All of them were injured. Some were even lying on stretchers.
Looking at Jackson Cabral who was in the lead, James asked, “What happened, Sect Leader Cabral?”
Wearing a grim expression, Jackson said, “We can no longer leave. An army has appeared with artilleries, tanks, armored cars, and even combat aircraft outside the Mount Thunder Sect. We were attacked while trying to flee. Many were killed…”
“An army?” James and Maxine exclaimed at the same time.
“Yes!” Jackson’s expression was solemn.
James asked, “Which army?”
Jackson shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“This is obvious enough, no? This must be the King’s plot. He plans to exterminate all martial artists inside Mount Thunder Sect.”
“Damn it! My ancestors once fought side by side with the Old King and performed major meritorious services. The new King plans to get rid of us all now that the nation is at peace because he’s intimidated by our martial prowess.”
Many spoke exasperatedly.
James frowned, “What should we do now? Powerful figures are now in the midst of a fierce battle against the Spirit Turtle. We can’t approach them, nor can we leave this place with the army stationed outside.”
Jackson said, “We can only head over to the underground shelter of the Mount Thunder Sect.”
James looked at him, puzzled.
Jackson explained, “There’s an underground shelter constructed by the founder of the Mount Thunder Sect. No matter the situation outside, we will definitely be safe there.”
Maxine hurriedly said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Didn’t you see how fierce the battle was? Even mountains have collapsed. If we enter the underground shelter, we might be buried beneath the rubble.”
“We have no choice, so we just have to think of a way to leave.”
Jackson knew that the Mount Thunder Sect would turn to rubble with the intense fight against the Spirit Turtle. When that happened, they would be buried underneath all the rubble. However, they had no other options.
At least they had a shot at survival.
Looking at the survivors, favonovel.com asked, “What’s your opinion on this? Do you plan to follow me into the underground shelter or remain here?”
“Remain here? We will be dead if the army arrives!”
“Even if the army doesn’t advance any further, we will be involved once the battle intensifies.”
“We should head over to the underground shelter at once.”
Many people spoke.
Jackson ordered, “Delainey, lead them to the underground shelter from the other passageway. I’ll remain outside in the meantime. Once the battle is over and you all are buried beneath the rubble, I’ll think of a way to save you.”
“Okay!” Delainey nodded and looked at the survivors. “Everyone, please follow me!”
James looked at Maxine. “You should go too.”
She glanced at him. “What about you?”
James said, “I’ve reached the seventh rank. I have ways of protecting myself.”
“Understood!” Maxine did not say much and simply left alongside Delainey and the others.
Soon, only James and Jackson remained.
With a helpless look on his face, James said, “I didn’t expect things to turn out this way…”
Wearing a grim expression, Jackson observed the battle in a distance, saying, “Is your grandfather speaking the truth? Do the four paintings contain information about the Spirit Turtle? Can its blood really grant us immortality?”
James shook his head. “How do I know? I’m still at a loss.”
“We should wait and see then,” Jackson said.
They could only wait for the others to slay the Spirit Turtle.
Watching the fierce battle, James sighed. “I’m afraid this won’t end well. If the blood of the Spirit Turtle truly allows one to attain immortality, there will be another round of fierce battles once they slay the Spirit Turtle. There will only be a few who laughs last…”
