Even though no one knew what they were going to face, they did not seem to mind. They all followed the priests as they began to ascend the mountain. They were not trying to hide their approach at all. Jin began to question the true goal of the priests. Maybe it was actually some kind of trap? After all, it did not make any sense for them to move in such a way...

While he kept pondering within his mind, something happened when they had reached a quarter of the way up.

Explosions.

All around the place.

It frightened everyone. Even Jin was quite surprised by the loud sounds.

As everyone turned towards the base of the mountain, the location from where the sound erupted, they saw something they'd never forget. A pillar of fire that went as high as half the mountain, standing straight towards the heavens, and not dispersing at all even after a few seconds.

Jin used his eyesight and couldn't help but curse.

This was no simple fire. It was brought about by an array and judging from it, this thing was not going to be a single pillar. He hurriedly turned towards the priests only to see them smirking.

It had been a trap.

While he looked at them, changes happened to the pillar. It began to extend at a rapid pace and the gigantic fire began to surround the entire mountain. A lot of cultivators began to flee in different directions, either frightened or hopeful to find a way out. Unfortunately, it would not happen. Jin could judge that it was impossible from the speed at which the array was activated. It would not take more than five minutes for the fire to spread and completely encased the mountain.

...

The locals from the cities and villages not far from the mountain were all scared. Many of them figured out that cultivators were responsible for this but it did not ease their worries. The gigantic fire was nothing short of a disaster to them. If it spread through the forest, they would lose their livelihoods and, worst case, it might endanger their settlements.

Those with the abilities calmed down and began to organize the people. They had to prepare for the worst case.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As for the cultivators who saw what was happening, most of them stopped whatever they were doing and kept watch over the situation. They might end up being forced to flee too.

That being said, quite a few brave ones decided to go towards the fire, believing that this might be an opportunity from the heavens...

...

Within the mountain, a few men began to glare at the priests. They asked for explanations. But the priests remained silently grinning. Jin took this time to step slightly aside. Things were far different from what he expected. While he was very curious about the motives behind such acts, there were more pressing matters.

However, he stopped after only a few steps. That was because he heard footsteps coming from both sides. And many. He returned within the crowd and observed as dozens of men wearing battle robes similar to the priests exited the forest.

At the helm of one group was a priest that wore a dark mantle over his white robe. Jin did not recognize the meaning behind it but others did. Many cultivators and mercenaries next to him erupted in fright at the sight. They whispered and cried about the presence of an 'inquisitor'. Jin understood that it was someone high up in the church from that but as to what an inquisitor was exactly, he was not certain.

The inquisitor did not seem to care about the crowd's fright or anger and stated his business: "We are aware that the demon is hiding within your midst, friends. However, we unfortunately do not have any ways to figure out which of you is our target. Do not worry though for the God of Light will embrace the righteous and we will forever pray for your souls"

'...Shit...'

And then, the inquisitor nodded at his troops who began to move towards the crowd. Jin did not waste his time as he began to use the commotion to flee. This was not his battle to fight and the odds of victory were non-existent. He would rather focus on escaping.

While there were few zealots at his stage, there were many zealots encircling the crowd. It was impossible to go down or to the sides. As such, he moved up. There were only the five priests there. And he was not the only one who made that choice.

One of the men ahead of him grabbed a priest and threatened the others with him as hostage. One of the other zealots simply stabbed both while the hostage priest prayed. They were truly fanatics. Death to them was not the end but a beginning.

Jin did not plan to play with hostages from the start. He considered that futile from the start. If these guys were ready to slaughter hundreds for a single one, then would they stop for a single one of their own?

He used his top speed to move within the forest towards the top. As he looked around, he saw many others, men and women, rushing forward like him. As he ran, he heard the many cries for help and the agony of those who were too slow.

Once he reached the middle-level, he changed directions and went full-speed to the right. Going up was only to escape the pincer attack. Now, he needed to get out of this mountain.

Not long after, he began to run diagonally downwards.

And after a dozen minutes, he stumbled upon a dozen priests. He did not hesitate to use all his techniques. The dozen opponents were weaker than he was and he did not need to give it his all but he still did for time could not be wasted else he might end up meeting more of them.

He killed them all in seconds before continuing on his way.