Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3315

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3315

The moment Julius finished speaking, Monty smoothly backed him up.

“General Burnham, Mr. Bowen’s position is the same as mine,” Monty said lightly. “As you already know, the ancient sects have never involved themselves in outside conflicts. Perhaps you should try somewhere else.”

A flicker of anger crossed Clarence’s face.

“That’s completely wrong,” he replied firmly. “Whether someone belongs to an ancient sect, the military, or is simply a martial artist of Holtrien, when the nation is in danger, everyone has a duty.”

His voice sharpened.

“When the country is in crisis, everyone should step up. That’s what it means to be a true son of Holtrien. And you two are leaders among its strongest forces. Shouldn’t you lead by example?”

A cold glint flashed in Julius’ eyes.

“Spare me the speech,” he said flatly. “Even if Holtrien is turned upside down and fights the western Dark Clans to the death, it has nothing to do with the Divine Alchemists. We’ll close our gates and stay out of it.”

Monty smiled with false warmth. “Exactly. General Burnham, soldiers live and die on the battlefield—that’s your 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 wouldn’t even know how.”

Clarence clenched his jaw.

One of the soldiers behind him could no longer hold back.

“So after all that,” the soldier said angrily, “you’re just dodging responsibility, aren’t you? During peacetime, you hold the reins of Holtrien’s top powers and take massive resources and benefits. Haven’t you?”

He pressed on.

“The Divine Alchemists alone made enormous wealth selling elixirs to the outside world. Whenever there’s profit to be made, the top powers take it all. But now that the nation is in crisis and the people are in danger, you hide behind your gates.”

His voice trembled with fury.

“I may be just an insignificant soldier, but what you’re doing is shameful.”

Monty’s head snapped toward him, eyes blazing. “What did you just say?”

Julius was even more domineering.

“Since you know you’re insignificant,” he said coldly, “who gave you the nerve to speak to me like that? You’re asking to die.”

As his words fell, he struck out with a palm from a distance. The force tore through the air.

The soldier—Leo, a member of the Iron Cavalry—was no weakling. His battle blade shot up in front of his chest in an instant.

But he was far too outmatched.

With a sharp crack, the blade shattered. The remaining palm force slammed into his chest.

He coughed up blood and was hurled backward.

“Leo!”

The other soldiers surged forward in fury, catching him before he hit the ground.

Clarence watched Julius attack without hesitation and injure one of his men. Rage flared in his chest.

“Mr. Bowen,” he said tightly, “you’re the leader of a sect. Yet you attacked a soldier who protects our homeland. Doesn’t that seem beneath your status?”

Julius looked thoroughly irritated, his patience gone.

“Forget attacking him,” he snapped. “I could kill him outright. Even if General Turman stood here, he’d have nothing to say. Since you know my prestige, then teach your men to watch their tongues.”

Clarence drew a long breath, forcing his anger down.

“General Turman and his troops are fighting desperately on the front lines,” he said through clenched teeth. “As Holtrien’s top powerhouses, shouldn’t you shoulder some responsibility? Or are the ancient sects truly nothing but parasites who care about nothing but themselves?”

Monty’s face darkened.

“Parasites?” he repeated coldly. “The ancient sects simply refuse to meddle in worldly conflict. General Burnham, if you have nothing else to say, please leave. Umbral Peak Sect does not welcome you.”

Clarence’s hand tightened around the hilt of his sword.

“Before I came,” he said firmly, “I gave General Turman my word. I’m not leaving unless I convince the Umbral Peak Sect.”