The robed man, nearly wailing like a ghost, confessed everything about his connection with Pete.
Their ties went back to the previous generation. In his younger years, the robed man had been a well-known geomancer. While working for the Carrell family, he became acquainted with Pete's father, who was the head of the family then.
However, their collaboration didn't last long. After Pete's father passed away, the robed man faced some personal issues that forced him to leave his geomancy career. Through a twist of fate, he turned into a reclusive mystic and eventually began crafting and cultivating venomous creatures.
Through that connection, Pete came looking for him, proposing a partnership.
The binding force behind their alliance was the map Pete proactively brought to the table.
Ironically, both men, scoundrels in their own right, shared the same ambition to obtain the treasure tied to the legendary map. Their patience and scheming stretched over a decade, all in preparation for the celestial phenomenon.
The so-called celestial phenomenon, as the robed man repeatedly emphasized, was a once-in-a-decade occurrence. Only on that specific day would the alignment of the stars reveal the true location of the island hidden on the map.
The robed man believed he had confessed enough. With cautious eyes, he observed Stephan's expression and pleaded, "Mr. Russell, I've told you everything. Could you spare me now? I'm not young anymore. I really can't take this kind of punishment…"
Stephan, however, showed no sign of mercy. His deep, piercing eyes were as sharp as a blade, seemingly able to see through any hidden truths. The pressure he exerted was overwhelming, leaving no room for the robed man to hide.
"And how does all this connect to Felicia?"
Stephan's voice was icy, cutting through the air with an undertone of barely restrained fury. Without waiting for an answer, he lifted his foot and stomped down, breaking two of the robed man's ribs with a sickening crack.
"You know what I want to hear," Stephan growled. "Cut the nonsense and cut to the chase!"
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