A World AssimilationChapter 39

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[99.3 Trillion Viewer Count]. [Barrage Heat: hot]  bPdFte

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[RichikaBlack: I am not sure how Kai could tell she was lying, I mean sure she brought out her treasure rather abruptly, but again, someone who is in distress would do anything.] 

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

[Evans101: why do I feel that Hunter is just not interested in doing charity.] 

[BlackWhite_Canine: I’m pretty sure that mermaid tear was totally bogus, man. Like, there was zero energy reading going on.]  i7hEdc

[Po_Thanum: Wait, what about that silver card that is still with the lady, did they both forget about taking it with them?] 

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“How do you…” Shen Yu’s wonder was evident as he expressed his genuine curiosity over the matter. He wanted to know how Kai could discern whether someone was lying or not. Was it purely based on his intuition or a subjective analysis?   

Observing Shen Yu’s curiosity, Kai playfully raised an eyebrow and replied, “She smelled…wrong.” 

“…wrong… Oh.” 

Kai snorted, “Don’t give me that look, as if I’m some kind of pervert…” 

Feeling a tad uncomfortable, Shen Yu turned his head away, clarifying in his mind that he wasn’t thinking anything remotely inappropriate. While Kai didn’t disclose everything to him, it wasn’t lost on Shen Yu that Kai possessed a unique and unconventional set of skills. 

Smelling emotions, for instance? He wasn’t sure which spell or ability was responsible for that, but Shen Yu never found it particularly intriguing, only when it came to Kai, did he find it curious.   QbTB8K

Many cultivators just followed a standardized path in their cultivation, either focusing on ancestral Qi development or opting for distinctive approaches such as poison or elemental control. 

Kai was someone who didn’t fit into either of those categories. While working with shadows wasn’t entirely uncommon, very few individuals delved as deeply into it as Kai did. Perhaps there was more to his abilities than what met the eye, and naturally, Kai wasn’t the type to openly discuss the intricate details of his skills. 

“Why, do you want to find out?” Kai’s loud question caught Shen Yu off guard, causing him to startle. 

Glancing back, Shen Yu observed the artificial curl of those thin lips and the elusive yet mysterious gleam in his eyes. “I don’t need to know, but it’s okay to recognize that the woman was lying.”  cfjdNW

Noticing Shen Yu’s lack of further inquiry, Kai felt a twinge of disappointment, which Shen Yu suspected was merely a ploy to coax him into asking. Although Shen Yu was genuinely itching to inquire, he feared that Kai would divert the topic and mock him. 

“I don’t expect a detailed explanation; I was just curious. If it’s your secret skill or something, I won’t pry.” 

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

Kai let out a chuckle. “Oh, there’s no secret behind it. It’s simply that those who are impure in both body and mind emit a repugnant odor, akin to that of a decaying animal. The more they stumble and lie, the more foul their scent becomes.” 

Shen Yu felt his eyes widen, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. “How do you think I smell?” he blurted out, only to realize the unintended implications of his question. Flustered, he waved his hands in panic, attempting to backtrack, “I… I meant to say that-“  gPS2Il

Interrupting Shen Yu, Kai chuckled playfully, placing a comforting hand on his head and tousling his hair, his long fingers digging deep enough to leave an imprint, “It’s okay,” he reassured. “Let me take a little sniff.” 

Before Shen Yu could react or move away, Kai’s face leaned in close to his face, his nose tracing along the curve of his neck. The warm breath against his skin sent tingles through Shen Yu’s body, prompting him to retreat slightly to avoid any potential embarrassment. 

Chrysanthemum Garden.

The shift in atmosphere was palpable, not just for Shen Yu but also for the people watching their interaction through the stream.  

With a short smile, Kai declared, “You smell just like me.” He was not loud, but certainly clear enough for everyone to hear. The abruptness of his statement nearly caused Shen Yu to lose his balance, resulting in an awkward stumble.  ilNqJv

Observing the changes and finding it highly amusing, Kai erupted into laughter. 

