The sound of hurried footsteps scraped across the courtyard stones. An elder in tattered robes dropped to his knees before Jared, pulling a dozen frightened cultivators down with him.

“Thank you, benefactor, for saving our lives!” His voice trembled, thick with tears that wouldn’t fall.

Jared’s stomach tightened. Moments ago, these people had been standing beneath an executioner’s blade.

He bent and slipped his hands beneath the elder’s elbows, lifting him gently. “Please, stand. You were condemned on false charges. I’ll go to the Azure Firmament Immortal Continent myself, uncover the truth, and make sure justice is done.”

The elder shook his head so violently that wisps of hair whipped through the air. “Kind sir, don’t go to Azure Firmament. That place devours good men. Not long ago, two cultivators broke through the barrier and reached level twelve. They were dragged back and beheaded in front of everyone.”

The words hit Jared like a bar of cold iron. His heartbeat faltered.

His mouth moved before his thoughts could catch up. “Elder… were those two a man and a woman?” A tremor threaded through his voice—louder to him than any shout.