CHAPTER 382: Snatching One's Subordinate

When Bollands heard Han Shuo's explanation. The earthworm-like scars on his face seemed to be alive due to his excitement, causing those who saw him to be frightened as if they'd seen a ghost during the day.

Even Bollands' current master, Sacred Sword Master Karel, had no way of controlling the killing intent in his body. All this time, Bollands had been experimenting on his own. As the exploration of the unknown was fraught with uncertainty and danger, even Sacred Swordsmaster Karel was unable to provide him with any form of assistance.

To Sacred Swordsmaster Karel Ascot, Bollands' meticulous study of killing intent was completely unorthodox. He didn't believe in wasting time on such things and had previously persuaded Bollands to return to the orthodox field of dou qi training. Unfortunately, Bollands had already delved deeper and deeper, gradually becoming obsessed with experimenting and finding it difficult to extricate himself. Karel was unable to convince Bollands, and with the contempt in his heart, he would naturally not be able to help Bollands on this 'unorthodox' path.

At that moment, he overheard Han Shuo mention that Han Shuo possessed a technique that could conceal and control his killing intent. For Bollands, who had always been alone in this unfamiliar field, Han Shuo's statement was like words from heaven, as if it tore open Bollands' many years of loneliness. Bollands immediately couldn't control himself.

"A-Are you for real?" Due to Bollands' excitement, his face shook violently and his tone was filled with disbelief.

Earlier, Bollands had seen Han Shuo's battle with Brut Merchant's Leah Cain, as well as the miracles Han Shuo performed when Bollands first saw him. These gave Bollands the surprising feeling of meeting someone similar to himself. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed behind today after Lawrence had left and tried to talk to Han Shuo in detail. He wanted to see if he could get some long-awaited information from Han Shuo.

Nodding his head in the affirmative, Han Shuo confidently replied, "Not only can I wield the killing intent on your body, I also have a way to absorb the aura of death on the battlefield. Hehehe, I believe I am the only one in the entire Profound Continent who can master such a technique."

With this sentence, Han Shuo's demonic aura erupted violently, and clouds of bloody-red mist suddenly emerged from Han Shuo's body. The bloody red fog clouds contained a ruthless killing intent filled with desperation and endless resentment, causing one's mind to tremble. Under Han Shuo's mental manipulation, the clouds of killing intent transformed into needle-like blades, forming a seemingly corporeal petal of a blooming blood red, sinister devilish flower.

Bolland's eyes shot out, his gaze fixed on Han Shuo. The numerous crisscrossed scars on his face seemed to be wriggling around like earthworms. The heavy scent of blood on Bolland's body could not be contained as it spread. However, he was unable to emulate Han Shuo's skilful manipulation of this bizarre energy.

Bollands could sense the power contained within it, and could superficially stimulate a person's fighting spirit through that power. However, he had never imagined that he would be able to manipulate this power with such subtlety as Han Shuo had shown. It was also from Han Shuo's display that Bollands finally understood that if he continued to practice in this area, he would be able to display a brilliance and destructiveness that was more formidable than Dou Qi.

"C-Count Bryan, is it possible for you to teach me this martial technique?" Normally, with Bolland's status and seniority, he wouldn't be so rude. However, he had endured the feeling of helplessness and loss from years of fumbling in the desert for too long. Now that he saw a glorious path appear before his eyes, the old man who had spent his entire life alone exploring the unknown could no longer contain himself.

Han Shuo laughed involuntarily and shook his head apologetically as he replied, "Hehehe, Old Mister Bollands, you must be joking. Not to mention this mysterious technique, even with the extensive Dou Qi on the Profound Continent, it wasn't that easy for someone to practice someone else's Dou Qi technique."

Bollands' eyes contained an almost unfathomable darkness. Sighing, Bollands sounded bitter as he replied, "I'm sorry, I was too rude. But I really want to be able to practise such a martial art, no matter what price I have to pay! In this world, you may be the only one who can guide me along this lonely path. I've already experienced too much of the danger and suffering of helplessly fumbling about alone."

Staring into the old man's eyes, Han Shuo clearly saw every trace of emotion reflected in them. When Bolland's inner regret was revealed, Han Shuo knitted his eyebrows and thought hard for a while. Then he hesitated for another moment, his eyebrows still knit tightly together as he muttered to himself, "Actually, when my teacher left this martial technique behind, he did not say that it could not be passed on to an outsider. Bollands, who had just reached his lowest point, had a delighted expression on his face when he heard what Han Shuo said, he looked at Han Shuo emotionally as he asked, "B-Bryan, y-you..."

Flustered, Bollands spoke incoherently. However, Han Shuo knew what Bollands was trying to convey. He seemed to ponder seriously for a while, and then suddenly said, "It is not out of the question that you want to practise this martial art. However, you must become a part of our sect. This can be seen as me replacing my deceased teacher by accepting a disciple. However, you always follow Mr Karel and even consider yourself his servant. I do not think this is very appropriate. It seems impossible."

