Chapter 23 : Strangers in the Aether Sanctuary
Only a few hours had passed in the central hall before Tian Heng made his final decision. Slow recovery and theoretical study would not break the current stalemate. He had to return to the Aether Cave and use it more effectively—either by building primitive condensers or attempting a more controlled energy transfer.
"Lilith, we're preparing to return." His order was, as always, concise.
The demoness nodded slightly, her expression unchanged except for a faint flicker of anticipation in her crimson eyes.
Their second journey through the southern tunnels was faster and smoother. Tian Heng's familiarity with the route, his slightly increased strength, and Lilith's occasional silent guidance allowed them to navigate collapsed obstacles with greater ease. Even the narrow side passage felt less threatening this time.
But as they neared the entrance to the glittering crystal cave, Tian Heng felt something… off. He halted abruptly, raising a hand to signal Lilith to stop behind him. It wasn't just instinct—his enhanced senses had picked up faint, unfamiliar scents that didn't belong here: strange plants, finely treated leather, and something else—something vibrant and alive, like moonlit forests. He also heard—or rather, felt—the faint echoes of soft footsteps and low whispers coming from within the cave.
They weren't alone.
He motioned for Lilith to remain silent and in the shadows, then crept cautiously toward the cave entrance, using a rock outcropping for cover. He peered inside carefully.
In the gentle sky-blue glow of the aether crystals, he saw three figures who hadn't been there before. They were standing near the remains of the disabled automaton guardian, inspecting it with evident curiosity and caution. They weren't human. Tall and slender, they moved with innate grace. Their ears were long and pointed, their skin pale with a healthy hue, and their long hair flowed in hues of silver or autumn leaves. They wore practical clothing crafted from dark leathers and finely woven fabric, adorned with simple runes or natural symbols, and carried elegant bows or slim swords at their sides. They were elves.
There were three of them: two females and one male. One of the females appeared slightly older, with long silver hair and cold emerald eyes. She held an ornate wooden staff and seemed to be their leader or perhaps their aether-user. The younger girl had hair like autumn foliage and sharp eyes like a hawk. She moved like a hunter, examining the battle-scarred ground. The male was relatively sturdy for an elf, with short ash-colored hair, his hand resting on the hilt of his slim sword, his gaze sweeping the cave with alert caution. They looked like a scouting party—or perhaps survivors drawn here by the cave's strong energy signature.
Tian Heng spent a few moments watching and evaluating. These weren't mere bandits or beasts. They were organized, armed, and likely possessed aether abilities beyond his current level. Their presence complicated things significantly and posed a potential threat to his vital resource. Hiding would do no good in the long run if he intended to use this cave. He had to confront them.
With a swift and resolute decision, he stepped out from behind the rock and entered the cave. Lilith appeared silently beside him like a shadow, her crimson eyes glowing sharply in the aetherlight.
The three elves were clearly startled by the unexpected appearance. They turned swiftly, taking defensive stances at once. The silver-haired girl raised her staff, green energy gathering around it. The hunter drew an arrow and notched it on her bow, while the male unsheathed his slim sword in a flash. Their eyes froze for a moment at the strange sight before them: a calm, unsettlingly composed human youth, accompanied by a clearly demonic being radiating dark energy—both standing confidently before the remains of a powerful automaton guardian they had apparently just defeated. Confusion, caution, and potential hostility were written across their faces.
The silver-haired elf, who seemed to be the leader, was the first to speak. Her voice was melodic but firm and cold, using fluent—if slightly archaic—common tongue:
"Stop where you are! Who are you, strangers? And how dare you defile this ancient place with the company of that dark creature?"
Tian Heng was unfazed by her tone or the implied threat. He replied calmly, his voice steady and his eyes assessing their strength and reactions:
"This place is under my control now. You are the intruders. Identify yourselves."
The elves' eyes widened slightly at the boldness—and audacity—of his claim. Their gazes flicked between him, Lilith, and the disabled guardian. It was clear that this human youth was not as simple as he appeared.