“What the f*ck did you say?! Are you asking for trouble?!” Wallace furrowed his brows, ready to confront Stefan.
“Wallace…” Winifred grabbed hold of own brother. “Before Father secluded himself, reminded us not to stir up trouble.”
Wallace’s face turned beet red with embarrassment. However, only shot a glare at Stefan before left.
When Stefan saw Wallace and Winifred depart, a smirk played at the corners of his lips. His face was filled with disdain as slowly made his way into the nearby tavern.
***
Upon seeing the newcomer, everyone in the tavern immediately attended to with great care.
Stefan had quite the notorious reputation. He was carefully savoring his wine, with eight Immortal Realm cultivators standing behind him.
This spectacle was absolutely mind-blowing.
Suddenly, an ominous aura slowly enveloped the entire tavern.
Following this, a red-haired, grim-faced old man slowly made his approach.
“Mr. Montes, the master feared for your safety, so specifically assigned me to accompany you!” The elderly man spoke with utmost respect in front of Stefan.
“Red Ghost, you could just say you’re here to watch me. What’s with all the unnecessary chatter? With my capabilities, coupled with the Eight Sinister Cultivators backing me up, who could possibly pose a threat to me?” Stefan scoffed dismissively.
The red-haired elder remained silent, his head lowered.
“Go find out about that guy named Jared. See if he’s got any powerful backing. If it’s just Twilight Imperial City, then that’s too boring. Twilight Imperial City is too weak, not worth my effort.” Stefan addressed Red Ghost.
“As you wish…” After saying this, Red Ghost instantly vanished into thin air.
“I really hoped that this Jared has some powerful backing. It would make things more interesting. Otherwise, this whole trip would be dreadfully dull.” Stefan swirled the wine glass in his hand as spoke.
***
Twilight Imperial City’s station, Doveston.
Jared was quietly cultivating, undisturbed by anyone. This peaceful environment allowed to focus on his cultivation. He hoped that when the time came to ascend the Celestial Stairway, would be able to climb an extra level.
Fraser burst into Jared’s room, exclaiming, “Jared, you should stop cultivating now. Stefan from Four Hell Palace has arrived. This guy is extremely arrogant, even more so than you.”
“Why should his arrogance concern me?” Jared questioned.
“I heard that Mr. Montes thinks you’re quite arrogant. He’s been looking into you, likely planning to target you.” Fraser looked somewhat tense.
“Don’t worry. Aren’t your father and Abbot Infinides about to arrive?” Jared said.
“Even if my father and Infinides were to arrive, I fear they would be powerless. After all, Mr. Montes has brought along eight subordinates from the Immortal Realm. Moreover, Red Ghost has arrived. This guy’s abilities are not to be underestimated. I’ve heard he’s already reached the Immortal Realm Level Five.” Fraser followed up with an explanation to Jared.
“Eight immortal Realm cultivators? And another one at the Immortal Realm Level Five?” Jared was somewhat taken aback.
Why is this Four Hell Palace so incredibly awe-inspiring?
Why do they have so many Immortal Realm experts?
“What should I do, then? Should I go and apologize to Mr. Montes, admitting that he’s better than me?” Jared asked.
“If apologies worked, Mr. Montes wouldn’t be considered arrogant. Once sets his sights on you, I doubt an apology would make any difference.” With furrowed brows, Fraser spoke.
“Since there’s no use for an apology, then let’s fight. We can stop once he’s been beaten into submission…” Jared gave a light smile, then focused his spiritual sense inward before addressing Vermilion Demon Lord, “Mr. Vermilion, do you think you can handle an Immortal Realm Level Five cultivator?”
“Becoming an Immortal Realm Level Five is nothing. I could crush with a single finger. As long as your physical body can withstand it, even if he’s an immortal, I could kill with a single slap.” Vermilion Demon Lord spoke with remarkable bravado.
“That’s reassuring. With you around, what do I have to fear? If anyone dares to come after me, I’ll take them down,” Jared responded with a laugh.
“Jared, you can still manage to laugh? If it really comes to it, just leave Land of Finale. If worst comes to worst, you can forgo climbing the Celestial Stairway and revisit the idea in a hundred years,” Fraser remarked.
“Don’t worry. If Mr. Montes ever dares to mess with me, I’ll beat the crap out of him.” Jared gave Fraser a pat on the shoulder.
Regarding Fraser, Jared was quite pleased. The guy had been good to him.
