The Yin Demons had been released into the surrounding area, so no movement around the storefront would escape Han Shuo's notice. Even if the other was a dark grand magus, it would be impossible for him to move around Han Shuo's territory without anyone noticing.
When Edwin and Belinda had landed on the tree in the distance, Han Shuo had already used the Yin Demons to mark their movements, causing him to call them out without hesitation.
Even if Han Shuo had been alone in the shop, the formation in the courtyard would allow him to be completely fearless in front of Edwin, not to mention the presence of Gilbert and Trunks by his side.
Edwin and Belinda were obviously stunned by Han Shuo's terrifying perception. Stupefaction filled Edwin's face as he peered through the thick branches and saw Han Shuo in the courtyard. He shouted, "How did you spot me?"
"Nothing is impossible!" Han Shuo shouted back coldly. He then glanced at the two at his side and smiled calmly. He pointed elegantly at some of the empty seats in the courtyard and threw his head back to say, "Since you two have the spirit, why don't you come over and have a chat? I don't sense any killing intent from you, so it doesn't look like you're here to kill me this time!"
Having reached the bloodlust realm, Han Shuo now had a keen sensitivity to the natural killing intent that would emanate from experts, perhaps also a function of his own increased desire for blood. Up in the tree, Edwin and Belinda cast curious and cautious glances around the courtyard. Their expressions were calm, with no hint of killing intent.
Edwin was even more astonished after Han Shuo's words. His look at Han Shuo was full of surprise and shock. He kept trying to read something on Han Shuo's face.
After a while, Edwin revealed a wry smile and shook his head, "I'm here with sincerity this time, but I can't tell if you have an intention to kill me or not. Your courtyard is too dangerous, so I won't come down for now. Otherwise, I might die thanks to this group of young but frightening children!"
He took Belinda with him as he landed softly on the roof of the shop, seemingly very concerned about the strangeness in the courtyard. The two of them didn't dare approach the courtyard and seemed to be on guard against any kind of sudden ambush.
To be honest, Han Shuo actually wished that they would land in the courtyard. He could then use the formation as well as Gilbert and Trunks' strength to kill them and save himself the trouble of always being on guard against an ambush from Edwin.
It was a pity that Edwin was a cunning old fox and wouldn't fall for his trick so easily. Edwin had already investigated what had happened in the shop the night before and understood that the shop was capable of devouring people. That was why he didn't dare to go inside.
Since his plans had failed, Han Shuo didn't continue his good attitude towards them. His face darkened, he said impatiently, "If you're not here to kill me, are you here to work against Ferguson? He's a heavyweight in the Church of Light and is now diametrically opposed to you. You're his real target."
"You are wrong! Perhaps you don't even know it, but you have become the hated enemy of the Church of Light! They'll stop at nothing to make you disappear from this world!" Edwin looked deeply at Han Shuo and said humbly.
"Oh? Is that so? Ferguson doesn't represent the entire Church of Light. I don't think my grudge against Florida is deep enough for the entire Church of Light to turn against me. You're just saying scary things to raise the alarm!" Han Shuo sneered.
Looking at Han Shuo with a pitiful expression, Edwin said slowly, "Your miraculous performance last night made the Church of Light realise your terrifying aspects. The fact that your little skeleton is unafraid of Light's radiance has caused you even more trouble. Ferguson will make a move against you even if it is not for his grandson Florida, because your existence is a great threat to the Church of Light."
Han Shuo fell silent after hearing these words. He wasn't stupid, he just hadn't thought about it seriously before. When Edwin reminded him, Han Shuo remembered that the last few times necromancy magic had fallen, the Church of Light had always seemed to play a major role.
Light magic had a deadly effect on the dark creatures of necromancy. When necromancy was at its height, hordes and packs of dark creatures had ravaged the lands. The Church of Light had then sent out large numbers of believers to use the simplest of light magic to deal a devastating blow by bathing the dark creatures in light magic.
Han Shuo thought carefully and quickly realised the truth in Edwin's words. He had refined the little skeletons and zombies from his secret arts to make them impervious to light magic attacks. This was an unbearable truth for the Church of Light. It looked like he'd unwittingly gotten himself into a lot of trouble.
When Edwin saw Han Shuo remain silent, his eyebrows furrowed and his face growing darker and darker, Edwin understood that Han Shuo had realised how serious things were. He smiled faintly and extended a finger to point at Han Shuo. He said with an extremely enchanting voice, "I'm sure you know how influential the Church of Light is in the Profound Continent. Aside from the Church of Calamity, which is constantly fighting against them, there are very few powers that can withstand them."
"Do not hesitate. As long as you join our Calamity Church, we can forget all our past grudges. Our necromancers' study of dark creatures will reach unprecedented levels once you join. Large armies of dark creatures will then ravage and pillage all the strongholds of the Church of Light, bringing everyone and everything under our rule.
"And you, you will become the most respected person in the Church of Calamity. You can have everything you want. Wealth, women and power will all be within your grasp. What a wonderful thing! With your intelligence, I'm sure you can imagine the glorious future that lies ahead!"
