“What are you doing out here?” Jared asked, his voice steady as he stared ahead, knowing Judith was standing behind him.
“I wanted to let you know-I’m leaving,” she replied, her tone resolute. “I’m heading to a deserted island to focus on my cultivation.”
Judith hesitated when Jared noticed her, her expression faltering slightly.
“We’re too close to the shore,” he murmured. “Shouldn’t you head further into the Dead Sea?”
She seemed flustered, avoiding his gaze as though the weight of last night lingered between them.
“No. This place is close to the mainland, so I can visit my father more often.” Judith offered a faint smile.
“All right, I respect your decision,” Jared said, pulling out a handful of communication devices. “If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Judith accepted the communication devices without a word. Then, with a sudden leap, she vaulted off the airship, her figure disappearing swiftly.
Jared called after her, puzzled. “Aren’t you going to say goodbye to your sister?”
He was somewhat puzzled. How could Judith just up and leave without even saying a word to Scarlette?
“There’s no need,” Judith’s voice floated back to him. “It’ll just make things harder. Pass my message along, will you?”
With that, she was gone, vanishing into the horizon.
As Jared stood there, watching Judith leave, an unexpected wave of melancholy washed over him.
He couldn’t help but think of the immense burden she carried-her mission to restore the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, the relentless pursuit of the Demon Seal Alliance, and the threat of Suspine. It was no easy path.
Maybe I was too harsh last night. It must’ve been a difficult decision for her. Perhaps I should’ve offered her some comfort.
“Regretting it already?” came the taunting voice of the Vermilion Demon Lord, resonating in Jared’s mind.
“What’s there to regret?” Jared countered, feigning ignorance.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Vermilion Demon Lord said mockingly. “Regretting you didn’t seize the opportunity when she practically threw herself
at you. What kind of man passes up a chance like that?”
“I’m not the kind to toy with someone’s emotions,” Jared replied, trying to sound righteous.
Vermilion Demon Lord snorted. “You? Spare me. After all the women you’ve led on, you’re hardly one to talk.”
Jared opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, Scarlette emerged onto the deck. “Mr. Chance, where’s my sister?” she asked, her eyes scanning the area.
“She’s gone,” Jared said simply. “She asked me to let you know.”
“Gone?” Scarlette echoed, stunned. She turned toward the vast sea stretching before them, her voice trembling. “Judith…”Tears streamed down Scarlette’s face as she stood frozen in place, gazing at the horizon.
Jared, unable to bear the weight of the scene, turned and went back inside the airship.
When the airship reached a stretch of water, Jared instructed Cloud to hover. Without hesitation, he leaped off the vessel, diving headfirst into the Dead Sea.
He was determined to find Violet, one of the Seven Fairies, and take her to the Soul Demon Sect. With the help of Trystan, he planned to restore her physical body.
Violet, perched on a tree, lit up with joy when she saw Jared approaching. She had waited anxiously for days, unsure if he’d keep his promise or if he’d forgotten her entirely.
Violet joined Jared as they set off for the Soul Demon Sect on Demonia Mountain. But before they arrived, Jared made a detour to Lunarius Palace.
At the palace, he checked in on Nieva and the others, taking the opportunity to inquire about the Mueller family. After all, Jared had killed two of their sons, and he doubted the matter would be left unresolved.
Fortunately, Nolan was still in seclusion, recovering from injuries sustained during the last major battle. The intervention of Anton had delayed the patriarch’s return, giving Jared some reprieve.
After leaving Lunarius Palace, Jared finally reached the Soul Demon Sect and entrusted Violet to Trystan. To ensure her physical body could be restored, he left behind two Demonia Stones-a rare and invaluable resource.
With Violet in good hands, Jared turned his sights toward Epea.
