Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3315

The moment Julius spoke, Monty followed smoothly. "General Burnham, Mr. Bowen's position is the same as mine. As you already know, we ancient sects have never involved ourselves in outside conflicts. Perhaps you should try asking somewhere else."

A flash of anger crossed Clarence's face. He replied firmly, "That's completely wrong. Whether someone belongs to an ancient sect, the military, or is just an ordinary martial artist of Holtrien, when the nation is in danger, everyone has a duty. In my view, with the country facing a crisis, everyone should step up for Holtrien. That's what it means to be a true man of Holtrien."

He added, "And you two are leaders among Holtrien's strongest forces. Shouldn't you lead by example?"

A cold glint flashed in Julius's eyes. "You can save your breath. Even if Holtrien turns upside down and fights the western Dark Clans to the death, it has nothing to do with the Divine Alchemists. We just need to close our gates and stay out of worldly affairs."

Monty smiled with false sincerity. "Exactly. General Burnham, soldiers live and die on the battlefield because that is their duty. But the ancient sects have few members and limited strength. We've lived this way for thousands of years. And now you suddenly want us to go to war? We don't even know how."

Clarence gritted his teeth.

One of the soldiers behind him could not hold back any longer and said furiously, "After all this talk, you're just trying to dodge responsibility, right? You hold the reins of Holtrien's top powers. During peacetime, you've taken massive resources and benefits from Holtrien, haven't you?

"For example, the Divine Alchemists alone made enormous wealth in the outside world just by selling their elixirs. Whenever there are benefits, the top powers grab them all for themselves. But now that the nation is in crisis and Holtrien's people face danger, you're hiding away. I may be just an insignificant soldier, but honestly, what you're doing is truly shameful!"

Monty whipped his head around, fury on his face. "What did you just say?"

Julius was even more domineering. "Since you already know you're insignificant, who gave you the nerve to criticize me like this? You're asking for death!"

Julius looked thoroughly impatient and completely lost his temper. "Forget just attacking him. I could kill him outright, and even if General Turman came, he'd have nothing to say. Since you know my prestige, then your people should watch how they speak to me."

Clarence took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. Then, he said through gritted teeth, "General Turman and his men are fighting desperately on the front lines. As Holtrien's top powerhouses, shouldn't you also shoulder your responsibilities and come down to help? Or are the ancient sects truly just parasites who don't care about anything?"

Monty's face darkened. "What do you mean by 'parasites'? The ancient sects simply don't want to get involved in worldly conflicts. General Burnham, if you have nothing else to say, please leave. Umbral Peak Sect doesn't welcome you."

Clarence gripped his sword hilt. "Before I came, I gave General Turman my word. I'm not going back unless I manage to convince the Umbral Peak Sect!"