Chapter 271 - Tempting Deal

With each new stage of comprehension, whether it Spiritual or Martial, all new sensations gradually engrave into Amber's mental psyche and Soul. Her new findings could never be forgotten.

Wanting to test out a faint theory, Amber assimilated into a cultivation state, pouring her consciousness into her Spiritual Sea. 

In an instant, her Soul was linked to the Spiritual Dimension.

Within the rainbow-colored Dimension, what Amber was previously thinking slowly confirmed in her mind. 

Her enhanced mental psyche allowed her to more thoroughly experience the Source Law sensations formulating the Dimension.

And indeed, there were vague familiarness and distinct differences between this and the Minor Law Dimension. 

Amber didn't know how to put it in exact words. But it was almost like drinking two flavors of the same line of drink.

Just from this much, Amber began to deduce, 'The Spiritual Path itself is just far too different from the Martial Path. Perhaps it is true. The Spiritual Path has its own separate Heavenly Dao? But if that's so, how could there be two Heavenly Dao in our universe? For that matter, I've never heard anybody, even Ancestor Wei mention something about a second Heavenly Dao…'

Amber's thoughts constantly twist and turn. But, no clear conclusion could be seen. 

Amber was patient enough, knowing it simply wasn't possible to develop an answer to something huge as this is perhaps even thousands of years.

Focusing her attention of from that mysterious question, Amber simply focused on raising her Spiritual Source Law attainment level. The higher she could grow it, the easier it was to control 2nd Class Spirit energy.

Her mind made up, Amber diligently assimilated back into a cultivation state. 

....

Desolate Mountain Range, the resources cave. 

Within one of the many dead-ends, a tense meeting was developing.

The dead-end room had wisps of brilliant orange flames burning around, scorching parts of the surface to utter crisps. 

All other corpses were already burnt to mere ashes. Even the Great Divine Sea Warriors weren't spared from a cruel fate. 

The only ones left standing were two sides of hooded figures. 

On one side were the hooded people who could conjure up Phoenix flames.

While the other side were the Royal descendants, Huang Dai and Xun. 

Both Dragon siblings had the utmost caution against the hooded people. They are already natural enemies to the Ancient Phoenix Holy Lands to began with.

The fact that the conflict hasn't dissolved yet was surprising to the Dragon siblings. Still, at any movement of action, they were ready to react. 

Huang Xun calmed her nerves and took the initiative to speak first, "Alright, since you didn't try to ambush us, what are your intentions with us? I am not sure why you Ancient Phoenixes would signal us out specifically." 

The other side had a powerful Great Divine Sea cultivator that neither Huang Dai nor Xun could see through with their Divine Sense.

But it didn't mean they would simply back down. Especially when knowing it's one of their biggest rivaling force exploring around here. 

The shorter hooded person, the Divine Origin cultivator, spoke, calmly telling them, "You two trained extensively with your Spiritual Sea, I presume? A normal person would simply recognize our flames as powerful ones. This is very impressive. But I would expect nothing less from Huang Dragons."

Huang Dai and Xun didn't speak, only intently observing the hooded people. They were trying to see any faults with their body language. 

Because they covered up their faces, all they had were non-verbal clues. But from their incredibly confident stance and equally powerful abilities, them guessing they were Huang Dragons wasn't unlikely at all. 

Still, Huang Xun was a bit suspicious. She knitted her brows, asking, "How could you even guess we are from the Huang Dragon Holy Family? And for that matter, just how long were you following us?"

"It's not unusual that you didn't sense us." The shorter hooded person lightly chuckled. "After all, we both have a powerful Spirit formation concealment to trail behind you. We simply couldn't let what we sensed go. So afterward, we trailed you all down here and witnessed those concealment talismans. But even with that barrier, my partner here was able to perceive the slight leakage of your true Divine aura."

His words sounded very possible. 

In Martial cultivation, concealment abilities are very rare unless one cultivates a specific Law path. To truly conceal oneself from others would require a World Spirit Master.

Huang Dai and Xun were clearly aware of this. And their vigilance only increased. 

Although, at the same time, they couldn't suppress a simmering curiosity on just why these Ancient Phoenxies were being so patient.

Huang Dai spoke up next, asking, "You still haven't told us what's your exact intention with us. Unless you believe you want to form a group with us? But, even you should be able to see that wouldn't work."

"Of course, I can see that." The short hooded man calmly nodded. "That is why my true goal in coming here is for an exchange. You see, what we witnessed from your fights was incredibly promising. Far more than what I have seen around our Holy Land. Thus, I am giving you two the option to accept a peak grade Heavenly Rank resource. In exchange, I can call a favor from both of you."

'Peak Grade? Heavenly Rank?' 

Outwardly, Huang Dai and Xun stood utterly still, like unmoveable statues. But inwardly, they both were legitimately shocked. 

In ranks of cultivation resources, it goes from Spirit Rank, Earthen Spirit, True Spirit, and then Heavenly Rank. 

For a more clear perspective of the immense disparity between ranks, the star-grass herbs the Dragon siblings obtained were merely High-Grade True Spirit resources.

Just this alone would be enough to enhance their Inner World with zero negative effects. 

