Dual Cultivator Reborn [System In The Cultivation World] Chapter 993: Killing intent

Aella suddenly materialized between Yohan and Aira, placing a hand on each of their shoulders to halt Yohan before he could strike. She detected a profound killing intent radiating from Yohan's gaze, as if he were prepared to engage Aira in a life-and-death struggle. Despite possessing a higher cultivation base, Aella had struggled to track Yohan's movements; one moment he was standing before her, and the next, his hand was clamped firmly around Aira’s throat. The sheer speed of the exchange left her shaken and bewildered. In that instant, she truly grasped why the Imperial Family was so fixated on Yohan; he was a figure of undeniable significance.

Given Yohan’s peerless talents and current cultivation, his future path was unpredictable and held the potential to destabilize the very foundation of the kingdom.

"Both of you must desist. There is no reason for infighting," Aella urged, her eyes fixed on Yohan while she applied pressure to Aira’s shoulder. "Do not forget that you are both Heavenly Soul Realm cultivators. If a battle breaks out between you, the neighboring towns will be reduced to rubble and the people will suffer—especially the innocent women you just rescued." Realizing the gravity of the situation, Aella knew she had to de-escalate the conflict before it spiraled out of control and drew the attention of other powerful figures with similar prowess.

Her initial strategy to subdue Yohan had failed completely. Witnessing his incredible cultivation and abilities, she understood that capturing him alongside Aira would be no simple feat. Furthermore, they were currently within Evelyn’s territory, and Evelyn had already made it clear that she would stand by Yohan rather than follow the Imperial Family's mandates. In a worst-case scenario, Aella and Aira might find themselves besieged by Evelyn and her entire Sect. Recognizing the tactical disadvantage, Aella decided she must stall for time and wait for the Imperial Family to dispatch reinforcements.

"She was the aggressor; I was merely reacting in kind," Yohan remarked, letting out a long breath as he noted the worry on Aella’s face. The murderous aura surrounding him vanished instantly, leaving no trace of his previous aggression as he released his grip on Aira’s neck. Yohan remained baffled by Aira’s behavior. To his knowledge, they had never met, yet she was traveling with his aunt. Though it made little sense, he was certain this woman harbored a deep-seated grudge against him.

Aella felt a wave of relief at Yohan’s sudden composure, though she sensed a lingering tension. She cleared her throat to ensure she had his full attention.

"I appreciate you releasing her. Please, forgive her actions; she was merely attempting to gauge your strength," Aella explained with a practiced smile. "You have become quite the legendary figure in the Northern Region. Everyone is discussing your exploits regarding the Xian and Nichole clans. After hearing rumors of your power, she simply couldn't restrain her curiosity. It was a lapse in judgment, but I can personally vouch that she meant no real harm!" Yohan raised an eyebrow at her words but remained silent. Aella then turned a sharp, displeased look toward Aira, who was still gasping for air after being freed from Yohan’s grasp.

"You owe Yohan an apology. Your little 'test' went far too light! I told you to be professional!" Aella snapped. Aira was stunned by Aella’s harsh tone and the look of genuine disappointment on her face—an expression she had never seen before. Swallowing her pride and suppressing the humiliation burning within her, Aira took a steadying breath and looked at Yohan. Seeing her forced compliance, Yohan merely offered a small smile.

"I didn't intend to threaten you. Please accept my apologies; I shouldn't have acted so rashly. I went too far, and I hope you can overlook my foolish mistake," Aira said, bowing her head in a display of contrition. The arrogance she once held regarding her own power had evaporated the moment Yohan seized her. In that brief window, she had felt utterly helpless. It was clear now that Yohan was not someone who could be easily controlled; he had completely overwhelmed her. Like Aella, she was stunned by how a youth could reach such heights. Nothing about his strength followed logic, but she remained silent as Yohan finally spoke.

"Think nothing of it. I didn't realize you were just playing around because of those ridiculous rumors spreading through the Northern Region. It happens. Don't be so hard on yourself; people often do foolish things. At least you've learned your lesson now," Yohan said casually, patting Aira on the shoulder with a smile as if their previous confrontation had never occurred.

"..."

Aira was seething with rage at his condescending tone and the way he touched her shoulder. He was treating her like a subordinate or a child, a level of disrespect she had never experienced in her life. However, she maintained her mask of calm, refusing to let her inner turmoil show. She forced a smile, knowing that they were in no position to use force against him. Provoking him further would only invite disaster. After considering the consequences, Aira took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Thank you for being so understanding. I won't let it happen again. You truly are a gifted Young Master with a bright future ahead of you," Aira replied, her voice now friendly. Yohan nodded in acknowledgment before turning to the group.

"If we are finished with these tests, we should return to the clan. My mother is expecting me, and it has been quite some time since we’ve shared a meal together," he stated, signaling for them to follow. Aella and Aira exchanged a brief look before nodding and following Yohan toward River Shore City, where the Lin Clan was located.