“Mr. Darkmore, if others choose to act, that is their decision. We should refrain from getting involved in this matter,” Lauden stated, his expression growing stern.
He had resolved not to assist Jared, but at the same time, he was determined not to harm him either.
The Five Great Sects, after all, had no personal or familial connection with Jared, leaving Lauden with no obligation to intervene on his behalf.
“Mr. Delacroix, we-” Heinrik began, only to be interrupted.
“Enough,” Lauden interjected firmly. “I’ve made my decision. Once Jared and his companions leave our territory tomorrow, we will seal off the base. For the time being, no one is to enter or exit.” His hand waved dismissively, finalizing the decision.
Seeing Lauden’s resolute stance, the others fell silent, knowing it was inappropriate to further challenge his authority.
In the Five Great Sects, Lauden’s word was law.
As everyone dispersed from the hall, Heinrik’s eyes lingered with a hint of greed. The opportunity presented by the Demon Seal Alliance was too significant to be easily ignored.
Meanwhile, in Jared’s room, Catina suddenly woke up, her face etched with panic. “Jared, wake up, wake up… she implored, shaking Jared awake from his deep slumber.
“It’s so late, and you’re still not finished?” Jared groaned sleepily. “How many times has it been now? Let me rest a bit.” Jared’s tone was one of exasperated helplessness.
Catina’s persistent demands had begun to wear on him, and he was grateful that Feenix, usually occupied with playing with the telepathic beast, wasn’t adding to his burden.
Catina, urgent and tense, implored, “Jared, you must wake up! The Demon Seal Alliance has issued a Decree of Execution throughout the Ethereal Realm. Whoever kills you will be rewarded with a hundred years of offerings…”
“How did you find out about this?” Jared asked, now fully awake and puzzled. They had been together the whole time, so it was a mystery how Catina could have known about the Decree of Execution from the Demon Seal Alliance.
“The Demon Seal Alliance used distant telepathy. I received the message in my consciousness field,” Catina explained.
“Distant telepathy?” Jared’s surprise was evident. “If you received it, why didn’t I hear anything?”
Catina elaborated, “Distant telepathy is a communication device, a rare treasure in the Ethereal Realm. There are only three in the realm, and the Demon Seal Alliance had one. I didn’t expect them to use it for this. It utilizes the consciousness field for transmission. But it’s random; not everyone can hear it. I believe the people within the Five Great Sects must have heard it too. We need to leave quickly, if they’re aware of it, it could be dangerous for you.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Montane Daemon,
Upon opening the door, Montane Daemon, looking anxious, warned, “Mr. Chance, the Demon Seal Alliance has put a bounty on your head. It’s best we leave immediately.”
Jared, curious, inquired, “Did you also receive the message from the Demon Seal Alliance?”
Montane Daemon shook his head, but Cloud interjected, “I heard it, Mr. Chance. It was like someone speaking inside my head. I got up to investigate and saw the main halls of the Five Great Sects bustling, even at this late hour. Realizing it might be related to the extermination order, I rushed to inform Mr. Daemon and Mr. Delacroix.”
“We must hurry,” Cloud urged, his face etched with worry. Feenix, cradling the telepathic beast, emerged from the next room, clearly unaware of the Decree of Execution.
“Okay, it’s time to go,” Jared concluded, acknowledging that even the Five Great Sects might compromise their principles when faced with such irresistible incentives.
Indeed, the temptation of immense rewards has the potential to push individuals towards extreme measures.
