The Cornflower Witch Chapter 269

Descender? What was that? Sylphidya didn’t understand, she could only guess it was some high-ranking title within the cult.

Seeing this “Demon Contractor” kneel, the other cult members in the party looked at each other, not knowing how to react.

About ten minutes later, the group completely stopped. The Demon Contractor led more than a dozen stronger Tier 2 members to Sylphidya.

“My Lord Descender, our mission this time is to prepare the sacrifices needed for the sect’s ritual,” he directly stated the purpose of their current actions.

“Rituals, sacrifices.” The girl rubbed her temples lightly, feeling like she had stumbled upon something very troublesome.

“First, tell me about your sect’s identity and how you usually live and develop,” she wanted to know what the Hundred-Eyed Cult was all about.

Then, the “Demon Contractor” began to meticulously explain the various structures within the Hundred-Eyed Cult and how they usually survived and developed.

In a sense, the Hundred-Eyed Cult was very similar to other supernatural scholarly organizations, consisting of people focused on a specific path and profession. The earliest Hundred-Eyed Cult was born in the Seventh Epoch, when the “Alien World” descended upon the world, bringing with it many astral beings. These beings took on strange and varied forms, some of which included creatures like eye demons.

People who worshipped and envied these astral beings began to research and imitate them. In that era, various cults worshipping astral creatures were born, but not every astral being was suitable for humans. Some were impossible to imitate, some were uncontrollable, some were too difficult to learn, some were too weak, etc. In the end, only a few types of creatures remained mastered by the cults, among them was the Hundred-Eyed Cult, which worshipped eye demons.

The Hundred-Eyed Cult worshipped a great astral being named “Lord of Truth-Seeing.” It was said that this great being had 740 million eyes, allowing it to simultaneously witness the birth and destruction of countless worlds, and it itself was an immortal existence.

To approach this great being, members of the Hundred-Eyed Cult took pride in mastering various ocular arts and growing multiple pairs of eyes, believing this represented their ability to see the world more clearly and grasp truth.

Because of their proficiency in ocular arts, the Hundred-Eyed Cult members had strong reconnaissance abilities and could use ocular arts to deceive ordinary people, providing them with various conveniences for their lives and actions, which greatly enhanced the cult members’ ability to survive.

Normally, the cult would establish strongholds far from cities, where only core cult members could reside. The rest of the ordinary cult members and peripheral members were scattered throughout ordinary human society.

They would collect donations from cult members as operating expenses, but these were often insufficient. More often, they would collude with some nobles, providing them with special potions, helping eliminate rivals, or doing things that couldn’t see the light of day. Compared to commoners, nobles were always much wealthier and provided most of the cult’s income.

However, because most powerful nobles possessed a “Castle” rank, making it difficult for their ocular arts to control these nobles, it had always been challenging for the Hundred-Eyed Cult throughout its history to recruit nobles as believers.

Unable to gain power at the upper echelons, the Hundred-Eyed Cult could only linger in the middle and lower strata of society for a long time, recruiting disgruntled Transcendent individuals or easily deceived villagers to become members.

Those who truly became core members were individuals who worshipped the power of the “Alien World” but were also acutely aware of the cult’s true nature. They held the inheritance of the Hundred-Eyed Cult, were proficient in various ritual secrets, and often served as leaders of various branches, unifying scattered local believers and bringing new members and strength to the cult.

After listening to the “Demon Contractor’s” account, Sylphidya realized that even within an evil cult, becoming a high-ranking member often required a clear mind and learning ability. Those who were fanatical but unable to acquire knowledge mostly ended up as cannon fodder.

Reading was indeed the fastest way to change one’s life, she thought to herself.

After understanding the general situation of the Hundred-Eyed Cult, Sylphidya then inquired about their current situation with Prince Jabbers.

“His Royal Highness is with the Cult Master at the mountain valley stronghold, preparing for the next ritual. We have also found enough people as sacrifices for the ritual this time.”

“Has Prince Jabbers also become a believer of your sect?” Sylphidya was slightly surprised.

“He hasn’t yet, but I and many others feel that he will become one of us sooner or later,” the Demon Contractor said confidently.

