The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 457: Chapter 483 Wang Hu Confirms His Love

Xiao Hong felt that something was suspicious. She was ambiguous, certainly having committed a serious mistake. Wang Hu should not be dragged into it. Wang Hu nodded; he thought the same.

Bai Fanglan was both ashamed and angry, almost to the point of bursting with rage. But she couldn’t leave in a huff and kneeled before him, choking up, "What’s the point in discussing past events? I promise this will be the last time I trouble you. Please don’t be so heartless; consider the child we lost..."

Xiao Hong interrupted her, "Hasn’t Wang Hu compensated you? Everything has a limit. Once it’s too much, it’s fake. You’re not disabled. You’re healthy, young, and have a college education. What’s so difficult about finding a job? You simply don’t want to work hard yourself and want easy money, but how is that possible?"

"Shut up," Bai Fanglan shouted angrily, "Who asked you to mind our business? Matters between Wang Hu and me are not yours to interfere with!"

Xiao Hong slightly frowned and became silent.

Wang Hu said, "Xiao Hong is right; I won’t help you find a job. If you want to kneel, you can just keep kneeling."

After saying this, he took Xiao Hong’s hand and walked away quickly. Xiao Hong’s entire arm felt stiff, and turning back, she glanced at Bai Fanglan left crying on the spot, then at Wang Hu.

Wang Hu chuckled, "Stop looking. No matter what happens to that woman, I won’t care."

"Hmm, but you’re still holding my hand."

"Is it wrong for me to hold your hand?"

Xiao Hong blushed, "But... but you said it was fake."

"It’s real now. Can I really hold your hand now?" Wang Hu smiled as he looked at her.

Xiao Hong lowered her head, rarely shy.

Wang Hu said, "I need to ask for your forgiveness. I’ve been divorced because I was immature in handling emotions and lacked empathy, like a wooden post, which hurt some people."

"I also dated before, but we broke up due to personality differences," she was quick to say, "Those romantic things aren’t suitable for us soldiers; we’ll be a fitting pair. Don’t ask about the past, but cherish the present!"

Though Wang Hu had a cold temperament, he was quite lenient with his own, giving Xiao Hong confidence that she’d have a good life with him.

Wang Hu laughed out loud, deciding to forget the pretensions. Together, they walked hand in hand.

Thus, Xiao Hong, once just helping out, became truly involved in the relationship, though Wang Hu’s parents weren’t aware.

A few days later, Wang Hu’s father’s lung examination results came out, just a minor inflammation from excessive smoking, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mrs. Wang resolutely banned his smoking and incidentally pressed Wang Hu to finalize the marriage plans.

Both families highly approved, hastily setting their wedding for New Year’s Day, intending to relocate quickly. Otherwise, in such a remote area, how could Xiao Hong be pregnant? The parents were worried.

Thinking it over, Wang Hu agreed; he had been away long enough.

Things were joyous in their circle, but Bai Fanglan was miserable. Pleading with Wang Hu yielded no results, so she sought out other acquaintances. However, her grandfather, now retired, led these people to be extremely perfunctory towards her. Furthermore, Bai Fanglan’s affairs had become widely known, making hospitals reject her due to her poor medical skills.

Soon after her expulsion, she was forcibly discharged and returned home, only to find Bai Chuan had prepared a purchased train ticket for her.

Infuriated to the point of liver pain, Bai Fanglan bit her lip, "Grandfather, are you really giving me no way out? Just driving me away like this?"

Bai Chuan sighed, "It’s for your own good! Staying here no longer holds any meaning. I’m getting old, truly cannot withstand the stress anymore. Don’t worry; every month when my salary comes, I’ll send you fifty bucks."

Bai Fanglan coldly laughed, standing up abruptly, "Fine! Since you dislike me so much, I’ll leave! You’ll get your wish!"

She returned to her room and slammed the door.

Bai Chuan shook his head and went to care for his great-granddaughter. The child was pitiable; Bai Fanglan never cared while working, and even now unemployed, she remained indifferent.

The next morning, Bai Chuan woke up to find Bai Fanglan’s room in disarray. Everything was thrown about, yet she was gone.

Bai Chuan was puzzled; what happened? Then on the table, he found a letter.

Bai Fanglan said she’s left, gone south to find work, aiming to return once successful. The child was left for Bai Chuan to care for temporarily. Besides her jewelry and savings, she also took four thousand bucks from Bai Chuan’s drawer.

Bai Fanglan left in a fit of anger, refusing to believe she wouldn’t succeed! She vowed to get revenge! Against everyone who looked down on her and ignored her!

Bai Chuan worried, struggling to catch his breath, almost fainting. What on earth is Bai Fanglan trying to do!

The child from the next room cried out loudly, and Bai Chuan couldn’t neglect her, so he went to take care of her. Seeing her dark, gaunt face, Bai Chuan sighed deeply too, poor child. No father, and a mother who’s always negligent.

Bai Chuan’s previous grand ambitions were wiped away, leaving him with only taking care of the child daily.

Meanwhile, Sun Chan’s situation gradually returned to calm. Yuan Bing, due to his indecency and attempt at intentional homicide at their camp, faced serious charges. Coupled with Gu Junming’s thorough investigation, a raft of Yuan Bing’s business misconducts came to light.

Including tax evasion, engineering fraud, and bribery, among others, these evidences ensured Yuan Bing likely wouldn’t come out for life. People all around talked about it extensively, mostly cursing Yuan Bing and Bai Fanglan, some discussing Sun Chan.

Zhuang Lin was jumping up and down vigorously, but her husband knew and suppressed her decisively.

Later, the camp erupted with another scandal, overshadowing this one. It turned out Liu Gang secretly wrote reports, intending to falsely accuse Gu Junming!Chapter 645

Timothy shrieked in pain and turned in the direction where the branch had come from. His eyes were filled with fury as he asked, "Who ambushed me?"

There were only trees in sight, and nobody was there. Mad and flabbergasted, Timothy knew that the attacker was strong. A person who could pierce through his palm and then a tree with a branch must be a divine grandmaster.

Hence, he hurriedly summoned his ride-Hurricane Eagle. When Hurricane Eagle arrived, he jumped on it in a hurry and escaped.

Kaitlyn sighed in relief and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your help, sir. Please step out so I can thank you in person."

Obviously, she wasn't going to receive an answer. Just then, Sebastian walked out of the forest next to her. Thinking that the hidden expert had revealed themselves, Kaitlyn twirled around and found Sebastian instead.

"It's you? Why are you still here?"

"Didn't you ask me to be your pretext? I can't leave just like that," Sebastian said.

"Aren't you afraid that I'm going to kill you?" Kaitlyn said dangerously.

