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.

Since he had come with Sebastian, he knew that once Martin killed Sebastian, he wouldn't be spared either.

Brork desperately wanted to flee, but Knott Estate's guards surrounded him on all sides.

"You can go ahead and try!" Hendrick stepped forward, releasing a similarly terrifying aura, one that matched Martin's intensity.

"He's a divine grandmaster! Mr. Watson is also a divine grandmaster!"

Everyone was astonished. Divine grandmasters were the most formidable beings

in the world, capable of single-handedly opposing entire armies.

However, such powerful individuals were exceedingly rare.

In all of Holton, excluding the Netherworld Sect, Martin had been the only divine grandmaster.

Now that Hendrick had also ascended to the Divine Realm, it was no wonder everyone was so shocked.

"You actually broke through to the Divine Realm!" Martin exclaimed, clearly surprised.

Hendrick smiled and said, "Indeed, not only did I fully recover from my injuries, but I also broke through the bottleneck and entered the Divine Realm. Do you still think I can't protect Mr. Wilder now?"

Martin's expression turned cold. "Mr. Watson, even though you've entered the Divine Realm, you've only just broken through. You're no match for me, so I suggest you think it over carefully."

Hendrick snorted. "There's nothing to consider. I won't allow anyone to harm Mr. Wilder."

"Then, you've brought this upon yourself. Don't blame me for being ruthless," Martin growled before launching a punch at Hendrick.

Hendrick quickly countered with a punch of his own.

A deafening 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 fear and astonishment. s

At the same time, Hendrick was forced back a few steps by the powerful energy, while Martin only wavered slightly, clearly demonstrating who was stronger.

This outcome was inevitable, given that Martin had entered the Divine Realm long ago, while Hendrick had just recently broken through. It certainly left a significant gap, between them. s

Vol

Martin snorted and pressed his advantage, throwing punch after punch, leaving Hendrick with no chance to counter. Martin then. seized an opportunity and struck Hendrick squarely in the chest, sending him flying with a terrifying force. s

Hendrick immediately spat out a mouthful of blood mid-air.

Abigail cried out in shock, rushing forward to support

with satisfaction. "I told you before that you're no match for me, but you wouldn't

from the corner of his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm not your match, if you insist

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

dared to make trouble

really don't know where you get your confidence from, brat.

her eyes filled with fury as she

has ever laid a hand on me since I was a child. You're the first. I will make you wish for death over life! As for your wife and godmother, I'll ensure that they suffer fates worse than death

terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone

Sebastian moved

of an

even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on

of Heather, or I'll ensure you die a brutal death!" Martin shouted, both shocked and furious. He was startled by Sebastian's power, especially

all, no matter how talented Sebastian was, he was still young-his

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

stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening

her composure as she said, "Let me go now, or

my eyes! He's not even

to call Mr.

one of the most powerful beingsan existence, and he dares to call a

Sebastian was

a limit; otherwise, it would just make him

laughed angrily, "You brat, if you think I'm just an ant, then let Heather go and face me in a duel. Let's

wish!" Sebastian responded. He continued to grab Heather by the

30 feet away. She landed heavily on

Heather was furious, nearly

don't just kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for days. Only then will be

cultivation, then break your limbs. After

his hands behind his back, his face full of disdain. "You're just an ant,

of this ant!" Martin roared, charging

his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried

energy erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the energy blasted Martin

mid-air as his eyes filled with disbelief

What!

stunned, unable to

was unharmed and instead sent Martin flying. The sheer strength

pill refinement, but I never imagined his combat prowess would be so profound!" Hendrick exclaimed

eyes

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

it possible? You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were filled with terror as he stared at Sebastian. "Who the hell are

is of no consequence to you. All you need to know is that you are nothing but ants in

have thought he was boasting. But now, not a single person doubted

even withstand a single move from Sebastian. To the rest of them, they weren't even worthy of

gaze toward Heather, who instantly paled. Terror was evident on her

to do?" Heather stammered, trying to sound defiant. "I'm warning you. I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch

wrist, Heather was unable to resist and

from a distance, but usually no further than

Sebastian still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display of

Heather by the neck

you doing, Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and

sneered. "What can you do now that I've laid a hand on

mentor will never let you

a mocking smile. "I thought you had some brains, but it seems

you mean by that?" Heather asked while bristling with anger. Sebastian's cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've provoked.