“It seems a lot has happened during this time.” Sylphidya didn’t ask for the specific reasons. Now was the time to rescue those who had been held captive and taken away.

At Sylphidya’s request, the Demon Contractor instructed his members to untie the captives.

Although some believers were doubtful and confused, faced with the powerful Demon Contractor and this mysterious girl, they knew they were no match and dared not disobey.

Half an hour later, the rescued miners thanked Sylphidya again, some even incoherent.

“If it weren’t for Lady Sylphidya, we would probably not have escaped this misfortune.”

Two consecutive encounters left these people severely insecure. After thanking Sylphidya, they urgently wanted to acquire the power to protect themselves.

“Don’t worry, I’ve found a few suitable teachers for you.” As Sylphidya waved and guided, Karen rode over.

She had chased Sylphidya down the hill not long ago, only to see the girl directly stop the group and successfully subdue these strange cultists.

“Tiya, what is this?” She had many questions.

“I’ll explain later, Sister Karen. Please help take these people back first.” Sylphidya pulled Karen over and introduced her to the refugees who had escaped from Scorched Stone City.

Among these four hundred people, a few had coincidentally interacted with Karen in Scorched Stone City. After introductions, both sides immediately became amicable.

Soon, Karen gathered these people and prepared to return to Scorched Stone City.

After dealing with the refugees from the hidden settlement, there were still many people captured from nearby villages. They were not far away, and most could find their way back, so Sylphidya simply released them.

As for the small number of Anti soldiers, Sylphidya had a bit of a headache.

They belonged to different garrison units, many didn’t know each other, and some even didn’t know how to get back to their original posts.

“Who among you has the highest rank?” Sylphidya called out one of the leaders.

“Me.” A Tier 2 officer walked out, clutching a wound on his shoulder. His left arm had been pierced by the Demon Contractor’s eye demon during the battle, leaving him with only one arm now.

“You should be familiar with the Anti garrisons in Regas. Lead these soldiers away.” Sylphidya instructed.

The officer looked at the girl for several seconds, as if to remember her appearance.

“Thank you, foreign girl.” He knelt on one knee, bowed solemnly, then stood up and issued a loud command, gathering his soldiers around him.

Being soldiers, they were trained and easily gathered to follow orders. Under the officer’s leadership, they found a direction and left.

At this point, besides a few individuals who still had no place to go, the plain was filled with members of the Hundred-Eyed Cult.

Sylphidya approached the few who remained standing, asking why they didn’t leave.

Among them was a tall, slender boy about 11 years old, accompanied by his 7-year-old sister.

“Why aren’t you leaving?” Sylphidya knelt down and asked.

“I want to follow you and learn powerful abilities, then protect my sister,” he said, his eyes exceptionally bright, staring at the girl.

“Is that so?” Sylphidya blinked, then looked at the girl beside him. “And you, do you have any other family?”

“I… I don’t have any other family,” the girl said timidly.

“Daddy was beaten to death by the Anti people, and Mommy… Mommy was gone yesterday. Now I’m with my brother.”

“I see.” Sylphidya pondered for a moment.

“How about this, you two first follow that older sister to a place to live. I’ll go there later and teach you some basic knowledge, how does that sound?” She pointed to Karen not far away.

The boy seemed a bit reluctant, stubbornly believing Sylphidya was coaxing him. The girl, however, nodded.

“Okay, thank you, big sister.”

Seeing his sister agree so readily, the boy grew anxious and wanted to cover her mouth, but holding back on violence when Sylphidya was right in front of him.

“No need to be so anxious.” Sylphidya understood his thoughts.

“You two go ahead now.”

At this point, the boy knew he couldn’t be willful any longer, so he loosened his grip and slowly led his sister toward Karen in the distance.

However, he looked back halfway.

“Big sis… no, my lady, can you get rid of those bad people?”

“So many people died by their hands, Mom, Dad, Grandma next door, and the uncle who used to bring us fish.”

“Who exactly are the bad people you’re talking about?” Sylphidya asked.

