Elliot stepped forward, dropped to one knee, and said, “Mr. Ignatius, I think the traitor might be among the escorts we have hired. We don’t know their background. They would do anything for money. Moreover, our people were the only ones to survive. Most of the escorts were dead.”
Lindsay snapped head up and glared at Elliot. “What do you mean? Jared is also an escort. He almost died trying to save us! Are you suspecting him?”
“Lindsay, you misunderstand me. I’m not talking about Mr. Chance. I know what did for us. but the other escorts I’m not so sure of…”
“For instance, Lyndon and Ethan might be the traitors, so they died to hide their real identities. Oh, Vermilion is a demonic cultivator. He might have connections with the Malevolent Path Hall,” Elliot explained. He was trying to shift the blame to someone else
Lindsay’s whole frame quivered. “You…”
“You can suspect me, but you’re the most suspicious among us,” Vermilion Demon Lord retorted.
Elliot’s brows knitted together. “What are you suggesting?”
“That ambush was too precise. Only Earthfire Pavilion’s higher-ups knew the retreat route. And…”
Ignatius leaned forward. “And what?”
“And…” Vermilion Demon Lord continued, “I noticed during the fight that the Malevolent Path Hall avoided Elliot. They didn’t attack frequently. As for Elliot, his attacks were slow, more like doing a show.”
Silence dropped over the hall. Every gaze swung to Elliot.
Color drained from Elliot’s cheeks, then rushed back in a crimson wave of anger. “Lies! Me? A traitor? I’m loyal to Earthfire Pavilion. I pledge to protect Princess Lindsay. These wounds prove it! Mr. Ignatius, Vermillion is framing me!”
Lindsay faltered. In the chaos of battle, had only focused on Ferdinand and Jared. She did not notice Elliot’s actions.
Ignatius stared at Elliot, then turned his gaze toward the unconscious Jared. He said, “I’ll investigate this matter myself. Before the truth is revealed, no one is allowed to leave Earthfire Pavilion. Elliot, you rest first. Lindsay, you stay and tell me the whole Incident. Everyone, go to rest.”
“Yes, Mr. Ignatius!”
Elliot shot Vermilion Demon Lord a glare and turned to leave.
Carrying Jared across his back, Vermilion Demon Lord followed a disciple to a quiet chamber.
Once the heavy door thudded shut, Vermilion set up a soundproof spell. He looked at Jared and sighed. “Kid, you’ve gone too far this time. You almost died…”
Vermilion felt guilty since Jared approached the Earthfire Pavilion because of him.
Vermilion drew out several precious healing pills, slipped them past Jared’s cracked lips, and steered their power with a steady pulse of energy.
Jared was heavily wounded. His meridians were badly severed. Without his strong foundation and the Golden Dragon Bloodline, might have died.
***
Jared was unconscious for three days.
When his eyelids finally fluttered open, found Vermilion seated beside him, unmoving, eyes rimmed red from sleepless watch.
“Awake at last?” Vermilion exhaled, shoulders easing. “How do you feel?”
Jared tried to answer, but pain roared through every joint. His throat felt scorched, and no sound would come.
“Stay still. Your injuries are grave,” Vermilion warned.
He helped Jared sit, tipped a wooden cup against his cracked lips. “We’re back inside Earthfire Pavilion, safe for the moment. Yet…”
After two shallow gulps, Jared forced words past his ravaged voice box. “How long have I been unconscious?”
“Three days and three nights,” Vermilion answered.
Jared’s brow tightened. “That long? Then we must leave the Earthfire Pavilion at once and find a hidden place where I can heal in peace.”
He planned to find a secluded place to heal in the Pentacarna Tower, which could save time. Three days would grant twelve months of focused recovery in the Pentacarna Tower.
Within that span his shattered body would knit itself whole. In the reality, needed at least a few months to recover.
“We can’t,” Vermilion said, shaking his head. “Ignatius has forbidden anyone to leave until the traitor is discovered.”
He went on to explain Ignatius’ growing suspicion that someone within the Earthfire Pavilion had told the enemy about their location.
Jared frowned, fingers clenching the blanket. “It is strange. How did the Malevolent Path Hall know exactly where we would retreat after harvesting the Flame Spirit Herb?”
Vermilion Demon Lord spread his hands. “If we leave now, we’ll look guilty. Innocent or not, we become the traitors in their eyes.”
Jared fell silent and finally nodded, accepting the cornered truth. He felt the weak celestial energy and wounded meridians in his body.
“If we stayed here, my wounds would need months to heal,” he said with a bitter smile.
“Months?” Vermilion’s brows knit even tighter. “Bennett may be wounded, but Malevolent Path Hall commands vast strength. Stronger members will come after you long before those months pass.”
“I know,” Jared whispered, eyes hardening with stubborn fire. “That’s why I need to find a way to recover quickly.”
While they were talking, they heard someone outside the room.
