I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 564: The Shadow of the Dark Mage

Chapter 564: The Shadow of the Dark Mage

Meanwhile, Adam observed the inner sect’s disciples as his rapid steps echoed against the immaculate pavements.

Their robes seemed similar, yet he narrowed his eyes on a minor detail.

’Some have more golden dragons embroidered than the others.’ His eyes darted to their faces. ’Is it related to their age?’

He shook his head as three dragons fluttered on a twelve-year-old boy’s robes.

’The guards were in their twenties but only had two.’ A furrow creased his brows. ’Their cultivation realm, then? But isn’t it tedious to request new ones every few months? Anyway, I haven’t seen anyone with over four yet. But it makes sense.’

After all, those on the fifth tier were probably busy completing five-star missions or cultivating to become core disciples.

He shrugged. It didn’t matter since he would soon shatter their beliefs—not before finding Misha, though.

A soft smile crept over his face, and his steps echoed faster as he thought of her and the last seven years on his way to the mission hall.

More than a friend or even a sister, she had snuggled into his heart as an irreplaceable family member. The part that warmed his chest? It wasn’t solely because of the third trial or his regrets anymore. Instead, they had forged a new relationship based on warmth, trust and... many eye-rolling moments, especially with the playful but gentle cow.

He chuckled, drawing a few disciples’ questioning glares.

’But these moments have their own charms. And honestly? I don’t think I ever had that much fun with anyone else.’

Of course, Julius still took an important part in his heart, but had their lives been fun?

His lips twisted each time he remembered Gaston, Thomas, and the Dullahan without forgetting their meeting with Selene, the beast emperor, and Ossian.

He bit his lip and jerked his head from side to side.

They had some fun moments—mostly him pranking the boy and Arun—but they didn’t erase the many times they brushed sides with death.

Still, he halted before the hall’s oiled doors, the scent of fresh wood and fruity incense sticks burning inside drifting to his nose. He raised his face, peering into the bright blue sky and beyond, longing and worry melding in his azure eyes.

"I hope you’re fine, little bro. Less than two years on your side before we reunite. I’ll introduce Misha to you, and we’ll go on adventures with Arun and Asha." His lips curled into a bright smile as he pushed the doors open. "Wait for me, and please, be safe."

Same as last time, disciples flooded the place. Their voices echoed their excitement as they discussed the missions plastered on the different boards.

However, he caught a few scornful whispers on his way to the counter.

"Did you hear about that bastard’s last crime? I mean Baldur, the dark mage."

His ears perked up. Wasn’t he the man on this morning’s kill order? What did he do in a scant few hours?

"Tsk. Who didn’t? My master didn’t stop talking about him during lunchtime." A fourteen-year-old girl spat, her brows twitching in suppressed rage. "He murdered an entire town. Who does he think he is? A mere mage that dares to play cat and mouse with cultivators. A man worse than a beast, we’ll soon dig out of its burrow."

Veins throbbing and hissing, Adam cursed Baldur again before a steely glint flashed in his eyes.

’I can’t let this fool worsen our image. And the people... how many more will he consume before he quenches his desire for power?’ He turned to the girl, shaking his head. ’Don’t insult innocent animals, miss. He’s worse than a bear!’

Then, he spun, his robes fluttering behind him as he took determined steps towards the counter and Misha’s golden hair.

"I’m telling you, Uncle Fei. We’re strong enough to take that three-star mission." Misha’s pleading tone registered, causing him to roll his eyes. "It’s just a small, little earthen tiger!"

Xu Fei almost choked on his saliva before his face reddened. "Just? It’ll devour an overconfident nine-year-old girl like you in a single gulp." His admonishing tone reverberated, but worry and care hid underneath the firmness. "You won’t even fill the space between its teeth, so listen to me and give up!"

He chuckled and patted Misha’s shoulder as he chimed in.

"I agree with Elder Xu Fei. We won’t take that three-star mission."

Her blossoming smile froze on her lips, the delight of seeing him back so soon washed away by his words. She lowered her head, golden strands covering her trembling eyes.

However, eagerness rushed through her veins the next second, jolting her head upwards and almost making her leap on the counter as Adam continued.

"Give us Baldur’s mission. We’ll clear the realm from that insidious bastard’s presence before he creates more chaos."

Upon hearing the absurd words, the maze of wrinkles on Xu Fei’s cheeks came to life and twitched. Then, his face paled for a second before burning blood flooded it, and his voice thundered.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?! That’s a four-star mission." He slammed his palm on the counter. "We’ll raise it to five by tomorrow, but you..." He pointed a trembling finger at them. "Two newly arrived kids, ignorant about cultivation, want me to let you take it?"

His eyes narrowed into ominous slits, forcing the curious disciples attracted by his anger to back a step.

"Do you realise that you’re asking me, an elder, to send you to your death? Nonsense!" He waved his hand, a burst of wind collapsing on Adam’s steady figure. "I don’t want to see you again for a week. Leave!"

However, Adam’s blue hair danced, and his robes fluttered. Yet, his body didn’t move an inch. Worse, the disciples’ pupils constricted when they saw him crack his neck and cross his arms over his chest, a relaxed smile stretching on his lips.

Even Misha didn’t move. She just stood by Adam, her firm eyes fixed on Xu Fei.

"Again, elder Xu Fei." Her earlier warm tone chilled, and her pupils constricted into threatening slits. "We’re strong enough to take on your missions. Not believing me is one thing, but I won’t tolerate anyone attacking Adam!" A deep and relentless fury overtook her mind as her teeth sharpened. "Come out! We’ll f... Mhh, mhh?"

Before she could continue, Adam’s eyes rolled, and his hand blurred to cover her mouth. He leaned over her ear, his soothing breath tingling it.

"He’s using the wrong method but trying to protect us. Breathe and calm down, Misha."