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[102.3 Trillion Viewer Count]. [Barrage Heat: hot] 

~  qBSJmA

[Rik_White: ???!!!] 

[Quaze_Blck: Haha *wheezes in ‘what’*] 

[123Zercus: ?? Alright, is he flirting…? Am I seeing it right.] 

[BlackWhiteOlo: 666]  zwXEtr

[Rakut34en: !!! Did he just lean forward to sniff him? Is he a dog? *crying emoji*] 

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During their initial encounters, Kai occasionally indulged in dirty jokes, but he had never crossed the line by saying or doing anything inappropriate towards Shen Yu or making any sexual innuendos specifically targeting him. Those jests were generally aimed at unrelated topics and not directed at Shen Yu personally. 

This particular instance though… marked the first time Shen Yu heard Kai adopting such an ambiguous tone with him, and it left Shen Yu feeling unsettled. He struggled to determine an appropriate response, unsure whether he should retaliate with something equally ‘funny’ or simply remain silent.   oRr5Mg

Strangely enough, this situation was causing Shen Yu considerable nervousness, heightening his senses and alerting both his heart and mind. The frequency of his beating chest made him cringe internally.  

“What?” Kai inquired, wearing a wide smile that exuded self-satisfaction as they continued walking, their pace unhurried. 

 “…nothing,” Shen Yu sulked inwardly, resorting to childish pouting in his thoughts. He lacked the expressive curses to convey his true frustration and had little inclination to analyze or make sense of the situation. Desperately, he tried to ignore the fluttering sensation that crept up in his chest, determined to distance himself from any thoughts of this strange development. 

Neither Shen Yu nor Kai exchanged any further words. It was a silent ‘Time’s up’, and naturally, Shen Yu didn’t wish to prolong the discussion by circling back to the same topic.  Y3jh1K

The more Shen Yu displayed concern, the more it would suggest that he cared. And why would he care if not for harboring some hidden sentiments in his young heart towards his senior?  

He reasoned that by remaining unaffected, he could avoid looking too deep into ‘that’ direction altogether… 

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But unbeknownst to Shen Yu, he had already exhibited numerous actions that showcased his care and concern to Kai. These emotions only seemed to intensify after their second reunion. 

Letting out a pitiful sigh, Shen Yu forcefully pushed aside all unrelated thoughts, focusing instead on discovering what was amiss with the town and this entire arrangement.  jdWQqw

~ 

A peculiar pair consisting of an elf and a Warlock silently trailed their path for a considerable duration, encountering nothing that would pass as eventful, just a silent forest and a shadow of unease. It was only as night descended that they heard rustling in the dense undergrowth, alerting them both of danger. 

Reacting swiftly, Shen Yu assumed a defensive stance, knowing well that Kai would not allow any harm to befall him. Nevertheless, being prepared was a wise course of action. It was at this time that his white dagger was drawn and displayed prominently, despite the lack of professional expertise in handling such a sharp weapon, he was confident that with more practice, he would become proficient.  PsrQ0C

As if following a predetermined script, a horde of frenzied light elves suddenly surged forth, their eyes bearing an unsettling madness in them. They too wielded daggers, and one individual positioned at the rear even launched a shot directly at Kai. 

The events unfolded so rapidly that there was no time for contemplation. They had to choose between taking action or fleeing. And unsurprisingly, both Kai and Shen Yu were not the type to hide in such situations. Shen Yu specially didn’t want to hide from anything anymore. 

As the attack approached, Kai effortlessly evaded and swiftly dealt with the majority of the horde, displaying astonishing agility that made his body appear as a flickering mirage, so fast, it looked very shocking. His incredible speed made it exceedingly difficult for the elves to handle him, let alone catch a glimpse of his movements. 

Even Shen Yu hadn’t been aware of Kai’s exceptional speed. It seemed probable that shadow techniques were employed to efficiently end the confrontation.  LyIzZP

Shen Yu had observed that Kai didn’t engage in questioning or searching for clues among the elves or the attacking rear commandeers. It appeared that such actions were unnecessary to gather the essential information needed to complete their mission, which explained Kai’s lack of interest in pursuing that cold trail. 

