The King Of Warriors novel (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 6501

*****

Deepvault Cloister, the icebound hall.

Venerable Glacier sat upon the ice-crystal throne, a cup of Deepvault icewine in his hand, tilting it in a slow, gentle swirl.

Deepvault icewine was a specialty of Deepvault Cloister, brewed from Everwinter Springwater. It went down with a clean chill, then left a sweet finish behind.

"That clean cold suited him.

It kept his mind sharp at every moment, untouched by the noise and clutter pressing in from outside."

"A black-clad adept knelt in the hall with his head lowered, his voice held in careful respect.

""Cloister Master, word has come from Pole Star Hall. They say they will march in one month."""

"Venerable Glacier set down his cup, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

""One month? Venerable Starwick is in quite a hurry. It seems that relic tempts him even more than I expected."""

"Cloister Master, are we truly going to help Pole Star Hall attack Beastmoor Ridge?"

"The black-clad adept raised his head, questions plain in his lifted gaze.

""Beastmoor Ridge has no grudge against us. Why should we wade into this mess? The beast race has always kept outsiders at a distance, but Morgana has never provoked Deepvault Cloister."""

"Venerable Glacier gave him one look and let out a thin, cold laugh.

""What would you know? Venerable Starwick promised us 30 percent of the spoils. That is an elder-age relic, a thing beyond the Golden Immortal estate."

"If I can obtain that relic, my cultivation can break through to Golden Immortal Level Four. When that time comes, who would still dare look down on our Frost Deity Branch?

"As for those celestial branches that once suppressed us, I will settle accounts with them one by one."

He rose from the throne and walked to the window of the icebound hall, looking out over the frozen world beyond.

The cold wind howled outside. Ice crystals caught the sunlight and split it into seven-colored radiance, beautiful as the Immortal Realm, yet cold enough to bite into bone.

"Besides, do you really believe I intend to help Venerable Starwick?"

"The black-clad adept went still.

""Cloister Master, you mean..."""

"I know Venerable Starwick far too well. He has never been the kind of man who takes a loss."

"Venerable Glacier's voice carried the same chill as the wind beyond the window.

""Right now, he has promised us 30 percent only because it serves him for the moment. Once Beastmoor Ridge is destroyed, he will turn on us."

"When that time comes, forget 30 percent. We may not even get 10 percent. He might even turn his butcher's blade toward us."

"Then why are we still sending troops?"

"Because this is an opportunity."

"A cold gleam flashed through Venerable Glacier's eyes.

""After Beastmoor Ridge falls, Pole Star Hall will also be badly weakened. When that moment comes, I will take the opening and wipe out Pole Star Hall."

"Every resource Pole Star Hall owns, including that relic, will belong to us. That is the real opportunity—two birds with one stone."

"The black-clad adept's face changed.

""Cloister Master, you mean to make an enemy of Pole Star Hall?"""

"Make an enemy of Pole Star Hall?"

"Venerable Glacier let out a cold laugh.

""Pole Star Hall was never our friend. Back when the celestials pressed down on our Frost Deity Branch, did Pole Star Hall ever speak even one word for us?"""

Had those high-and-mighty celestial branches ever once looked us in the eye? Now that they want to use us, I will play along with their scheme and make them swallow the consequences themselves."

"He turned back and fixed the black-clad adept with a stare sharp enough to cut.

""Pass the order down. Have all disciples make ready. One month from now, they march with me. Remember this—once we reach Beastmoor Ridge, do not throw your lives away. Preserve our strength. When Pole Star Hall and Beastmoor Ridge have broken each other down, then we move. What I want is the final victory."""

"Yes!"

*****

Saintspire Court, Saintlight Hall.

Venerable Clarendon sat cross-legged on the prayer mat. Before him, a golden orb hung suspended in the air—the Eye of Saintlight.

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