Right after Rohan left, a palace guard burst into the grand hall.
"King Lucius, the leader of Mystic Vessel Sect, Hill Hackett, requests an audience."
"Hill? He just left recently. What could bring him here at this ungodly hour?" Lucius asked with a puzzled expression.
Despite his confusion, Lucius knew he had to show Hill the deserved respect. After all, the Mystic Vessel Sect had recently formed an alliance with his city, and Hill had crafted them a cornucopia of precious pills.
"Admit Mr. Hackett," Lucius ordered.
Soon, Hill was led into the grand hall. Lucius's gaze fell upon his ragged appearance, a stark contrast to the ornate surroundings, and his astonishment slipped into his tone. "Mr. Hackett, what happened to you? You look… disheveled."
Hill's clothes, a patchwork of tatters and stains, bore the grim signature of a fight. He had fled in haste, with no time to change into more fitting attire.
"King Lucius, please… help me," Hill implored.