“Try not to kill too many of them this time,” Shen Yu whispered, expressing his concerns. He was content if Kai understood his worries and equally fine with Kai doing what he deemed right. 

Since Kai had expertly managed the majority of the elves, the remaining ones were hesitant to make any further moves against him. Even the guarding elves, hidden in the forest and continuously shooting arrows, refrained from launching extensive attacks once they became aware of Kai’s formidable skills and temperament. 

“Deal with the rest. Either eliminate them or let them escape,” Kai instructed Shen Yu, stepping behind him to allow him to take the lead.  zeCZUG

Shen Yu nodded somewhat hesitantly, recalling their training session from the previous day. The remaining unarmed elves, lacking any weapons, made themselves easy targets for him to handle. 

Without wasting any time, Shen Yu swiftly charged towards them, opting for slicing motions rather than stabs. Stabbing required physical strength and determination, which Shen Yu lacked. Instead, he relied on his agility and momentum to evade incoming attacks while delivering his own strikes. 

His slashes and strikes were aimed at vulnerable areas such as the neck, chest, and abdomen. If he accidentally caused a fatal injury to himself rather than his target, either due to a mishandling of his weapon or not, he would take it as a personal failure. 

The attacks unfolded rapidly, nearly catching Shen Yu off guard before he could regain his balance and comprehension. Engaging in a real fight proved to be an entirely different level of intensity. Fortunately, Kai positioned himself behind Shen Yu, providing guidance for evasive maneuvers while Shen Yu focused on launching his attacks.  5PKE09

The number of fleeing elves began to increase, leaving only one or two behind who attempted to escape as well. Those who perished numbered three, while those severely injured by Kai were dragged away by their comrades. 

Once Shen Yu finished his attacks, the remaining one or two elves also swiftly escaped without casting a glance back, displaying a surprisingly lackluster speed for their kind. 

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

“I wonder why they couldn’t withstand my attacks…” Shen Yu pondered aloud. 

Kai hummed in satisfaction, “You’re onto something there. Naturally, they possess inherent strength superior to yours, but…”  ztCArU

“But?” Shen Yu inquired, his breath still catching after the earlier struggle. 

 “They were in a weakened state, hence they resorted to outnumbering their opponent,” Kai explained, gesturing towards the discarded tools that appeared worn and blunt, as if mere husks of their former selves. 

Shen Yu blinked, a sudden realization dawning upon him. “Could they have escaped from their mother tree? Although they don’t seem to be affiliated with Scavendel. Do you think… their mother tree is also showing abnormal behavior?” 

 “I believe yes. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be coming to prey upon humans for sustenance. Typically, elves draw energy from their mother tree, but if that tree poses a threat to them, they will seek an alternative, an easier source…” Kai elaborated.  MSLDyb

“Can’t they draw energy from the land itself?” Shen Yu asked in a mumble, curiosity brimming within him. 

Kai tilted his head, gazing at the forest with a deep look. “This forest appears unnaturally quiet, much like the previous ones we encountered. It’s devoid of life, almost lifeless.” 

Shen Yu finally felt something click within him, “Something must have happened to the forest itself. Otherwise, why would the dark elves become deranged and the mother tree resort to sacrificial offerings?” 

“The internal conflicts among these creatures seem to stem from an imbalance in energy,” Kai remarked, his tone filled with an odd hint of strange laughter. “The question remains, where has the source of energy gone to.”  v8Tg0y

Shen Yu nodded, absorbing the information. “Should we follow them inside to investigate?” 

 Kai shook his head mockingly. “There’s no need. We will gather more information from ordinary people than from those savages.” 

“Elves do possess the ability to communicate you know, they can… maintain a level of IQ,” Shen Yu defended weakly, but Kai remained silent, implying his disagreement. Even Shen Yu could sense the madness within the light elves. They showed no hints towards reciprocating human words. 

~ 3Wc5Ih

[I am back, yes, with a better grasp at my writing skills :)]