Lilith possessed her own information network. Even while staying in the shrine, she knew what had transpired at the banquet today, especially since Kane openly revealed the cooperation content to Ethan in front of many people. Many others had heard the enchanting word "treasure."

The treasure of Kaisaros, the Father of War.

This left the people of Upper City sleepless at night, immersed in happiness, imagining the specifics of the treasure.

"You're facing a choice, Mr. Ethan."

Lilith said, "Once Kane gets the treasure, you'll have forever lost a chance to eradicate the Old Gods."

She had guessed Ethan's dilemma and the reason for this conversation.

It appeared that he and Kane were friends.

Unlike the deceit and betrayal among Sincaro's followers, their mode of interaction wasn't for maintaining a superficial relationship, and it touched upon Lilith's blind spot of knowledge.

She was a merchant, synonymous with cunning, skilled at becoming superficial friends with people, never letting that layer of friendship cross boundaries.

Backstabbing superficial friends required no hesitation, nor did it need a "combat meeting" in the middle of the night like Ethan.

If it were her, she would undoubtedly try killing an Old God just to see how it felt.

Because if their inference was correct, Kane was an unstable factor, and once he obtained the treasure and reclaimed his authority, no one could predict what he would do next.

"Mr. Ethan, not everyone acts on principle when doing business like I do."

Lilith reminded him, "When the power between parties isn't balanced, unilateral breach of agreement is the norm in this world."

She had seen countless cases.

In comparison, she was practically a model merchant in this world.

She would trip others up when signing contracts, strive for maximum benefit, exploit people's ignorance and isolation to sign unfair agreements, but once the contract was established, she would wholeheartedly abide by it, even if it meant losing or getting swindled.

"If you don't trust me, I can sign a contract with you to prove everything I said is true."

Faced with Lilith's proposal, Fang Tail remained silent for a moment before speaking, "High-level demons place great importance on contracts; it's their reputation."

Though she didn't much like Lilith, she still spoke on Lilith's behalf from an objective and fair standpoint.

After all, the intelligence they discussed was of magnitude enough to let the name of Kaisaros echo long in Fang Tail's mind.

Killing an Old God.

This was unimaginable, yet it seemed to exude a fatal attraction.

"No need."

Ethan waved his hand, "I trust you."

"That's better, I'm tired, please allow me to leave first."

Lilith now only wanted to slip away, not intending to probe Ethan's attitude further; this was clearly not a matter she should intervene in, and it wouldn't be long before she could get answers from the festival's result.

Who would become the winner of the festival, she could roughly deduce what had happened at the ceremony, and before that, she only needed to wait patiently.

Perhaps, she might witness the downfall of the Old Gods.

...

Time flew by.

Under the watchful eyes of the masses, the day of the festival arrived.

Candidates would start their journey at dawn, hence before the light broke, the followers of the Old Gods had set up the ritual; thirteen "lambs" with their faces shrouded in hemp sacks were brought to the festival venue, in accordance with tradition, their blood and souls would mark the beginning of this grand festival.

Ethan spotted some familiar faces in the crowd.

There was Colonel Harlan, the hotel worker, and Kaisaros's followers who invited him for a drink when he first arrived, each with varying expressions.

Fanaticism, bloodthirstiness, and anticipation were the majority; they were already impatient to proceed to the next stage, among them were some like Harlan, reluctant but compelled to bury their emotions deep, ordinary residents praying for the thirteen souls they knew would depart.

They were bound to be submerged in the festival's fervent atmosphere.

Kaisaros's followers sang loud, chanting war songs in a language Ethan had never heard before.

Executing the sacrificial ritual were representatives of the three dominant forces; he saw Fang Tail and Nightmare standing on the stage, waiting for the thirteen lambs to be escorted before them. A huge circular array was drawn on the altar, runes emitting a blood-hued light eagerly wanting to consume fresh souls.

Perhaps having passed the stage of utmost terror, these thirteen "lambs" seemed calm.

They had no shackles to bind their hands and feet, guided by a black-robed follower of the Old Gods up the altar steps.

They were to reach the center of that circle and welcome the arrival of destiny.

This reminded Ethan.

That day the sun was dyed blood-red, and an ominous blood-colored glow enveloped the entire city.

"It's time to set off."

Ethan glanced to his right, the green-haired girl was looking up at him.

Meeting gazes, she slightly nodded.

Before this, Ethan had completed his final arrangements, leaving Miss Keroy in the dungeon and getting the Ascended Fire Elemental to stay behind and help, in case of need.

"Wait a moment, Mr. Heisenberg, it's not yet time."

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