Following Ebenez’s command, his disciples, swarmed forward to seize Jared. Upon seeing that, Zebediah quickly led Ghaylen’s disciples to shield Jared behind them.
“What right do the lot of you have to seize him? Even if he’s to be punished, it should be on the orders of Mr. Holt. Mr. Erdell has no right to do so!” Zebediah declared loudly.
He was right in that all rewards and punishments in the sect had to be ordered by the sect leader. Ebenez was not in charge of that, merely given the responsibility to distribute resources and evaluate the sect members.
He had no right to punish other elders’ disciples in Emerald Cauldron Sect, and that was why Zebediah made that statement.
Unbeknownst to Zebediah, his remark hit Ebenez where it hurt. Ebenez was the second elder, yet he had no right to reward or punish Emerald Cauldron Sect’s disciples. If Hosen were away, his power was even beneath that of Sigurd, the principal disciple.
“How dare you speak to me in such a manner when you’re nothing more than an insignificant disciple! You’re simply asking for it!”
Zebediah’s words seemed to trigger something within Ebenez, causing him to frown. With a swift motion of his hand, he lightly waved at the man, sending him flying in the blink of an eye.
Zebediah hit the ground hard. His expression contorted into a mask of pain, making it evident that he was severely injured.
“Seize Jared immediately!” Ebenez instructed in a booming voice after sending Zebediah flying with a single slap.
At that moment, Jared’s eyes were narrowed a fraction and stained with murderous intent. When Ebenez’s disciples rushed forward, a terrifying aura burst forth from his body.
Like a tornado, it swiftly swept over Ebenez’s disciples. The dozen of them were immediately sent flying. They all landed heavily amidst the ruins, and it was uncertain if they were still alive or dead.
When Ebenez saw that Jared even dared to make a move against his disciples right in front of him, he saw red. “Great, just great, kid! This is mutiny!”
Having said that, he shot his hand out to grab the man. An enormous palm suddenly manifested in mid-air and engulfed Jared. Seeing that, Jared tightened his grip on the Dragonslayer Sword in his right hand, his gaze turning razor-sharp.
In his current condition, dealing with Ebenez alone posed no problems for him. However, if Ebenez were to team up with Bilius, it would prove more challenging. The situation would be taxing on him since his Dragonslayer Sword could only unleash half its capabilities, as the sword spirit, Zelda, had not fully recovered yet.
Worse still, he had also lost Divine Bow, so Dragon Bell was his only ace in the hole. Nonetheless, he did not dare use it at will either, for many people were bound to set their sights on him if he were to give too much away.
While Jared was racking his brain for a solution to resolve the situation, Sigurd appeared out of the blue. With the sect leader token in hand, Sigurd shouted at Ebenez, “Are you attempting to destroy the whole sect, Mr. Erdell?”
Hearing that, Ebenez retracted his hand. “Sigurd, this kid right here not only beat up his fellow disciples but also destroyed their residences. Do you have any objections if I want to apprehend him?” he asked, fixing his gaze on Sigurd.
“Since the Master is away, Mr. Erdell, all rewards and punishments in the sect fall under my authority. By taking matters into your own hands, are you coveting the position of sect leader?” Sigurd questioned firmly.
Ebenez never expected Sigurd to dare speak to him in such a manner. However, given that Sigurd held the sect leader token and was addressing him before numerous disciples, Ebenez found himself in no position to argue. Reluctantly, he relented, saying, “Fine, then. If that’s the case, you can issue the orders. Hurry up and give the command to have Jared detained.”
“How could I simply give such a command before getting to the bottom of the matter, Mr. Erdell?” Sigurd countered.
“In my thinking, Sigurd, you’re just favoring this kid! The truth is right before your eyes. Are you blind?” Bilius cursed.
