at Tan. One can barely see the trace of even a faint smile. She then plainly said, 

"Like I said, to train. And I also forgot to mention that I have my own mission that both my Academy and Family know and are expecting me to complete it with all they gave me. Now then, as I was saying…."

With that, Amber returned back to her conversation. 

At the same time, Cain wasn't put off at all. In the same manner, he treated Tan's group as air as they did to him.

"This…." All the while, Tan and his other team members felt their tongues caught in their throats. This was blatant dismissiveness! 

However, nothing could be done about it.

Amber so casually tossed out the mission detail like it was nothing important. But this was basically telling Tan and the others that Amber has life-saving resources that can undoubtedly ruin them.

If they were to try any violent means, it would undoubtedly end up terribly! 

So despite Amber's uncaring attitude, Tan was only forced to sallow this moment. In his mind, he was frustrated and puzzled.

Just why….why go so far for mere Nascent Formations brats?