Meanwhile, Jared and Flaxseed moved swiftly. By using the clues they had previously gathered and Flaxseed’s knowledge of Malevolent Path Hall, they finally located one of Malevolent Path Hall’s branches.
It was a gloomy structure nestled deep within the mountains. A chill, deathly vapor leaked from every crack of the building, as if thick with the whispers of souls long devoured by the wicked organization.
Around it, the trees warped into claw-like shapes like some lurking evil had gnawed at them. The whole area was nothing short of eerie.
With a cold gaze, Jared tightened his grip on the Dragonslayer Sword. “So… This is the place…”
Flaxseed bobbed his head, equal parts of hope and dread flickering in his eyes. “May we finally find my clan members’ souls.”
Together, they strode toward the branch. As soon as they neared the entrance, two guards stepped forward to block their path.
Armed with a spear, one of the guards barked, “Halt! Who are you?! How dare you trespass on the Malevolent Path Hall’s branch?!”
Not bothered to waste his breath on the guards, Jared released a pulse of spiritual energy, and the air rippled outward like a tidal wave.
The two guards felt themselves being assailed by an immense pressure, and they staggered backward involuntarily, turning pale with terror.
“Send out Stebarin Hemato!” Jared’s voice thundered across the valley.
Soon, the gates creaked apart, and Stebarin strolled out with a group of subordinates behind him. A look of surprise flitted across Stebarin’s eyes when he saw Jared, but he sneered the next second.
“Well, well. You tracked me down faster than I thought,” Stebarin drawled mockingly.
Taken aback, Jared asked, “You knew I’d be coming for you?”
Stebarin’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Of course. And I also know you’ve been sniffing after the souls of the Flaxseed clan.”
“You do live up to your rank as an elder of Malevolent Path Hall. Since you’re so well informed, tell me where those souls are. Do that, and, if mercy strikes me, I may let you walk away alive,” Jared threatened, staring at Stebarin icily.
Stebarin threw back his head and cackled with lunatic laughter. “I wouldn’t have waited here for you if I were afraid of you.”
Flaxseed, anger pulsing in every part of his face, jabbed a finger at Stebarin. “Stebarin! Malevolent Path Hall has committed enough atrocities, robbing my clan of our members’ souls. Hand them over, now!”
Stebarin cast a disdainful look at Flaxseed. “Who do you think you are? How dare a mere remnant of the Flaxseed clan like you dare to order me around? You must have a death wish!”
Jared’s gaze sharpened. “Enough. Speak or die today, Stebarin. There is no third path.”
Stebarin sneered. “Oh? Jared, do you think you’re all that? Slaying Drystan sure has filled you with swagger, but alas, Celestial Palace doesn’t hold a candle to Malevolent Path Hall. Let me show you what you really are on my turf! Nothing!”
With that, Stebarin made seals with his hands at an alarming speed. Along with the thickening of his aura, streaks of crimson light spilled from his body, staining the very air.
“Bloodstorm Surge!” he roared.
A towering tide of crimson waves erupted, sweeping toward Jared and Flaxseed. The blood-like wave reeked of decay, eager to swallow stone, flesh, and hope alike.
Jared did not flinch. Celestial energy surged through his veins as he raised the Dragonslayer Sword overhead, its edge keening for battle.
“Sever!” he yelled, and the Dragonslayer Sword answered with a blinding flare.
A giant dragon-shaped sword shadow, all radiant scales and wrath, burst forth from the blade, hurtling straight into the oncoming crimson sea.
Boom! With a deafening noise, the dragon-shaped sword shadow collided with the crimson tide, and the resulting impact fissured the ground.
