After hearing Han Shuo's words, the earthworm-like scars on Bollands' face seemed to have come alive due to his excitement, giving off a frightening feeling as though one had seen a ghost in broad daylight.
Even sacred swordmaster Karel, Bollands' current master, didn't have a way to control the murderous aura all over his body. All along, Bollands had been exploring by himself. His exploration of unknown territories was filled with confusion and danger. Sacred swordmaster Karel wasn't able to provide him with any help.
To sacred swordmaster Karel, Bollands' research on murderous aura was simply unorthodox. He disdained to waste time on this aspect and had once advised Bollands to return to the orthodox realm of fighting aura cultivation. Unfortunately, Bollands had sunk deeper and deeper, gradually becoming addicted to it and unable to extricate himself. Karel was unable to persuade Bollands, and with his heart filled with disdain, he naturally wouldn't provide any help to Bollands on this "unorthodox" path.
Now that he heard that Han Shuo possessed a martial technique that could conceal and control this kind of murderous aura, to Bollands who had been wandering alone in unfamiliar territories for a long time, Han Shuo's words were like the sound of heaven to him. It tore open a deep hole in Bollands' many years of solitude. Bollands immediately became unable to control himself.
"You, you're speaking the truth?" Bollands' face trembled even more due to his excitement. His tone was filled with disbelief.
Previously, Bollands had seen Han Shuo's battle with Brut Merchant Alliance's Leah Cain. Including the miraculous performance he had when he first met Han Shuo, it gave Bollands a pleasantly surprised feeling as though he had met a soulmate. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed for so long after Lawrence left, attempting to have a detailed discussion with Han Shuo to see if he could obtain something he was looking forward to from Han Shuo.
Nodding affirmatively, Han Shuo confidently said, "Not only do I use my own killing intent, I also have a way to absorb the killing intent of soldiers on the battlefield. Hehe, I believe that I am the only one in the entire Profound Continent who is proficient in this kind of martial technique."
As soon as he finished speaking, the murderous aura around Han Shuo's body abruptly overflowed. Clouds of blood-red mist suddenly overflowed from Han Shuo's body. The blood-red mist contained a ruthless murderous aura of despair and endless resentment, causing one's soul to tremble. Under the control of Han Shuo's mind, the balls of murderous aura turned into sharp blades. With Han Shuo as the center, a blood-red flower of evil bloomed as if it was real.
Bollands's pupils bulged as he stared fixedly at Han Shuo. The crisscrossing scars on his face were like earthworms wriggling on his face. The thick smell of blood on Bollands's body uncontrollably spread out. However, he would never be able to skillfully manipulate this bizarre aura like Han Shuo could.
Bollands could feel the energy contained within, and could also use this energy to stimulate one's fighting spirit in battle. However, he had never dared to imagine that Han Shuo's incomparably exquisite manipulation could be done. It was also from Han Shuo's display that Bollands understood that once this domain was extended, it would blossom with light and destructive power that was even more terrifying than fighting aura.
"Bu, Earl Brian, can I learn this martial technique from you?" Logically speaking, with Bollands's status and experience, he shouldn't be so rude. However, after so many years of lonely exploration, he had endured that kind of helplessness and bewilderment for far too long. Now that he saw a resplendent path paved in front of him, this old man who had always been exploring the unknown by himself could no longer control himself.
Han Shuo laughed involuntarily. He shook his head and said to Bollands apologetically, "Hehe, old mister Bollands, you must be joking. Not to mention this kind of miraculous martial technique, even the most widespread fighting aura in the Profound Continent isn't that easy for an ordinary person to cultivate."
Bollands's eyes were filled with unconcealable sadness. Sighing, Bollands said in a bitter voice, "I'm sorry, I was too abrupt. However, I really hope to be able to cultivate this martial technique, no matter how great the price I have to pay!! In this world, perhaps you are the only one who can give me pointers on this lonely path. I have experienced too much the dangers and pain of exploring helplessly by myself. "
Han Shuo, who was staring at the old man's eyes, could clearly see every trace of emotion flowing through his pupils. After Bollands's heartfelt words, Han Shuo knitted his brows and thought hard for a while. He then hesitated for a while, his brows still tightly knitted as he muttered to himself, "Actually, when my teacher left behind this martial technique, he didn't say that it couldn't be taught to outsiders."
Bollands, who had just been pushed to rock bottom, had a delighted expression when he heard this. He looked at Han Shuo excitedly and probed, "Bu, Brian, you, you …"
Bollands was somewhat incoherent in his shock. However, Han Shuo knew what he wanted to express. As though seriously considering for a while, Han Shuo came to a sudden realization and said, "It's not impossible for you to cultivate this martial technique. However, you must join our branch. Consider it as me accepting a disciple in place of my deceased teacher. However, you have always been following Mister Karel and even considered yourself a servant. I don't think this is very appropriate. It seems that it's impossible. "
"No, it's possible, it's possible!" Bollands hastily cried out in surprise. Under Han Shuo's astonished gaze, Bollands immediately explained, "I have followed Master for a period of five years. In order to repay his kindness, I have already stayed by Master's side for seven years. Although I am still willing to stay by Master's side, I am currently a free person. As long as I tell Master, there shouldn't be any problems. If you don't mind, I am willing to enter your branch and cultivate that mystical martial technique with you."