mentor Bertha were here, she wouldn't be able to save you

delusional! My mentor is one of the Grand Elders of the Netherworld Sect! She has

pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while Sebastian stood there

skill, ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now he had no

to make this father-daughter duo taste despair,

Sect is full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and Tyler's power is beyond comprehension. Are you confident you can

ants,"

underestimate them, Mr. Wilder,"

It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in

from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride, they should have

had passed, and still

seems your mentor won't

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

afraid, I wouldn't have let you call for

Netherworld Sect doesn't come after me, fine.

destroying a powerful sect as casually

this? How strong did

dismissed it as bluster, and not even

severely injured

you have any last words before you die?"

out. She 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 so young.

die."

steal my energe essence, and marrow and then tossed me

weakness. I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to change. I'll devote myself to you and serve you well as your

gone into acting with those skills. Let's set the fact that you harmed me aside

also sent people after my godmother, had her beaten severely, and even tried to humiliate my wife. Such malice-how

wasn't my doing! It was Sean

lust. It had nothing to do with me,"

all happened, Heather was at the

it wasn't her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his

intent.

belongs to s

"It wasn't me! I had nothing to do

it's definitely either one of you. So, you can choose who will

turn us against each other? How

silently agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose

than simply killing them

would live with the

giving you one minute to decide. IfChapter

eyes were full of fear

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

we can negotiate. Let us go, and just name

give

coins? Why don't you just

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

one million, that's fine. I can just kill

Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as

to the large amount of gold,

long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten

and

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

Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton

like to ask you

to

respect for Sebastian had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved

was a debt that Hendrick considered a second

second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to

find someone." Sebastian requested paper and a pen, then drew an image of

a professional artist, his drawing was

Wilder, is the woman in

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

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

herself, but

in the drawing

matching her own

the circumstances and timing

find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news

the chamber, waiting for updates. He

to arrange for some people to take care

Brork to

terrifying power first hand, Brork didn't

was completely subdued, with no thoughts

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

just can't swallow this humiliation!"

asked, "Are

without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding

marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that

daughter then stepped out

arrived in large numbers, bringing an abundance of betrothal

was a dignified middle-aged man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and one of the top powerhouses of the

Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was Camden Stonebrook, the

arrival truly graces our humble

you're too kind. Please

led the father and son into the sitting room and had them

your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation

she acted, the more captivated Camden

"Camden, it's impolite to keep

stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott, I

him a bashful smile. She was not angry at all. In fact, she felt

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

resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and

among the four great ladies in the

Denzel smiled a

"My son

Knott once not long

first

lost

his appetite and many.

As his father, I became anxious, soove

Cóntent

he clapped his hands, and the servants immediately opened

box of gemstones, a box of medicinal.

box, though smaller, contained

betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium medicinal herbs, some

Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone amounted to

to their rarity, even internal consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the

cleanse the body, improve physical constitution,

their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped them break

said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with the Stonebrook

satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly

does that mean you agree to their

"Of course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my daughter is an honor for us. How could we possibly

the future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family, who would

parties quickly settled on the wedding date, setting it for a year later.

is formidable and who is extremely arrogant. It's

could cause

a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder. He's just

commoner.

a strange disease once. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, none could help me. Later, when my illness flared

advantage of the situation and insisted I take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm

we can call off the engagement,

"I heard about this incident too, but I

worry, Heather. I don't mind. It wasn't your

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

people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the

up herself, she hoped to handle the situation

never expected was that the scoundrel was

soon as we got engaged, he demanded that I

He then tried to force himself

of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares

scoundrel is very strong. Even my father couldn't

heard he should be under 30 years old. How could he

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

in his 20s, but his real age could

least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan the

real age is

just an early-stage divine

Heather and Camden's

the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into one of the other

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

it didn't seem that odd. Although Heather's family background wasn't on par with the daughters of the four

her talents were remarkable. The Netherworld Bell test showed her potential at five rings,

with boundless potential and unimaginable future

and talent compensated for her

even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook

peers, especially those who secretly admired Heather,

Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't

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

of

now to boost the cultivation of those around him once he

process, so Sebastian took breaks periodically to rest. One day, after finishing his pill

