The Man’s Decree

Feeling their formidable auras, Jared and the others didn't utter a word even though they were rude. Vasily and the Three Bandits lowered their heads, avoiding direct eye contact, clearly not daring to challenge them.

“Who are you? What happened here earlier?” one elderly man demanded.

His penetrating gaze swept over them as he emanated a formidable aura.

It was clear that he was not someone to be taken lightly. With his volatile temper, he wouldn't hesitate to act swiftly.

Jared furrowed his brows as he sensed his terrifying aura and his heart trembled.

Judging by the elderly man's aura, he was likely at Eighth Level Body Fusion Realm, if not higher. Jared knew he was no match for the elderly man.

Furthermore, there were three of them, and each displayed significant strength. Jared and his companions couldn't even handle one of these adversaries, let alone all three.

“Sir, we didn't perceive anything unusual. What are you searching for? Is there anything we can do to help?” Jared asked in a composed manner.

“You didn't perceive anything?” The elderly man furrowed his brow and fixed his gaze on Jared. “The abnormal phenomenon was incredibly potent. How can you not feel a thing? You're a liar! If you confess everything truthfully, I'll let you off the hook for lying. However, if I discover that you're lying to me, you won't be able to endure the consequences.”

Given the intensity of the abnormal phenomenon and its proximity to Jared and his group, the elderly man found it hard to believe that Jared was completely unaware of it.

“Sir, we're not lying. We just left Jipsdale and are entirely oblivious to any abnormal occurrence,” Jared responded, pretending to be afraid. He looked pale, and his body was trembling slightly.

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a sword and an octagonal hat stepped forward. “Konce, just look at how terrified he is. I doubt he would dare to deceive us. Furthermore, it's likely that the phenomenon was triggered by a magical item. They don't seem like they possess such an item.”

“Lofton, you know nothing. The less conspicuous and lower-level individuals are, the more likely they are to possess magical items. The abnormal phenomenon occurred right here, yet they claimed they didn't witness it. It's evident that they're deceiving us. You're too trusting. I must conduct a search to determine if they have any magical items on them,” Konce said.

With that, he turned to Jared and instructed, “Line up and take off your clothes so I can search you. Remember to take out all your Storage Rings, too.”

Jared's expression darkened when he heard Konce's intention to search them and inspect their Storage Rings.