Chapter 1565

"There he is! After him!" The members of the three major factions hurriedly pursued Sebastian. At this critical moment, he retrieved an exceptionally rare teleportation platform. Even the most basic of these devices costs over a hundred million spiritual stones and can only be crafted by powerful sacred grounds, making them scarce and unattainable, even for the wealthy. Sebastian stepped onto the platform and activated it instantly, vanishing into the spatial passage. In that split second, a resounding crack was heard. Under the relentless assaults, the defensive and teleportation arrays finally gave way, shattering explosively. Brilliant light erupted as potent shockwaves radiated outward, causing the surrounding mountains to crumble and the earth to fissure deeply. Nearby peaks disintegrated into dust, and billowing clouds of debris obscured the sky. The three factions swiftly deployed their own teleportation platforms, analyzing the spatial fluctuations to deduce Sebastian's destination, and commenced their pursuit. Sebastian utilized the long-distance teleportation platform that Brody had prepared for him, transporting him approximately 124 miles away. In this region, teleportation arrays capable of covering such vast distances were exceedingly rare. However, the three major factions also possessed similar long-range teleportation arrays. Almost immediately, the air nearby fractured with countless cracks as dozens of figures emerged one after another. Sebastian acted without hesitation. Wasting no time, he pulled out another teleportation array. In a flash, he vanished without a trace. Nearly simultaneously, the dozens from the three factions followed suit, activating their own teleportation arrays in a hurried pursuit. These arrays could transport someone up to 124 miles in one jump, requiring only a second or two to complete the transfer. Meanwhile, Sebastian was within the teleportation tunnel. Halfway through the transit, he suddenly unleashed a powerful punch into the tunnel itself. Teleportation tunnels were reinforced by immense spatial energy. Yet Sebastian's sheer strength broke through, shattering the passage. The tunnel collapsed instantly, tearing open the space itself. After that, Sebastian's figure burst out of the crumbling world. It was indeed Sebastian. Though slightly disheveled, his injuries were superficial. His hair was a bit messy, his clothes bore a few tears, and he seemed a touch battered. The space here was exceptionally stable. Dimensional energy currents within this area were potent enough to endanger even the strongest lords. Combined with the destructive backlash from the collapsing tunnel, it would have severely wounded most. However, thanks to Sebastian's formidable defenses, he escaped with only minor injuries. Once he emerged from the shattered tunnel, Sebastian's figure flickered and vanished into a secluded mountain valley. Hidden among thick vegetation and complex terrain, he held his breath and steadied himself, carefully suppressing his presence. The pursuers from the three factions arrived shortly after. Despite an exhaustive search, they found no trace of him. "Hmph! That guy must be seriously injured. There's no way he'd be hiding like this otherwise. Given the wounds he sustained earlier, he couldn't have gone far," Hardy said with a grim expression. "That's true. Let's split up and look for him! If anyone finds him, send a signal," an elder from Lacuna Sacred Ground said. The forces from the three factions began to spread out in their search. Third elder of Lacuna Sacred Ground, Rhett Myers, ventured deeper into the valley alone. His expression was tense, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings while his weapon remained tightly gripped in his hand. He was on high alert, paying close attention to even the faintest movement. Sebastian, like a predator lurking in the shadows, silently circled around to Rhett's rear. He waited patiently for the perfect opportunity. When Rhett's attention was drawn to a bird fluttering past, Sebastian struck. A sharp surge of energy erupted from his hand, piercing cleanly through Rhett's back. Rhett felt a searing pain rip through him. His body shuddered violently, and before he could utter even a single cry, he collapsed lifelessly to the ground. After taking down Rhett, Sebastian didn't pause for even a moment. Moving like a wraith in the night, he swiftly shifted positions and set his sights on the Second Elder of the Cloudwarden Sacred Ground, Ryker. Ryker was fully focused on scanning his surroundings, every step deliberate and calculated, like a man navigating a minefield. Using the cover of the tall grass, Sebastian crept closer, each step as silent as a shadow slipping through the cracks of dusk. When he was just a few steps away, Sebastian struck with the force of a thunderstorm breaking the sky. Ryker was very shocked when he caught a fleeting glimpse of a dark shadow in front of him. He barely had time to think about turning to defend himself, but it was already too late. Sebastian's attack hit with pinpoint precision, cutting through his defenses and hitting his vitality. Ryker died in an instant. The Great Elder of the Kavanaughs, Rodolfo Terrell, was also searching alone. An uneasy feeling gnawed at him as he moved through the unnervingly silent forest. The only sounds were the crunch of his own footsteps and the steady rhythm of his labored breathing. Suddenly, Sebastian sprang out from behind a massive tree, his attack barreling forward like an avalanche of pure killing intent. Caught off guard, Rodolfo hastily raised his weapon to defend himself. However, Sebastian's ambush had been meticulously prepared, and its devastating force was far beyond what Rodolfo could withstand. With a dull, sickening crack, Rodolfo's weapon shattered instantly. Then, the full brunt of Sebastian's attack slammed into him. His eyes widened in a mix of terror and disbelief. In that instant, he died.