Dillon dismissed One-Eyed’s insinuation with disdain. “Bullsh*t. Pathfinder Sect may not rival the Demon Seal Alliance, but we do not lack resources. How dare you suggest that? I don’t care who’s after Jared. He is currently under our protection, aboard our airship. Surrendering him would tarnish our reputation irreparably. As the escort, it’s my duty to ensure the safety of all passengers. Even at the cost of my life, I will not betray that trust. And if you dare to provoke a conflict, be prepared for the consequences. Even if I fall, Pathfinder Sect will ensure justice is served. Consider your actions carefully. If we mark you as our enemy, you won’t survive in the southern region.” Dillon’s words could only use Pathfinder Sect’s authority to intimidate One- Eyed and his group.
As expected, One-Eyed’s resolve wavered. Pathfinder Sect wielded considerable influence throughout the southern region, boasting numerous branches and a formidable reputation.
If he crossed them and found himself on their hit list, it would indeed be impossible for him to survive in the southern region.
Moreover, the sect leader of Pathfinder Sect was an enigma, rarely seen and known by few. It was the elders who were primarily overseeing the sect.
Swayed by the potential consequences of antagonizing Pathfinder Sect, One-Eyed hesitated. Dillon seized the opportunity, offering a compromise. “If you give up now, we’re willing to provide a generous batch of resources. While it may not match the bounty of the Demon Seal Alliance, it certainly won’t be far off.”
He struck while the iron was still hot, hoping he could persuade One-Eyed and his group to leave.
Upon hearing the offer, One-Eyed was even more torn.
As One-Eyed contemplated Dillon’s proposition, one of his underlings approached him, murmuring into his ear, “Boss, a century’s worth of offerings isn’t the only thing we’ll get if we manage to kill Jared.”
One-Eyed’s gaze hardened after he heard that. Turning his gaze back to Dillon, One-Eyed spoke. “Mr. Sawyer, while I harbor no desire to be at odds with Pathfinder Sect, I cannot leave without Jared today. If you refuse to hand him over, you leave me no choice but to end you.”
Dillon’s brow furrowed. I was so close to succeeding! What did that underling say to strengthen his resolve?
“Mr. Sawyer, do you think you could take on this one-eyed guy?”
As Dillon was caught between a rock and a hard place, Jared unexpectedly emerged from the airship.
“Mr. Chance, why are you out here? I told you to stay put,” Dillon exclaimed anxiously.
Turning his attention to Jared, One-Eyed was surprised. “Are you Jared Chance?” he asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.
After all, he believed anyone targeted by the Demon Seal Alliance with such a hefty bounty was typically a seasoned cultivator; a Fifth Level Tribulator, at least. Moreover, he must be someone who had a history with the alliance.
Jared, however, appeared deceptively youthful and was merely a Third Level Tribulator.
How could someone of this caliber possibly be targeted by the Demon Seal Alliance?
“Indeed, I am Jared, the one whom the Demon Seal Alliance is after. I can go with you, so don’t make things difficult for Mr. Sawyer,” Jared addressed One-Eyed calmly.
One-Eyed’s expression brightened with relief. If Jared surrendered willingly, it would save him from offending Pathfinder Sect, and he would still receive the bounty from the Demon Seal Alliance. It’s the best of both worlds!
“All right,” One-Eyed agreed, “as long as you cooperate and follow my instructions, I won’t cause any trouble for Pathfinder Sect. I’ll let them leave immediately.”
“Mr. Chance, you…” Dillon began, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt as Jared voluntarily stepped forward to spare him trouble.
However, Jared chose to ignore Dillon, directing his attention to One-Eyed instead. “I’m about to be killed by you all. But before I meet my end, there’s something I need to understand.”