He’d spent so much effort to get this supreme weapon, yet it ended up being his master’s. Worse, he couldn’t take it back.
***
Finally, they reached Terra Mountain.
Endless majestic mountains filled their sight. There was a golden platform high up among the clouds, which looked holy and magisterial.
Alex was shocked. “Is Terra Mountain that huge?”
Jade said, “Mount Dragon-Tiger has been expanded greatly. So the dojo of Terra Mountain is considered one of the best in the country. Many royals come here to pray and hold offering rituals to the heavens. It’s been blessed by the royalty and is known as a holy place.”
“Is that the ritual platform? Are the Rakshasa Temple and the Emperor there?”
“Nope!”
Jade glanced at the golden platform. She could only see a part of it, as the top was completely hidden within the thick clouds. “That’s the legendary Fuzen Tower. Rumors are that the Fuzen ceremony was held there many years ago.”
“Although Rakshasa Temple has control over Terra Mountain, it’s not that easy handling a new dojo. Another reason why Rakshasa Temple wants you in exchange for the Emperor is your knowledge on formations.”
“So, they’re likely to keep you alive this time. That’s the advantage you have while distracting them and making time for us.”
Alex nodded to show that he understood.
Soon, they headed up the mountain. They met many others who had come to save the Emperor on their way up. However, Alex and Jade sped past quickly without them noticing.
When they reached the steps to the Fuzen Tower, Alex saw Gilbert, Xerxes, and the other experts in a standoff with the men of Rakshasa Temple.
“What’s the situation now?” Jade asked.
Xerxes came over. “Rakshasa Temple has just given their final warning. If Alex isn’t there in half an hour, they will chop off the Emperor’s arms. These are inhumane and cruel people, and I don’t think they are joking.”
Jade shook off Xerxes’ hand. “Alex is my disciple. I’ll go wherever he goes! Besides, I have the Martello Celia. Aren’t y’all looking for this? If you don’t want it, I’ll leave right now.”
She took out the Martello Celia and spun it around a few times as she spoke.
The eyes of the men of Rakshasa Temple lit up. “Alright, you can go with him.”
Alex looked at Jade. “What are you doing? I’ll be fine on my own!”
Jade said. “I won’t let that happen. I promised your wife that I’d get you home safe. They’ll have to cross my dead body if they’re going to harm you. If you die, I’ll have to pay for it with my life too.”
The men looked at one another as they shared a cruel smile.
‘You’re still thinking of going home safely after following us up to the Fuzen Tower?’
‘How naive!’
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