Chapter 120: Asawa Festival

"This is the power of the Soul-Eating Crystal," Sita Mo's voice sounded in Tuoleisi's ear, tinged with fanaticism, "It has devoured countless souls, and now the power of those souls will be yours to wield. You will gain power beyond mortals, but the price is... you will forever be bound by the resentment of those souls."

A flash of struggle flickered in Tuoleisi's eyes, but was quickly replaced by resentment. He murmured low, "As long as I can take revenge... I am willing to accept all of this..."

With the Soul-Eating Crystal's power fully merging into Tuoleisi's body, his body began to undergo strange changes.

His skin turned as pale as paper, his eyes flickered with a dim glow, as if capable of devouring all light.

His fingers elongated and became sharp, his nails glinting with a cold blade-like sheen.

Sita Mo nodded with satisfaction, waved his hand to signal several Black-robed Men to step back. He walked to Tuoleisi's side and whispered, "Now, you are no longer that discarded waste of your family. You are a member of the Wizard Council, an important piece in our plan."

Tuoleisi slowly lifted his head, his gaze filled with coldness and murderous intent: "Tell me, what should I do?"

Sita Mo's mouth twitched upward, revealing a sly smile: "Your first mission is to return to the West and find Allen Wilk. He is the biggest obstacle in our plan and must be eliminated."

Upon hearing Robin's name, a flash of mad hatred crossed Tuoleisi's eyes. He whispered, "Robin... I will make him pay."

Meanwhile, Robin stood atop the academy's high tower, gazing at the distant sky.

In his heart, a vague unease lingered, as if danger was drawing near.

The night wind brushed his cheek, bringing a chill, yet a flame ignited within his heart.

"Tuoleisi... Wizard Council... what will you dare to do next?" Robin muttered softly, a hint of coldness flashing in his gaze.

This time, because of Tuoleisi, the public opinion advantage was maximized, pushing the Knight Academy's dissatisfaction with the Wizard Council to its peak; many Knight Academy recruits that the Wizard Council had courted began to openly declare they would no longer collude with the Wizard Council.

As for whether anyone still secretly colludes with the Wizard Council, that remains unknown.

At least on the surface, the Knight Academy's political correctness can be assured.

At that moment, Ao Di Si's figure silently appeared beside Robin.

With a hint of gravity in Lao Mao's gaze, he whispered, "Robin, the Wizard Council has already begun moving. They have used the newly forged Soul-Eating Crystal to grant Tuoleisi great power. You must be careful."

Robin nodded, a flash of resolve in his eyes: "Understood."

In the Wizard Council's secret base, Sita Mo stood on a high platform, overlooking the Black-robed Men below. His voice was deep and authoritative: "Our plan has entered the critical stage. The power of the Soul-Eating Crystal will open the gate to eternity for us. And Tuoleisi will become an important piece in our plan."

A Black-robed Man stepped forward and asked low, "Lord Sita Mo, if Tuoleisi fails to complete the mission, what should we do?"

Sita Mo's mouth twitched upward, revealing a cold sneer: "If he fails, it merely proves he is unworthy of the Soul-Eating Crystal's power. Regardless, our plan will not be affected."

The night in Mi Nie Wa City was illuminated by dazzling lights, the whole city seeming to don a golden mantle.

Colorful flags and lanterns hung along both sides of the street, the air filled with the scent of grilled meat and cheerful music.

The triennial Asawa Festival was in full swing, held to commemorate the legendary hero Asawa who founded Mi Nie Wa City.

Without his leading the first nobles to the West to carve out new lands, there would be no three western provinces today, nor the western aristocracy.

Robin stood on one side of the main street, beside him his guardian Knight Zhang Bolun.

The two wore formal Knight attire, academy insignia pinned to their chests, making them especially conspicuous.

On the street, a grand parade procession moved slowly, the float adorned with splendid sculptures and lanterns, actors portraying Asawa and his followers, reenacting the magnificent scene of the original land expansion.

"What a lively scene!" Zhang Bolun exclaimed, excitement flashing in his eyes, "Every Asawa Festival stirs the heart."

Robin nodded, his gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd.

A faint smile rested on his face, yet a hint of vigilance hid in his eyes.

The Wizard Council would never let such an opportunity slip, and Tuoleisi's threat constantly lingered in his mind.

"Indeed, the Asawa Festival is one of the West's most important holidays," Robin said softly, "But the more such occasions there are, the more we must..."

Zhang Bolun bowed respectfully and smiled, "Yes, young master!"

Robin's eyes scanned the crowd, trying to spot any suspicious signs.

Everything on the street seemed so normal, laughter and music intertwining, as if no danger existed.

Meanwhile, in a dark corner of Mi Nie Wa City, Tuoleisi quietly watched the distant festival. A faint cold smile curved his face, his eyes flickering with a dim light. The Soul-Eating Crystal's power surged within him, making him feel unprecedentedly powerful.

"Robin... today is your death day," Tuoleisi muttered low, his voice full of resentment and murderous intent.

Beside him stood several Black-robed Men, members of the Wizard Council's outer circle, who, like Tuoleisi, had enhanced their strength using the Soul-Eating Crystal, tasked with assisting Tuoleisi in this mission.

One of them whispered, "Lord Tuoleisi, the festival's climax is approaching; should we act now?"

Tuoleisi shook his head, saying coldly, "Wait a bit longer, let them enjoy a while longer. When they are most relaxed, we will strike."

The Black-robed Men nodded and retreated aside. Tuoleisi's gaze again fell on Robin in the distance, a flash of mad light in his eyes.

The festival parade entered its climax, the float's actors beginning to perform Asawa's battle with a giant dragon.

The massive dragon-shaped sculpture spewed fire, eliciting gasps from the audience.

The bands on both sides of the street played rousing music, cheers rising and falling among the crowd.

Robin and Zhang Bolun stood among the crowd, also caught by the fervent atmosphere. Zhang Bolun waved his arms excitedly, shouting, "Fantastic! This is the real festival!"

A rare smile appeared on Robin's face, yet he still remained vigilant. His gaze swept the crowd, suddenly noticing several black-robed silhouettes flickering in the distance. A chill rose in his heart, and he whispered to Zhang Bolun, "Be careful, something feels off."

(End of Chapter)