As soon as Michael returned to the castle, a soldier came running to him.
"Master Ghost, the guardians are here to see you. They are at the guest room waiting for you," the soldier said.
"Guardians?" Michael creased his brows. He wondered why the guardians were here. But when he thought about it, he was able to guess their reason. Giving a pat on the soldier's shoulder, Michael headed toward the guest room. The soldiers patrolling the castle inside bowed respectfully. A few minutes later, Michael finally arrived at the guest room. To his surprise, he saw Xanali and Evan Clark waiting for him.
Evan Clark's eyes glimmered with awe and shock. To him, it felt like yesterday, the Ghost climbed the stairs in the Heavenly gate competition. In two years, he went from a Body Refining stage cultivator to a Half Immortal. Not a single person could be compared to Ghost anymore. He was a different breed. Evan wondered whether Ghost would still act as friendly as before or just keep his distance. If the latter happened, Evan wouldn't be surprised. After all, Evan was at the Core Formation stage, and Ghost was at the Half Immortal stage. The difference was simply outrageous.
Although Gaya hated Xanali to the core, Michael greeted her with a friendly smile.
"Miss Xanali," He shook Xanali's hand and then turned his gaze toward Evan.
"Evan, how's life buddy? It's been so long," Michael asked. Evan was speechless for a moment. He acted just as he did before.
"Not as great as yours," Evan sighed.
"What're you talking about? I heard you've had a breakthrough after a breakthrough. I am proud of you,"
Evan's face brightened after hearing Michael's compliment. He then sat down, facing Xanali and Evan.
"I heard you wanted to meet me. What's going on?" asked Michael without beating around the bush.
The smile on Evan's face disappeared. He looked at Xanali to start the conversation.
"We are here to negotiate peace between you and Thusia," said Xanali.
"I am not here to side with Thusia. What they had done was wrong. You and I both know that. However, we cannot let this war escalates any further, especially after you declared war against them,"
Xanali wasn't as naive as Edith. Everyone in the guild knew King Maxim Barnes was in the wrong. Yet, they turned their heads to the other side because Guardian Guild didn't think it was worth the trouble to meddle between kingdoms. Not to mention the higher-ups eyed for Princess Victoria to join the Guardian Guild. Besides, they were occupied with their internal politics and Dark Lord.
"You already helped Suven and Zulon take back their cities. We will definitely look into the matter of Northguard, But first, we need you to stop killing Thusians. Two armies fighting is different than a Half Immortal butchering mortals,"
"Why now?" Michael tilted his head.
"You weren't here when we took back the cities. So why now?" asked Michael.
Instead of Xalani, Evan answered Michael.
"Princess Victoria announced that you have waged against Thusia. So the people are requesting the Guardian Guild to step up,"
"You're a Guardian now?"
Evan nodded his head.
"Here's the deal. Since Evan is a friend of mine and you came here all the way from your guild, I can pause the war for three days. The people of Thusia can find a safe shelter or whatever they need to be safe,"
Xanali creased her brows as Michael continued.
"I'll sweeten the pot more. If the thusian army stand down, Suven, Zulon army, and I won't lay a finger on them,"
"Come on Ghost. We both know they won't and can't do that,"
"Hmm," Micahel rubbed his chin.
"Then what about this? If King Maxim gave back Northguard and returned to the Elon continent, leaving Itholan, I would stop this war. You want to stop the war right? Then, here you go, a way to stop the war," Michael was amused inside. King Maxim Barnes would fight the Guardian guild than give up Itholan. There was no way he would give up Itholan because that's where the Cosmic stream is. The cosmic stream was his big ticket to world domination. A man with his ambition would die than give up the Cosmic stream. Michael knew that very well. Evan turned his gaze toward Xanali because Ghost was surprisingly cooperative. He kinda expected Ghost to tell them to fuck off, but he just offered them a way to stop the war, and it sounded reasonable. The question was whether the Guardian Guild and THusia would accept this deal.
"That won't happen," Xanali shook her head. She knew King Maxim well enough to know he would not let go of Itholan.
"Then this war will continue. I will show him how it'd feel to lose a city and a huge chunk of his army," The friendly, warm smile Evan saw a few moments on Ghost face completely vanished.