""No, it's possible, it's possible!" Bollands hastily shouted in alarm. Under Han Shuo's astonished gaze, Bollands immediately explained, "There is a set time of five years for me to follow Master. To repay Master's kindness, I've already followed him for seven years. Although I'm still willing to stay by my Master's side, I've already regained my freedom. As long as I let my master know, it shouldn't be a problem. If you don't mind, I would like to join your sect and receive your instruction in the Mysterious Technique.

He hadn't expected that Bollands had already regained his freedom, but he was still willing to stay at the side of the Sacred Sword Master Karel. It seems that this person is actually very suitable to be his henchman. In principle, this should be no problem. However, Han Shuo was still a little worried about Sacred Swordsman Karel, a little uncomfortable that he would become enemies with Karel because of this matter.

However, Han Shuo believed that with his current strength, he had nothing to fear from Sacred Swordsman Karel. Besides, Bollands was an extremely suitable candidate for demonhood. After hesitating for a while, Han Shuo told Bollands, "It's best if you think it over. You must know that once you start training with me, you will be under my restrictions.

Besides, our sect has many rules. As your senior, I have the right to order you to do things that you might not want to do. If you refuse, it would be a violation of the Master's teachings. I have the right to revoke the martial techniques you have learned. In addition, you should first inform Mr Karel and then think carefully for a few days. Once you have thought it over and made a real decision, you can always come back to see me for a talk.

As Han Shuo said this, Bolland's eyes gradually regained their brightness. Of course, having lived for many years, Bollands wasn't an ignorant person who couldn't see a situation clearly. Although his mind was slightly confused due to Han Shuo's martial technique, when Han Shuo mentioned the rules and restrictions, Bollands immediately understood the meaning Han Shuo wanted to convey - You must listen to me completely, regardless of right or wrong!

This was actually the same as when he had taken care of his current master Karel, taking care of all of his master's business with the status of a servant, whether it was murder, arson or robbery. As long as the master gave the orders, he had to do his best to carry them out. What Han Shuo wanted to express was actually the same idea.

After Bolland's eyes cleared, he really began to consider his options. From Han Shuo's body, he could see Han Shuo's ambition. Moreover, he could sense an intense malevolence from Han Shuo, and he was definitely not a nice, friendly person like Karel, no matter how he looked. Once he followed Han Shuo, it looked like he would definitely return to his old trade and get involved in some shady business.

However, Karel was unable to provide what he wanted. But Han Shuo could. Moreover, comparing the benevolent, good-natured Sacred Swordmaster Karel to the vicious youngster, Han Shuo seemed more to his liking.

With his hands covered in blood, Bolland fondly remembered the wonderful feeling of slaughter. As a result of his unrestrained immersion in killing intent, he had become addicted to slaughter and could not free himself. Even after many years at Karel's side, Bollands could not forget that feeling. Han Shuo's appearance presented him with an alternative path - a path he had longed for!

Hesitating between rationality and temptation, Bollands was unable to make an immediate decision. In the end, he said to Han Shuo, "I will consider your proposal carefully, and I will seek you out when I've made a decision.

"No matter what you decide, I will respect your decision." Han Shuo smiled as he replied.

Before Bollands left, he suddenly thought of something. He turned his head towards Han Shuo and asked, "What is the name of that branch of martial arts that you practise?"

"Sky Demon Gate!"

"Sky Demon Gate... Sky Demon Gate, I'll remember that!" Bollands muttered to himself as he turned and jumped onto the roof before disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Hehehe, once you enter the path of the demonhood, you will never be able to leave my control. Karel oh Karel, it's not that I want to take your subordinate away from you. In reality, you are simply incapable of teaching such a talent properly. After Bollands left, Han Shuo muttered to himself, feeling immensely satisfied.

Inside the Duke's Mansion.

Today, Duke Ashburn secretly met with some special guests, a group of clerics belonging to the Church of Light.

The Church of Light's Red Archbishop Kosse, who was based in the Lancelot Empire, along with a number of Templar Knights and White Priests, were happily chatting with Duke Ashburn and Eldest Prince Charles inside Duke Ashburn's mansion.

The Church of Light was considered to be the most influential religious organisation on the continent. On the Profound Continent, many countries had various kinds of military organisations. Any country with a Temple of Light would have the protection of Templar Knights. The number of Temple Knights varied according to the size of the Temple.

In the Oden Kingdom, where the Church of Light was headquartered, the Temple of Light had a regiment of ten thousand Temple Knights. Throughout the years, there have always been ten large regiments of knights on the continent. The Templar Knights of the Church of Light have always had an impressive reputation. It is even rumoured in the outside world that the Temple Knight regiment was the strongest knight regiment in the entire continent.

