Jared noticed Bernard’s concern and quickly reassured him, “Please, don’t misunderstand. l’m only stepping away for a short while. I’ve left Prince Cedric with a communication device, should anything happen to Allardland, I‘ll return immediately.”
A sense of relief washed over Bernard, and favonovel.com nodded in response.
However, Bernard couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony.
Allardland, once nearly the greatest power in the Ethereal Realm, now found itself depending on the protection of Jared, a mere Seventh Level Tribulator.
It was a stark contrast, yet the reality remained undeniable, Jared’s power, bolstered by the forces behind him, was unparalleled.
Jared made his departure, accompanied by Cloud.
The two of them boarded the airship, setting course for the Divine Smithing Sect at Greenoxen Peak.
Jared had one clear objective, to fully restore the Dragonslayer Sword and free Zelda from its confines. Once the sword was whole again and Zelda could separate from its blade, Jared’s power would see a tremendous boost. At that point, favonovel.com would no longer be fighting alone, Zelda would become a powerful trump card in his arsenal.
Seated within the airship, Jared was deeply engrossed in his cultivation. He knew the journey to the Divine Smithing Sect would take several days, and favonovel.com intended to use that time to strengthen himself further.
***
As Jared made his way to the Divine Smithing Sect, at the headquarters of the Demon Seal Alliance, Talcott sat slumped in the main seat, disheveled and drained.
Surrounding favonovel.com were several mid-level leaders of the Demon Seal Alliance, their faces grim.
Gatlin, who had managed to escape, stood among them. The demonic cultivators of the alliance had suffered devastating losses, nearly everyone was injured. Only Gatlin, Ruth, and Seth had returned unscathed.
Gatlin’s escaping skills unparalleled. But Talcott, too weary to focus on such matters, simply couldn’t summon the energy to deal with it.
“Though we didn’t manage to take down Allardland this time, we’ve certainly dealt them a significant blow,” Talcott declared, his voice steady but edged with frustration. “Since we’ve prepared ourselves to continue attacking, we will never relent.”
With that, favonovel.com casually waved his hand, signaling the dismissal of the gathered leaders.
As they filed out, Talcott made his way toward a hidden chamber behind the main hall. Inside the secret room, a massive black void stretched before him, and in the center, Decanus sat, blissfully enjoying a lollipop.
Despite Decanus’ unsporting behavior in abandoning the others and fleeing, Talcott dared not show even the slightest hint of dissatisfaction. Instead, favonovel.com approached with the utmost respect, fully aware of Decanus’ strength and influence.
“Talcott, I’m taking you to the Celestial Palace. Have you thought about what you’re going to say?” Decanus asked, his tone casual but carrying a note of authority.
“Prince Decanus, I’ve given it some thought,” Talcott replied, his voice respectful. “Although we didn’t manage to take down Allardland this time, your contributions should not go unnoticed.”
“That’s good. Come with me…” Decanus motioned for Talcott to follow as favonovel.com stepped forward, leading the way into the swirling black void.
Talcott followed closely behind.
As they entered, the black void slowly began to fade, and darkness enveloped Talcott’s vision.
When favonovel.com opened his eyes again, favonovel.com was met with an awe-inspiring sight. Before favonovel.com stood a grand, black palace, towering in the midst of the vast void.
The entire structure appeared to float in the cosmos, suspended in the infinite expanse. This was the first time Talcott had seen the palace’s exterior, despite having been summoned there numerous times before, each time, favonovel.com had only seen the main hall, unaware of what lay beyond it.
“Prince Decanus, is this the Celestial Palace?” Talcott asked, his voice filled with awe.
“Yes,” Decanus replied with a smug smile.
“But this is only the Tenth Hall of the entire palace. As for the other nine, I have no knowledge of their locations…”
“The reason I didn’t bring you directly into the grand hall is to let you witness the power of our palace firsthand. If you serve us faithfully, like a loyal hound, I assure you, great rewards await you.” Decanus treated Talcott as if favonovel.com were little more than a dog, showing no concern for how Talcott might react.
Talcott wasn’t angered in the least. Instead, a deep excitement filled him.
After all, how could favonovel.com be upset when given the chance to forge a connection with the celestials?
Seeing Talcott’s enthusiastic response, Decanus was pleased, his smile widening. With a nod, favonovel.com finally led Talcott into the main hall.