"I didn't want to use it, but I have no choice now. You cannot participate in this war. According to clause two hundred and fifty-two b, anyone above the Fusion stage must not interfere in the affairs between two or more kingdoms and use the overwhelming power to strong-arm the kingdoms," Xanali narrated the guardian rule. In a few days, he would reveal himself as the Dark Lord and head back to the Southern continent where the Guardian had no power. After that, he didn't have any need to fear the Guardians anymore. In fact, Xanali was lucky Michael didn't throw her out by her neck.
"Is that a Guardian guild rule?" The smile on Ghost's face gave Evan chills.
"If you continue to attack Thusians, we will be forced to take action against you. Do you really want to go against the guild?"
To their surprise, Michael burst into laughter.
"I don't give a fuck about your guild and your rules,"
Xanali's eyes turned bloodshot in anger.
"I didn't give a shit about Guardian guild when I was a Body Refiner, and I certainly give a fuck now,,"
"You are not the only Half Immortal in this world, Ghost," Xanali's words were cold.
Evan began to tremble in fear. He never thought his first assignment as a Guardian might just start a war between the guild and a Half Immortal.
"Then I suggest you bring a few to Thusia. Because ill be there. Just think about the collateral damage of the fighting between a Half Immortal and a bunch of Immortals. Thusia will be in ruins when the battle is done. That's what I want. So you're welcome to do whatever you want,"
Evan could tell he wasn't bluffing. There was no sign of fear in his eyes. Anyone could tell if the Guardian guild brought their own rogue immortals, Ghost would fight them to the death. As he said, the collateral damage would ruin everything around them. It had been centuries since two Immortals fought each other.
"Ghost, please think about it. Violence will solve nothing," Evan pleased.
"It will solve something for me,"
Xanali stood up from her seat.
"We are leaving Evan," said Xanali. She then glanced at Michael.
"YOu will hear from the guild soon. But don't expect the next meeting to go like this if you don't change your mind." Xanali coldly said as Michael chuckled.
"I am looking forward to it," Michael waved his hand without any concern. In two days, Michael would get an Immortal killing weapon from Saber. At that time, the Immortals would be afraid to get near him. They didn't spend all that time achieving Immortality to die because of some GUardian code. Even if they were willing to fight Michael, they didn't have any chance of killing Michael. He was certain he could fight an Immortal. Plus, he would be in the Southern continent soon, where even the Immortals had no power.
After Xanali and Evan left the place, Michael headed to the Dark Forest. On his way, he ordered Gaya, Elidyr, and Nightmare to be in the pocket dimension attached to the dark forest mansion. When he entered the pocket dimension, he saw them waiting for him. Nightmare immediately welcomed Michael with a small hug. He seemed excited to hear Michael's praise. He fought against a Fusion stage Royal Dragon and survived.
"You did a good job, buddy. Sorry I let you down," Michael said. He rubbed Nightmare's chin gently. Although he took the ICe Dragon heart from the thusians, he didn't use it on Nightmare. His mind was occupied with other things and ignored powering up Nightmare. When Nightmare fought the Royal Dragon, Michael regretted letting down Nightmare.
"What are you talking about?" Nightmare shook his head.
With a flick of his wrist, Michael retrieved the Ice core from the system store. The moment it appeared on Michael's palm, the temperature around them dropped by several degrees.
"I cannot turn you into a royal dragon yet, but I can give you some cool new abilities," said Michael. Nightmare's eyes sparkled when he heard the words cool new abilities.
Michael then nodded at Elidyr as he started to draw several symbols on the ground. In a few blinks of an eye, an icy blue chakra appeared on the ground. Michael placed the ancient ice core in the center.
"Nightmare, sit beside the ice core," said Elidyr. While Nightmare was obeying LEidyr's orders, Michael approached Gaya.
"I just met Xanali,"
As soon as she heard these words, Agay clenched her fist. Just Xanali's name was enough to turn Gaya's eyes red in anger.
"Where and why?"
"She came to meet me in Gunner's castle. Apparently, she was there on behalf of the guardians to tell me to stop the war,"
"That bitch," Gaya growled. Michael told her everything that happened, and Gaya couldn't be more proud of him. Since they were heading for the Southern continent and revealing their identities, there was no need for them to pretend to respect the guardians anymore. Gaya didn't think the Guardians would send an Immortal after Michael any time sooner. If her guess were right, Xanali would go to Thusia and ask them to stop the war.
"It's ready," said Elidyr, drawing their attention toward Nightmare.
"Are you ready?" Michael asked Nightmare.
"I was born ready," Nightmare grinned.