After Bollands said this, Han Shuo unconsciously came to a realization. He didn't expect that this Bollands would still be willing to stay by sacred swordmaster Karel's side even though he was already free. It seemed that this person was a very suitable lackey for Han Shuo. According to logic, there shouldn't be any problems with this matter. However, Han Shuo still had some misgivings about sacred swordmaster Karel. He was somewhat worried that he would become enemies with Karel because of this matter.
However, Han Shuo believed that with his current strength, he didn't need to fear that sacred swordmaster Karel. This Bollands in front of him was also an extremely suitable candidate to cultivate in demonic arts. After hesitating for a moment, Han Shuo opened his mouth and explained to Bollands, "It's best that you reconsider. You should know that once you cultivate martial techniques with me, you will be restricted by me.
Our branch also has many rules. As a senior, I have the authority to make you do things that you are unwilling to do. If you refuse, you will be going against the teacher's teachings. I have the authority to take back the martial technique that you cultivate. In addition, you should inform Mister Karel and carefully consider it for a few days. After you have thoroughly considered it and made a decision, there is no harm in finding me again to have a proper discussion. "
When Han Shuo said this, Bollands's eyes gradually regained their clarity. Bollands who had lived for many years naturally wasn't a fool who couldn't see the situation clearly. Although his heart was in a mess because of Han Shuo's martial technique, when Han Shuo mentioned the teacher's teachings and restrictions, Bollands immediately understood the meaning that Han Shuo wanted to express. Everyone has to listen to me, regardless of whether it's right or wrong!
This was actually the same as serving his current master Karel. With the identity of a servant, he would take care of everything for his master. No matter if it was murder, arson, or robbery, as long as his master gave the order, he would do his utmost to carry it out. This was also what Han Shuo wanted to express.
After Bollands's eyes regained their clarity, he began to truly weigh the pros and cons. From Han Shuo, he saw ambition that was unwilling to be left out. Furthermore, the baleful aura around Han Shuo didn't seem like a benevolent and good person like Karel. Once he and Han Shuo got together, it seemed like he would definitely return to his old profession and do some bloody business that couldn't see the light of day.
However, what Karel couldn't give him, Han Shuo could. On the other hand, compared to the benevolent and kind sacred swordmaster Karel, Han Shuo seemed to be more to his liking.
Bollands, whose hands were stained with blood, cherished the wonderful taste of slaughter. Due to his uncontrollable study of killing intent, he became intoxicated with slaughter, unable to extricate himself. Having stayed by Karel's side for many years, Bollands still couldn't forget that taste. Han Shuo's appearance could give him another path — a path that he longed for!
After hesitating between rationality and temptation, Bollands was unable to immediately make a decision. In the end, he opened his mouth and said to Han Shuo, "I will carefully consider your suggestion. Once I have made a decision, I will come and find you."
"No matter what your decision is, I will respect it." Han Shuo smiled as he replied.
Before Bollands left, he suddenly thought of something. He turned around to look at Han Shuo and asked, "What is the branch of martial arts that you practice?"
"Sky Demon Gate!"
"Sky Demon Gate … Sky Demon Gate, I will remember it!" Bollands muttered to himself. He leaped onto the roof and disappeared without a trace in the blink of an eye.
"Hehe, once you enter the Sky Demon Gate, you will never be able to leave my control. Karel, ah, Karel, it's not that I have the intention to poach you, but it's simply impossible for you to teach such a talent. "After Bollands left, Han Shuo muttered to himself with some pride.
* * *
Ossen City, Grand Duke Ashburn's mansion.
Today, Duke Ashburn was secretly meeting with some special guests, a group of clergymen belonging to the Church of Light.
The Church of Light's Lancelot Empire Red Archbishop Kosse, along with a few Temple Knights and white-robed priests, were in Duke Ashburn's mansion, happily chatting with Ashburn and First Prince Charles.
As the most influential religious organization on the continent, the Church of Light had various military organizations in many countries on the Profound Continent. Any country that had a Temple of Light would have Holy Knights guarding it. Depending on the size of the temple, the number of Holy Knights guarding it would vary.
In the Oden Empire, the headquarters of the Church of Light, the Temple of the God Of Light had tens of thousands of Temple Knights. For many years, the continent had always had the existence of ten great knight orders. The Temple Knights of the Church of Light had always had an illustrious reputation. There were even rumors in the outside world that the Temple Knights were the strongest knight order in the continent.