Smiling, Sebastian shook his head. "You would have killed me already if you wanted to. Why did you wait until now?"

"It's because you still have some use. Once you lose your value, I'll kill you," she said coldly.

Sebastian smirked without a word. Finally, he realized that Kaitlyn was a kind person. She was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Although she kept saying she'd kill him, she never meant it.

"I'm returning to the sect. Don't forget your promise earlier to help me find that old man within a month. If you can't do it, I swear I'll kill you," Kaitlyn uttered and left.

"Hang on," Sebastian stopped her.

"What else?" she asked, looking back at him.

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian implored.

Besides the advanced third stage technique, this was currently his other big concern. Many people were waiting for him and they must be worried since he had been missing for such a long time He must

find his way back as soon as

possible.

s

"Leave this world?" Confusion was written all over Kaitlyn's face. "I have no idea

what you're talking about. I'm going now if there's nothing else."

Sebastian nodded and left the spot as well because he could sense people heading this way at a high speed. They must be the experts from Netherworld Sect who had heard squads of the fight from earlier. s

He planned to make a trip to Holton and find out from a few more people about ways to leave this world.

Unbeknownst to him, a young man was leading a group of people to Jenna's house. His name was Sean Knott, Martin's nephew and Heather's cousin.

With a loud bang, Sean kicked and broke the wooden door before marching into the yard aggressively. "Sebastian Wilder, get out here!"

Jenna and Fressia rushed out after hearing the commotion. "Who are you?"

Sean's mouth opened to say something, but he suddenly saw Fressia and was smitten by her beauty. "What a gorgeous woman! Are you Sebastian Wilder's wife?"

"Yes. Do you know my husband?" Fressia asked.

"Damn it. That bastard is really lucky to marry such a beautiful woman." Sean's face was full of jealousy. "Where's SebastianChapter 646

Upon Sean's command, a group of hitmen charged at Jenna and Fressia. One of them kicked Jenna so hard that he broke her legs, then they rained punches and kicks on her.

"Jenna! Stop it!" Fressia wanted to save Jenna, but she was helpless and couldn't even save herself.

A few men dragged her into the house. Despite having cultivation, she didn't know how to put it to good use.

"Remove all her clothes! I'll be the first, and the rest of you can queue up after me." Sean was losing patience, starting to undress after stepping into the house.

Fressia was so scared that she turned pale. She pleaded with them miserably, but they had no compassion at all. Instead, they were even more excited.

Lying in the yard, Jenna didn't even have the strength to get up. Besides cursing loudly, there was nothing else she could do.

Although the neighbors heard the commotion, they didn't dare to stick their noses into this because someone recognized that these people were from the Knott Estate.

...

Holton was a bustling city, and the streets were full of people. Suddenly,

hoofbeats echoed from the front. It turned out that a carriage was out of control, rampaging on the street. Terrified, the pedestrians jumped out of the way in panic.

Sebastian stood at the side of the road as well, but a little girl's cries in the middle of the road caught his attention.

Seeing that the carriage was about to hit her, the little girl froze on the spot in fright and continued crying. Without hesitation, Sebastian stood in front of her in a flash and placed a palm on the horse's head.

The big and tall horse fell from the huge impact, flipping the carriage to the side as well.

"Ah!" A woman in the carriage shrieked, and two people dashed out of the carriage.

They were a middle-aged man and a gorgeous young lady. The moment she stood up, she turned to Sebastian and said in a huff, "How dare you flip our carriage! The nerve of you!"

"I did it to save a life." Sebastian pointed at the little girl.

When the young lady wanted to say some more, the middle-aged man stopped her. "Abigail, it's alright. He didn't do it on purpose. Moreover, we almost hit someone earlier."

"How are you doing, Father?" the young lady, Abigail Watson, asked in concern.

"I'm fine. I can still take it." The middle-aged man seemed frail and left with Abigail's help.

"You're in a terrible condition now. If you don't receive treatment on time, you'll pass away in half an hour," Sebastian said.

"How dare you cure my father!" Abigail was enraged.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "I'm merely telling the truth. Your father sustained a hidden injury when he was younger and has been dragging it way too long. It's a miracle he's alive until now." s

that

ghat

"How do you know that my father has a hidden injury from his early years? Who are you?" Abigail asked warily.

"I'm a doctor. Your father's illness is clearly written on his face, and I can tell with just a look," Sebastian explained proudly.

"Since you're so amazing, do you have a way to treat it?" she asked with a hopeful face.

All these years, they had visited

many famous doctors and even

whonet

asked help of the

the help of the alchemist

from

fort

otherworld Sect, button

avail.

s

"It's a piece of cake to me. He'll be as good as new with one pill," Sebastian answered.

Abigail grabbed his arm anxiously. "What pill is that? Let me have it! I promise to

pay you handsomely as long as it can save my father."

"The pill is very precious," Sebastian explained.

"That's not a problem. My father isChapter 647

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian asked.

"Leave this world?" Abigail wore a look of confusion.

Hendrick Watson suddenly interjected, "Mr. Wilder, do you mean leaving Coreland?"

"Do you know about it?" Sebastian was exhilarated. His biggest fear was that no one knew about it.

"So, the records in the ancient books are real! Honestly, I didn't know about it. I've only seen some records in an ancient book," Hendrick explained.

"Where's the ancient book?" Sebastian asked anxiously.

"Wait a minute. I'll ask someone to bring it." Then, Hendrick ordered a worker to bring the ancient book.

Hendrick soon found the part where Coreland was recorded. After checking it carefully, Sebastian finally found a clue. "The Abyss!"

If the records were accurate, the way out of Coreland was through The Abyss.

"Mr. Wilder, The Abyss is a death zone. Anyone who goes in there will die. Don't act recklessly," Hendrick advised.

Abigail nodded in agreement. "Yes. The Abyss is one of the three forbidden areas. For thousands of years, no one has walked out of there alive.

"The records in the ancient book may not be correct. I think it's just a myth. It's impossible to have another world. That's all nonsense."

Sebastian merely smiled without a reply, feeling even more confident that The Abyss was the exit. Although it was a forbidden area, he had to take the risk in order to get back and only after he obtained the advanced stage three technique.

The stage three technique must be within the doors of Netherworld Sect. There were three ways to get it. The first method was very straightforward robbing.

With his strength, not even a thousand men from the Netherworld Sect were his opponent. In spite of that, it was ethically wrong to rob so brazenly.

The second method was stealing. Although it was also ethically wrong, it was slightly better than robbing.

Last but not least was trading. He had the techniques for the first and second transformations. They would probably agree if he traded one of them with them.

Sebastian was a man of his word. He asked Abigail to get him a brush and paper and wrote dozens of herbs in one shot.

