Chapter 5633

“Mr. Sanders, who are you really, and just how strong are you?” Jared whispered to the empty air, eyes fixed on the horizon above Heaven Gate Mountain.

Bewilderment clouded his face. From the day Mr. Sanders had joined the journey, Jared had never once seen the man show fear. The only true battle Jared could recall was the titanic clash they had fought at Rudy’s side. Beyond that, Mr. Sanders strode through the world as though nothing under the sky could ever threaten him.

In the lofty Ethereal Realm, there had been one brief, disastrous reunion. When Mr. Sanders’s shadow fell across Rudy’s path, the brash young cultivator did not posture or bargain. He simply whirled on his heel, terror snatching the breath from his lungs, and fled as though chased by the judgment of the heavens themselves.

The next morning broke clean and pale, a hush of dew still trembling on every leaf when first light kissed the stone courtyards.

Sylvia arrived at Nethergate Sect alone, footsteps light yet purposeful, as though she feared even the rustle of her own sleeves might plant doubts in Jared’s mind.

Jared gathered what little he needed-one travel cloak, a blade of plain make, and resolve sharpened by a night without rest-then followed Sylvia beyond the black-iron gates.

Neville, who had strained his very soul probing Jared’s hidden patron the night before, remained behind. The fright had jarred his spirit loose, three wandering souls peeling away like frightened birds. Healing now demanded solitude, incense, and time.