Jared held the Dragonslayer Sword, his eyes showing not a hint of fear. The Power of Dragons surged through him without restraint, and his sword intent poured out like a rising tide, pushing back against the oppressive pressure.
Boom! The collision of their auras sent Jared flying backward. As he spun through the air, rivulets of blood sprayed from his body.
Pain scorched every nerve. His body was battered and broken. Even so, Jared drove the Dragonslayer Sword into the ground and forced himself upright, refusing to yield.
“Impressive, boy. Still alive…” Elmer let out a cold snort. He snapped his clawed hand forward. The void around them twisted violently, and Jared’s body was dragged toward him as if the air itself had turned into chains.
But just as Jared was about to be seized, a terrifying aura surged into the area.
Elmer’s brow furrowed as he instinctively glanced toward the sky.
A figure fell like a shooting star, descending at incredible speed.
“Jared, the Nethergate Sect has you. Step back, now!” Neville landed in front of Jared, his gaze icy and unwavering.
“Mr. Contreras,” Elmer growled, “The Soul Devourer wants that boy. And you dare protect him?”
Jared finally realized the truth. The people in front of him were not from the Malevolent Path Hall at all. They were underlings of the Soul Devourer. Jared did not know whether the Soul Devourer had fully recovered at level nine.
If he had… Things could get messy fast…
Neville’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t you hear me? The Nethergate Sect is protecting Jared. Step back now. Don’t think that just because the Soul Devourer has returned to level nine, you Earth Fiend Sect people are impressive. In my eyes, you’re still trash that doesn’t deserve to stand on any stage.”
Neville’s words were harsh, Elmer and the silhouettes were stiffened with anger and humiliation.
“Neville, your Nethergate Sect isn’t what it used to be. You really think you’re still the strongest sect at level nine? I warn you…”
Boom!
Neville did not let him finish. He raised a hand, and a crushing force slammed down.
Elmer‘s eyes went wide. Before he could even react, the crushing pressure tore through his body, shattering it. His soul shot out, barely held together.
Neville had restrained himself. If he had not, Elmer would have been nothing but dust.
“You? Threaten me?” Neville’s lips curled in disdain. “Even your sect leader wouldn’t dare speak to me like that. And you, a lowly elder, think you can?”
Elmer’s soul flared with rage. “Fine. If you’re not afraid of the Soul Devourer, I’ll tell him everything. Then I’ll watch your Nethergate Sect burn with my own eyes!”
“Nonsense,” Neville said, his voice icy. “Soul Devourer, Fire Demon Lord. Bring them all. Anyone under the protection of the Nethergate Sect will be protected. No one touches Jared. If you’re so eager, call your people. Try him. I dare you!”
Elmer’s face darkened, fury twisting his features, but he had no choice.
The Earth Fiend Sect was nothing compared to the power of the Nethergate Sect. One wave from Neville could crush them all.
The Nethergate Sect was one of the oldest level-nine sects, its power second to none. Even if it had declined slightly over the years, its foundation was unshakable. Something like the Earth Fiend Sect, a coalition of small, weak sects, could never match.
“Still here? Move!” Neville’s voice cut through the air like steel.
The four silhouettes exchanged uneasy glances. No one dared move without Elmer’s command, even if all that remained of him was a soul.
Elmer’s eyes locked on Neville. The calm in Neville’s expression told him everything. Linger another second, and his soul would be crushed. To Neville, the Earth Fiend Sect was nothing more than a ragtag group of strays.
“We’re leaving…” Elmer finally waved, and he, along with the four silhouettes, drifted away.
Only once they had vanished did Neville turn to Jared. “Sorry about the scare. I’m Neville Contreras, leader of the Nethergate Sect. My subordinates left you behind without my permission. I’ll make sure they’re punished.”