These were the herbs needed to produce the Ultimate Nourishing Pill. This pill could strengthen the body and increase the cultivation. In the meantime, it could also heal injuries.

As the largest commerce

association in the county, the Holton Chamber of Commerce had all sorts of herbs. Some herbs had a different name as the ones in the surface world but

dese after Sebas

Abigail

knew which ones he meant.

belongs to s

After the herbs were prepared, he started making the pill right away. The chamber

of commerce had a place dedicated to making pills, and there was also a mini

Spirit Gathering Formation.

Beneath the cauldron was magma,

which could save a lot of energy

during the refining process. In addition, Sebastian's cultivation had greatly increased, so it didn't the him at af to refine the Ultimate

Nourishing Pill. s

In less than half an hour, it was ready. Hendrick was stunned when Sebastian presented the pills to him.

"Goodness, this is a second-grade medication. I didn't expect that you're a second-grade alchemist, Mr. Wilder. It's an honor to meet you." Hendrick politely bowed down low toward him, full of respect.

The way Abigail looked at Sebastian took a change as well, her eyes filled with admiration. There was even an odd light in her eyes, and her face blushed unwittingly.

"Are second-grade alchemists amazing?" Sebastian asked, puzzled.

As there were only a handful of alchemists in Coreland, he never found out his alchemy level.

Hendrick replied, "Of course, they are. It's incredibly rare to find an alchemist, and every one of them are very noble.

"All bigger sects and families are spending a lot of money to recruit them, and they enjoy generous benefits if they work for the royalties.

"Furthermore, second-grade alchemists are even harder to find. The head alchemist of Netherworld Sect is their fourth great-elder, Bertha Erikson. She's a second-grade alchemist."

"There's only one third-grade alchemist in Starfire Empire, and he's the imperial chaplain. His status is high, and even the king has to respect him," Abigail added.Chapter 648

Now that Sebastian already knew where the advanced stage three technique was and the way back home, he planned to return home and explain everything to Fressia.

Before he even reached the door, he already sensed something amiss. The door was missing, and pieces of wood were scattered around.

His instinct told him that there was trouble, so he bolted over as fast as he could.

Upon entering the yard, he saw blood on the ground, and the unease in his heart amplified.

"Jenna! Fressia!" he shouted while dashing into the house.

One of the rooms was a complete mess, and there were also bloodstains. There was even a large hole on the roof.

"Jenna! Freesia!" He dashed back to the yard and continued shouting their names, but nobody answered.

Hence, he utilized his spiritual senses. The next second, he turned to the haystacks nearby and was over there in a flash. Parting aside a bunch of dry weed, he found Jenna.

Her face was covered in blood, and her breathing was barely noticeable. She already slipped into a deep coma, and her life was hanging on a thread.

Hurriedly, Sebastian pressed his palm against her and injected his spiritual energy into her to treat her injuries.

His spiritual energy had strong healing effects. In seconds, Jenna's breathing gradually stabilized, and she slowly opened her eyes.

"You're back, Sebastian." Jenna's voice was very weak, but her expression took a great change the next second. "Sebastian, run! The men from Knott Estate want to kill you!"

"Don't worry, Jenna. They can't do anything to me. Tell me what happened. Where's Fressia?" Sebastian implored anxiously.

Although he and Fressia were from different camps and were even enemies, they were husband and wife before she recovered her memories, and they have feelings for each other.

"I don't know where she is, either." Jenna briefly told him what happened.

The men dragged Fressia into the room with indecent intentions, but Jenna had

no idea what happened later. There was a fight, and then, she heard a loud bang.

Jenna was in the yard and only heard someone saying, "After her!"

Afterward, everything was quiet.

Later, she crawled into the house, dragging her exhausted body, but there was nobody inside. All she saw was a hole on the roof Worried that the men from the Knott Estate would return, she hid between the haystacks and passed out unwittingly. s

"Martin and Heather Knott, I'll make sure you die a horrible death!" Sebastian clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming coldChapter 649

"Don't cry, and rest assured, Jenna. I won't strike unless I'm confident, but I can promise you that I'll bring Fressia home," Sebastian assured.

Time was crucial in saving a life, not to mention that Fressia was gorgeous. In the hands of those inhumane men, it wasn't hard to imagine the torture she'd have to go through in their hands.

Therefore, she must be saved as quickly as possible. Any minute later meant that she would suffer more.

For now, Jenna's condition was stabilized. Unfortunately, her legs were broken. Even after Sebastian had given her an Ultimate Nourishing Pill, she'd still need a few days to recover.

Sebastian was ready to return Jenna to the room and then save Fressia when he heard sounds of hooves from outside the door. He looked outside and saw dust rolling as a group of stocky bandits headed toward his house on galloping horses while carrying weapons in their hands.

The chief was a tall and burly skinhead. With a chubby face and eyes as big as golf balls, he looked ferocious and intimidating.

At the sight of them, Jenna's face fell. "Oh, no! They're the bandits from Mount Blitzen, and their chief is Brork Gantz. Run, Sebastian!"

In this world, many bandits claimed mountainous areas to be the chiefs, and Mount Blitzen was the closest bandit lair to this village.

To the kind and innocent villagers, bandits were more terrifying than the nobles. Although the nobles would also intimidate them and even steal the virginities of brides, they would usually return the women to their families after they were done with them.

However, bandits were different because they often murdered and plundered. It was common for them to violate young women and abduct the pretty ones to be their wives. Once they were bored of them, they would kill them.

Due to this, bandits were akin to devils in the villagers' eyes, and the fear they held for bandits was deeply instilled.

Undoubtedly, Sebastian wasn't afraid of the bandits, and he waited for their arrival silently.

Their house was not located at the entrance of the village, but the bandits headed straight for them and entered their yard.

"I heard that there's a beautiful bride in this house. Bring her out here and show me," Brork directly announced the reason that he had gone there.

Although Fressia had only been there for a short time, everyone who saw her would be stunned, and her beauty was already known far and wide.

After hearing news of her, Brork had brought his men here to bring her back for their own enjoyment.

Anxiously, Jenna fell to her knees. "Mr. Gantz, the men from Knott Estate have abducted my goddaughter-in-law."

"You're lying! Search the house!" Brork wouldn't be taken in so easily. Upon his order, the bandits behind him hopped off their horses and headed for the house. s

"Stop right there!" Sebastian bellowed out of the blue, and everyone froze.

"Don't be rude, Sebastian. Apologize to Mr. Gantz now!" Jenna berated sternly Then, she flashed Brork a smile, "Mr Cantz hChapter 650

"Get on my knees for him? He doesn't deserve it. Get up, Jenna. There's no need to be afraid of them," Sebastian said.

