Born in Blood



Liam's reasons for wanting to head to Ilali varied.

Firstly, the concept of nobility didn't exist within the Martial Alliance. 

Power was respected.

That meant there would be no annoying nobles or royalty that would try to hinder or probe Liam's cultivation.

At the same time, the Sectors in that country could provide backing so long as Liam met their requirements.

Not to mention, most Sects had their own jurisdiction over an appointed area, depending on their strength and resources. 

Also, it was the nearest from the surrounding countries, which would take roughly a month or two to arrive at.

The other countries all had strict systems within their civilizations. There were even other kingdoms similar to Echoria, but what would be the point of that? 

'Ilali checks all the boxes. The only issue is finding a Sect that would be willing to accept me. From what I've heard, there are Unorthodox Sectors that accept anyone with no questions asked, but low level Sects often get bullied by those above.'

Getting bullied by someone stronger was an issue no country would escape. It was the theme of the cultivation world.

Liam shook his head. He was putting the cart before the horse. 

'I need to get there first.'

"Run there with me, I'm not patient enough to walk."

Jargon looked taken aback, but nodded and ran with Liam in front of him.

"Are your people trustable?" Liam asked in a low voice.

"Yes," Jargon nodded firmly. "I can bet my life on it, sir. We would rather bite out our tongues than become rats."

Letting out a low hum in response, Liam would hold them up to that.

///

After an hour, Liam arrived at the passage's ending. 

It was a natural opening within the mountain that allowed for a clear view of the ocean ahead. 

With the daylight gone, the seas shimmered with glamorous moonlight and stars.

Near the lands that connected the oceans to the seas, were a vast line of thousands of ships differing in size. Some resembled massive yachts that nobles entered through, others were kayak boats big enough for one person to fish.

Besides that were small-sized establishments – tents and bases that thousands of people rested in before setting out to sea.

Among those, there were noble soldiers that guarded the borders surrounding the docking ports.

Liam was given a fake ID he could use, a Blood Troupe member that had died in the past. Jargon was confused why he requested that, unaware of his illusionistic abilities.

"Our ship is that one," Jargon pointed to a ship in the distance.

Zooming in, Liam saw that it was a regular ship – albeit large enough to hold 2,000 people – made from general wood and small writings on its bottom. 

"Gather everyone then. We're leaving now."

Jargon nodded, then turned to the surrounding Blood Troupe members and began to firmly instruct them. 

Liam expected more than a few rebels against his leadership, but to his pleasant surprise, the members didn't do anything of the sort. 

They began to pack their provisions and stored all their items before lining up to the passage entrance, even puffing out the lights and removing any trace of their stay.

'They were taught well.'

Meanwhile, Liam was given a loose black cloak to hide his features with, and a cleaner set of covert clothes.

Pretty soon, the tunnel was packed with the Blood Troupe members, looking at their new leader with gazes of quiet anticipation.

"Divide yourselves into groups and enter in short intervals. Jargon has already explained everything, so I won't repeat myself."

As he said those words, Liam activated the King's Eye, instantly switching his appearance to the ID he was given. He didn't really feel comfortable showing his ability, but he needed the Blood Troupe to recognize him for later.

Those who saw the change felt their jaw loosen, but Liam didn't give them any reprieve. 

At once, he leaped out of the passage, and the divided groups followed behind him.

///

Before long, Liam arrived at the borders with his own group of people. He blended in behind Jargon who led the party, and was an expert in traveling in and out of Echoria. 

It took a while for the man to calm himself down after seeing Liam's ability, but he managed.

The borders were swarming with crowds of people, noble and peasant alike. Obviously, the potentates had their own gate, and Liam's group had to wait in line with the commoners.

Perfect.

Liam's clash with Janice and the rest happened three days ago, the soldiers at the gates didn't look vigilant or on edge. 

'Even if they found the bodies, they don't know who could do such a thing. I'm still a weak student in their eyes, and the crater is bound to make them ask questions.'

Jargon's turn eventually came. 

He uncovered his hood and spoke respectfully to the noble guard in charge. He gave the man the number of travelers, their IDs, reason for travel and more.

"I need to inspect your group and belongings," the guard said.

Jargon nodded, and the tall, armored soldier began rummaging through the group and inspecting the space-rings, giving them probing gazes. 

His hard gaze lingered on Liam for a brief second, but didn't see any rings on his fingers.

With a dismissive look, he quickly waved his hand at the group and gestured for them to enter.

Liam slightly smiled. A Rank 1 Magus couldn't see through his illusion at all.

Jargon led Liam to the boat and the members boarded it. 

Over time, more and more people entered the ship and began unloading their supplies within its cabins.

Liam could not rest peacefully until the ship sailed, thus waited for everyone to gather completely.

Half an hour later, the ship began to move, with Jargon at the helm steering it. 

Slowly, it disembarked from the docking port and joined the countless other ships that headed for Ilali. 

Looking at Echoria, Liam heaved a sigh of relief. 

More than fourteen years he spent in such a place – creating countless memories – but still felt no connection to.

Only in the stars would he find comfort in.