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,

satisfaction. "I told you before that you're no match for

his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm

you leave right now, but that kid is doomed." Martin

I see why you dared

this, Martin smirked mockingly. "I really don't know where you get your confidence from, brat.

approached, her eyes filled with fury as

make you wish for death over life! As for your wife and godmother, I'll

a terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding

Sebastian moved

blurred like a ghost. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Heather, gripping her

terrifying. What confused her even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on Sebastian, which should have killed him, but he remained

a brutal death!" Martin shouted, both shocked

matter how talented Sebastian was,

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 me with

both frightened and enraged, Heather tried to maintain her composure as she said, "Let me go

in my eyes! He's

too arrogant! He actually dared to call Mr.

of the most powerful beingsan existence, and he dares to call a divine grandmaster an ant? What a joke! Knott Estate's people sneered, mocking

was being too arrogant.

to be a limit; otherwise, it would just make him

let Heather go and

continued to

her over 30 feet away. She landed heavily

Heather was furious, nearly

feet and shouted, "Father, don't just kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for days. Only then will be satisfied!"

your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that,

stood with his hands behind his back, his face full of disdain. "You're just an ant, yet you dare to boast in front of

you the strength of this ant!" Martin roared, charging at Sebastian with incredible

as though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried to retreat

of energy erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the energy

mid-air as

What!

to

a divine grandmaster; he had punched Sebastian, but Sebastian was unharmed and instead sent Martin flying. The sheer strength was just

but I never imagined his combat prowess would be so profound!" Hendrick exclaimed in

was in awe, and her eyes sparkled as

paralyzed with fear. She never expected that her father, whom she had believed to

how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were filled with

"Who I am is of no consequence to you. All you need to know is that you are nothing but ants in my eyes, something easily crushed

earlier, everyone would have thought he was boasting. But now, not

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

turned his gaze toward Heather, who instantly paled. Terror was evident

an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch me,

sneered at her words. With a flick of his wrist, Heather was unable

from a distance, but usually

pull her toward him effortlessly. This display

by the neck once

asked, both angry and terrified. Her eyes betrayed her

slapped her hard across the face and sneered. "What

mentor will never

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

anger. Sebastian's cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't

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

is one of the Grand Elders

pleaded for help from her

that Fressia hadn't been captured. With her level of skill, ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now he had no reason

was determined to make this father-daughter duo

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

just ants," Sebastian

underestimate them, Mr. Wilder," Hendrick

wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in

far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant

hours had passed, and still no

seems your mentor won't be coming,"

the Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice. If you kill me,

were afraid, I wouldn't have let you call for help, nor

doesn't come after me, fine. But if they

casually

was stunned-what kind of confidence was this? How strong

heard him before, they would have dismissed it

severely injured Martin in a single

have any last words

Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband and

die."

mention our one night together? You drugged me, used wicked means to steal my energe

a moment of 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

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

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

doing! It was

to do with me," Heather quickly tried to distance

in, "She's right, I can vouch for her. When it all happened, Heather was at

then it must've

intent.

belongs to s

Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to

definitely either one of

against each

thinking that forcing them

simply killing them

survivor would live with the

one minute to decide. IfChapter

eyes were full of fear

didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear to lose

negotiate. Let us go, and just name your

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

coins? Why don't you just

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

one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to

his teeth, feeling as

of gold, Sebastian only asked

Sebastian ten notes, each

and left after

hadn't intended to kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he

Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick

to ask you for a

no need to be so formal. Just tell me what

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

a debt that Hendrick considered a second chance

second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person

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

professional artist, his drawing was

is the woman in the picture your wife?"

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

of disappointment flashed in Abigail's eyes. It was

been confident in herself, but after seeing the portrait,

in the

matching her own

circumstances and

her immediately.

chamber, waiting for updates. He also

for some people

he assigned Brork to protect her

Sebastian's terrifying power first hand,

word of refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts of

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

I just can't swallow this

asked, "Are you willing to marry the

replied without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding man.

this marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal

stepped

in large numbers, bringing an abundance of

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

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

our humble Knott Estate,"

"Mr. Knott, you're too

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

got straight to the point, saying, "I've long heard that your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation

acted, the more captivated Camden

quickly reprimanded, "Camden, it's impolite to keep staring

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

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

families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it

by leaps and bounds, making it

a place among the four great ladies in

Denzel smiled a

"My

once not

at first sight

he lost his

his appetite and many.