The bandits were enraged, charging at him ferociously. Some even raised their swords, ready to cut him to pieces.

Jenna couldn't bear to watch and could already imagine Sebastian's terrible death.

On the other hand, Sebastian didn't move a muscle or dodge. Brork simply thought that he was too frightened to move and sniggered.

The next second, swords landed on Sebastian, but there was no bloody scene.

Everyone merely heard a loud boom as a terrifying energy erupted from Sebastian's body. In an instant, the terrifying energy shattered the swords, and the bandits were thrown off, spewing out blood and dying before even hitting the ground.

"What?" After seeing this scene, Brork was flabbergasted, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

The men he had brought with him were the elites amongst his henchmen, and they were all warriors, including the second-in-command of the bandits, who was a pinnacle warrior.

Sebastian had killed all of his men solely by releasing his energy. This was a fearsome strength, and Brork reckoned that not even a grandmaster might be capable of it.

"You're a grandmaster!" Brork's face was full of shock. "Why is there a grandmaster in a small village?"

Sebastian raised his head at him and said indifferently, "You've successfully enraged me, and the price to pay is death."

"What arrogance!" Brork snorted. "So what if you're a grandmaster? I've been the king at Mount Blitzen for more than two decades. The Knott Estate has tried to take me down many times but to no avail. Why do you think I could achieve this?"

Suddenly, he jumped and gave Sebastian a palm through the air.

A huge wave of energy blasted toward Sebastian, who was unfazed and composed. With a wave of his hand, an even greater energy erupted from him.

Along with another loud bang, Brork's attack was repelled, and the remaining force struck him without stopping.

As though struck by lightning, Brork was blasted away by the energy and threw up blood, his eyes filled with shock.

There was a thud as Brork landed heavily on the ground after he was blasted off more than 30 feet away. The impact was so strong that it created a concave in the ground.

Sebastian's eyes were impassive, and with a flash, he was right in front of Brork. Quick and silent, he moved like a ghost.

Brork almost wet his pants as he begged for his life on his knees in panic. "Please spare me. I was wrong. Please let me off."

"Bandits have done all kinds of evil, violating women, plundering, and many other heinous deeds. You deserve death, and I'll rid the people of such a wicked many today Sebastian said. s

Right before he struck, Brork said anxiously, "Please hold on and listen to me, sir. Although I'm a bandit and have done many wrong, I usually plunder and rarely kill.

"Furthermore, I rob the rich and hardly harass the villagers. Please let me off. I promise I'll never do it again."

"I'm missing a henchman now. Are you able to obey me unconditionally?" Sebastian asked.

"Y-Yes, master!" Brork didn't dare to disobey. He had succumbed to Sebastian's strength and had no thoughts of defying him.

Meanwhile, Jenna was utterly flabbergasted by the scene before her eyes. She knew that Sebastian was strong because he coChapter 651

"You can refuse, but I'll kill you right now," Sebastian said coldly.

"I'll go! I'll go, okay?" Brork almost cried. Not going meant death, but going also meant death. It was just supposed to be a simple mission, so how did things get so unlucky for him?

The two of them rode their horses at full speed and soon entered Holton, heading straight for the Knott Estate. Upon arriving at the entrance, they dismounted and barged right in.

"Hold it!" the guards immediately shouted harshly.

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard them and continued walking straight ahead.

"How dare you trespass on Knott Estate? You're courting death!"

Enraged, the guards drew their swords and slashed at Sebastian.

Sebastian ignored them, leaving Brork no choice but to intervene and send the guards flying.

The fallen guards were both shocked and furious, and they quickly called for help. Hearing the commotion, more people from the Knott Estate rushed out.

"Sebastian Wilder!"

Many recognized him immediately since Heather had been seen showing him around Knott Estate not long ago.

However, they were also aware that Sebastian had fallen out with their young lady, so they angrily shouted, "How dare you barge into Knott Estate?"

"Tell Martin to get out here!" Sebastian shouted fiercely.

"How dare you disrespect the city lord! You're asking for it! Seize him and bring him to Mr. Knott for punishment!"

The leader of the guards commanded, and a group of them charged at Sebastian. Sebastian stood still, making no move to fight back.

Brork was internally groaning. He knew all too well that if he didn't act, Sebastian wouldn't hesitate to kill him. So, he reluctantly braced himself and joined the fray.

He was a grandmaster. Even though he was injured, he was more than capable of handling these guards. Each strike sent several flying, and not a single one could get close t Sebastian s

The leader was furious. "You're Brork Grant, chief of the bandits from Mount Blitzen, aren't you?

"How dare you cause trouble at the Knott Estate! You've got some nerve! Guards, kill him!"

The Knott Estate guards were ranked by level. The ordinary guards weren't even considered warriors; only the squad leaders had that status.

In addition, there were silver-armored guards, all of whom were warriors, with the squad leaders being mid to advanced-level warriors among them.

At the leader's order, a group of silver-armored guards charged at Brork. But a grandmaster was still a grandmaster, even wounded, he was not someone regular warriors could match. s

They quickly fell one after another.

"You're courting death!"

The leader was enraged. He suddenly leaped into the air and struck down at Brork with his palm.

Brork was caught off guard and hurriedly raised a fist to block the attack. A resounding bang followed, and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying.

It was clear that the leader was also a grandmaster. He then approached Sebastian with an air of arrogance.

"So, you managed to get Brork on your side. That's impressive, but if you think you can storm the Knott Estate by relying on him, you're far too naive."

"Rely on him?"

Sebastian smirked. "I have never relied on anyone but myself. Brork is merely my slave."Chapter 652

Heather had just joined Netherworld Sect and was still a newcomer. Nevertheless, she often wasn't present at the sect, which somewhat surprised Sebastian.

What he didn't know was that Heather joined the sect mainly to have Bertha help treat her illness. As for cultivation, she didn't really need to rely on the sect because she had a family-legacy technique that was nearly as good as what the Netherworld Sect offered.

Moreover, she had been practicing it since childhood, so switching to a new technique would be more trouble than it was worth.

Heather stormed over, brimming with fury. "Sebastian, you've got some nerve! How dare you trespass into Knott Estate and show disrespect to my father! Today, I'll personally chop your head off!"

When Sebastian saw Heather, his eyes flashed with a hint of anger.

Heather had drugged him. While he was unconscious, she had used evil methods to extract his spiritual energy, blood essence, and even bone marrow, all before throwing him off a cliff.

If not for his strong cultivation and resilient body, he would have died. He had not forgotten this grudge.

He hadn't immediately sought revenge on Martin and Heather because he was still searching for the third stage of his technique and a way home, so he endured it for the time being.

But to his shock, this father-daughter duo had crossed the line by targeting Jenna and Fressia. They had simply pushed him beyond his limits.

