Chapter 192

Aria didn't press Silas about his past experiences.

"The curse on you runs deep. It's been there for quite some time—not easy to remove."

At her current level of cultivation, she couldn't completely break Silas's curse.

But she sensed a breakthrough was imminent. Once she ascended to the Mortal Realm, lifting his curse would be effortless.

Silas's lips curved slightly. "No rush."

The difficulty meant more opportunities to stay close to Aria.

"I'll give you a jade locket in a few days. It'll temporarily suppress the curse—no more heart pains or fainting spells."

"After that, come for regular acupuncture sessions. When the time is right, we'll remove it completely," Aria said.

Silas nodded. "Understood."

Aria pulled up her QR code. "Let's exchange contacts. I'll notify you before each session."

He scanned it and added her. "Done."

"By the way," Aria suddenly asked, "why did you say Serena isn't simple?"

Silas's gaze darkened. "She has powerful backers. There's something about her that draws certain people."

Aria raised a brow. "You mean her karmic aura?"

He blinked. "You noticed it too?"

He'd already observed the unusually thick aura surrounding Serena—a magnet for those with ill intentions.

Aria was even more surprised. "You can see it?"

Realizing his slip, Silas simply admitted, "Yes, I have some knowledge in this area."

Aria suddenly grabbed his wrist, pressing a fingertip to his palm.

A faint crimson sigil surfaced.

Her expression shifted. "You're a blood mage?"

Silas gave a wry smile. "Not exactly. Just basic understanding."

Aria smirked. "A CEO and a blood mage. Impressive."

She tactfully avoided mentioning his other identity as the Obsidian Circle Overlord.

Silas met her eyes. "Likewise."

"When are you leaving town?" Aria asked.

"Tomorrow," Silas replied. "The company just relocated back home—lots to handle."

"Then I'll give you the jade when we're back in the capital. For now, take this talisman."

She paused. "Don't use any blood magic. It'll worsen the curse's backlash."

Silas nodded. "Understood."

He added, "Contact me anytime if needed."

"Sure."

After lingering a while longer, Aria headed back to the inn.

At her door, Nolan stood waiting.

"Something wrong?"

His gaze was intense. "Waiting for you."

He asked bluntly, "Were you with Silas?"

Aria didn't deny it. "Yes."

Nolan frowned. "He's no good—always faking illness for sympathy. Don't fall for it."

That guy had used tricks to get close to Aria years ago. Clearly scheming.

Aria rolled her eyes. "Since when do you police my life?"

Nolan looked wounded. "I'm just looking out for you."

Aria sighed. "Fine, fine. I know he's got ulterior motives. Thanks for the warning."

Since when had Nolan become so overbearing?

He opened his mouth but only said, "Just be careful."

"Goodnight." She waved him off and entered her room.

Nolan sighed and headed downstairs, running into Damian.

On impulse, he invited, "Drink with me?"

Damian raised a brow. "Why?"

Though he disliked Damian, compared to Silas, the man seemed almost tolerable. "Just talking. You don't want Silas near Aria either, right?"

Damian chuckled. "I respect Aria's choices. Even if that guy is insufferable, I won't interfere."

He could sense Silas's interest in Aria.

But even if he and Aria were together, he'd never control her friendships.

Besides, Aria was sharp—and aware of Silas's true identity. No way she'd be fooled.

He trusted her.

"Don't overstep," Damian said meaningfully before walking away.

Nolan stared after him, reconsidering his own behavior.

No wonder Aria treated Damian differently. The man was shrewd.

Late that night, Serena sneaked out to find Silas, craving his touch.

But his bodyguard informed her he was out. Defeated, she returned.

From his window, Silas watched her leave through the curtains before showering.

At dawn, he departed quietly, texting Aria before leaving.

The crew took everyone to Aldercrest Mountain.

Their van stopped before the Combat Hall.

Serena's eyes lit up.

Finally—her moment to shine.

Wesley smiled. "This round favors Nolan and Serena. Want to give it a try?"

Serena feigned modesty. "I'll try my best to get us in."

Nolan said calmly, "Sure. Good chance to test my skills."

Vivienne, disliking Serena's act, whispered to Aria, "Aren't you trying?"

Both Aria and Damian had claimed martial arts experience.

Aria smiled. "Let them go first."

Vivienne grinned. "Got it. Can't wait to see the show."

Something felt off about Serena's supposed passion for martial arts.

The gates opened.

A young man and woman greeted them.

The girl beamed. "Welcome to the Combat Hall! Please, come in!"

Clearly prepared.

As they entered, the boy announced, "The test is simple: defeat either of us in combat using traditional techniques."