Chapter 152: Stealth
The weight of betrayal hung heavy in the volcanic-heated air, and Grim could see the exhaustion etched in every line of the wounded Dragon King’s face.
"Lord Ao Qin," Grim said finally, breaking the silence, "we need to reach the West Sea before Jiaolong does. Is there a way to travel between realms quickly?"
Ao Qin’s golden eyes shifted toward him, and for a moment, the ancient dragon seemed to be weighing how much information to share. "The Gate is the only way," he said.
"So we just need to get to the gate than." Lin said moving closer to Ao Qin.
"The Gate to leave here is on the far side of Mount Pyrion," he explained. "It’s a treacherous journey given the circumstances."
"Because of the rebels?" Grim asked.
"And these aren’t the best of circumstances," General Feng added grimly. "The entire region around Mount Pyrion has been taken over by the rebels."
Ao Qin’s expression darkened further. "The rebels. After their betrayal became clear, the surviving loyalists attempted to drive them from their strongholds. Instead, the rebels consolidated their forces and now control most of the volcanic highlands, including the gate."
"How many are we talking about?" Grim asked, trying to assess the tactical situation.
"At least two hundred dragons, plus whatever corrupted creatures they’ve allied themselves with," General Feng replied.
"Which we don’t have the forces for," Shen Yue added pointedly. "Our army was decimated in Jiaolong’s attack."