“It’s those in red robes, and those Anti people who left, and those nobles who used to bully us, and the bandits who robbed our house, and…” He seemed intent on listing everyone who had ever bullied them from his memory.

“I understand your feelings and thoughts very well, but I’m afraid I can’t punish all the people you mentioned, and I don’t even know who or where they are specifically.” Sylphidya shook her head.

“If you want revenge, then train hard in the future. Also, compared to revenge, your sister is very important. She only has you to rely on now, and you two are the last of your family.”

After hearing Sylphidya’s words, the boy looked at his sister behind him, and the anger in his eyes finally softened a little.

“Yes, you’re right.” He crouched down, picked his sister up, and held her in his arms, tears welling up in his eyes again.

“But it hurts so much, I can never see those people again.”

His sister, at a loss, could only comfort her brother in a childish voice.

Watching them slowly walk away, Sylphidya stood rooted to the spot for a long time.

She suddenly felt a strange sadness. Whether it was these innocent civilians, ordinary Anti soldiers, or the fanatical and ignorant lower-level cultists, even though they belonged to different factions, they were all just dust crushed under the wheels of the powerful.

The Anti Kingdom occupied Regas, and countless high-ranking officers and nobles grew rich, living a life of luxury and debauchery, but most ordinary Anti soldiers simply changed their guard posts. The common people of Regas used to pay taxes to local nobles, and now they paid taxes to the Anti people, enduring the suffering of war brought by the clashes of various factions.

As for the lower-level cultists of the Hundred-Eyed Cult, they would never see their prayers fulfilled. Throughout their lives, they were nothing more than expendable resources for the cult’s high-ranking members.

Even in such a wondrous and magnificent world, many historical events were similar to what she had learned on Earth, and what could she change? This was the nature of living beings: seeking profit, avoiding harm, admiring strength, and desiring power.

Never mind, it’s better not to think about these things. If she thought about it any longer, she would probably feel uncomfortable again. She wasn’t someone who craved power, nor did she want to be drawn into the whirlpool of generational strife.

Turning around, Sylphidya looked at the cult members waiting for her command.

“You all…” At this moment, she felt a bit troubled, unsure how to settle these people.

Clearly, these cultists would find it difficult to integrate into normal society. If she let them go, they would likely go back to recruiting believers, seeking resources and sacrifices, and pursuing the powerful forces of the “Alien World,” just as before.

But killing them all here? That would be too brutal. After all, many lower-level cultists had been deceived. Though they had done many bad things, it wasn’t enough to warrant death.

How to deal with these people and their future? Sylphidya lightly pressed her fingertips to her brow, trying to find a better solution.

“My Lord Descender.” At this moment, the Demon Contractor once again approached Sylphidya, kneeling on one knee.

“Please follow me to the mountain valley headquarters. The Cult Master will be very pleased by your arrival.”

“And with you present, the success rate of the ritual will greatly increase.” But she didn’t even understand what the Hundred-Eyed Cult’s ritual was like. Why was he so certain she could preside over it?

“I understand.” She waved her hand, signaling the Demon Contractor to stand up and wait aside.

She then walked toward the remaining middle-aged man who still had no place to go.

“Why aren’t you leaving either?” Sylphidya looked at the figure with listless eyes and a weathered face.

Hearing the girl’s question, the man slowly raised his head.

“I’m not leaving. I have no home, no family, and no desire to live on.”

“Let me go with these cultists. I just want to see things I haven’t seen in this world yet.” After saying that, his eyes dimmed again.

Sylphidya noticed that he was already suffering from a serious illness, having been in pain for a long time. Without treatment, he would only have a month or two left to live.

Sylphidya had originally intended to offer a few more words of comfort, but upon seeing his desolate and melancholic eyes, the light words of consolation became unspeakable.

With a silent sigh, Sylphidya no longer tried to persuade him.

“Then follow me. I will also go and see what kind of ritual is brewing in that mountain valley headquarters.”

Waving goodbye to Karen, Sylphidya followed the contingent, heading back in the direction they had come from. Hidden within those mountains lay the headquarters of the Hundred-Eyed Cult, and an unknown grand ritual was underway.