Meanwhile, the Sea Dream Temple's leaders welcomed Konrad's return with bared arms. For the first time in their eons of history, the elders united not to slay an enemy, but one bearing the same mantle. Konrad hadn't even taken three steps into the Core Zone, that the five Mara elders encircled him, all rippling with terrifying killing intent.
"Rudra, at first we believed you could be a talent worth nurturing. But soon you revealed yourself as a source of wanton depravity that not only clouded Rati's vision but threatens to ruin our cracked foundation. For the sake of the Sea Dream Temple, even if we risk execution, we have no other choice but to destroy you.
However, if you surrender the Moon Refining Palace slaves, destroy your cultivation and leave this sect, we can give you a way out."
