The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1221

Charles nodded, also agreeing that it was a better course of action.

Caleb firmly stopped them. "No. You cannot descend the mountain at this time."

Before Shane could say anything, the Cox family members became panicked.

"Why are you preventing us from going down the mountain? What exactly is the Medicina family planning? Surely you're not trying to hinder the Gordon family from competing for the white flag?"

Caleb glanced at them, his voice icy as he replied, "If I wanted to hinder your pursuit of the white flag, wouldn't it be easier for me to not stop you from seeking help and instead send you down the mountain?"

The members of the Cox family froze.

Shane looked grim. "Then why didn't you allow us to search for her?" he asked, suppressing his anger. "If something happens to Neera, what's the point of the Gordon family fighting for the white flag?"

"I know that cliff isn't very steep, and it's covered with a lot of vegetation," Caleb explained calmly and patiently as he pursed his lips. "Even if someone were to fall, they wouldn't get hurt. Besides, it's close to the rescue team at the foot of the mountain. If anything were to happen, they would definitely be found. Given Ms. Garcia's status as the head of the Gordon family, we would surely hear something. However, we haven't received any news, which means she's fine, and that she's likely heading toward the top of the mountain. If you descend the mountain now, you might miss her. Would that be acceptable to you?"

Those words immediately silenced everyone in the Gordon family's group.

Shane gritted his teeth but, ultimately, did not insist on descending the mountain.

"Very well. Let's continue to the top of the mountain!"

Then, he addressed Caleb honestly, "If the Medicina family wishes to compete for the white flag, you can part ways with us now. With Neera's whereabouts unknown at the moment, the Gordon family's main priority is to find her. Nothing else matters. We might slow down your progress. The Medicina family has been a great help to us along the way, and the Gordon family will always remember this. Even if we part ways now, it will be on good terms."

Caleb's lips curled upward as he returned to his nonchalant demeanor.

"What are you implying, Mr. Gordon? Are you still doubting me? Every word I've said is true. The Medicina family has no intention of competing for the white flag. As for the position of district president, I have no plans to vie for it either. So there's no question of any delay. We can continue our journey together. Speaking of which, Ms. Garcia has not been found yet, and neither has Darcel. Only when he is found can I be at peace."

Moved by his sincerity, Shane nodded solemnly. "Very well, then."

The group continued their ascent up the mountain, and it was only then that Caleb revealed the news to him.

"There's something I haven't told you yet. Last night, after we captured that group in the valley, we learned from them that all the forces of Lordsworth Estate have united. They are preparing to purge the families of the Bartitsu Guild. Since the Gordon family is part of the Bartitsu Guild, I wanted to ask about your stance. What is your view on this?"

Shane's eyes darkened. Suddenly, he let out a cold laugh. "What do you mean, what's my view? There's nothing to consider!"

He glanced at Caleb. "I understand. You're trying to gauge my intentions. Rest assured, I won't turn against the Medicina family because of this. On the contrary, I think Lordsworth Estate has done a good job this time."

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Are you suggesting we join forces with Lordsworth Estate to deal with the Bartitsu Guild?"

Shane let out a light scoff. "Join forces? Absolutely unnecessary. Those two night raids, unsurprisingly, are almost certainly the actions of the ancient martial families targeting the Gordon family. In fact, ever since the rumors started circulating at the election conference, those families in the Bartitsu Guild have been watching us, the Gordon family, like a tiger watching its prey, intent on wearing us down from within. Well, since they show no mercy, there's no need for us to take the moral high ground. It's always been a matter of life and death, so strike without hesitation, I say!"

Caleb did not expect him to say that. He couldn't help but laugh.

"No wonder they say the Gordon family is laid back. Those under Chad are indeed more unconventional than the previous generation. Interesting."

Then, he patted Shane on the shoulder.

"Rest assured, my friend. With how the Bartitsu Guild has treated you, we will respond in kind. We, the Medicina family, support you unconditionally."

Seeing that he did not seem to be lying, Shane thanked him gravely.

"Once this matter is resolved, the Gordon family will surely express its gratitude."

Caleb waved his hand dismissively. "No worries. It's a minor matter."

From then on, Shane led his entourage in search of Neera and Darcel, while simultaneously launching powerful attacks on the Bartitsu Guilds they encountered along the way, steadily advancing.

On the other hand, upon hearing that the various forces of Lordsworth Estate were uniting, the Bartitsu Guild realized the seriousness of the situation and gradually began to assemble.

The two major forces went from peaceful coexistence to being at odds with each other, stirring up public panic, with tensions running high and conflicts becoming imminent.

The entire Mount Cloud was enveloped in this atmosphere of hostility, becoming a place where even the wind and the cries of the cranes carried a sense of foreboding.