Chapter 2058

The unique Flamebinding of the Crimson Flame Cult burned across Shiloh’s chest. The bloody seal glowed faintly against her pale skin.

In just a few days, Shiloh looked younger still. Though Andrew knew it was her, her features had shifted. She appeared a few years younger, looking barely 18 now.

“Mr. McDaniel Senior, you’ve arrived. Now we can begin our ceremony!” the hoarse voice rasped from beneath a rough hood.

Next to the stone platform where Shiloh lay, a tall, thin figure stood with his head lowered. His skeletal, claw-like fingers kept drawing bloody marks on the stone platform. These bloody marks intersected with each other, forming strange patterns.

Cordelia had revealed that the Crimson Flame Cult was preparing to perform some kind of ritual on Shiloh. Once the ritual succeeded, she would forever belong to the Crimson Flame Cult.

Looking at the scene now, Andrew could tell this tall, thin person must be the Crimson Flame Cult’s high priest. And what he was doing was likely that mysterious and evil ritual.

Andrew exhaled quietly, forcing himself not to act impulsively. He continued waiting to see what would happen.

Nicholas walked to the stone platform, his sword held behind his back. He looked down and asked, “Your Eminence, can you really extract her power?”

The High Priest, Alistair Greymont, whose face was hidden beneath the hood, replied in his raspy voice, “Indeed. Our holy cult wants the saintess herself. To express our gratitude to the McDaniel family, her Blood of Longevity will be yours.

“I need not tell you what such blood can do, Mr. McDaniel Senior. A single drop is enough to create another peak martial saint for your family. All of it together… and you could dominate the Holtrien martial world itself.”

Nicholas’s face showed fanatical excitement as he exclaimed, “That’s great! How wonderful! However, Your Eminence, while she’s important, her blood alone won’t satisfy my family. We still need to get our hands on the secrets behind the Greene family.”

Alistair replied calmly, “Mr. McDaniel Senior, patience. The Greene family’s secrets have tempted countless others. For years, none have succeeded, not a single one. It is absurd to think you could wrest it from her when even killing her would reveal nothing. Only the Crimson Flame Cult can draw it forth. Take the gift before you and do not be greedy. The High Oracle has promised further rewards for your family.”

Nicholas’s expression soured. “That was not our agreement. Do you know the risk my family bears working with your cult? If word spreads, the McDaniels could face annihilation. And now you think to fob us off with only her blood? I will not agree to that.”

Alistair remained calm and collected. “The Crimson Flame Cult has been labeled as an evil cult in Holtrien’s martial world. How absurd and wrong such claims are. Tell me, without us, what could you do with her? She has no memory.

“The Greene family’s secrets are locked within her, beyond your reach. In this partnership, the McDaniels already stand to gain the most. That is not only my opinion, but the High Oracle’s decree. You should accept what is already enough.”

Nicholas fell into silence, brows furrowed.

Alistair waited, calm as ever. Even though they were on McDaniel family territory, this old man showed no fear whatsoever.

Andrew’s unease deepened. He could not read Alistair at all.

At last, Nicholas said, “Very well, then. But know this: if you refuse to share the Greene family’s secrets, then once this ritual is complete, the McDaniels will not help you leave Holtrien. Once we have the Blood of Longevity, we will cast you out!”

His voice rumbled with threat.

Alistair smiled faintly. “As you wish.”

He slapped his skeletal hands against the stone. Instantly, a wave of blood energy spread out.

Shiloh’s face twisted in pain. From her chest, the blood-seal pulsed, and thick scarlet energy began to rise and condense.

Even from a distance, Andrew felt a chill crawl down his spine as he witnessed the impossible: Shiloh’s very lifeblood was being drawn out of her body.

The Crimson Flame Cult truly was monstrous!