"Heather, it was one thing for you to harm me, but why go after Jenna and my wife? They're just ordinary people," Sebastian demanded sharply.

Heather sneered. "They're just two lowly commoners. I was already merciful enough to not kill them."

At that moment, Martin also walked out. "Heather's right. Sebastian, I'm surprised you're still alive after everything, and you don't even look injured.

"If I were you, I'd have found a place to hide long ago, but here you are, handing yourself over."

Sean and others followed behind Martin. He turned to Heather and said, "Heather, there's no need for you to dirty your hands. Just stand aside and watch-I'll kill him myself."

"Fine, but don't let him die too easily. I won't be satisfied unless he suffers," Heather said coldly.

"Don't worry. I promise he'll enjoy every bit of it!" Sean assured with a cruel grin. He then looked at Sebastian and said, "If you kneel down and beg for mercy now, maybe I'll let you keep your corpse in one piece, you brat."

"The ones who should die are you

people! Release my wife

immediately, or I'll slaughter

everyone in knott Estate!"

wel

sebastian's voice was filled with

murderous intent. 's

Heather scoffed. "You're really delusional. A mere ant like you talking about wiping

out Knott Estate-you don't know your place!"

Martin sneered wickedly. "So, you're here for your wife, huh? Too bad you're too late; we already played her to death."

"What did you say? She's dead?" Sebastian was stunned. If Fressia hadn't lost her memory and married him, her fate would have been irrelevant to him. He might have even celebrated her death s

But now, it was difficult for him to accept that she was gone.

།

Martin smirked triumphantly. "That's right. I have to admit, your wife was really beautiful. She was such a joy to play with. We took turns, dozens of us, one after another, untilshe died from the sheer pleasure of it." s

shea

"You're asking for it!" Sebastian could no longer suppress the fury within him, and

a terrifying killing intent erupted from his body.

In an instant, everyone present felt a chill of fear, and even Martin was taken aback.

At that moment, Sebastian suddenly moved, grabbiChapter 653

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard anything and broke Sean's other leg with another kick.

Sean was in so much pain that tears were streaming down his face. "Please, spare me! I was lying earlier! Your wife isn't dead, and we didn't hurt her."

"Then, where is she? Let her go immediately!" Sebastian demanded, his voice dripping with murderous intent.

Martin quickly added, "I don't know where she is! We never captured her in the first place."

"You're still lying to me!" Sebastian snarled as he crushed Sean's shoulder blade.

Sean almost passed out from the pain. "I'm not lying, I swear! We planned to do something to her, but she suddenly went wild! She broke through the roof, and escaped. We chased her for a long time but couldn't catch her.

"I'm telling the truth, please, spare me."

Sebastian let out a sigh of relief, trusting Sean's words. Fressia's memory loss hadn't affected her abilities; it was entirely possible she escaped through the roof when in danger.

Heather shouted angrily, "Sebastian, I advise you to release my cousin immediately, or I'll have you cut into a thousand pieces, leaving you without a complete corpse!"

Sebastian ignored Heather and looked at Sean. "Even if you didn't hurt my wife, you still harbored evil intentions toward her. Not to mention, you nearly killed my godmother.

"You deserve to die!"

With that, Sebastian snapped Sean's neck with a loud crack.

"Sean!" Martin rushed forward to check, but Sean was already lifeless.

"He actually killed Mr. Sean! The nerve of him!"

Everyone at Knott Estate was filled with rage, and Heather's murderous aura surged as well. "How dare you kill my cousin? I'll have you torn to shreds!"

Heather immediately advanced toward Sebastian, unleashing a terrifying aura. "She's a pinnacle warrior!"

"Ms. Knott is truly remarkable! As expected of Holton's number one

prodigy. She's reached the pinnacle Warrior level at just

She now has

a real chance of becoming

20

grandmaster before she turns 18." s

"That's right. Her talent is unparalleled, rivaling even that of Ms. Kaitlyn from the Netherworld Sect Her future achievements are limitless!" s

Everyone was full of admiration, their eyes brimming with fervent worship.

"Die!" Heather shouted, clenching her fist as she prepared to strike Sebastian. Just then, a commanding voice rang out from a distance.

"Hold it!"

།

The voice wasn't particularly loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that shook everyone to their core. Heather feft a jolt of fear and instinctively halted. fo s

They all turned toward the source of the voice and saw a middle-aged man

striding forward, accompanied by a young girl.

"It's Mr. Watson!" someone exclaimed.

The man was none other than the chairman of Holton Chamber of Commerce. He was accompanied by his daughter, Abigail.

"Mr. Watson, what brings you to Knott Estate?" MartChapter 654

Hendrick knew that Sebastian was no ordinary person. Since Sebastian wanted to handle things himself, it was clear he had confidence in himself, so Mr. Watson stepped aside with a sense of relief.

However, he remained ready to intervene at any moment. Sebastian had given him a new lease on life, and he was determined not to let anyone harm him.

Heather stared at Sebastian coldly and said, "I don't know why Mr. Watson is protecting you, but anyone who goes against Knott Estate is as good as dead!"

As she spoke, she unleashed her aura again, making the guards around her feel incredibly oppressed.

Heather smirked smugly. "Do you see this? This is my power. It won't be long before I become a grandmaster. In my eyes, you're nothing more than an insect. If you kneel and apologize now, I might consider leaving your corpse intact."

Sebastian responded with a mocking smile, "Even grandmasters are nothing more than ants to me. You don't even qualify as one, yet you dare spout nonsense in front of me? How laughable."

"You're asking for it!" Heather shouted furiously. She raised her hand and struck Sebastian with a powerful blow.

Sebastian merely stood there, not moving an inch, appearing as though he was paralyzed with fear.

Hendrick was startled by this and was about to step in to save him when he noticed something strange.

Heather's palm had already connected with Sebastian's chest, but he remained completely unaffected, as if nothing had happened.

On the other hand, Heather's expression changed drastically as she was filled with shock and disbelief.

Sebastian showed her a disdainful smile and then extended his hand, pressing it in her direction from a distance.

An invisible force immediately bore down on Heather. She had no strength to resist and collapsed to her knees with a loud thud while her eyes filled with terror. "What?"

Everyone present was stunned. Heather was a pinnacle warrior, yet after hitting Sebastian with a palm strike, he remained completely unharmed.

With just a distant press of his hand, he had forced her to her knees. This kind of power was just too terrifying.

Heather struggled to stand, but the invisible force was too overwhelming, rendering her unable to move.

"This can't be! How is your strength so formidable?"

"It's not that my strength is formidable; it's that yours is too weak," Sebastian replied, delivering a slap to Heather's face.