of sleep over her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him here to

Cóntent

clapped his hands,

with gleaming gold coins. They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box

box, though smaller,

a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of

the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The

scarce in the market.

cleanse the body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance

accelerated their training speed, and even

"Mr. Knott, are you

satisfied. Extremely satisfied,

mean you agree to their

responded, "Of course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my daughter is an honor

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

settled on the wedding date, setting it for a year

someone whose strength is formidable and who is extremely

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

"It's a scoundrel named Sebastian

commoner.

none could help me. Later, when

before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm telling you this not just to reveal how despicable he is, but also to be

call off the engagement,

of cold light crossed Camden's eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but I didn't

I don't mind.

understanding," Heather forced out

was part of her clever strategy; many people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given

herself, she hoped

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

soon as we got engaged, he demanded that I

him. He then

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

strong. Even my father couldn't defeat

under 30 years old. How could

their skills, their lifespans increase. There are

he's in his 20s, but his real age

cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle

age is definitely well

"Isn't he just an early-stage divine grandmaster? That's nothingChapter

and Camden's engagement spread quickly,

the Stonebrook family, one of the four major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into one of the other three great

Knott Estate, it was still far from matching the prestige of

Heather's family background wasn't on

test showed her potential at five rings, placing her on the same level as

genius with boundless potential and unimaginable

and talent compensated for her comparatively

hearing the news of their engagement, many women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law

admired Heather, were equally

also heard the news, but he paid it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even

Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs

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

to boost the cultivation of those around him once he

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

and Camden are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent over

of them is for me, I assume?" Sebastian

nodded. "Yes,

Martin's intentions-it was nothing more than an attempt to use the Stonebrook family's influence to

"Mr. Wilder, are you planning to

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

"Mr. Wilder, I think it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and

nodded in agreement. "My father is

walking right

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

shouldn't be so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures.

Hendrick warned.

to .net

appreciate your concern,

They're not worth worrying

me alone, fine. If they dare provoke me, I'll

ie

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

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

they'll cook up something else

to confront them sooner rather

of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly

hiding her stunning beauty-it was Kaitlyn, the distinguished lady of the

from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you heading

Sebastian nodded.

to kill you at the

just to tell me this?" Sebastian

run into you and thought I'd give you

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

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned

"Mr. Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so,

talent, you're destined to become a peerless force in the future. Just bide your

No more advice, please," Sebastian

to his doom. All they could probably do now was

Estate, the atmosphere was festive and filled with

powerhouse, the Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend and offer their

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

pleased, and his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both

side-Heather's body had already been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on

just at that moment, "Mr. Camden,

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

He won't be able

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

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

nodded again in

and his

exclaimed in surprise when he

already warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet

actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery or call you a

exactly a dragon's lair. Why

coldly. "Stop playing dumb. Since you've come today, don't expect to leave here

wore a mocking smile. "Brat, today next

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

here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here you are, shouting threats. Is this how you

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

just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden would let

him live. I can't tell

crowd was quick to hurl insults. Among all the people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn

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

care about such things. If you want to

and his smile was full of

furious. "What are you laughing

I really don't get it. There are so many good women out there. Why on earth did you choose someone as despicable as

dare you insult my woman? You've

lost it. This

might have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably

Everyone nodded in agreement.

third elder, Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up.

Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth.

been practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to

day, shevited me

me into her

"Shut up!"

quickly interrupted Sebastian while

he's just slandering Heather on

believe him. This guy has slandered my woman-this

evidence do you have?"

to absorb male energy through a sinister

turned to Camden and said, "Camden, he's lying! He's just upset that I broke off the engagement with him, so he's trying to slander me.

and said, "Don't worry. No matter what he

and ended up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique

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

with me. If you don't believe me, you can

listen to him! He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll

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

she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as he

Whether Sebastian

Camden planned to verify everything as soon

vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard for

is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive," the onlookers

Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there

was

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

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

covered her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just

However, Heather's reaction

stunned.

