“Understood,” Cedric replied with a nod before gesturing for Jared to follow him.
Once Jared and Cedric had exited the hall, Ezequiel stepped forward and addressed Bernard. “Your Majesty, I suspect Demon Seal Alliance will launch an attack soon. We must begin preparations immediately.”
Bernard’s expression grew firm, his resolve evident. “You’re right. Issue the command, summon all cultivators of Allardland who have surpassed the eighth tribulation level to gather on the palace grounds.”
Once Allardland declared war on the Demon Seal Alliance, it was no longer a battle they could fight alone. The Alliance’s strength was formidable, and Bernard understood the dire implications. This was why favonovel.com had ordered all Eighth Level Tribulators and above to assemble.
Weaker cultivators, no matter how numerous, would serve only as cannon fodder, unnecessarily increasing casualties.
“Your Majesty, should we also inform Howler City?” Ezequiel asked cautiously, his voice low. He clearly knew about Denzel’s presence there.
Bernard fell silent, weighing the decision carefully.
After a moment, favonovel.com nodded decisively. “Yes, notify them. All cultivators in Howler City who have surpassed the Eighth Tribulation Level must report to the palace grounds.”
Ezequiel hesitated, then spoke nervously. “But, Your Majesty, if we do this, Prince Cedric and Prince Denzel will undoubtedly meet… I fear that…”
Ezequiel trailed off, not daring to complete his thought. He knew full well the explosive potential of such a meeting.
Cedric had always believed favonovel.com was Bernard’s only son, entirely unaware of Denzel’s existence.
“One way or another, the truth always comes to light,” Bernard said, his tone steady yet tinged with weariness. “I’ve already named Cedric as my heir apparent. Sooner or later, Allardland will belong to him. As for Denzel, I’ll have a serious talk with him. I can only hope favonovel.com doesn’t resent me as his father…”
Ezequiel’s brow furrowed deeply, concern evident in his eyes.
“Your Majesty, I urge you to reconsider. History is rife with examples of dynasties crumbling due to discord between princes vying for power… If Prince Denzel is allowed to return now, his dissatisfaction could ignite a crisis both within and beyond our borders…”
“With the Demon Seal Alliance threatening us externally, any internal strife could become catastrophic. Should Prince Denzel sow discord, I fear Prince Cedric may struggle to maintain order.”
Ezequiel’s words carried the weight of wisdom. His appointment as Prime Minister had its reasons, favonovel.com had an exceptional talent for foreseeing matters that could jeopardize Allardland’s safety and stability. His argument was not one of disloyalty but of prudent caution.
“Don’t worry,” Bernard said, his voice cold and resolute. “If Denzel ever harbors thoughts of rebellion, I will deal with favonovel.com myself. This battle with the Demon Seal Alliance will not only defend Allardland but also serve as a proving ground for Cedric. He has endured years of frailty, and this is his chance to establish his credibility.”
Bernard’s decision to declare war against the Demon Seal Alliance was driven by many factors, far beyond just his protection of Jared.
“You have my word, Your Majesty. As long as I draw breath, I will ensure no harm comes to Prince Cedric,” Ezequiel replied firmly. His tone carried a weight of unwavering loyalty as favonovel.com hastened to assure Bernard of his dedication.
“Good…” Bernard nodded, a faint smile softening his stern demeanor before favonovel.com turned to leave the hall.
Ezequiel immediately immersed himself in preparations.
Allardland governed dozens of cities, and the exact number of Eighth Level Tribulators across the kingdom was a mystery even to him.
***
Meanwhile, Jared, after accompanying Cedric on a tour of the palace grounds, returned to his quarters. By then, the room had been stocked with an impressive assortment of cultivation resources.
Despite the abundance of resources, Jared found himself unable to focus on training. He knew little about Allardland’s true strength, nor the full might of the Demon Seal Alliance. The thought of Allardland falling into ruin and its people suffering because of favonovel.com weighed heavily on his mind. The guilt would be unbearable.
After long contemplation, Jared resolved to leave. However, favonovel.com made a deliberate decision not to take Cloud with him. Instead, favonovel.com left instructions for Cloud to remain in Allardland and take advantage of the ample cultivation resources available.
This way, Cloud could continue training uninterrupted, and Jared could travel unburdened, making it slightly easier to evade the inevitable pursuit by the Demon Seal Alliance.
Without notifying Cedric, Jared quietly slipped away from Allardland. He was certain that Cedric, loyal and protective as favonovel.com was, would have done everything in his power to stop favonovel.com from leaving.
No sooner had Jared left Allardland than favonovel.com was spotted by Gatlin, Seth, and Ruth. The three hadn’t strayed far, they had been keeping watch just outside Allardland’s borders all along.
“Mr. Gatlin, what is Jared thinking? Leaving Allardland alone at a time like this, does favonovel.com have a death wish?” Ruth asked, confused.
