52 Hostage Situation (1/2)

The area suddenly became dead quiet.

The large number of cultivators silently observed the submerged castle, while at the same time, they used their ki flags to call back their allies.

All through the island, many figures were seen suddenly changing their direction at a moment's notice. Action that greatly confused most of the observers.

Back to the lake, people didn't immediately enter the lake, as having all assisted to the man's death after he entered the water, they didn't know what dangers it hid.

Only a few spiritual cultivators, convinced of being able to avoid the corrosive ability of the water, wanted to try to approach the castle.

A small number groups which had at least a spiritual cultivator that had comprehended water essence, started to approach the lake's shore. These groups plans were basically the same. Create a shield around their bodies, and proceed underwater.

One by one, they entered the lake along with their companions. The water started to deviate when reaching too close to their bodies. They then slowly disappeared from people's view.

The castle was large, and impressive. People believed it to be at least as big as any other kingdom's royal castle. Yet, they could only see the silhouette of its top.. and in a far distant point into the water at that.

For cultivators, to disappear from sight after entering the murky waters, was expected.

”I can take us in..” Said the spiritual cultivator within Heimart's team.

Heimart looked carefully at the murky water, and as he was about to agree, the petite girl stopped him by saying ”It's not only the water.. It's something within..” in a low voice.

The group quietened down once more. Many had been convinced that the strategy used by the spiritual cultivators had worked, so people started to approach other spiritual cultivators to try to convince them into taking them along.

Various scenes started to take place. Some promises of wealth, some tried to get on their good side, and some others even tried to kidnap cultivators who had a distinctive resemblance to them, so that they could use them as bargaining chip for a safe passage.

But the most common scene, was for groups to find the faintest excuse to exterminate a spiritual cultivator's party, and then promise them to spare the spiritual cultivator's lives in exchange for being taken into the castle.

Unfortunately for Heimart's group, many had witnessed the scene of how the spiritual cultivator of his team, had traveled until here by riding on the back of a summoned elemental beast made of water essence.

Many eyes ended up on them.

A well dressed man approached Heimart's team. On his back, were around fifteen martial cultivators, and they all wore an attire with similar color and cuts of the well dressed man.

It didn't take long for observers to understand that, this man, for a group to be able to afford sending such a large number of powerful cultivators to participate into the Lost Inheritance Tournament, it had to be extremely powerful.

The man completely ignored the Heimart, the petite girl, and the third martial cultivator.. And while looking at the spiritual cultivator, he said ”We require your assistance in reaching the castle..” His tone flat and devoid of any emotion.

”I'm afraid I have to refuse, i'm here with my team” Responded the spiritual cultivator right away.

The well dressed man looked around, and pretended to only just notice the three people within the spiritual cultivator's team. He then said ”A small and pathetic group. Why not come with us? We can protect you even after we enter the castle”

Heimart, slightly irritated by the man's words, said ”He has already refused. Leave it be.” with a firm voice.

The face of the well dressed man contorted in excessive disdain and shock,and from behind him, a loud voice shouted ”HOW DARE YOU ADDRESS THE YOUNG MASTER!” His face was filled with rage, as if he had just witnessed the worst crime. He then put his hand on the hilt of his sword.

In response, the martial cultivator within Heimart's team, grabbed the pole of his spear, and prepared as a cautionary action.

Unfortunately, the group's action was all an act, and a similar response was what they had been waiting for.

The moment the martial cultivator's hand wrapped around the spear.. ”You want to attack the young master?! How dare you! Prepare to die!!” Shouted the same cultivator from behind the well dressed man.

A third party suddenly approached the scene.

A powerful looking cultivator amongst the members of the third group, stepped forward and while looking at the spiritual cultivator, he said ”We'll support you, in exchange for taking us with you into the castle.” His intentions were clearly not directed at Heimart's entire team, but only to him.

The group of the well dressed man unsheathed their weapons in response. They all carried the same type of blade.

The leader of the second group looked intently at the young spiritual cultivator and said in a loud voice ”Agree or we'll be on our way!”

The petite girl and the martial artist within Heimart's team assumed their battle stances, ready to fight at any moment. The situation was becoming very tense.

Similar scenes were seen all over, and theirs was just one of the many.. In fact, various skirmishes had already started on the large field in front of the lake.

Knowing that no word could fix this situation, Heimart's team prepared for battle. The surrounding quietness completely surmounted the sounds of the nearby fights.

From behind the well dressed man, three martial cultivators dashed past him and immediately attacked Heimart's team.

The rest of the group, was carefully watching the second party, as they were afraid they would be as shameless as they were, and intervene in the fight.

The three martial cultivators were no pushovers. They were all at the fourth rank of martial cultivator, and their fighting abilities were remarkable.

Unfortunately, they were neither geniuses or prodigies.

Heimart and the petite girl were easily able to overpower their adversaries, while on the other hand, the martial artist of their team, being only a peak rank 3 martial cultivator, was on the losing end.