Chapter 1531

Chapter 1531:

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As she entered the valley, the ground shook with the presence of slithering snakes. Although the sight might have unsettled her before, Nicole maintained her composure, approaching the situation with practiced calm.

He judiciously scattered small amounts of sulfur powder, making sure to deter the snakes without intruding excessively on their habitat, reserving the rest for potential emergencies.

As dusk fell, Nicole waited for darkness to fall before entering the valley. Hiding behind her, she watched in silence as the old man stood up and addressed her with a solemn command: “Stay here. There is business I must attend to.”

“Agreed.” Although Nicole did not know the old man's exact intentions, she understood his deep contempt for witches and his unwavering determination to eradicate their presence.

Whatever actions the old man undertook, Nicole resolved not to pry too deeply, trusting her judgment implicitly.

As the older man meticulously prepared his tools, he told Nicole with solemn urgency, “Regardless of whether you rescue your friend, you must leave this place before dawn, understood?”

Bewildered by his directive, Nicole looked at him in confusion, prompting the older man to clarify the gravity of the situation. “Did you notice the pile of red berries near the snakes when you came in? It means that a ritual is being held tonight. At dawn, all the witches and snakes will disperse. If you are caught, escape will be useless. Do you understand?”

Nicole's confusion deepened at the revelation of the impending ritual. Emerie had spoken of using her for such a ceremony. With her free from her captivity, who would become her sacrificial pawn?

Recognizing Nicole's continued bewilderment, the older man reiterated his instructions with firm insistence. “Remember, leave before dawn, understood?”

Nicole agreed to reassure him. Only then did she leave.

When darkness enveloped the valley and the old man did not return, Nicole decided to act alone. Retracing her steps, Nicole followed the familiar path that led to the ritual site. A feeling of unease gnawed at her.

Arriving at the ritual site, Nicole was met with a surreal sight. Hundreds of witch clans were gathered together, dressed in voluminous black cloaks trimmed with crimson. Their darkened faces, hidden beneath hooded robes, made them enigmatic and inscrutable.

In reverent silence, the assembly knelt before the leading figure. The chief was resplendent in a vibrant scarlet robe adorned with gold detailing. Amidst the swirling smoke, the chief exuded an aura of royalty and inviolable authority.

Unfamiliar chants, spoken in a foreign language to Nicole's ears, echoed eerily throughout the valley. From Nicole's vantage point, light eluded her.

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