Chapter 123 +15 BONUS

Barrett stared at Carissa, rendered speechless. She was right. As deputy commander of the Mystic Army and a fifth-ranked general of the court, her words carried weight.

He had few men, and had hoped the Mystic Army would join him. His troops were exhausted, but the Mystic Army had rested here for some time. He believed they could fight if they encountered Westhaven forces or nomadic tribes.

In a low voice, he pleaded, “I want to lead the Mystic Army, even if I have to beg you, Carissa. I know I’ve wronged you before. Punish me however you want. But we’ve been waiting for nearly two days! Aurora can’t hold on much longer. I know you hate her, but we’ll make amends together once we find her.”

Carissa’s gaunt face remained cold. “This has nothing to do with personal grudges. The Mystic Army cannot advance further.”

Barrett clenched his fists. “Carissa, I’m begging you! What more do you want from me?”

Violet sneered and spat sarcastically, “Is begging supposed to be impressive? Your plea is so sincere, we’re tempted to beat you up ourselves! If the Mystic Army joins you on the plains and you encounter the Westhaven forces or those tribes, will you fight or let them handle it?”

Barrett’s anger reached its peak. “Be quiet! Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?”

Violet lifted her chin contemptuously. “What a joke! Do I need any special status to talk to you? How about you measure your own worth? Are you even qualified to be so presumptuous in front of me?”

Barrett was furious. “Carissa, control your people. Don’t let every stray dog bark at me!”

Bun sprang up first. His large fists rained down on Barrett’s head, face, and body. Travis, though slightly slower, moved with impressive speed, delivering swift, powerful blows with his legs.

This relentless assault left Barrett unable to defend himself. He could only hunch over, using his hands to protect his head.

“Damn it! I’ve wanted to hit you for a long time! If it weren’t for my military status, I’d have taken action the first time I saw you!” Bun spat out.

“Do you really think so highly of yourself? With your character, you dare to be fickle! We men make promises and stick to them, even if it means death! You made us look bad!”

“You said you’d accept any punishment Carissa gave you, didn’t you? Well, now you’re being punished! Take it and learn to be a decent person for the rest of your life!”

All the soldiers watched, including Barrett’s own men. They wanted to intervene, but knew Bun and Travis were formidable and were standing up for Carissa. The Mystic Army was also there to protect their general. Besides, everyone present was a man of honor.

+15 BONUS

Barrett’s disdain for his ex-wife and abandonment of her were intolerable. As he and Aurora had requested a marriage edict through their military achievements, however, nobody dared speak out about it.

Only when Carissa felt the beating had gone on long enough did she speak. “Bun, Travis, stop it.”

Bun and Travis ceased their assault, though they spat in disdain before walking away. The soldiers helped Barrett up. He spat out blood and staggered toward Carissa, blood trailing down his chin. “Can we go look for Aurora on the plains now?”

Carissa looked at his battered appearance. Did he think enduring a beating would allow him to lead the Mystic Army? Her eyes grew serious. “Barrett,” she replied softly, “it’s not the plains, but the mountains. Over a hundred thousand Westhaven soldiers are up there now, seeking justice. We can only wait.”