Meanwhile, Rostom held Hamish hostage as Kiara remained vigilant, constantly scanning the surroundings for any signs of approaching demon beasts. The three of them weaved through a thick jungle on the mountain.
“Where are you taking me, Tom?” Hamish asked in confusion.
“Just come with me, Mr. Chevalier. I know a very safe route,” Rostom explained.
“You know a route? But you have never been to the southern region, right?” Hamish asked.
“I heard about it from a friend. Now that we’re in the clear, we should be able to escape Mount Crimson soon,” Rostom replied as he continued walking with Hamish in his grip.
Hamish said nothing further after that, but he continued to observe his surroundings with a somewhat displeased look on his face.
Kiara, too, was on guard as she cautiously followed behind them. Little did Hamish know, a group of people was waiting for them just up ahead. An elderly man in a black robe had a vicious look in his eyes.
“I didn’t know you and the overlord were still alive and have been living in Demon Seal Alliance’s headquarters, Elder Fabrizio. Ever since Soulless Hall got attacked by Demon Seal Alliance and many cultivators, I fled to Mount Crimson with dozens of our surviving members. I spent every day hoping to someday avenge Soulless Hall. Who would’ve thought you guys were still alive, eh?” said Hyrum Goeckner, a man with knife scars on his face as he stood next to that elderly man.
“The overlord and I are glad to hear that, Hyrum. After all, it has been so many years. We, too, thought we were going to die when we fell into Demon Seal Alliance’s hands. However, they simply locked us up instead of killing us. There are many Demonic Cultivators who are being kept as pets to serve Demon Seal Alliance. I came here today because they sent me to kill someone named Jared. Had that not been the case, I would not have encountered you guys,” Xanthus Fabrizio replied.
“Could you imagine that the Demon Seal Alliance, which harbors such intense animosity towards demons, is actually collaborating with them in secret? The irony is astounding!” Hyrum exclaimed.
“Do not tell anyone else about this,” Xanthus ordered coldly.
“Don’t worry, Elder Fabrizio. I won’t tell anyone!” Hyrum promised.
“So, why did you bring me here? What are we waiting for?” Xanthus asked.
“You may not know this, Elder Fabrizio, but cultivators often go through Mount Crimson to get to the southern region. Now that all of Ethereal Realm knows about the celestial battleground in Demonia Mountain, the amount of cultivators passing through Mount Crimson has increased significantly,” Hyrum elucidated.
Following a brief pause, he revealed, “We could ambush them for some resources. This time, we’re waiting for someone who travels to the southern region all year round. He has a lot of information on the locations of treasures. I hear he has even hidden some of his treasures here in Mount Crimson.”
“How do you know they’ll pass us by?” Xanthus asked in confusion.
“I planted a mole in their group and used the poison veil to force them to flee. Once we capture Hamish, we can make him lead us to the treasure!” Hyrum replied proudly.
“I see. You certainly have grown a lot over the years. Once Soulless Hall is restored, I will tell the overlord about this and propose that you be promoted to an elder!” Xanthus said while patting Hyrum on the shoulder.
“Thank you very much, Elder Fabrizio!” Hyrum exclaimed excitedly.
That was when Rostom, along with the Chevaliers, approached them. Hamish’s expression turned progressively solemn as he surveyed the surroundings.
