Hyrum was gripped by fear. He had come to the staggering realization that he was outclassed by Jared in both strength and mastery of poison. If this drags on, I won’t be able to save myself, much less kill him!
Glancing at Xanthus, he observed the intense battle between Xanthus and Misho. The two were evenly matched, both being Sixth Level Tribulators. Hyrum estimated that it would take some time before a clear victor emerged.
Meanwhile, his subordinates were struggling in combat with the other cultivators.
The unity among this group of cultivators caught him off guard. His previous ambushes on human cultivators had always succeeded because most would selfishly flee when faced with a group confrontation.
However, it seemed things had turned south this time.
Simultaneously, the distant roars of silver tigers reached Hyrum’s ears. The prospect of these silver tigers joining the fray made any hope of escape seem futile.
“Elder Fabrizio, we need to retreat immediately!” Hyrum shouted, swiftly turning and fleeing.
They found themselves at a significant disadvantage, and their only option was to withdraw and bide their time for another opportunity.
Xanthus, too, frowned. He hadn’t expected a mere human exploration team to include a Sixth Level Tribulator expert like Misho. The idea of a tactical withdrawal crossed Xanthus mind.
Since killing Jared is no longer feasible, conserving our strength takes precedence now. We’ll seek another chance to act in the future!
Once the decision was made, the Demonic Cultivators began to pull back while continuing to fight. Hyrum, in particular, discarded all hesitation, desperately racing into the mountain range without a backward glance.
Observing this, Jared advanced. His figure blurred as he pursued.
Initially, Hyrum assumed that his familiarity with the terrain in Mount Crimson would allow him to easily shake off Jared. However, he soon realized that, regardless of his efforts to escape, Jared stuck to him like a persistent specter.
“Brat, we have no grudges against each other, so why are you so persistent in pursuing me? It wasn’t my intention to kill you. Besides, we’re both alchemists. Can’t you let me go? Push me too far, and I’ll fight back!” Hyrum pleaded while running, hoping Jared would relent and cease the pursuit.
“True, we have no grudges, but you tried to kill me. Now that your plan has failed, you seek mercy. Do you think you can always get your way?” Jared responded casually.
“Don’t assume I’m afraid of you, kid. I just don’t want to reveal too much of my skills. Since you’re so insistent, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Hyrum came to a sudden stop. Jared also halted, giving Hyrum a cold stare.
“Come out!” Hyrum shifted his gaze to the side. At that moment, Rostom emerged slowly from behind a nearby tree.
Hyrum had stopped because he sensed Rostom’s presence. Alone, he might not match Jared, but teaming up with Rostom would likely corner Jared.
“Mr. Goeckner, I never thought I’d see you being chased by a youngster. Seems I made the wrong call in collaborating with you,” Rostom said, displeased, while assessing Hyrum’s disheveled appearance.
He had risked his life to divert Hamish, and this was the outcome.
“Mr. Beridze, I can assure you that teaming up with me isn’t a mistake. If we work together now to eliminate Jared, I’ll give you what you desire. Celestial energy, right? Once we finish Jared, I’ll guide you to it. After all these years in Mount Crimson, there’s not a corner of this mountain range I’m not familiar with.” Hyrum tempted Rostom with promises.
As anticipated, the mention of celestial energy made Rostom waver.
