While in their petrified state a voice was finally heard from behind the mask.

" I'll keep this simple and sweet. Two options are placed before you."

" Give me what I want and you will be able to smell the freshness of tomorrow's air"

" Or resist and see how quickly maggots begin to gorge on your corpses' flesh"

Hearing his words they all felt a coldness run down their spines. There was no leeway given for refusal in his words spoken.

The four cultivators looked on at Malgrey for the way forward. He was the leader after all and should be the one to make any dealings on behave of the team.

Seeing the reaction of his subordinates the fiery-haired Malgrey tried with his hardest to firm his resolve. He was also scared shitless but situations like these came with the job.

" S...Sir, we are only a two-star team of qi condensation realm cultivators. Currently, we are just bringing some recruits we found in a small mortal city to our Dark Abylis sect. "

He looked on the man in the mask to try an garner a bit of sympathy as well as fear from his prestigious sect. It was however met only with disconcern. Having all their lives in his hand nonetheless, he had to try something.

" Bu..but if we can fulfil your request we will do the best we can to accomplish whatsoever you desire"

While all this was taking place the four newbies had varying expressions on their faces.

Damian could be seen shivering beside Lisa who also was petrified by the sudden intruders. While they seemed truly in fear for their lives, a couple could also be seen close by.

To Taf side May was also scared as she squeezed his hands as their attention remained on the figure floating in midair.

" It's ok... I won't let anything happen to you I promise"

He smiled at her while his hands drew her close by into his warm embrace.

While he comforted May, however, a thought plagued his mind as he looked on the man with the black mask with red swirls.

" That....voice, it is so familiar...

where have I heard it before...?"

" Based on May's reaction it was not that familiar to her and the other two, but why does it sound so familiar to me"

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He continued to observe the man in the black mask with red swirls on it.

"Where does the mystery lie...?"

" How would it be possible to know any individual so powerful?

...unless"

A thought came to his mind as he made sure his thoughts were not seen through on his face.

...

"Dark Abylis Sect...is that suppose to warrant my concern..?"

" I've come to take a few individuals from you. As you can see this is no negotiation and I'm just disclosing what you will see fit to do"

The words were heard from the man in the mask. He spoke as though all that he had stated was the law of the land.

Hearing the words of the masked individual, Margrey and the other four looked at each other simultaneously. They all saw the apparent confusion in the other's eyes.

" Sir...i stated before that we five were but some small Qi condensation cultivators and those four are mortals. "

" What purpose would it be to take any of us with you?"

He posed the question that they all thought was needed to be ask.

" You all overestimate yourselves...

child come and bring your little girlfriend"

Seemingly having had enough of their talking, the masked man beckoned with his finger for Taf to move further forward.

Finally, it dawned on all present why the man had appeared. The only treasures that could be found on this hawk were two individuals.

They were Taf and May to his side. May's talent was exceptional for the sect, but with all fairness, it would not warrant all of this.

There could only be one person that would cause such a reaction. It was definitely the Abomination who calls himself the mouse.

Taf seeing that he was called was not caught too off guard by the request. After all, he knew that many might seek him out due to his apparent special characteristics.

He then took what seemed like a pause as if contemplating something.

May who was closest to him took note of his reaction and had a slight feeling something odd was happening. She was also concerned by the things that had taken place.

" ...is that so?"

" How about that....?"

" Not to my liking...."

" ....agreeable"

He uttered random words while looking at the man that wore the mask firmly against his face.

To his side, he saw the worrying May who looked on him in concern. He smiled at her however which seemingly made all the worries go away.

"Do you trust me...?"

The question was raised as he looked into her eyes.

" With all my heart....."

She replied as she wondered the meaning behind his words.

" How about if I were to tell you I wanted to jump from the skies into the clouds"

He then asked a questioned that seemed to come out of the blue somehow.

" Then I would say you're crazy if that jump is not with me in your embrace"

She responded while holding him close while she spoke. After hearing her words a big smile became apparent on his face.

He then looked over to the five cultivators and two newbies who seemed lost for words. Seeing their responses it was expected as such and then nobbed before Saying.

" My friends I'll see you soon but when you arrive please to tell the Dark Abylis Sect the Mouse will soon grace its gates."

They then saw something that etched its image in their memories for what could be described an eternity.

Taf walked with May to his side and whispered something softly in her ears. The once majestic hawk was oddly frozen in the sky. There was no more screeching and it hovered in place obediently.

"May....?"

" Yes, Taf..."

" Will you dive into the clouds with me?"

" Once you're there with me..., I don't see why not..you brute"

They then arm in arm jumped from the white hawk that was still frozen in the sky.

The seven when they saw the scene shouted out in horror at the scene that had be folded them.