From up here, there's peak grade and then Heavenly Rank. 

It may seem like just three steps of separation, but the quality of resources experiences massive qualitative leaps in just these three steps.

The value of any Heavenly Rank resource would be enough to even get their highest Dragon Elders' full attention. 

So when hearing that this hooded man not only wanted to give them a Heavenly Rank resource but one that is also peak grade, it was impossible to not feel stirred!

Dozens of years of long, arduous work can be significantly shaved off. Furthermore, they can also have the chance to further their Inner World's foundation if the Heavenly Rank resource is unique enough.

Undoubtedly, because the Phoenixes decided to meet them even when knowing their identity, they would come sufficiently prepared. 

It was a tempting offer most wouldn't hesitate to jump on.

But Huang Dai and Xun didn't lose all of their cool. 

In the end, this was still an enemy. And typically, enemies wouldn't see their opposing forces grow so strong to an overwhelming point.

They were all intelligent here, so Huang Xun promptly asked, "So, just how are you going to convince us of your trust? After all, this could very well be an insidious ploy."

The short hooded man agreed without any hesitation. "Indeed, indeed. In fact, for most cases across our universe, there is only one foolproof way to set up deals or anything of the sort. Of course, I am referring to a Soul alliance agreement. The underlying pact would be that neither of us can renegade our promises."

For a moment, Huang Dai and Xun were slightly taken aback. The gaze they used on the hooded people slightly changed. 

A Soul alliance agreement is universally known. 

With this, it is almost entirely impossible for one party to scam another. Whether it's Lower Realms Mortals or high and mighty God Galaxies inhabits, the Soul alliance agreement is the most popular method.

Although, unless a situation calls for it, the Soul alliance agreement isn't so casually used. 

A renegade on the promise could lead to severe Soul injury that can directly cripple any foundation, turning them very weak.

Or the biggest threat of it all, Soul destruction, meaning instant death. 

There are also other minor mishaps that can occur if one decides to go against the rules of a Soul alliance agreement. 

The feeling of binding oneself to danger doesn't truly sit right with the average masses. Thus, only when the situation calls for it would a Soul alliance agreement be brought out.

Huang Dai and Xun knew this guy wasn't joking around at all. 

From this agreement, they would be able to truly gain a peak grade Heavenly resource! 

Neither were worried about any loopholes in the agreement as well. Unless their cultivation were far superior to them, Huang Dai and Xun would be able to spot them out with their Divine Sense.

The rewards certainly sound exceedingly pleasing to the ears. But in exchange, they would owe a debt to arguable their greatest enemy. 

As people bred by the rules of their family, installing their beliefs deep into their Spiritual Sea, of course, they wouldn't dare go against their family.

But at the same time, this lingering temptation wouldn't go away. 

Perhaps it was because they were determined to leave home, carving out their own legends. 

Or it was the fact that Cain's group gave a sense of stifling pressure. One that makes them fear that one day, they would be left far behind by the trio. 

Huang Dai and Xun couldn't put their finger on it.

But the fact that their specific identity wasn't exposed added to this sense of temptation. 

In the end, after only several silent moments, the Dragon siblings shot each other a look.

Their minds communicated as they slowly nodded. 

Huang Xun snapped her gaze back around, slowly saying, "You should understand this is quite the big decision. There simply isn't anywhere we can decide it now."

"Ah, that is no problem. I wasn't expecting an immediate answer in the first place. More so, I wanted to plant the seeds of another path of cultivation for two promising people. Here, take my contact ring if you ever do decide to take up the offer."

As the short hooded man spoke, he fished out a purple-colored ring and tossed it over to Huang Xun. 

Catching the ring, Huang Xun quickly stuffed it into her robe.  She and Dai took one last deep look at the hooded people. 

The hooded people didn't even respond, only silently moving out of their way. 

"We will take our leave." 

Promptly after Huang Xun spoke, the Dragon siblings brisked out of the dead-end room.

Their speed was swift as they made it hundreds of meters away. And at the same time, they still had their Divine Sense spread out, making sure they weren't being tailed.

Surprisingly enough, even at a considerable distance away, the Dragon siblings could still sense those hooded people. 

Still, to be careful, the Dragon siblings only communicated with their Divine Sense.

Huang Dai unsurely asked, 'Are we really going to keep that? Honestly, I don't think there is any good way we can make use of this. Even with an offer so tempting like that.'

Staying silent for a few moments, Huang Xun stewed over it. 

When she couldn't find a reasonable conclusion, she said, 'Whether or not this a good choice, my curiosity is piqued. After all, why are Ancient Phoenix clansmen so willing to work with us? Their Holy Land sizes are around at our level. They certainly don't lack additional manpower. And out of all people, why would they specifically work with the enemy? There simply isn't much benefits.'

'Thinking about it, if they work with us, their exposure would be just as serious as us. You think there some kind of ploy undergoing at their Holy Lands?' Like she said, Huang Dai couldn't suppress his curiosity.

Huang Xun could only give a small shrug, however, saying, 'We have no way to know as of now. In any case, we'll keep the ring to see any curious development happens. If it gets too troublesome, we'll discard it.. For now, let's continue exploring a bit and head back home.'