In addition, many characters within the Church of Light also possessed astonishing strength. For example, a character like the Red Archbishop Kosse, who possessed a divine artefact, was a nightmare for everyone, especially dark mages and necromancers.

Once they encountered the divine artefact-wielding Red Archbishop Kosse, Kosse would basically allow them to proclaim the power of the God of Light, thus proving their lowliness. The power of the Church on the Profound Continent was unfathomable. Faith was the vaguest and most difficult thing to understand. It could often cause an ordinary person to become fanatical and prejudiced, and then do unreasonable things. The Church of Light was an expert at exploiting the power of faith, causing both the ignorant masses and the nobility to become prejudiced, not necessarily in the right direction.

Within the Empire of Lancelot, the strength of the Church of Light cannot be underestimated. Every city in the kingdom of Lancelot had a temple of the Church of Light. Places with a Temple of Light would naturally have the forces of the Church of Light. The private forces that worshipped the God of Light were indeed a factor of instability for any kingdom.

But perhaps it's because the influence of the Church of Light was too great that the private forces of the Church of Light were actually a legal existence in every country. This stemmed from the thoughts and demands of worshipping the God of Light. Even King Uhtred of the Kingdom of Lancelot tacitly accepted this.

Fortunately, the Church of Light wasn't the only church in Lancelot's Empire; the people also worshipped the Goddess of Nature, the Goddess of Ice and Snow, and other deities. These numerous churches were scattered throughout the cities of Lancelot's Empire, but they could not shake the foundation of the kingdom.

Now that the Lancelot Empire is embroiled in a power struggle between various princes, it is inevitable that the religions will choose a candidate to support. The right choice would bring immediate benefits to their church. For the chance to be the only religion in the Lancelot Kingdom, Kosse had his eye on the eldest prince, Charles. Therefore, he would appear at Duke Ashburn's residence.

The support of the mighty Church of Light was, of course, a matter of great joy to Duke Ashburn. Elder Prince Charles was equally overjoyed. As an orthodox knight, he already had a favourable impression of the Church of Light. When the Church of Light agreed to support him, that favourable impression naturally increased many times over.

Both sides were completely satisfied with the discussion of power pledges and the provision of aid, satisfied with the cooperation. As Duke Ashburn and Eldest Prince Charles showed their hospitality to the clerics, Kosse suddenly sighed before saying, "What does the Lord Duke think of Brettel City's Count Bryan?"

"He's just a lucky guy who curries favour while he plans for profit. Besides, this fellow has no foresight. I think his lucky days will soon be over." Duke Ashburn's face darkened as he smiled slightly and passed his judgement on Han Shuo.

""Lord Duke is wrong. This person is definitely not easy to deal with. This person has the backing of the Church of Calamity. As our old adversaries who have fought against the Church of Light for hundreds of years in the shadows, we are fully aware of the fearsome nature of the Calamity Church. To be honest with you, I've acted personally before, bringing a few Templar Knights to seize the person in question. However, I returned twice in vain and was even injured. At this point, Kosse sighed again before continuing, "The pontiff has instructed that our members within the Lancelot Kingdom should disregard all costs in eliminating this person. I hope the Lord Duke will be able to help us."

When Kosse mentioned the Church of Calamity, both Duke Ashburn and eldest Prince Charles' expressions suddenly became a little unpleasant. A noble of Duke Ashburn's stature naturally knew of the existence of the Calamity Church. It was a demonic lair where true fiends gathered. Duke Ashburn could never have imagined that Han Shuo actually had such an origin. This made Duke Ashburn a little worried.

However, Duke Ashburn and Elder Prince Charles had already made a move. Both of them believed that Han Shuo was already aware of this. Regardless of whether it was Han Shuo himself or the Calamity Church, both parties were ruthless and would settle their scores. Therefore, both of them understood that they had already become mortal enemies with Han Shuo.

Although the Calamity Church was notorious, the Church of Light was able to suppress the Church of Calamity in their few hundred years of battle. That was enough to prove that the Church of Light was also a powerful religious organisation. When he heard Kosse mention his intention to eliminate Han Shuo, Ashburn immediately replied frankly, "We have tried before, but it ended in failure. This person supports that illegitimate child, I believe that sooner or later he will be at death's door. Mr Kosse's opinion is to eliminate him sooner?"

Nodding his head, Red Archbishop Kosse sighed as he said, "This person is the cause of the instability of the Profound Continent. His existence would bring disaster to the Profound Continent. The goal of the Church of Light has always been to eliminate all existences on the continent that defy the will of God. He is the very target we must get rid of immediately. "In that case, Lord Bishop, what is your plan?" Duke Ashburn seized the moment when Kosse finished his emotional statement to question him closely.

"I have a plan. But I need both of you to help me..." Red Archbishop Kosse nodded as he began to describe his intention to them.

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