Rise of The Demon General-Chapter 478. Security Detail

Amon complied with Huang Zhan’s demand. He was treated to another feast similar to yesterday. Amon went with the motion. He no longer used the Nine Moon Restorative Mantra since he had mostly recovered. Instead, he cultivated throughout the feast.

Da Niu was visibly discontented with Amon’s act. Huang Zhan didn’t show any sign of being offended.

Later that night, Amon again refused to spend the night inside the concealed room. He stayed on the balcony and cultivated. All the while, he wondered why Huang Zhan detained him another night. He expected the prince to do something, but everything went on without trouble.

There was a probability Huang Zhan was toying with him and attempted to hold him here indefinitely. With that thought, Amon would be adamant about leaving this place tomorrow if the prince tried to delay him again. That should force Huang Zhan to show his hand.

*

The next morning, Amon saw a couple of great eagles landed on the fort’s courtyard. Prince Huang Zhan was there, so Amon headed over.

"Colonel Amon, did you enjoy your night on the balcony?" Prince Huang Zhan greeted.

"Not bad. It certainly beats staying in the best-rated inn of the capital," Amon replied.

Da Niu harrumphed at Amon’s sarcasm, while Huang Zhan laughed.

"What are these great eagles here for?" Amon asked.

"Why? For you, of course! Didn’t you say you want to leave? I rent these eagles for you," Huang Zhan said. "Wait, I forgot to ask your destination. I rent these eagles to take you back to Fort Fresh Maw. I didn’t assume wrong, did I?"

"... No, it’s not wrong. That is my destination," Amon answered. He was secretly surprised. He expected Huang Zhan to ask him to stay another night.

"There is no need for such trouble," Amon said. "I can return by myself."

"No trouble," Huang Zhan uttered. "I invited you here. I need to make sure you get back safely."

"... Why does Your Highness think I might not return safely?" Amon asked.

"Sigh, I’m going to be frank with you. I received the news that my brother and sister have learned about you visiting me here."

"Will that be a problem?" Amon asked.

"You might not know, but my fourth brother is a cunning one. He might act high and mighty but wouldn’t think twice about using dirty tricks to thin the competition. My first and third brothers are proof of his deviousness."

"Is that so?"

"Colonel Amon. I know you are a confident man," Huang Zhan said. "But please pay heed when I say you should not underestimate them. We have all seen our little brother Huang San’s sudden rise to prominence. I know this is all thanks to you. I’m sure my brother Huang Zi and my sister Huang Er came to the same conclusion. In other words, if they wish to stop Huang San from competing in the trial, removing you will be the most efficient move."

"Wasn’t it the same case as you?" Amon asked.

"Hahaha!" Huang Zhan laughed. "I have stated before. I welcome any challengers into the trial. I even helped my little brother by sharing my soldiers, didn’t I? Furthermore, I won’t take you down in secret if that is my intention."

"So, you think they might send agents to intercept me on my way back?"

"I can’t be sure, but it is better to be safe than sorry. That’s why I delay your departure so I can organize this," Huang Zhan said. "I will have a squad of soldiers accompany you on your return trip. I will also spare a team of fliers to fly with you."

Upon his words, six fliers riding Swift Spirit Swallows landed next to the great eagles.

"With this security detail, any agents sent by my siblings will be dissuaded," Huang Zhan said.

"... I am grateful for Your Highness’ consideration," Amon said. He didn’t like this, but Huang Zhan didn’t give the impression that he would accept no for an answer.

"Think nothing of it!" Huang Zhan clapped Amon’s shoulder with a laugh. He proceeded to select a few soldiers who jumped into the howdahs of the two great eagles. After everything was set, he turned to Amon and gave a salute.

"Colonel Amon, it was a pleasure to be your host these few days," he said. "It’s a pity you are unwilling to join my rank. Never mind, after the Ancient Ascension Trial, you will still answer to me anyway. So, let’s consider this as a postponement of our relationship. I bid you a safe trip back."

"I thank Your Highness for the hospitality. Please excuse me," Amon returned the salute.

He and Da Niu only exchanged a short glance. No words or gestures were exchanged. After entering one of the howdahs, the two great eagles took to the sky. The six swallow riders flew beside the great eagles, flanking them. The great eagle flew at a slightly slower speed, allowing the swallow riders to keep up.

Amenities were provided inside the howdah. There were even a couple of slaves who serviced Amon, but Amon waved them away. He sat at the center of the howdah, closed his eyes, and started cultivating.

Though cultivating, he had his Mystic Sense on full alert. He secretly monitored all the soldiers inside the howdahs and the six fliers escorting them. They were all strangers. He couldn’t take Huang Zhan’s words for granted. These soldiers might have a secret agenda aside from seemingly protecting him.

*

Three days went on without an incident. The soldiers didn’t show any suspicious signs. They acted like people who were truly on escort duty. Even so, Amon never let down his guard during those three days. Thankfully, he didn’t need sleep.

On the fourth night, he stopped cultivating and opened his eyes. He looked in a direction.

Throughout their journey, Amon never budged from his position. This was the first time he moved. Thus, his act drew attention. A soldier with the rank of captain came and asked him, "Colonel Amon, is something the matter?"

Amon didn’t answer. He continued to look at the distance. Because of that, the captain also turned to where Amon was looking at.

Everything was dark since it was nighttime. In their case, the howdahs had artificial lights powered by aer stones. The swallow riders also carried lanterns so everyone knew each other’s bearings in the dark.

While Amon and the captain stared at the dark sky, several spots of light started appearing in the distance.

"What’s that?" The captain asked.

Amon frowned. It was his instinct that made him look in that direction. His instinct told him those lights were trouble.

"Captain, tell your men to be ready for confrontation," Amon finally broke his silence.

The captain was skeptical of Amon’s warning. "Colonel Amon, no need for alarm. Those lights could be anything. They might be a pack of spirit beasts that gave off light."

"Those spirit beasts are heading over here," Amon said.

The captain looked again. The lights did appear to be approaching. He still didn’t think there was a need to be alarmed. Amon stood up and readied his weapon. He moved away from everyone. Though these soldiers didn’t give him a reason to be suspicious, he still preferred to be careful. He didn’t want to get caught between them and whatever was coming. He used the Body-strengthening Meridian Points Technique on himself.

Seeing Amon’s edginess, the captain decided to do as Amon asked to give him peace of mind. He called for everyone to be battle-ready. Those who received the order woke the ones who were sleeping. He used hand signals to inform the soldiers inside the howdah of the other great eagle. He also sent hand signals to communicate with the swallow riders.

After deciphering the signals, the swallow riders looked at the group of lights in the distance. The leader of the riders commanded two riders to head over to check what those lights were. Two swallow riders broke away from their formation and flew toward the lights. The rest adjusted their positions so they were between the great eagles and the lights.

Everyone watched the lights from the lanterns of the two riders heading into the distance. The lights of the two riders were getting smaller while the lights from the distance were getting bigger. When the two groups of lights became almost the same size, indicating they were around the same distance from the spectators. The two lights from the swallow riders suddenly vanished.

"What...?" The captain stared at the scene in confusion. The distant lights continued to approach.

Seeing the way these soldiers reacted, Amon could safely tell they were in the dark as to what those lights were. Hence, Amon could trust these soldiers a little bit more. He yelled, "Captain! Have your men ready their weapons!"

The captain was no longer skeptical. He barked for everyone to get ready. He also commanded the great eagle to fly away from the incoming lights. However, the distant lights continued to become larger. They were getting nearer with each passing second.

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