Camden are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate.

them is for me, I assume?" Sebastian

"Yes,

nothing more than an attempt to use the

Wilder, are you planning

sent me an invitation, so if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?" Sebastian replied with a

quickly said, "Mr. Wilder, I think it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear they want to use the Stonebrook family's power against

is right. You

right

petty clowns. There's nothing

strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If

Hendrick warned.

to .net

"I appreciate your

clowns. They're not

If

ie

major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld Sect.

added, "Mr. Wilder, please listen to us and don't

out for revenge, they'll cook up something

better to confront them sooner rather than

and his group approached the entrance of Knott Estate, a

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

you need from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you heading to the engagement banquet?"

Sebastian nodded.

to kill you at the banquet. Going

to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with a

yourself. I just happened to run into you and thought I'd give

didn't expect you to care so much about me. Could it be that you've

Kaitlyn scoffed and turned to

so, then

destined to become a

is made up. No more advice, please," Sebastian said

both sighed and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his

Estate, the atmosphere was festive and

Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally

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

his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and neredibly talented was something

had a thorn in his side-Heather's body had already been seen and touched by

Sebastian.

tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

report just at that moment, "Mr. Camden,

Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered with a vicious

be able to get away, even if he sprouts wings," the

"By the way, has

But with the family's third elder and the seventh

nodded again in

that moment, Sebastian and his

What's he doing here?" Korbin exclaimed

taken aback. She had already warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up. Was he walking into

guts to come. I can't

said, "This place isn't exactly a dragon's lair. Why wouldn't I dare

dumb. Since you've come today, don't expect to leave

"Brat, today

in right after. "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. If you kneel down, admit your mistakes,

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

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, Mr. Camden would let

Mr. Camden would never let him live.

Kaitlyn seemed

and said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might

cultivators don't care about such things. If you want to live today, the only way is to do as I

this, Sebastian laughed and his

furious. "What are you

many good women out

dare you insult my woman? You've got some

lost it. This guy

he had done as Mr. Camden asked, he might have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably wishing for death to be

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Stonebrooks' third elder, Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood

don't get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth.

practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

energy to enhance

One day,

lured me into her room, and tried to

"Shut up!"

turned pale and quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and

added, "Mr. Camden, he's just slandering Heather on purpose. You

This

evidence do you

absorb male energy through

just upset that I broke

No matter what he says, I

up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my

slander my woman right in front of me... you've

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

it all up! Even if

in, "Camden, this guy has ulterior motives. Don't

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

coldly. Whether Sebastian was

for Heather, Camden planned to verify everything as soon

as vast and overwhelming as the sea,

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

Korbin and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there were clear differences

were at the early stage, whereas Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly

mockingly and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a fool Youre allowing

or I'll make sure you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more

marks on her chest because I got a bit rough. They're probably still

truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those marks would have healed by now, given a

However, Heather's reaction

her, leaving everyone stunned. Upon

Heather

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

he was infuriated by the

was one of the four major families of the southern region, with all

a middle-stage divine grandmaster. His power was truly

his move, the pressure from his released aura alone

concern, and even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do; they were powerless to

as lightning as his hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed

a resounding sound, Septimus' arm shattered

a pained

a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down

"What?"