Heather was

I'll cut out your tongue and feed it

and he was infuriated by the

the four major families of the southern region, with all their elders

a middle-stage divine grandmaster. His

the pressure from his released aura alone made

and Abigail looked on with faces full of concern, and even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do;

quickly as lightning as his hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting faster and landing a punch directly into

sound,

a pained

a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and grabbed Septimus by

"What?"

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

was

Not long ago,

After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine

you. If you release

family! If

Sebastian, his

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

from the start. Although her face was

enticing than he had imagined. He nodded

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

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

isn't gouging out his eyes and breaking

Gardner, I consider myself rather kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden

turned to Sebastian and whispered, "Didn't I warn you?

trap. Why

your strength was so formidable, but you

The Stonebrook family

exceeds your imagination. Gouging out your eyes and breaking your hands

and replied, "Ms. Gardner,

not in the habit of

it's hard to accept, but

five miserably than to die.

say something, but in the end, she only gave

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

the chances were slim, at least Sebastian could

"Septimus!"

the Stonebrook family erupted in

rage as he shouted,

won't be satisfied until I

cripple his

was already walking toward Sebastian,

forward, his presence intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on the hard

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

pinnacle stage of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to fight beyond his

cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely going to be

Everyone nodded in agreement.

the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing a long sword to

caught the sword and immediately drew it from its sheath. A

resonated through the air, unleashing

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

be the Godslayer Blade of the

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

stunned. They hadn't expected Camden to carry

Godslayer Blade, not even

a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that

here was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

unable

she deeply resented the man who had taken her

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

him. This was why she would always instinctively

that Sebastian's strength far

felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook

grandmaster Trey wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding

violently,

cultivation slumped to

aimed to capture Sebastian alive, so his sword's target was

was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching

filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer

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

"How is this possible?"

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

hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy?

Blade out of Sebastian's

that. Just hand it over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of

he was

satisfaction. "This sword is not bad. From now on,

sword back!" Trey shouted in a mix of anger and panic, clenching his fists and throwing

he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of

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

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

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 you would

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

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

yet you still dare to shout at me. If that's not foolishness, I don't know what

You really plan to kill us?"

said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will

to others, but not me. You're nothing more than clowns. If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two,

he spoke. By the end, his

silence. No one could believe how

had said this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that

family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with countless divine grandmasters and

the Godslayer Blade technique and come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then,

up in a

you dare!"

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

looked at him with disdain. He took a step forward, releasing an

oppressive force weighed down on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed

remain standing,

him!" Camden commanded

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

didn't join the fray. Instead, he

There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed

crowd was very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had

cake. The sheer ease

was terrifying.

ground, and her

Martin rushed toward Heather.

air, attempting

way little Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided to let the

again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment

nodding so hard the tight bun at the back

breathe. Relief spread through her

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

child,

shy. "Thank you,"

almost

one thanking you," he replied, voice clear

into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card.

staff like a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped,

all knew each ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over

flickering across

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

why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet he trusted

expression. "Of course," she said, nearly breathless

the garments from velvet

showroom, the other employees watched, envy

this large could cover the down payment on a new

more.

Nathaniel standing nearby and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying,

Ivy guided Nathaniel

is a

over eight million." s

Elodie hadn't asked her, Ivy would never have taken a job at a

necessary," Jonathan said, firm as bedrock. "I'm

Nathaniel. When he offered no objection,

at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent money the

for choosing us." Ivy presented the

Ivy, I

finally set the

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

"Pass it on to whatever gentleman keeps

sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too

apairof

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

delivered a lightning-fast briefing about

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

glance at Jonathan, who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh,

a beat. “Oh. Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is

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

nodded once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy

chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never thinks

darkened like a sky before

the cloud. He reached out, hooked his tiny pinkie around Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit a

had believed the first fib, it was only because

like an adult compared

would never delegate adult

figured something

Jonathan blinked,

breath. “When it comes to social-grade lying, you're

hadn't expected to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a tremor of startled admiration through

you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes

his shoulders back and forced a civil smile. "Why would I be?" he countered, voice calm yet edged

you. She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value you," Jon announced, brutally direct in the

snapped shut.Am I showing

his throat. “And exactly where did you pick up

printed across your face, Dad.” Jon

weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia never noticed? She really

grew uneasy when the restroom door stayed shut

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan and

bodyguard trailing behind them, arms

been? And what on

on inspecting

gifts,” he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole as

I was

utterly bewildered. When have I ever

throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

carrying the constipation story on

guess I've been skimping on

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 vanilla

to a doctor, all right?