"Honourable Master, he makes a lot of sense. Agreed!" Gilbert became incredibly excited when he heard about wealth and women.
"Shut up!" Han Shuo glared fiercely at Gilbert and then looked back at Edwin. "My apologies, although your suggestion is tempting, I don't think I can agree to it. The Church of Calamity has a terrible reputation. I don't want to become a public enemy."
The Calamity Church was a force hated by everyone on the continent. Hiding in the shadows, the Church was a force no country could ignore.
They had a fervent belief in destruction and a stubborn desire that was hard to understand. They were at odds with every kingdom and religion on the continent. If he were to join such a church. Han Shuo would become the enemy of all nations. This was something he absolutely did not want to see.
Not to mention that it was very difficult to use magical cultivation methods to refine dark creatures. He would have to use an enormous amount of resources and manpower. He also wasn't sure if he could mass produce light magic-resistant dark creatures. Even if he could, according to the teachings of the Church of Calamity and the canon of destroying everything, the continent would be covered in a shroud of blood and fire and eventually become a wasteland. This was also something Han Shuo did not want to see.
Han Shuo's unhesitating and resolute refusal perplexed Edwin. He had planned to try and convince Han Shuo further, but a beam of black light flashed through the air from afar and shot towards Edwin on the roof.
"You should all die! I will take revenge for Big Sister Elaine today!" Like a furious tigress, an enraged Emily shattered the air as she ran towards Edwin, staff in hand and hair dancing wildly.
Giving her a scornful look, Edwin raised his hand and blocked all attacks with a wall of darkness. He then looked at Han Shuo and smiled slightly, "Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. I think you might change your mind when the Church of Light makes its move."
Edwin didn't linger after he finished speaking, but disappeared without a trace with Belinda in the blink of an eye.
Edwin was a great magus. If he wanted to leave through the air, there was no one around to stop him. Emily and Phoebe both refrained from any foolish pursuit as they landed in the courtyard.
"What's going on?" Emily asked looking at Han Shuo.
He sighed softly with a wry smile. "I'm in big trouble!"
"What's wrong? What kind of trouble could have given you a headache?" Emily had been with Han Shuo for so long, but she'd never really seen him at a loss.
When Han Shuo had described everything that had happened, the two girls were also very shocked. They immediately understood the importance of the matter and frowned, anxious looks on their faces as no solutions seemed to present themselves.
The Church of Light was different from the Church of Calamity. They were the most influential religious organisation on the Profound Continent and had a large network among the populace. In every country, there were a large number of believers who worshipped the Church of Light, and their combined influence was stronger than any small kingdom.
"If all the believers of the Church of Light are like Ferguson, then I don't think much of this church either!" Han Shuo finally sneered.
"No, there are many in the Church of Light who are kind and just. At least the ones I know have admirable characters. Ferguson isn't a bad guy, he just spoils his grandson Florida too much. He often ends up wiping Florida's butt after one or the other wilful act. This accounts for the slow change in his character.
"There are a lot of necromancers on the continent, apart from the Calamity Church. I think the Church of Light won't try to kill you as long as you don't join the Calamity Church. Not all the followers of the Light are so unreasonable!" Emily thought for a moment and comforted Han Shuo.
"It's hard to say. This matter is indeed a bit delicate. But if the Church of Light wants to take action against me for no reason, I won't be merciful either. No matter what excuse they have, I'll kill someone first if they try to kill me!" Han Shuo thought for a moment and said firmly.
"Master, no matter what you do, your loyal servant Gilbert will serve you faithfully!" Gilbert didn't miss an opportunity to flatter Han Shuo.
"Trunks, the Soul Destroyer mercenary group will carry out all actions in your name in the future. Don't tell anyone about the relationship between the mercenary band and me. Otherwise, with my identity, I'm afraid it would cause unnecessary trouble for the band!" Han SHuo thought for a moment and suddenly said to Trunks.
"Bryan, do you think I'm afraid of trouble?" Trunks was a bit unhappy and said coldly.
Shaking his head, Han Shuo replied, "Don't think random thoughts. The mercenary group is mine, but don't announce it for now. You can announce it after I take care of this Church of Light matter. You must know that our mercenary group has just started, and I also want to expand faster, so I can't let this matter affect it right now!
Trunks' expression returned to normal after Han Shuo's explanation. He smiled faintly and nodded, "You're the boss, I'll do what you say. That's the rule of the mercenary gang!"
"What were you two doing today? Why weren't you at the shop during the day?" Han Shuo looked questioningly at Emily and Phoebe after he had paid Trunks.
"I brokered a huge deal and disposed of everything you gave me. We now have seventy thousand gold coins. Apart from the ones needed to form the mercenary band, I'll keep the rest for you temporarily!" Phoebe said.
"Younger sister Cecilia, one of the three heavyweights in charge of all Dark Mantle matters outside the Empire, arrived in the valley suddenly today. I went to meet her immediately and was delayed because we decided to catch up for a while." Emily looked at Han Shuo and explained. She paused and smiled faintly, "Because I talked about working with you, she was very curious about you!"