A powerful middle- stage divine

was

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

most a warrior. After all, if

then erupted in fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might leave

shocked and enraged, and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare

Sebastian, his eyes filled with

do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and

face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure that

found her even more enticing than he had imagined. He nodded and said, "I'll grant you

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks

his eyes and breaking his

offering this. This is my bottom line!"

and whispered, "Didn't I warn you?

death trap. Why shouldn't

Kaitlyn said, "I didn't realize your strength was so formidable, but you still

Stonebrook family

out your eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome

replied, "Ms. Gardner,

in the habit of

hard

to five miserably than to

Kaitlyn wanted to say something, but in the

that for a strong person, losing both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death.

slim, at

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook family erupted

was seething with rage as he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how

won't be satisfied until I torture

his cultivation

need Camden's order. He was already walking

intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on the

aura. Trey's cultivation must be truly unfathomable. He's probably at the

likely at the middle pinnacle stage of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey

level Sebastian's cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely going to be a fierce

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Camden shouted, tossing a long sword to

sword and immediately drew it

blade resonated through the air, unleashing a wave of

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

be the Godslayer Blade of the

ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal.

Camden to carry

even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey

Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to be a

here was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

unable

deeply resented the man who had taken her virginity, but after calming down and reflecting, her hatred

she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome,

know Sebastian a bit more, she even started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was

that Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers, and he didn't need her protection

trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her

divine grandmaster Trey wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed as though it would split the

miles surged violently, creating an oppressive

slumped to

Sebastian alive, so his sword's target was

blade was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching

filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's

the expected sight of blood and mangled

"How is this possible?"

equally stunned as

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

out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his

of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of

was

in satisfaction. "This sword is

shouted in a mix of anger and panic, clenching

was very shocked. His finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of our family's elders!

you think you can kill

I'm the heir

get too cocky! The Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of

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

you calling idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily at

you still dare to shout at me. If that's not

really plan to kill us?" Heather

me, our family will never let you go. Not

If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you send a whole army, I'll wipe them out. If your entire family comes at me, I'll exterminate every last one

spoke. By the end, his voice was thunderous, sending

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

looked down on him and thought that he

of yourself! Our family has

technique and come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I

coldly. "Whether or not I end up in a grave, you

dare!" Camden

from the Stonebrook family around him as they were

at him with disdain. He took a

everyone present. Those below grandmaster level

to remain standing,

him!" Camden

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

Instead, he used

burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were sent flying. Before they even hit the ground, they all died on the

very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family

of cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her face became pale with

rushed toward Heather. He grabbed her by the

air, attempting to

shield the nervous clerk and decided

his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment through

so hard the tight bun at the back of

once Nathaniel turned away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs like

fate had dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first

and the child, the day would have ended

"Thank you," she murmured, sincerity softening every line

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

the one thanking you," he

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

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

started at well over ten thousand,

card, uncertainty flickering across her eyes as

still 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

Ivy's expression. "Of course," she said,

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

other employees watched, envy shining through

the down payment

more.

was buying, no one dared steal Ivy's

Ivy guided

toward the register, she leaned down, voice barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put one

over eight million." s

have

firm as bedrock.

objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card through the

at the numbers in

Thank you for choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as

Ivy, I truly appreciate everything

finally set the receipt

a stage magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this

on to whatever gentleman keeps

head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I

apairof

silence until now, spoke in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today.

moments earlier, while paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast

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

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

me to pop in and pick out a few

mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the story is

once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy

sour note curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never

darkened like a sky

gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit

the first fib, it

Nathaniel, Jonathan appeared more like an adult

never delegate

figured

Jonathan blinked, performing innocent

breath. “When it comes to social-grade

be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a

unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes

civil smile. "Why would I be?" he countered, voice calm yet edged

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

mouth opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing

exactly where did

Jon shrugged

his chest. If even a child could read him,

restroom door stayed shut

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan

trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags bulging with new

you two been? And

stepped forward, intent on inspecting the loot, but

smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole as fast as he

have been nice. I

bewildered. When have I ever

and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

to carrying the

guess I've been skimping on water lately," Jon

arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and

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

a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort

heat rush to his cheeks until his whole

imagining the confession would buy

since Cecilia

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

the model child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare

do. Maybe we should

gravity, the way surgeons announce

sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now

them,” he whispered, the words

the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the mess he

speed, and

the time they reached home, a courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia placed the small

