A Demon's Journey

"…You are delusional if you think you aren't that bad," Aria spoke while shaking her head with a small smile on her face.

"Hehehe…" She heard that Christina chuckling at her words.

She was very happy to talk to her friend after such a long period.

She didn't contact Christina for a long time since she wanted to focus on her training. Christina understood her reasons and gave her some time.

However, now that she thought about it deeply, Aria realized that the training was essentially useless.

She should have focused on her subordinates more. If so, she might have noticed the hints regarding their betrayal earlier.

Suddenly, Christina asked Aria, "Did something happen?"

Aria was startled and curiously inquired, "How did you know?" She didn't think she had shown any unnatural signs that might have hinted something to Christina.

"I have known you for 10 years. You think I wouldn't know if something happened to you. Now be a good friend and tell me what happened. Why is my dear friend sad?" Christina asked with a confident tone.

Her tone showed that she was confident in dealing with any issue plaguing Aria.

"…You are right. I am truly blessed to have you as my friend, Christina," Aria spoke a little emotionally.

Christina remained silent as she let Aria continue, "I feel that I have done something that might have damaged the Black Lake Sect's reputation. I feel guilty… The Black Lake Sect has taken care of me for so long, and I am repaying it like this."

"What exactly happened?" Christina's voice was serious as she asked Aria.

Aria let out a sigh and spoke, "…Let me start from the very beginning."

She proceeded to inform Christina about everything that happened. From how she was betrayed to how she came to serve under Noah.

Christina silently listened to Aria's words.

"Silver River Sect. And that Duncan! He actually betrayed you! I will slaughter his entire family!" Christina spoke with pure venom in her voice.

Aria knew that Christina might make some rash decisions and spoke immediately, "Christina, I don't want you to make a rash decision. Please inform the sect mistress about this. I will accept what she has decided."

"…My mother might not take revenge for you, Aria. You know how she is," Christina spoke with a vexed tone.

"As I said, Christina. Inform her about this situation. I will accept whatever she decides. I don't really demand justice or revenge. This entire situation occurred because I was careless," Aria replied, her voice laced with guilt.

"Don't blame yourself. And I am serious about this. Even my mother will share this opinion. You couldn't have known that Duncan was involved with the Silver River Sect. It's the failure of the entire Black Lake Sect that one of our disciples collaborated with another foreign sect. You cannot shoulder the blame for this alone," Christina spoke solemnly.

"…Thanks, Christina. Truly," Aria was really moved to hear Christina's comments.

Christina didn't further respond to those words and spoke, "And what about this guy to whom you surrendered? You mentioned he is a kid. But still, tell me specifically. How old is this kid?"

Aria thought for some moments and then answered, "10-12 years old at the max."

"Ehhh? So young?!" Christina was honestly shocked for a short period before she burst out in laughter, "Ahahahahaha! Aria lost to such a young kid! Wahahahahahaha! Sucks to be you!"

A tick mark appeared on Aria's head as her friend was laughing at her. She spoke with a cold tone, "Hmph. Not like you would have done any better. I think he would have beaten you easily as well."

Obviously, Christina thought nothing of those words. She casually responded, "Yeah, yeah. Keep saying that to make yourself feel better. Maybe you will even believe it someday."

"You would have understood if you had fought him," Aria responded seriously.

Christina suddenly stopped laughing and inquired seriously, "…You mean you would have lost even if you weren't poisoned?"

"Most probably," Aria replied.

Christina was honestly startled to hear Aria say that so seriously.

She then began to deeply think about what Aria had informed her. Soon, she was speaking, "He came alone even after he saw your power display against Silver River Sect. Either he possesses some treasure or knowledge to know your condition. Or he was that confident to deal with you, huh?"

Christina added solemnly, "…How can such an individual remain unknown for so long? Why didn't we know about him when he was a 2 Star Warrior or a 3 Star Warrior. In fact, how come we only know of this guy after he participated in this Heavenly Dragon Battleground's Tournament? If he was from some private force, a word about him should have still spread. At least, the rumors that there is a kid with supernatural strength."

Aria agreed with her friend's analysis, "That's right. And this group's name. Heretical Paladins. This is the first time I have heard it."

Suddenly, Tiana's image appeared in Christina's mind, and she wondered out loud, "Does he belong to some ancient clan or sect?"

Aria spoke, "I honestly have no clue regarding this. He didn't mention it. However, he does possess rare and ancient medicinal pills."

"Find out about this tomorrow. If not from him, then have your subordinates question his group," Christina suggested.

"I was thinking the same," Aria responded.

"Oh right, make sure to ask him the antidote for that poison, Aria," Christina spoke seriously, "I don't want your condition to get any worse."

"Requesting him for the poison won't be a good idea. I will owe him another favor. If he demands me to repay that favor, it might put me in an awkward situation," Aria spoke while biting her lips.

Christina understood what her friend was worried about. However, she insisted stubbornly, "As long as he doesn't ask you to take action against the Black Lake Sect or demand your life or body, you should agree. In fact, even if he asks you for some information regarding the Black Lake Sect, then give it to him. Just tell me what information you provided him. I will tell my mother, and she will deal with it accordingly. I don't want you to die because of your stubbornness! You are really very important to me."

Aria unconsciously smiled as she heard those words. She knew that the situation was much more serious than Christina made it sound.

The complications would be much greater. However, even though she knew this, Christina still valued her life more.

"If you were a guy, I would have confessed my undying love for you," Aria spoke with a joking tone.

Christina let out a laugh, "Hehehe…"

"Don't worry. I have no plans to die yet. But I also won't do anything against the Black Lake Sect. It will all be fine." Aria reassured her best friend.

Aria soon sighed out, "Previously, I used to think you are a monster because of that power you possess. My physique that could somewhat hold out against your power is pretty amazing in itself. But now I realize just how little we have seen the world. There are really all sorts of amazing warriors in this world."

"You are right. I also met a very strong Ice Elemental Warrior in this Eclipse Battleground's Tournament. Her background is also very mysterious. She represents an unknown ancient sect named Sacred Ice Aurora Valley Sect," Christina informed Aria about what was going on her end.

"She is really smart and very strong. Also, even after she realized my true identity, she still talked normally with me. Her strong personality makes me want to imitate her. Hehehe…" Christina spoke excitedly.

Aria was somewhat interested in Christina's new friend, "I am happy that you found such a friend. What is her name?"

"Tiana Rhodes," Christina responded quickly.

~~

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