As soon as Michael returned to the castle, a soldier came running to him.
"Master Ghost, the guardians are here to see you. They are at the guest room waiting for you," the soldier said.
"Guardians?" Michael creased his brows. He wondered why the guardians were here. But when he thought about it, he was able to guess their reason. Giving a pat on the soldier's shoulder, Michael headed toward the guest room. The soldiers patrolling the castle inside bowed respectfully. A few minutes later, Michael finally arrived at the guest room. To his surprise, he saw Xanali and Evan Clark waiting for him.
Evan Clark's eyes glimmered with awe and shock. To him, it felt like yesterday, the Ghost climbed the stairs in the Heavenly gate competition. In two years, he went from a Body Refining stage cultivator to a Half Immortal. Not a single person could be compared to Ghost anymore. He was a different breed. Evan wondered whether Ghost would still act as friendly as before or just keep his distance. If the latter happened, Evan wouldn't be surprised. After all, Evan was at the Core Formation stage, and Ghost was at the Half Immortal stage. The difference was simply outrageous.
Although Gaya hated Xanali to the core, Michael greeted her with a friendly smile.
"Miss Xanali," He shook Xanali's hand and then turned his gaze toward Evan.
"Evan, how's life buddy? It's been so long," Michael asked. Evan was speechless for a moment. He acted just as he did before.
"Not as great as yours," Evan sighed.
"What're you talking about? I heard you've had a breakthrough after a breakthrough. I am proud of you,"
Evan's face brightened after hearing Michael's compliment. He then sat down, facing Xanali and Evan.
"I heard you wanted to meet me. What's going on?" asked Michael without beating around the bush.
The smile on Evan's face disappeared. He looked at Xanali to start the conversation.
"We are here to negotiate peace between you and Thusia," said Xanali.
"I am not here to side with Thusia. What they had done was wrong. You and I both know that. However, we cannot let this war escalates any further, especially after you declared war against them,"
Xanali wasn't as naive as Edith. Everyone in the guild knew King Maxim Barnes was in the wrong. Yet, they turned their heads to the other side because Guardian Guild didn't think it was worth the trouble to meddle between kingdoms. Not to mention the higher-ups eyed for Princess Victoria to join the Guardian Guild. Besides, they were occupied with their internal politics and Dark Lord.
"You already helped Suven and Zulon take back their cities. We will definitely look into the matter of Northguard, But first, we need you to stop killing Thusians. Two armies fighting is different than a Half Immortal butchering mortals,"
"Why now?" Michael tilted his head.
"You weren't here when we took back the cities. So why now?" asked Michael.
Instead of Xalani, Evan answered Michael.
"Princess Victoria announced that you have waged against Thusia. So the people are requesting the Guardian Guild to step up,"
"You're a Guardian now?"
Evan nodded his head.
"Here's the deal. Since Evan is a friend of mine and you came here all the way from your guild, I can pause the war for three days. The people of Thusia can find a safe shelter or whatever they need to be safe,"
Xanali creased her brows as Michael continued.
"I'll sweeten the pot more. If the thusian army stand down, Suven, Zulon army, and I won't lay a finger on them,"
"Come on Ghost. We both know they won't and can't do that,"
"Hmm," Micahel rubbed his chin.
"Then what about this? If King Maxim gave back Northguard and returned to the Elon continent, leaving Itholan, I would stop this war. You want to stop the war right? Then, here you go, a way to stop the war," Michael was amused inside. King Maxim Barnes would fight the Guardian guild than give up Itholan. There was no way he would give up Itholan because that's where the Cosmic stream is. The cosmic stream was his big ticket to world domination. A man with his ambition would die than give up the Cosmic stream. Michael knew that very well. Evan turned his gaze toward Xanali because Ghost was surprisingly cooperative. He kinda expected Ghost to tell them to fuck off, but he just offered them a way to stop the war, and it sounded reasonable. The question was whether the Guardian Guild and THusia would accept this deal.
"That won't happen," Xanali shook her head. She knew King Maxim well enough to know he would not let go of Itholan.
"Then this war will continue. I will show him how it'd feel to lose a city and a huge chunk of his army," The friendly, warm smile Evan saw a few moments on Ghost face completely vanished.