him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort in that tiny body can split a mother's

rush to his cheeks until his whole

never imagining the

Cecilia had

drink more water. It isn't that

always been the model child, obedient,

to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation sometimes needs glycerin suppositories, doesn't

earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a

Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now Mom believes it

honestly, Mommy, I don't need them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by the

with pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for

at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's worth of

courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie,

sure how to use them, I

me? Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a stone in

would he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his head so hard his

can manage on

course you can. You can handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every

she couldn't help pitying him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation.

you," she said,

"Okay."

clutched the box like contraband and bolted

watched his brother's retreating and,

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

him with a mild but warning stare. "Don't

to calm the little jolt of surprise

hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits

have to take

clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she

little photoshoot ended, she

polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the

to take root, she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of uneaten cookies, and funny anecdotes

video-called often to check on the children and

seemed to find

to come back

knew Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her

the keyboard. "Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come

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

chatted with Bethany for a good while longer, then finally

the final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep

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

couch, eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes

"Ceci."

surprise. "What is

all we're doing today?" His question hovered,

follow. What do you mean?"

clouded Nathaniel's eyes.

sit plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint

face to his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer. "What's the matter? Who dared to

a single step closer, the scent of cedar from his

she could speak

long arms swept

swift, possessive motion,

chest, as though staking a claim

really have to

with gravel, every syllable vibrating

Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried to

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

tightened his embrace, chin settling atop her hair

people holding each other? They're not babies

babies? They're only six-maybe

moved overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the

her irritation. "You left the

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 give us more space for, well,

Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr.

།

a full team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let

finger

"Hmm?"

to be apart from the kids, yet you're perfectly fine leaving me on the sidelines.” He paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest of our lives. Sometimes I feel like I'm dead last

proud, composed husband was jealous of

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

storm

arms and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering

it, then sprang up and

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

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

was no match for his effortless strength. With a gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked the door shut

turned, and darkness

the windows, but inside, heat pooled between their

slicing through the curtains and painting

than an inch away. She could count the fine stubble

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

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy

awake?” he murmured, drawing her even closer until her

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

eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little

promised her best friends a full day of

only tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give me a few

be, warmth and weight wrapped around her

when were you this attached? I never noticed

at his mouth. "I was

laughed and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up beneath her

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

caught her hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the mall with your friends, that's all,

head.

asked, still unwilling to release

for Mom, and

a note of

"Nope."

had never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over every hanger she touched, as if color and

He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low

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

lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had scattered, and there

rose, padded through quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

had spirited Jon and Elliot

brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver

fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of working with the

Wolfsbane," he called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with half a brain for daring to ask for

went pale, then burned red. He spun toward the Baroness. “I—I

trembled on the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad

of all people, it was Alex-the outcast, the family fool-who

girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something in the old woman's

this

last one of you! From this moment on, Sofina will handle the Eden Group

The room fell silent.

she said.

crossed his arms, flashing Beatrix a

exhaled sharply through her nose, lips curling into a sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll

to lift this family up,

crimson. "You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of miracle

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

problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother,

flinched and waved her hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make that deal, that's all! I'm being

"No, you're not 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 wisdom.

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

sound that filled the room. "Then let's make

crossed her arms. "Fine. You think I'm scared?

that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place

twitched, "Deal," she said through clenched teeth. "But if Sofina

back with a half-smile. "Then

me in too! If I win, I want Nikolaus's car

on her, raising a brow. "Alright.

lifted. "I won't lose. But fine-I'll play along. What

love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you

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

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

flinch. "Fine," he said calmly. "But if I win, you'll accept our marriage- no

bet and sent the document to the government registry. It's official now.

"I like it when everyone

She couldn't care less about

to her was one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family could actually

of this nonsense." She roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate

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

"Trust? No.

"That's supposed to make me feel

want comfort, talk to someone who hasn't met

bet on your victory.

really

Alex said. "It'll show who's got guts

arms. "And what if

fit right in with this family-bad decisions and

thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire

black luxury car they'd won from Nikolaus-a

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