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.

out in shock, rushing forward

"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 on

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

dared to

this, Martin smirked mockingly. "I really don't know where you get your confidence from, brat. You're at death's door, yet you

with fury

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

intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone present felt a chill

Sebastian moved

blink of an eye, he was in front of Heather, gripping

Sebastian's strength to be so terrifying. What confused her even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on Sebastian, which should

a brutal death!" Martin shouted, both shocked and furious. He was startled by Sebastian's power, especially his incredible

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

most. As a divine grandmaster himself, that

gleamed with a cold light as he stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening me

composure as she said, "Let me go now,

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

He actually dared to call Mr. Knott an ant. He has no idea what

to call a divine grandmaster an ant? What

thought Sebastian was being too arrogant. It

be a limit; otherwise, it

let Heather go and face me in a duel. Let's see

responded. He continued to grab Heather by the

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

Heather was furious, nearly

rage. She struggled to her feet and shouted, "Father, don't just kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for days. Only then

coldly, "You heard Heather. I'll first cripple your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that, Heather can take her time tormenting

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

strength of this ant!" Martin roared, charging at Sebastian

shocked and horrified. It felt as though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried

erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the

mid-air as his eyes filled with

What!

to believe what

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

at pill refinement, but I never imagined

and her eyes sparkled as she watched, momentarily

paralyzed with fear. She never expected that her father, whom she had believed to be nearly invincible, would be so easily overpowered by Sebastian.

You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were

know is that you are nothing but ants in

he had said this earlier, everyone would have thought he was boasting. But now, not a single person doubted

a single move from Sebastian. To

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

you planning to do?" Heather stammered, trying to sound defiant. "I'm warning you. I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor

a flick of his wrist,

objects from a distance, but usually no further than 10 feet

still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display of power was far beyond their

grabbed Heather by the neck once

Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and

smack, Sebastian slapped her hard across the face and sneered. "What can you do

mentor will never let you

"I thought you had some brains, but it seems that

"Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've provoked. You keep threatening me with your mentor-how stupid can

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

of the Grand Elders

had pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while

wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her

make this father-daughter duo taste despair, bit by

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

ants," Sebastian replied

them, Mr. Wilder,"

It wasn't arrogance but

Sect wasn't far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride,

passed, and

your mentor won't be coming," Sebastian

Sect's once-in-a-millennium

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

fine. But if they do, I'll just

destroying a powerful sect as casually as if he were talking about

was this? How strong did

before, they would have dismissed it as

witnessed him severely injured Martin in

you have any last words before

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

die."

cold chuckle. "You still dare to mention our one night together? You drugged me, used wicked means to steal my energe essence, and marrow and then tossed

I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to change. I'll devote

skills. Let's set

after my godmother, had her beaten severely, and even tried to humiliate my

It was Sean acting on his

was driven by lust. It had nothing to do with me," Heather quickly tried

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

her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his gaze te Martin,

intent.

belongs to s

Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had

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

against each other? How vicious!"

thinking that forcing

simply killing

survivor would live with the guilt

one minute

Heather's eyes were full

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

Let us go, and just name your price- anything you

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

One million gold coins? Why don't you just rob a bank?" Martin nearly jumped

live comfortably for a lifetime.

I can just kill

gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart

to the large amount of gold, Sebastian

long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each

his word and

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

Hendrick to the Holton

like to ask you for

"Mr. Wilder, there's no need to be so formal. Just

healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through

Hendrick considered a

grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to

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

Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his

is the woman in

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

It was hard not to admire a

in herself, but after

the

matching her

then explained the circumstances and timing of

send people to find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick assured him

chamber, waiting

some people to take

to protect

first hand, Brork didn't dare

word of refusal. He was

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

I just can't swallow this humiliation!" HeatheChapter

"Are you willing

"Mr. Camden is an

this marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!" Martin said

father and daughter then stepped

the Stonebrook family had arrived in large

head of the

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

graces our humble Knott Estate,"

said, "Mr. Knott, you're too kind. Please forgive

for that; it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led the

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

appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never left her, like they were practically glued

impolite to keep staring

and quickly stood up,

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

one of the southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like a shortcut to soar

cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a matter of time

place among the four

Denzel smiled a

said, "My

once not

first sight for

he lost

his appetite and many.

over her. As his father, I became anxious,

Cóntent

his

a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of

box, though smaller, contained

Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones,

had to admit, the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone amounted to 880 thousand,

extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and

improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance

improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped

you satisfied

satisfied,

does that mean you agree to their marriage?" Denzel

Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my daughter is an honor for

but she was overjoyed inside. With the future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family, who would dare disrespect

settled on the wedding date, setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned

is formidable and who

could cause trouble for you. Who might this person be?"

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

commoner.

