Aile did not stop, Sara is going through a lot of pain because of this connection. So, if he could alleviate her pain, it did not matter if he pissed off Hazel more. However, what Aile did not see was a bit of desire in Hazel's eyes. Healing the soul had brought a lot of pleasure to her.

Aile arrived back into her soul space and noticed something different. His soul seemed very weak this time, and the dark energy tried to infect it. Aile quickly got out.

It seemed even healing a small amount of her soul has used a lot of his soul energy. He then looked into his own mind to make sure the dark energy had not infected him.

As soon as he entered, he noticed the soul mark devouring the evil energy from Hazel's soul. Seeing this process, he started to get a better understanding of souls and also the dark energy affecting Hazel. Like this, he was in a comprehension mindset for what seemed like a long time.

He finally opened his eyes and observed the area around him, the intensity of the light had not changed. It seemed that around one hour had passed. In this short hour, Aile had managed to learn about Hazel's soul problem. From his comprehension, the situation of Hazel's soul was problematic. However, there was a piece of good news for Hazel and an opportunity for Aile.

Aile can absorb the evil energy infecting her and save her. He can also use it to strengthen his soul due to the healing process. His cultivation would improve his soul after the fourth stage, but now he can improve it immediately.

Aile can use this method until Hazel is healed. Hazel was lucky as he could heal her back and allow her to cultivate.

Since her soul is damaged, only someone with an understanding of souls can heal her. Aile was her only chance. He opened his eyes and saw Hazel staring at him.

Aile noticed that his hands were still on Hazel's forehead. From the contact, there was some sweat there. He took a cloth and cleaned it tenderly. Ignoring the whole incident from before he asked, "So what is your plan, now that we are returning to Port Kiar?"

"What? No, we cannot go there. That is the first place they will come for us."

"Then where do you want to go? Nala clan? Or do you have another plan?"

"I do not know, but definitely not Port Kiar."

"How are you going to protect yourself and Sara? Can you honestly say that they will not be able to find you now?"

Hazel was silent.

"How long are you going to take to heal? And even if you manage it, you will stagnate, while your enemies improve."

Hazel sighed, "You are not telling me this just to make me miserable. Out with it, what do you want? You had said that we are followed by a team of seven, and the fact that we are alive means you have some means to protect us. What do you want in return? I will make it clear Sara is out of the question whatever else you want; I can give you as long as you make sure we live and hide us."

Aile smiled, "You think that I am that kind of a person."

Hazel scoffed, "You are the only one that fiend, Duke White, took care of and asked to keep an eye on you. He even wanted to make Sara marry you. So, you either have a strong background, or you are somehow related to him. So just tell me what it will take for us to make it out alive?"

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Aile finally understood Duke White's plan as he figured out how he planned to take his bodies attribute.

Aile then chuckled, "Haha haha."

Hazel retorted, "What is it? Showing your true colours?"

Aile looked at her and said, "If that is what I wanted, what makes you think I would need your permission in doing anything. You and Sara are both powerless, and I know that you two are linked, I can just take Sara as a hostage, and you will do anything for me."

Hazel nodded, "Ok, then what is it that you want, in return for helping us?" She knew that she can only resign herself to fate. Her weakness was at his hand, and he could demand anything, and she would not be able to fight back.

Aile was curious about What else Duke White has asked about him, so he asked her to tell him everything that Duke White had inquired.

Hazel told him the whole the story, and this made Aile sigh in relief. This is because Duke White just had a feeling that something was not right and had told Hazel to keep an eye on him. He had not found anything wrong, it was just a suspicion.

Hazel had not said anything to Duke White. She just wanted to make things hard for him, after realizing that her cultivation was stagnant because of his plan. He had also said that if Sara and Aile marry, then he will restore her ability to cultivate.

He had given another book to Hazel that Sara should cultivate if she wants her powers to restore. Hazel, of course, did not believe him again. She did not want to make Sara go through the same thing she had.

Then Aile asked about how she was injured. Hazel said that the king had summoned all the high-level cultivator to gather in the morning, last night. Once they went there, and they figured out, it was a talk with a rival neighbouring kingdom in a neutral area.

The talks did not go as expected, and then there was a small clash.

She said that this always happens, it is just a test between the kingdoms: to test each other's prowess. Then after a few minutes, both side retreated as to not fall for any of the enemy's trap. Before she could get away, she was backstabbed. The only people behind her were people of Nala clan and her guards.

Hazel then said, "Have I earned your trust now?"

"I can help you and even heal you. However, before anything else, I would like you to make a vow like Liala and Leia to not betray me. I do not want to be backstabbed, you understand?"

Hazel sighed and took her time to think about it, in the end, she said, "I Hazel Nala would join Aile White in a union, by tying my fate to him under the ancient laws. I shall renounce my prior properties and familial relations and fully devote myself to Aile White. Bind!"

The energy swirl entered formed and entered her body. Like before the circle in Aile's soul, resembling the barn of yarn, trembled.

"What are you doing? I asked you to make a vow to not betray me not marry me."

"But you said like Laila and Leia."

"Yeah a vow like them, not the same as them!"

Gritting her teeth, Hazel asked, "So what now?"

Aile sighed.

"I never intended to use you and Sara. I am very close to Sara, of course, I will help her and you too because of her. I just wanted to make sure that I do not get betrayed. Is there a way to get rid of the vow?"

"No, there is no way to get rid of it. I am not a naive kid, what is so secretive about hiding us, that you needed me to take a vow. Do not act evil and pretend to be a saint. You wanted to take advantage of our situation, and now you have. This is nothing new, here in this world, and I understand it well. Do not worry, I will do anything you want. After all, this is my choice."

"Well, you will probably not believe me, but I can help heal your soul. That is why I wanted you to take the vow. Anyway, you will understand once you are healed. However, it will take a few years."

Aile would need to absorb the black energy and use soul energy to restore her soul. Currently, he can only treat the minuscule areas of her soul, only when his soul is trained would he be able to heal the big pieces. Thus it was going to be a very long process.

"Ok, now where are you going to take us?" Hazel said this as she rolled her eyes. It seemed she did not believe him.

"Port Kiar."

"What? We will be noticed as soon as we enter the town and in no time, we will be caught."

"Do not worry, I will deal with it and from now on take the responsibility of protecting you and Sara."

Hazel sighed, "I hope you know what you are doing? Well, then you must have a reason to go back, right?"

Aile, "Yeah, I do."

"Care to elaborate, after all, I am fully devoted to you anyway," Hazel said sarcastically.

"I like the town; I will take it."

"Huh, you are planning to go against the Nala Clan?"

"I hope you understand that since you joined me not only will I have clashes with the Nala Clan, but also the White Clan and possibly the royals too."

"What? So you are not with Duke White?"

"Of course not."