A loud smack echoed as Heather was sent flying nearly 20 feet away.

"How dare you hurt my daughter? I will make sure you die without a burial!" Martin

roared in fury as he charged toward Sebastian.

"The city lord himself is stepping in!

This kid is done for," the Knott Estate people exclaimed excitedly, as seeing a divine grandmaster take action was a rare sight. s

Sebastian smirked with disdain, ready to retaliate when Hendrick suddenly stepped in, positioning himself in front of Sebastian.Chapter 655

Although he was a grandmaster, Brork was nothing more than an ant in the face of a divine grandmaster like Martin.

he knew that once Martin killed Sebastian, he wouldn't be spared

flee, but Knott Estate's guards surrounded

Hendrick stepped forward, releasing a similarly terrifying aura,

Watson is also a divine

astonished. Divine grandmasters were the

world, capable of single-handedly opposing entire

individuals

of Holton, excluding the Netherworld Sect, Martin

that Hendrick had also ascended to the Divine Realm, it

actually broke through to the Divine Realm!"

smiled and said, "Indeed, not only did I fully recover from my injuries, but I also broke through the

Watson, even though you've entered the Divine Realm, you've only just broken through. You're no match

consider. I

blame me for being ruthless," Martin growled before

with a punch of

explosion echoed as a terrifying force erupted from the clash of their fists. The shockwave hit those nearby, stinging their faces and sending them scrambling back in

forced back a few steps by the powerful energy, while Martin only wavered

inevitable, given that Martin had entered the Divine Realm long ago, while Hendrick had just recently broken through. It certainly left a

Vol

after punch, leaving Hendrick with no chance to counter. Martin then. seized

a

cried out in shock,

that you're no

of his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm not your match,

pointless. I won't stop you if you leave right now, but that kid is

dared to make

hearing this, Martin smirked mockingly. "I really don't know where you get

filled with fury as she glared at

make you wish for

a terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone present felt a chill of fear run down

instantly, Sebastian

ghost. In the blink of an eye, he was in

face instantly turned pale with fright; she never expected Sebastian's strength to be so terrifying. What confused her even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on Sebastian, which should have killed him, but he

die a brutal death!" Martin shouted,

that he could easily subdue Sebastian. After all, no matter how talented

most. As a divine grandmaster himself, that was merely a

stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening me with my wife

as she said, "Let me go now, or my father will tear you to

father is nothing but an ant in my eyes! He's not even worth

this guy is way too arrogant! He actually dared to call Mr. Knott

he dares to call a divine grandmaster an ant? What a joke! Knott Estate's people sneered, mocking

was being too arrogant. It

limit; otherwise, it would just

ant, then let Heather go and face me in a duel.

continued to grab Heather by the

her over 30 feet away. She landed heavily on the ground, coughing

Heather was furious, nearly

kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for

glared at Sebastian and said coldly, "You heard Heather. I'll first cripple your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that, Heather

face full of disdain. "You're just an ant, yet

of this ant!" Martin

though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried to retreat upon realizing something was terribly wrong,, but it was already

surge of energy erupted from Sebastian.

blood mid-air as his eyes filled with disbelief and

What!

unable to believe

he had punched Sebastian, but Sebastian was unharmed and instead

knew Mr. Wilder was a genius at pill refinement, but I never imagined his combat prowess would be

awe, and her eyes sparkled

expected that her father, whom she had believed to be nearly invincible, would be so easily overpowered by

possible? You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend

know is that you are nothing but ants in my eyes, something easily crushed

thought he was boasting.

withstand a single move from Sebastian. To the rest of

who instantly paled. Terror

I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch me, she will hunt you down

words. With a flick of his wrist, Heather was unable to

knew that a divine grandmaster could manipulate objects from a distance, but usually no further than 10 feet and

away, and Sebastian still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display

grabbed Heather by the neck

doing, Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and terrified.

sneered. "What

was both furious and panicked. "My mentor will never let you get away

thought you had some brains, but

cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've

Even if your mentor Bertha were here, she wouldn't be able to save you because, in my

the Grand Elders of

her mentor,

ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her

was determined to make this father-daughter duo taste despair,

Wilder, the Netherworld Sect is full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and

just ants," Sebastian replied

don't underestimate them, Mr.

remained unfazed. It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in

the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride, they should

two hours had passed, and still no sign of

won't be

can't kill me. I'm the Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice.

let you call for help, nor would

me, fine. But if they do, I'll just wipe them

a powerful sect as casually as

strong did one have to be to have such unwavering

had heard him before, they would have dismissed it as bluster, and not even credible bluster

him severely injured Martin in a single move-it was

last words before you

fell to her knees before Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband and wife, spare my life. I'm still

die."

means to steal my energe essence, and marrow

weakness. I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to

Let's set the fact that you harmed me

sent people after my godmother, had her beaten severely, and even tried to humiliate my wife.

doing! It was

do with me," Heather quickly tried to distance herself

all happened, Heather was at the Netherworld Sect. She didn't know anything about

he acted alone. If it wasn't her, then it must've been

intent.

belongs to s

"It

of you. So,

you trying to turn us against each other?

agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose would

simply killing

all, the survivor would live with

giving you one minute to decide. IfChapter

were full of fear and

was at a loss for words. He didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear to lose his

we can negotiate. Let us go, and just name

and said, "Alright. I'll give you a chance.

million gold coins? Why don't you just rob a

gold coins were enough for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins was

can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to

pay!" Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart was

of gold, Sebastian only asked for

after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth

word and left after

intended to kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to

leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the

Watson, I'd like to ask

to be so formal. Just

had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him

that Hendrick considered a

alchemist, with immeasurable strength to

need your help to find someone." Sebastian requested paper and a pen, then drew

professional artist, his drawing was remarkably

is the woman in the picture your

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

trace of disappointment flashed in Abigail's eyes. It was hard not to admire a man as

but

in the drawing

her own

explained the circumstances and timing

worry, Mr. Wilder. I'll send people to find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon,"

at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also

for some people to take care of

to protect her

Sebastian's terrifying power first hand, Brork didn't

refusal. He was completely subdued, with no

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

just can't swallow this

"Are you willing

replied without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is

ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!"

father and daughter then stepped out to

the Stonebrook family had arrived in large numbers, bringing an abundance of betrothal

dignified middle-aged man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and

a young man of about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was Camden Stonebrook, the heir to

Mr. Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott Estate,"

you're too kind. Please forgive

it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led the father

daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today

more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never

"Camden, it's impolite to keep staring

of his daze and quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry,

smile. She was not angry at all. In fact, she felt quite pleased

one of the southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook

advance by leaps

a place among the four great ladies in the

Denzel smiled a

"My

not long ago,

at first sight for

he lost

his appetite and many.

