The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1623

Behind them were the elders- or at least that's what Hao Xuan perceived them to be from their aura and energies.

All one could see were their feet, eyes, and arms since a single unbroken off-white fabric covered the rest.

And in the last row were the females. They were physically smaller than even the elders but their energies were the most potent. They had no need to carry any weapons because that would only slow down their overflowing mana.

Hao Xuan turned his gaze towards the village where he detected the weaker lifeforms that were probably children and the injured.

At first he thought they were looking for a fight but a distinct lack of spiritual beasts that he saw last time said otherwise. At least they didn't want to start a war from the get-go which meant there was a chance he could negotiate with them.

After descending to a little over ten meters Hao Xuan recalled most of his soul power as a gesture of goodwill.

"Greetings! Salutations!" he called out.

"I seek an audience with your leader so that we may discuss the future. Do you..." his voice trailed off because there was no look of recognition or understanding from any of them.

"Oh right, is there any among you capable of speaking the mortal tongues?"

He waited for a moment but nearly half a minute went by with no changes. Just as he was debating how to proceed there was a commotion in the back.

Two children were helping an old Djinn walk as he stumbled outside the village. Some of the younger ones turned to see what was happening before immediately going forth to lend a helping hand.

The elder whispered something to them so they led him to the very front.

Hao Xuan turned his attention to this elder, scrutinizing every move he made. He was aged even by their standards and his aura was archaic. He had to be at least a few thousand years old in standard years, although time passed differently within the Umbral Planes.

"Human," he called out in a weak voice gesturing for him to come closer.

Hao Xuan came all the way down to be on the same level as him.

The elder reciprocated by walking out on his own with the help of an old tree branch. At first glance it appeared to be a normal stick but there were fresh leaves sprouting from its side.

And seeing as Hao Xuan hadn't come across a single ordinary tree while traversing the Umbral Planes meant this was anything but that.

'Perhaps a sealed weapon? I can't detect anything out of place...'

Now they were a little over 2 meters apart, a being of pure light and an old spirit.

"Hello," Hao Xuan gave a respectful light bow.

"Welcome...newborn," the elder replied while looking him up and down, " I am called 'Khadim' in your languages, young one."

"Senior Khadim, I am glad to make your acquaintance. Although I must say, I am neither that young nor a newborn."

The elder took a moment to gather his thoughts, "Then you have my apologies, dear guest. I only say that because of your appearance."

"My appearances?" Hao Xuan looked at himself, "What's wrong with it?"

"You are in the nude overflowing with the radiance of a second birth- baring your soul for all to see. If I am not mistaken, that is what mortals call a newborn."

"Ahh!"

'He's right!' Hao Xuan exclaimed inwardly, 'To them I am technically a newborn. And 'baring my soul'- I didn't know it was perceived as being naked...no wonder they were so cautious....'

"In that case it is I who should apologize," Hao Xuan clasped his hands as a show of respect but the elder lightly shook his head.

"I can tell you meant nothing by it, it was only due to your lack of knowledge."

He glanced at the rows of warriors behind them, "But now I must ask young guest, what brings you here? My kin...they are not accustomed to guests of such esteem."

Hao Xuan chuckled, "Esteem? You give me too much credit senior Khadim. As you said, I am but an ignorant new soul in this realm thirsting for knowledge. I only wanted to ask if I could trade with your village, that is all."

Elder Khadim was shocked, "You wish to trade with us?!?"

Hao Xuan was surprised by his overaction.

'Does he not know that word? Or maybe thinks it means something other than what it does for me??'

"Equivalent exchange!" he quickly clarified before the elder could get any wrong ideas, "You give me information and I can give you something in return, or perhaps even do something for the village to pay you back!"

"Y-Yes I understand but-" the elder glanced at the warriors in confusion and then back at him, "-You do not wish to conquer or destroy us?"

"Of course not! Why would I do that??"

Elder Khadim obviously understood his intentions but coming to terms with them was another thing entirely.

"This...I must discuss this with my kin. Will you allow us some time, young guest?"

Hao Xuan nodded, "Of course. I will return at a later time."