The Lost Holy Sword

A cold sensation spread from her wrists. Luo Lun slowly opened her eyes, her vision struggling to focus in the dim light.

She was currently in a dimly lit room. It wasn't a dungeon, but the space was cramped, seemingly a storage room hastily cleared out. The air was thick with dust and a stale scent.

A small window on the wall let in a faint, cold light.

Her hands were bound by iron shackles, the rings embedded deeply into the wall... These were no ordinary shackles; Luo Lun could feel that any slight release of magic power would be instantly absorbed by them.

Luo Lun suddenly exerted force.

Clang—

The chains instantly pulled taut, emitting a harsh metallic screech. However, they did not break. The freezing iron rings dug fiercely into her flesh, bringing a wave of sharp pain.

Luo Lun sighed. As expected, she couldn't break free.

It wasn't ordinary iron... the material was incredibly sturdy.

Luo Lun tried a few other methods but ultimately gave up her struggle.

It would be convenient if she had a dagger. Even if she couldn't cut the shackles, she could just use her feet to chop off her own wrists... but her spatial ring was on her hand, and with her magic power blocked, she couldn't use it.

Heh, those guys were really careless, not even bothering to take away her spatial ring.

It seemed they weren't professional bandits. It must be their first time doing something like this to overlook such a crucial detail.

But her current terrible situation remained unchanged. Luo Lun had no way to escape on her own.

Rather than continuing to thrash around, it was better to conserve her energy and wait for the right moment to break out in one fell swoop.

Since those guys didn't kill her right away and instead took the risk of locking her up... it meant they had some other purpose, or some scheme involving her.

Voices talking drifted over from the next room.

Luo Lun paused, then silently pressed her ear tightly against the cold, rough wall.

Where is the Holy Sword? an elderly woman's voice rang out.

Luo Lun remembered this voice. This must be the one who attacked her with wind-attribute magic earlier... catching her off guard and ultimately taking her down.

I don't know, there's still no trace of it, a somewhat impatient male voice replied.

Does that Holy Sword really still exist? Could it have been destroyed already? someone else added.

We can't rule out that possibility... That Luo Lun is the leader of the Blood Pact and also a descendant of the Hero's comrade. She might know some clues, which is why we kept her alive.

Luo Lun, eavesdropping through the wall: ...

These guys... they didn't even bother to set up a soundproofing array. Is their guard really this low?

Even Xia Lun and Aina knew to set up a soundproofing array every night... although it was absolutely impossible for anyone to go eavesdrop on them.

What? Ovia, that little girl is actually the leader of the Blood Pact? the impatient male voice turned into an exclamation of shock.

Yes, do not underestimate her. Her strength is unquestionable, and she is indeed quite troublesome. I was almost bested by her... I can only say she truly lives up to being a descendant of the Hero's comrade, the old woman named Ovia replied, then asked the man, Colton, where is Conn? Didn't he come back with you?

He was too careless and got smashed into meat paste by that giant in one blow, the man named Colton sighed and replied.

Is that so? May he be guided by Lord Hero.

May he be guided by Lord Hero...

Xia Lun would never guide these guys, Luo Lun thought silently from the other side of the wall.

Well, even though she was still playing dumb on the surface, Luo Lun had subconsciously accepted that Xia Lun was indeed that Hero.

After a moment of silence.

Colton continued asking, If we can't find the Holy Sword... does the plan still proceed?

Ovia: Yes, the Holy Sword is not absolutely necessary. The most pressing matter is to resurrect Lord Hero first.

Lord Hero has already been resurrected, a clear female voice tinged with fanatical faith suddenly interjected, full of unquestionable certainty. I have gazed upon the majestic figure of Lord Xia Lun; his appearance is deeply branded into my heart...

Elesha, the one you saw is not the Hero we seek.

No, I am certain that he is definitely Lord Hero. The one you all believe in is nothing but a fake! Elesha's voice suddenly rose, still filled with stubborn fanaticism.

Insolent! Colton roared furiously. Luo Lun could almost imagine his flushed red face. You little slut! If it weren't for our protection, you would have died at the hands of those assassins long ago!

Enough, shut up. Ovia raised a hand to stop the pointless infighting, and the surroundings quieted down. Regardless, Elesha's identity as a Revelator is genuine. That being indeed bestowed power upon her, so she is our companion.

What about that woman named Luo Lun? Should we kill her? Colton asked in a muffled voice.

Keep her alive for now... With those shackles on, we don't have to worry about her escaping, Ovia said. Let's first see... if we can pry her mouth open.

Luo Lun quickly adjusted back to her original posture, then closed her eyes, regulating her breathing to be even and long, as if she had never woken up.

Creak—

Footsteps approached from outside the door. The rusted hinges let out a harsh groan as several figures clad in grayish-yellow robes walked in.

Stop pretending, we know you're already awake, Colton snorted coldly and said.

Luo Lun kept her eyes closed and did not react at all.

Tsk, is she actually still sleeping? Colton raised his hand, and a tiny water ball smacked into Luo Lun's face.

Cold water droplets slid down her skin. Only then did Luo Lun act as if she had been disturbed, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes.

Colton looked quite young, with a hint of arrogance between his brows.

Ovia was an old woman with a wrinkled face and a head of white hair, but she still looked quite vigorous.

There was also an old man left, who looked stern and rigid, and hadn't said much of anything from beginning to end.

The young and beautiful Elesha was mixed among them, looking somewhat out of place.

Luo Lun's gaze was calm and placid. Looking past the dripping water, she coldly swept her eyes over the group of uninvited guests before finally settling on the leader, Ovia.

Hey, do you know where the Holy Sword is? Colton asked coldly.

I don't know, Luo Lun replied flatly.

Then perhaps you have no value in existing. A sharp ice cone condensed behind Colton.

Ovia slowly raised her hand. Colton clicked his tongue, and the ice cone gradually dissipated.

Miss Luo Lun, we know who you are. Ovia slowly bent down. You must have simply accepted a commission, so we have no reason to be enemies... As long as you tell us the whereabouts of the Holy Sword, we can let bygones be bygones and let you go. Even if you continue to try and stop us afterward, it doesn't matter. You just need to tell us where the Holy Sword is.

Luo Lun fell silent for a moment.

Why did these guys just automatically assume she knew the whereabouts of the Holy Sword?