Apart from that, the strength of the Church of Light's numerous Light Priests was equally astonishing. For example, a person like Red Archbishop Kosse who possessed a divine weapon was a nightmare to anyone. Especially some dark and necromancy mages. When they encountered Red Archbishop Kosse who possessed a divine weapon, they basically allowed Kosse to proclaim the greatness of the God Of Light, proving their lowliness.
The power of religion was inconceivably strong in the Profound Continent. Faith was the most illusory and difficult to understand thing. It could often cause a normal person to become crazy and paranoid, and then do some unreasonable things. What the Church of Light was most adept at was using the power of faith to give ignorant people and even aristocrats a direction that wasn't necessarily correct.
In the Lancelot Empire, the power of the Church of Light similarly couldn't be underestimated. Every city in the Lancelot Empire had a temple of the Church of Light. Where there was a temple, there would naturally be the armed forces of the Church of Light. Those private forces that completely believed in the God Of Light were actually an unstable factor for any empire.
However, perhaps it was because the influence of the Church of Light was too great. In any country, the Church of Light's private armed forces were actually a legal existence. This was the voice and need of those who believed in the God Of Light. Even His Majesty Uhtred of the Lancelot Empire had tacitly approved of it.
Fortunately, the Church of Light wasn't the main church in the Lancelot Empire. Other than that, the people also believed in the Goddess of Nature, the Goddess of Ice, and other gods. These messy churches were distributed in every city in the Lancelot Empire, but they were unable to shake the foundation of the Empire.
When the Lancelot Empire sunk into the struggle for power among the princes, there were times when religions had no choice but to make a choice. The correct choice could bring direct benefits to their own church, and it was even possible for them to dominate the Lancelot Empire. It was precisely because Kosse had taken a fancy to eldest prince Charles that he appeared in Duke Ashburn's mansion.
Having the support of such a huge church like the Church of Light was naturally a joyous matter for Duke Ashburn. Eldest prince Charles was similarly very happy. As an orthodox knight, he originally had a favorable impression of the Church of Light. When the Church of Light intended to help him, this favorable impression would naturally multiply.
After a round of discussion regarding promises of power and support, both parties were perfectly satisfied. They were satisfied with the cooperation between the two sides. While Duke Ashburn and eldest prince Charles were warmly entertaining these members of the clergy, Kosse suddenly sighed and said, "Brettel City's Earl Brian, I wonder what His Lordship thinks of this?"
"He's only a lucky person who fawns on the rich and powerful. In addition, this fellow doesn't have any foresight. I think his good days will soon come to an end." Duke Ashburn's face was gloomy as he faintly smiled, giving a conclusion to Han Shuo.
"His Lordship is wrong. This person is definitely not easy to deal with. The power behind this person is the Calamity Church. As an old enemy of our Church of Light that has been secretly fighting for hundreds of years, we are fully aware of how terrifying the Calamity Church is. To tell you the truth, I once personally took action and led a few Temple Knights to apprehend this person. However, I returned in failure twice and even suffered some injuries. " Speaking up to this point, Kosse sighed and continued, "The Pope has given instructions for our Lancelot Empire's personnel to eliminate this person at all costs. I hope that His Lordship will be able to help us."
When Kosse mentioned the Calamity Church, Duke Ashburn and eldest prince Charles glanced at each other, their expressions not looking too good. A great noble like Ashburn was naturally aware of the existence of the Calamity Church. It was an evil nest where a group of true demons gathered. Ashburn didn't expect that Han Shuo actually came from there. This caused Ashburn to feel somewhat apprehensive.
However, Ashburn and eldest prince Charles had already taken action last time. The two believed that Han Shuo already knew about this. Regardless of whether it was Han Shuo or the Calamity Church, both were ruthless people who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance. This made the two understand that Han Shuo had already become a mortal enemy.
Although the Calamity Church had an illustrious reputation, the fact that the Church of Light was able to suppress the Calamity Church for hundreds of years amply proved that the Church of Light was similarly a powerful religious organization. Now that he heard Kosse talk about eliminating Han Shuo, Ashburn immediately and frankly replied, "The last time we tried, we were careless and failed. This person supports that illegitimate child. I believe that sooner or later he will die. Mister Kosse's intention is to make him disappear earlier?"
Nodding his head, the red-robed archbishop lamented pitifully, "This person is an unstable factor in the Profound Continent. His existence will bring disaster to the Profound Continent. Our Church of Light's objective has always been to eliminate all existences that go against God's will. He is precisely the target that we must immediately eliminate."
"In that case, His Lordship, do you have any good ideas?" Ashburn waited for Kosse to finish his agitated speech before taking advantage of the situation to continue asking.
"This is my plan. However, I will need to borrow the strength of the two of you …" Red Archbishop Kosse nodded and began to describe his plan to the two.
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