If you're not sure

Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories,

he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook

Mommy. I can manage on

his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only

endure the stubborn ache of

she said, voice low and

"Okay."

clutched the box like contraband and bolted

brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know why, felt sweat

doesn't look it," Elliot

mild but warning stare. "Don't tease your

calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he breathed, each syllable drifting like a

of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come

have to take

the new clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and stepped back while he struck every

ended, she

Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the sorrow

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

in return, video-called often to

little, life seemed to

children be able to come back for a

knew Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her husband's

the keyboard. "Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come right after the New Year to

as soon as you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of

aloud, chatted with Bethany for a good while longer, then

and Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep

rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant

against the couch, eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes

"Ceci."

in surprise. "What is

all we're doing today?"

don't follow. What do you mean?"

eyes. "Nothing," he

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

his, worry eclipsing her earlier

scent of cedar from his freshly pressed

she could

long arms swept

swift, possessive motion,

chest, as though staking a

have

rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every

over her cheek. Color flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried to twist free, finding his

let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and sees this, it'll

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

other? They're not

babies? They're only

overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words low, laced with a faint, almost

her irritation. "You left the country

affirmative, then an idea lit behind his eyes. "Ceci, we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll

Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr. Sinclair company every

།

watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with

hand, the pad of his finger brushing her burning cheek.

"Hmm?"

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

proud, composed

laugh slipped out before she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring them into this

storm gathering

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

it, then sprang up and covered

and tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock me out? Are

pushing harder on the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this house. Pick

gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked the door shut behind

clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness

the windows, but inside, heat

snow glare slicing through the curtains and painting the

her eyes to find Nathaniel's face less than an inch away. She could count the fine stubble

her trace a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the soft curve of his

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

her even closer until her breath

I can't breathe.” Her voice came out in a whisper,

sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine. We really have to get

friends a full day of window-shopping and

his arms and mumbled, "Give me

how clingy he could be, warmth and weight wrapped around

this

grin tugged at his mouth.

ruffled his hair, dark strands springing

a busy day ahead," she said, trying to slip from

"Ceci, after you hit the mall

her head. "That's it.

he asked, still unwilling to

and something nice for Grandpa and

else?” His tone carried a note of suspicion wrapped in playful

"Nope."

coat she bought

her fingers

but misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she let the moment pass and

lay staring at the ceiling until

padded through quiet hallways, and

1.

Jon and Elliot off

human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage.

Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of working

widened. "Baroness Wolfsbane," he called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with

red. He spun toward the

kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad

it was Alex-the

seeing Sofina step forward

least this

of you! From this moment on, Sofina will handle the

The room fell silent.

she

arms, flashing Beatrix a

curling into a sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag

She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance

of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of miracle

the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in the Baroness's dream—and

sit here sneering. Tell me, Beatrix-what's your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are

I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina

being realistic-you're being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as

eyes flashed. "Me? Envious?" she snapped. "You're a fool if you think any of

filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she

arms. "Fine. You think I'm scared? Name

eyes gleamed. "I heard the Baroness gave you that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is

Sofina fails, I want both of you out of the Wolfsbane

Alex said, leaning back with a half-smile. "Then let's see who ends

chimed in, "Count me in too! If

turned his gaze on her, raising a brow. "Alright. But what happens

her arms, chin lifted. "I won't lose. But fine-I'll

a half-slave, how about this—if you lose, you kneel ten times and

"Ha! You're really digging your own grave, loser! Fine-I'll take that

in too," Felicia said. "If you lose, I want you

if I win, you'll

you can win this? I've already recorded the bet and

smirked. "Perfect," he said. "I like it

She couldn't care less about

one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family could actually secure

roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and

frowned, glancing out the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me with the Eden

smirked. "Trust? No. Desperation?

shot him a look. "That's supposed to

comfort, talk to someone who hasn't met this family."

bet

"You really think

"It'll show who's got guts and who's

arms. "And what if

finally fit right in with this family-bad decisions and

spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were tired, but her mind was sharp.

from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in

watching the reflections glide across the car's polished hood, “we should return this car. It's too extravagant