his father, I became anxious, soove brought him

Cóntent

was done speaking, he clapped his hands, and the servants

They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged wine,

pill box, though smaller, contained

betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a

family had truly gone all out. The

them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard about the Purification Pills, their eyes lit up with

body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance a

by warriors, these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed,

you satisfied with the

Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly

mean you agree to their

man. For him to be interested in my daughter is

feeling shy, but she was overjoyed inside. With the future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family,

the wedding date, setting it for

we've recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable and who is

southern region, there aren't many people who could cause trouble for you. Who might

"It's a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder. He's

commoner.

many renowned doctors, none could help me. Later, when my illness flared up,

I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm telling you this

we can call off the engagement,

Camden's eyes. "I heard about this incident too,

I don't mind. It wasn't your

Camden, thank you for understanding," Heather forced out a

Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook

up herself, she

protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a

got engaged, he demanded that I sleep

of woman and naturally refused him. He then tried to force himself on me, but luckily, I

the table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully

Even my father couldn't

"I heard he should be under 30 years old.

cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs and pills that extend life and

may look like he's in his 20s, but

That brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan

real age is definitely well over

he just an early-stage divine grandmaster? That's nothingChapter

Heather and Camden's

one of the four major families of the

decent status as the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate, it was still far from matching the prestige of the

family background wasn't on par

talents were remarkable. The Netherworld Bell test showed her potential at five rings, placing her on the same level as

was a genius with boundless potential and

her beauty and talent compensated for her comparatively

jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law was like ascending to the heavens in a single

Heather, were equally disheartened, with their hopes seemingly

it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her

gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs for pill

find Fressia, secure the third stage of the cultivation technique-

to stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation

rest. One day, after finishing his pill

getting engaged tomorrow at Knott

of them is for me, I assume?"

nodded. "Yes,

saw through Martin's intentions-it was nothing more than an

Wilder, are you

I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?" Sebastian replied with

Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation

"My father is right.

walking right into their

just a bunch of petty clowns. There's nothing to fear," Sebastian responded

so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If you go you're bound to

Hendrick warned.

to .net

remained unmoved. "I appreciate your concern,

just clowns. They're not

they leave me alone, fine. If

ie

Stonebrook family is one of the four major families in the southern region, even

"Mr. Wilder, please listen to us and

revenge, they'll cook up something else next time

to confront them sooner

his group approached the entrance of Knott

dressed in a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it was Kaitlyn, the

Sebastian asked. "Are

Sebastian nodded.

at the banquet. Going there now is like walking into

here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with a

to run into you and thought I'd give you a

so much about me.

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned

says so, then it's surely true. Why don't we turn

to become a peerless force in the future. Just

mind is made up. No more

heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could

was

shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend

one of the main figures of the day, Heather was overjoyed. After all, by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of

Heather a woman both stunning and neredibly talented was

already been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way to remove

Sebastian.

had been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

report just at that moment,

down all the exits once he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered

worry, Mr. Camden. Everything is in place. He won't be able to get away, even if

nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, has my father

into some issues and likely won't make it today. But with the family's third elder and the seventh elder

nodded again

moment, Sebastian and

here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise

the Stonebrook family's plan,

while gritting her teeth. "Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery or call you

isn't exactly a dragon's

playing dumb. Since you've come

"Brat, today next year will

you kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break your own hands, I'll spare your

to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here

out of your mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited you here just to kill you.

such an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple,

would never let him live. I

and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done to her, seeing him in

looked at Camden and said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring

things. If you want to live today, the only way is to do as

his smile was

furious. "What are you laughing at, you

really don't get it. There are so many good women out

you insult my woman? You've got some nerve!" Camden fumed

lost it. This

to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably

Everyone nodded in agreement.

elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down

remained calm and unbothered. "Mr. Camden, don't get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was

practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to enhance

One day, shevited

lured me into her room, and tried

"Shut up!"

quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and

on purpose. You can't

course, I don't believe him. This guy

evidence do you have?"

male energy through

said, "Camden, he's lying! He's just upset that I broke off the

held her hand and said, "Don't worry. No matter what he says,

evil cultivation technique to

my woman right in

Her first time was with me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying, you

if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still be a joke if

quickly chimed in, "Camden, this guy has

stared at Heather for a long moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as he wondered,

cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the

for Heather, Camden planned to verify everything

vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard for everyone to

is the power of a divine grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This

apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there

whereas Septimus was a

I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a fool Youre allowing this malicious woman

you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more than a worn-out

few scratch marks on her chest because I got a bit rough.

at his words and instinctively covered her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those marks would have healed by now, given a warrior's rapid

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned.

tricked, Heather

now, you're spouting lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed

he

family was one of the four major families of

in particular, was a middle-stage divine

made his move, the pressure from his released

flashed with worry. But

Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian

sound, Septimus' arm shattered

let out a pained scream

Sebastian chased him down and grabbed Septimus by the

"What?"

was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been

strength was beyond

Kaitlyn were the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had participated in

person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all, if he

fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I

family!

approached Sebastian, his eyes

you do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return, you spare

Kaitlyn from the start. Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure

enticing than he had imagined. He nodded and said,

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

own eyes, and breaks both his hands, I'll

gouging out his eyes and breaking his hands a bit too

is my bottom line!" Camden declared in a tone that

I warn you? Why did

isn't some death trap. Why shouldn't I

realize your strength was so formidable,

Stonebrook family

exceeds your imagination. Gouging out your eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome

and replied, "Ms. Gardner,

not in the

know it's hard to

miserably than to die.

something, but in the end, she

both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a dog, it was better to

were slim, at

"Septimus!"

of the Stonebrook family erupted in

as he shouted, "Sebastian

be satisfied until I

cripple his

order. He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura growing

presence intensified. Every footfall

be truly unfathomable. He's probably at

stage of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to fight beyond his level, comparable to a late-stage

so quickly before;

Everyone nodded in agreement.

shouted,

sword and immediately drew it from its sheath. A sharp,

blade resonated through the air, unleashing a wave of terrifying

plummet, leaving everyone feeling as though they had fallen into an icy abyss. Their hearts were

Godslayer Blade of

the Stonebrook family proudly stated, "That's right. This is our Stonebrook family's Godslayer Blade. Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword,

was stunned. They hadn't expected Camden to carry the Godslayer Blade with

doomed now. With the added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey Defeating Sebastian will be, piece of

nodded in agreement. The Godslayer Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice

Sebastian, empty-handed-what

unable to

taken her virginity, but after calming down and

for Sebastian, she would have been defiled by that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he had acted to save her. That all made

develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was in danger—she simply didn't want to see him

strength far surpassed hers, and he didn't need her protection at

completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her entire Netherworld Sect would dare provoke

the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power.

energy within a few miles surged violently, creating an

weaker cultivation slumped

capture Sebastian alive, so his sword's target

the blade was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to

To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's bare hand

However, instead of the expected sight of blood and mangled flesh, the sword stopped dead in its tracks as it was caught firmly in Sebastian's

"How is this possible?"

disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they were unable to believe what they were

his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level

of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but

Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of the s go of

was

in satisfaction. "This sword is not

in a mix of anger and panic, clenching

finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill

be killed. If you think you can kill me, I can also kill you. It's

angry. "Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the heir to the Stonebrook family.

Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts in the Southern Regions, so killing

a pair of idiots. You two really are made for each other,"

Your whole family

sneered. "You're about to die, yet you still dare to shout at me. If that's

You really plan to kill us?" Heather

you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone

kill that person. If you send two,

grew louder as he spoke. By the end, his voice was

could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate

had said this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was lying. However, after witnessing Sebastian's terrifying strength, everyone was

Our family has stood strong

to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then,

or not I end up in a grave, you

you dare!"

the experts from the Stonebrook family around him as they were ready to flee at any

him with disdain. He took a step forward,

on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed to

to remain standing, their legs quivering

him!"

they had no choice but to obey Camden. Gritting their teeth, they rushed

fray. Instead, he used the chaos

wore a disdainful expression. With a wave of his hand, a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they

very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a single move To

cake. The sheer ease

was terrifying.

and her face became

toward Heather. He

leapt into the air, attempting to

the way little Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided to let the matter drop, choosing mercy

will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of

nodding so hard the tight bun at the back of her head

Relief spread

had dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick,

Ivy hadn't stepped between danger and the child, the day

unexpectedly shy. "Thank you,"

answered with a small, practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly composed for

I should be the one thanking you," he replied,

a hand into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding it up, he added, "Every outfit you brought me

a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique fell

ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this child intended to buy the

card, uncertainty flickering across her

a minor. A purchase of this scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave

still did not understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet

course," she said,

off, sweeping the garments from velvet hangers into satin-lined bags with practiced

showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining through their

this large could cover the down payment on a new car,

more.

nearby and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no

Ivy guided

register, she leaned down, voice barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of

over eight million." s

would never have taken a job at a

firm as bedrock.

no objection, she

in disbelief. The wealthy,

choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as though returning a

"Ms. Ivy, I

finally set

toward Ivy. With a flourish worthy of a stage magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin.

"Pass it on to whatever gentleman

A quick shake of her head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive," she

apairof

low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you ever hit a rough patch, come to

delivered a lightning-fast briefing

them like silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping bags that

a downward glance at Jonathan, who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business

to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary.

Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the

once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy certainly trusts you,"

remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but

darkened like a sky before

"Dad, Mom actually asked

had believed the first fib, it was only

Jonathan appeared more like an adult

delegate adult shopping to

gaze sharpened. "You've figured something out, haven't

blinked, performing innocent

breath. “When it comes to social-grade lying, you're still rough around the

to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a tremor

asked, dark lashes

shoulders back and forced a civil smile. "Why would

bought clothes for me and Elliot, but none for you. She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value you," Jon announced, brutally direct in

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing it that

his throat. “And exactly where did you pick

your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating

a child could read him, how had Cecilia never noticed?

stayed

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

she almost collided with Jonathan and

arms

have you two been? And what on earth

intent on inspecting

said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

excuse had been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel

heads-up would have been nice. I was starting to wonder why you'd vanished."Chapter

bewildered. When have I ever been

throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

carrying the

I guess I've been skimping on

what was happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled of warm

me take you to a doctor, all right? You're far

chest pinched. Only a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch

to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly as

problem, never imagining the confession would buy him this long-lost

ages since Cecilia had hugged

fine if I drink more water. It isn't that bad,

model child, obedient, courteous,

Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation

it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a lifesaving

all lies you could invent,

need them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by the flush

soft with pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the mess he had

and ordered

time they reached home, a courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel

not sure how to

plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a

Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He

Mommy. I can manage on

his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made

she couldn't help pitying him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation. If it lasted, a doctor's

bathroom with you," she said, voice low

"Okay."

and bolted down

a plate of sliced fruit. He watched his brother's retreating and, though

constipated? He sure doesn't look it," Elliot muttered

him with a mild but warning stare. "Don't tease your brother. He's having a hard

small hand against his chest, trying to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really

subject with an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits we

to take tons of

to the bedroom, arms gathering the new clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to

ended, she pinged the

Alphonse and Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the sorrow hovering behind their

wanting loneliness to take root, she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of

elderly couple, in return, video-called often to check on the children and

life seemed to find

you and the children be able to come back for a visit?" Bethany

the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her

decided. We'll come right after the New Year to visit you and

as soon as you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany

good while longer, then finally ended the call

change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds,

Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a

eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel

"Ceci."

surprise.

we're doing

you mean?" Confusion knitted

Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he

plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint tension at his jaw and

worry eclipsing her earlier cheer. "What's the matter? Who dared to spoil your

took a single step closer, the scent of cedar

she could speak

long arms

possessive motion,

chest, as though staking a

have to

gravel, every

her cheek. Color flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened

whisper-shouting, "Stop it, let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and

tightened his embrace, chin settling atop her hair as if the conversation

two married people holding each other? They're not babies anymore. They

"Not babies? They're

my own," Nathaniel replied, the words

arched, genuine amazement slipping past her irritation. "You

"Ceci, we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot

hesitated, heart squeezing. "They're too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr. Sinclair company

།

team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr. Sinclair for now. OnceChapter

his finger

"Hmm?"

a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest of our lives. Sometimes I feel like I'm dead

proud, composed husband was jealous of

course, the kids outrank you. I risked

storm gathering behind

free of Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the hallway, bare

break for it, then sprang up and covered

reached the bedroom and tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low

harder on the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms

strength. With a gentle shove, he slipped

the deadbolt turned, and

against the windows, but inside, heat pooled between their

snow glare slicing through the curtains

an inch away. She could

finger over that faint

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

her even closer until her breath

breathe.” Her voice came out in a whisper, pressed tight

by a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer."

best friends a full day of window-shopping and

mumbled, "Give me a few more minutes. Keep

could be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like an oversized

when were you this attached? I never noticed

tugged at his mouth.

laughed and ruffled his hair, dark strands

moving. I have a busy

the mall with your friends, that's all, right? No

shook her head. "That's

you buying?” he asked, still unwilling to release

Mom, and something nice for Grandpa and