"I didn't want to use it, but I have no choice now. You cannot participate in this war. According to clause two hundred and fifty-two b, anyone above the Fusion stage must not interfere in the affairs between two or more kingdoms and use the overwhelming power to strong-arm the kingdoms," Xanali narrated the guardian rule. In a few days, he would reveal himself as the Dark Lord and head back to the Southern continent where the Guardian had no power. After that, he didn't have any need to fear the Guardians anymore. In fact, Xanali was lucky Michael didn't throw her out by her neck.
"Is that a Guardian guild rule?" The smile on Ghost's face gave Evan chills.
"If you continue to attack Thusians, we will be forced to take action against you. Do you really want to go against the guild?"
To their surprise, Michael burst into laughter.
"I don't give a fuck about your guild and your rules,"
Xanali's eyes turned bloodshot in anger.
"I didn't give a shit about Guardian guild when I was a Body Refiner, and I certainly give a fuck now,,"
"You are not the only Half Immortal in this world, Ghost," Xanali's words were cold.
Evan began to tremble in fear. He never thought his first assignment as a Guardian might just start a war between the guild and a Half Immortal.
"Then I suggest you bring a few to Thusia. Because ill be there. Just think about the collateral damage of the fighting between a Half Immortal and a bunch of Immortals. Thusia will be in ruins when the battle is done. That's what I want. So you're welcome to do whatever you want,"
Evan could tell he wasn't bluffing. There was no sign of fear in his eyes. Anyone could tell if the Guardian guild brought their own rogue immortals, Ghost would fight them to the death. As he said, the collateral damage would ruin everything around them. It had been centuries since two Immortals fought each other.
"Ghost, please think about it. Violence will solve nothing," Evan pleased.
"It will solve something for me,"
Xanali stood up from her seat.
"We are leaving Evan," said Xanali. She then glanced at Michael.
"YOu will hear from the guild soon. But don't expect the next meeting to go like this if you don't change your mind." Xanali coldly said as Michael chuckled.
"I am looking forward to it," Michael waved his hand without any concern. In two days, Michael would get an Immortal killing weapon from Saber. At that time, the Immortals would be afraid to get near him. They didn't spend all that time achieving Immortality to die because of some GUardian code. Even if they were willing to fight Michael, they didn't have any chance of killing Michael. He was certain he could fight an Immortal. Plus, he would be in the Southern continent soon, where even the Immortals had no power.
After Xanali and Evan left the place, Michael headed to the Dark Forest. On his way, he ordered Gaya, Elidyr, and Nightmare to be in the pocket dimension attached to the dark forest mansion. When he entered the pocket dimension, he saw them waiting for him. Nightmare immediately welcomed Michael with a small hug. He seemed excited to hear Michael's praise. He fought against a Fusion stage Royal Dragon and survived.
"You did a good job, buddy. Sorry I let you down," Michael said. He rubbed Nightmare's chin gently. Although he took the ICe Dragon heart from the thusians, he didn't use it on Nightmare. His mind was occupied with other things and ignored powering up Nightmare. When Nightmare fought the Royal Dragon, Michael regretted letting down Nightmare.
"What are you talking about?" Nightmare shook his head.
With a flick of his wrist, Michael retrieved the Ice core from the system store. The moment it appeared on Michael's palm, the temperature around them dropped by several degrees.
"I cannot turn you into a royal dragon yet, but I can give you some cool new abilities," said Michael. Nightmare's eyes sparkled when he heard the words cool new abilities.
Michael then nodded at Elidyr as he started to draw several symbols on the ground. In a few blinks of an eye, an icy blue chakra appeared on the ground. Michael placed the ancient ice core in the center.
"Nightmare, sit beside the ice core," said Elidyr. While Nightmare was obeying LEidyr's orders, Michael approached Gaya.
"I just met Xanali,"
As soon as she heard these words, Agay clenched her fist. Just Xanali's name was enough to turn Gaya's eyes red in anger.
"Where and why?"
"She came to meet me in Gunner's castle. Apparently, she was there on behalf of the guardians to tell me to stop the war,"
"That bitch," Gaya growled. Michael told her everything that happened, and Gaya couldn't be more proud of him. Since they were heading for the Southern continent and revealing their identities, there was no need for them to pretend to respect the guardians anymore. Gaya didn't think the Guardians would send an Immortal after Michael any time sooner. If her guess were right, Xanali would go to Thusia and ask them to stop the war.
"It's ready," said Elidyr, drawing their attention toward Nightmare.
"Are you ready?" Michael asked Nightmare.
"I was born ready," Nightmare grinned.
