Chapter 677: An Offer of Children
After leaving the underground corridor, Noah urged Bill to gather the oldest outskirt children without mentioning the awakening ritual. Even if Adam hadn’t asked him to keep it a secret, he would have remained silent as a grave.
News of this power couldn’t reach cultivators. The other orders? Even less. Just imagining the consequences made him shudder. Either side would launch lethal assaults to steal the method or eradicate a future threat.
With a steely glint flashing in his eyes yet smiling warmly, he offered Adam and Misha a tour of the venomous temple while waiting for the kids.
Without hesitation, Adam nodded while Misha raised her fists. Knowledge had never been their only goal. The six thousand year old temple’s culture, their lives surrounded by cultivators who hated them, and what they pursued intrigued them.
Of course, there was something more—a touch darker. The cultivator’s hate came for reasons. Therefore, Adam leaned toward Noah as they left his office and raised his palm. "It came to my attention that many mages went rogue. I’ve seen one raze villages and eviscerate innocents to plunder their life forces. Tell me, Noah. Your order doesn’t indulge in these kinds of... disgraceful acts, right?"
The torches cast dancing shadows on Noah’s hardening face. His voice grew solemn, and his fist tightened. "Would I have warned you about the dangers of venom if we supported depraved behaviors? No, of course we don’t. We just want our families and friends to survive."
He paused, then sighed. The mage Adam had described was a scum, but they weren’t white, either. "It’s useless to hide it. Sometimes, we take on... confidential assignments."
"They have nothing to do with reconnaissance or spying, right?" Adam smirked, already knowing where this was going.
Noah nodded. "Where would venom be better used than in assassination? They don’t happen often, but I try to prioritise those targeting corrupt officials or sect elders. Understand me... We need materials, but cultivators attack us on sight."