Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3314

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3314

The smile finally vanished from Monty’s face.

“He wouldn’t dare,” he said coldly.

But his heart thudded hard in his chest. He knew exactly how formidable Thunder Sect’s defensive formation had been. The fact that Andrew had shattered it still felt unreal. That level of power wasn’t just impressive—it was monstrous.

Monty’s tone softened almost immediately. “Mr. Bowen, since you’ve come to Umbral Peak Sect, I assume your survival is at stake. In that case, why don’t we join forces and deal with Andrew together?”

Julius replied evenly, “That’s precisely why I’m here. But from what I just saw, Umbral Peak Sect didn’t seem very interested. I was even considering leaving if you weren’t willing.”

Monty laughed quickly. “Mr. Bowen, what are you saying? Umbral Peak Sect certainly welcomes you!”

He turned and ordered, “Bring out the finest food and wine. I’ll host a proper welcome banquet for Mr. Bowen.”

Before anyone could move, a disciple rushed into the cavern.

“Mr. Reyes, we have visitors!”

Both Monty and Julius stiffened.

“Andrew?” Monty’s voice darkened. “Did they catch up already? How could they be this fast?”

A flicker of alarm crossed both men’s faces.

“How many?” Monty demanded. “Is Andrew with them?”

The disciple shook his head. “There’s no one named Andrew. They claim to be from the military. Their leader is General Clarence Burnham.”

Monty immediately let out a breath of relief. He turned to Julius. “Mr. Bowen, what do you think the military wants at a time like this?”

Julius’ voice was icy. “What else? They want us to fight for Holtrien. We Eight Ancient Sects have lived in seclusion and freedom for generations. Asking us to leave our mountains and risk our ancestral foundations? That’s a joke.”

Monty nodded in agreement. “Exactly.”

He waved to the disciple. “Tell them I’m not here. Ask them to come back another time.”

The disciple had barely turned to leave when a steady voice rang into the cavern.

“Mr. Reyes, Clarence Burnham from the military is here to see you. If you’re clearly on the grounds but claim otherwise, does that mean you have an issue with us military folks? If so, I’ll have to apologize in person.”

As the words faded, a small group entered the cavern—fewer than ten people. At the front stood Clarence, the same general who had once intercepted Orson, the Grand Elder of the Nieves family.

Monty forced a stiff smile. “General Clarence, arriving uninvited isn’t exactly proper guest etiquette.”

Clarence answered calmly, “The nation is in crisis, so forgive the intrusion. When this is over, I’ll personally return to Umbral Peak Sect to make amends. But for now, I’ve been ordered to invite your sect to leave the mountain and resist foreign enemies, so we can restore peace to Holtrien.”

Monty’s eyes narrowed.

Clarence’s tone was polite, but his message left no room to maneuver. Rejecting him outright would be a direct slight against the military. Even as one of the Eight Ancient Sects, Umbral Peak Sect couldn’t simply brush off the armed forces.

Monty’s expression darkened, and he instinctively glanced at Julius.

Clarence followed his gaze and smiled.

“You must be the renowned Julius Bowen, head of the Divine Alchemists. It’s an honor to meet you,” he said. “Since you’re here, I’ll deliver General Turman’s message as well. Please lead the Divine Alchemists’ disciples in repelling our foreign enemies. The people of Holtrien will be eternally grateful.”

Julius let out a contemptuous scoff.

“General, you’re eloquent. Very clever, too. Every word is crafted to make refusal sound unreasonable,” he said coolly. “But I do as I please. You can invoke General Turman—or even God Himself. I have absolutely no interest in Holtrien’s war.”