Death… And Me

Etherian then explained, 'There's good news, though. Due to the seals put in that place, only those at the Elemental Transformation Realm and below can enter it. That's because it's also considered a good place for training. It opens once every year for an entire month.'

'However...' Etherian warned Roan. 'Most of the people who go there are those from the evil paths. After all, that's a place full of Yin Energy and Dark Element. Of course, our Sacred Land also has many of those evil path cultivators, as you have seen. There is no doubt that many of them will join the many other powers once it opens again. If you decide to head there, be aware that you might be killed by them. Otherwise, what would be the meaning of training if you couldn't touch anyone? This is especially true for evil path cultivators.'

Etherian then added, 'The next opening will be in two and a half months' time. To be honest, I don't think it's a good idea for you to head there on the next opening, though. You saw what Gille wanted to do with you, right? The Dark Element material he offered is, without a doubt, the same one I told you just now. I'm pretty sure he will have his cultivators, including those who participated in the recruitment, capture you. At the very least, he won't risk losing the only Dark Element Affinity cultivator to another power, so he'll ask everyone to have you killed.'

Roan already expected as much the moment he understood both Gille and Etherian were talking about the same item. 'That's fine. It's not like he can move everyone in the evil path to his will, right? Especially the Sacred Land's evil path cultivators. As part of the Sacred Land, they wouldn't want to follow anyone's orders anymore. There shouldn't be many between our ranks that have Soul Binding Contracts with him.'

Etherian was surprised to hear that. 'So, you guessed that many of the cultivators joining our Sacred Land are affected by Soul Binding Contracts.'

Rean nodded as he replied, 'That includes ourselves. It's just that the Soul Binding Contract we signed only asked for our help in case Fabio ever meets some problem in the future. I believe you and Roan are talking about something deeper. Like acting as a spy inside the Sacred Land, correct? Like that guy called Hedoi, the strong ones are most likely under such contract clauses.'

'Indeed,' Etherian said in response. 'That means once it's decided which cultivators will be entering the Demising Catacombs, people like Hedoi are definitely going to report back to their previous countries.'

Roan couldn't help but ask, 'Can we enter that place without others knowing we're going there?'

Etherian nodded in response. 'I also thought about the same thing. I can arrange that your identities aren't revealed. Then again, anyone could tell that you would definitely be interested in those Dark Element materials. Besides, you aren't the only one who's heading there without showing your real name. That's a perk everyone has access to. However, it will depend on whether Gille thinks you'll appear or not.'

Roan immediately shook his head. 'Then there's no best time to enter that place than now.' Roan pointed at himself before continuing, 'I'm just a Peak Soul Transformation Realm cultivator. The only time I would need that catalyst is during my breakthrough into the Elemental Transformation Realm. With that being said, I shouldn't need it before I reach the peak of the Saint Realm. Do you think I would go into that place before I reach that point?'

Etherian had to admit Roan was right. 'That's...true. Any normal person wouldn't go there unless necessary, and it'll only be necessary for you once you cultivate another entire realm.' Etherian then shook his head. 'Then again, it doesn't change the fact that you would be a lot weaker than the top cultivators who go there to train. Of course, there are a lot more cultivators at Saint Realm and below, as their numbers are higher.'

Roan didn't mind it. 'It's fine. I don't intend to go there using my real appearance anyway.'

Roan then looked at Rean, who understood him. Soon after, Rean used his Light Element to change their bodies. Rean's appearance-changing technique had evolved a lot in the past years, especially after they reached the Realm of Gods and got to use Divine Soul Power.

Etherian was shocked by their transformation. Even his own Divine Sense could barely see through the facade. 'Impressive. Although I can see through it, I would need to pay very close attention, and that's because my cultivation is much higher than yours. It might really work out.'

With that, Etherian made his decision. 'Alright, I'll add you two to the list of cultivators that are participating in this year's Demising Catacombs' opening. However, that's as far as I can help you. You will have to look for the items and overcome the dangers yourself. Cultivators have to rely on themselves more than anything else, so I won't make a move.'

Etherian then changed the topic and went back to the smugglers' case. 'Now then, I believe you will want to leave as soon as you get Roan's Life's Nemesis Rocks, right? For that, you will need to find a person called Timoteo. He's the one who controls most of the cultivator smuggling routes to the neighboring continents. There are a few more, but they aren't as reliable. Just be aware that it doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. Also, his price is the highest due to his success rate. Forget about Rank One Divine Stones. He will only accept Rank Two stones. Once again, it's up to you to gather his payment.'

After that, Etherian passed a dark jade to the twins, telling them, 'You will need this to contact him. Go to Yagxin City in the Fovles Country and present this jade to the Rockfoi Treasure Store Owner, Jalel. Just tell him the Green Beetle sent you.. He'll know what to do.'