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

clothes 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

mind, we can call off the

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

Heather. I don't mind. It

understanding," Heather forced out a

people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's resources, they likely knew

up herself, she hoped

"To protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a beast. He's worse than an

he demanded that

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

smashing the table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die by my

that scoundrel is very strong. Even my father couldn't defeat him,"

years old. How

their lifespans increase. There are also herbs and pills that extend

look like he's in his 20s, but his real age could be

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

is definitely well over

scoffed. "Isn't he just an

and Camden's engagement

the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into

a decent status as the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate,

odd. Although Heather's family background wasn't on

five rings, placing her on the same level as Kaitlyn

a genius with boundless potential and unimaginable future

talent compensated for her

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

who secretly admired Heather, were equally

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

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

plan was to find Fressia, secure the third stage of the cultivation technique-

stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation of those around him once he got

periodically to rest. One day, after finishing his pill refinement session, Hendrick

are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've

of them is for me,

"Yes, you're

than an attempt to

are you planning

don't go, wouldn't I be letting

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 you."

agreement. "My father is

right into their

of petty clowns. There's

the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If you go you're bound

Hendrick warned.

to .net

"I appreciate your concern, but those

clowns. They're

If they

ie

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

listen

revenge, they'll cook up something else next time even if I

to confront them

entrance of

in a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding her

is there something you need from me?" Sebastian

Sebastian nodded.

received word that the Stonebrook family plans to kill you at the banquet. Going

been waiting here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with

flatter yourself. I just happened to run into you and thought I'd give you a friendly warning,"

you to care so much about me. Could it be that you've fallen

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and

Ms. Gardner says so,

your talent, you're destined to become a peerless force in the future. Just bide your time," Abigail added, trying to persuade

up. No more advice,

and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom.

was festive and filled with

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

the day, Heather was overjoyed. After all, by the end of today, she would be the

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

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

Sebastian.

keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

that moment, "Mr.

he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered

is in place. He won't be able

nodded in satisfaction. "By the way,

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

again

that moment, Sebastian and his companions entered

exclaimed in surprise when he spotted

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

guts

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

you've come today, don't

mocking smile. "Brat, today next year will be your

chimed in right after. "Don't say I didn't give you 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

Camden sneered. "I invited you

thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr.

ruined Ms. Knott's reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I can't tell if this guy is naive or just plain

all the people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done

engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck, don't

you want to live today, the

laughed and his smile was

immediately grew furious. "What are you laughing at,

Camden, I really don't get it. There are so many good women out there.

you insult my woman? You've

it. This guy

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.

Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike

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

practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

energy

One day,

into her

"Shut up!"

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

on purpose. You can't believe a

"Of course, I don't believe him. This guy has

do you

was saying earlier? Heather wanted to absorb male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce me, but I wasn't interested in her

spouting nonsense!" Heather quickly 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

No matter what he

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

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

me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm

all up! Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still be a

guy has

a long moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as he wondered, "Could this guy

stop standing around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether

verify everything as soon as

aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as the sea, making

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

they were also divine

was

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

or I'll make sure you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to

a few scratch marks on

chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just

However, Heather's reaction

her, leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing she

Heather was

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

fool, and he was infuriated

major families of the southern region, with all

divine grandmaster. His power

the pressure from his released aura alone made it

Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do; they were powerless to stop the

as 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

sound, Septimus' arm

let out a pained scream and staggered

swift movement, Sebastian chased him

"What?"

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

strength was

the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had participated

warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why would he bother with the

initially stunned, then erupted in fury. "I've really underestimated you.

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

Sebastian, his eyes

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

her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure

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

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks both his hands, I'll

replied, "Mr. Camden, isn't gouging out his eyes and breaking his hands

kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared in a tone that left

Sebastian and whispered, "Didn't I

some death trap.

strength was so formidable, but you still can't

Stonebrook family

eyes and breaking your hands is the

replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate your

not in the

know it's hard to accept,

miserably than to die.

my..." Kaitlyn wanted to say something, but

that for a strong person, losing both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a dog, it was better to

chances were slim, at least Sebastian could die

"Septimus!"

of the Stonebrook family

he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how

satisfied until I torture you

his cultivation for

truth, Trey didn't need Camden's order. He was

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

must be truly unfathomable. He's probably at

Trey has the ability to

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

catch the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing

drew it from its sheath.

the blade resonated through the air, unleashing

plummet, leaving everyone feeling as though

be the Godslayer Blade of

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

They hadn't expected Camden to carry the Godslayer Blade

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

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

Sebastian, empty-handed-what chancChapter

eyes, unable to

who had taken her virginity,

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.

started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was in

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

were the Stonebrook family. Not even her

grandmaster Trey wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with

a few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive atmosphere that weighed

with weaker cultivation slumped to the ground

capture Sebastian alive, so

to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out

courting death!" Trey sneered, his expression filled with cruelty. To try and stop

with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of blood

"How is this possible?"

Everyone present was equally stunned

Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy? How can

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

calmly. With a slight exertion of his

was jolted by

in satisfaction. "This sword is not bad.

in a mix of anger and panic,

as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of our family's elders! Do you have

can kill me, I can

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

masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top

pair of idiots. You two really are made for

are you calling idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family

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

really plan to kill us?" Heather was suddenly

afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never

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, 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

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

how

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

He remarked, "You truly are full of yourself! Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with

come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I guarantee you won't even have a

end up in a grave, you won't be around to see

dare!"

already afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family

with disdain. He took a step

on everyone present.

grandmasters struggled to remain standing, their legs quivering

Kill him!"

filled with terror, they had no choice but to

fray. Instead, he used the chaos to

energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and

shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped

of cake. The sheer ease

was terrifying.

ground, and her

moment, Martin rushed toward Heather. He

leapt into the air, attempting to escape.Chapter

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

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

absolutely," Elodie blurted, nodding so hard the tight bun

finally breathe. Relief spread through her

whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first to

and the child, the day would have

you," she murmured, sincerity softening every line of her

practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly

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

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

Jaws

chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this child

uncertainty flickering across her eyes as she sought Nathaniel's

scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave a single, calm nod.

entire rack of adult clothing, yet

course,"

garments from velvet

the other employees watched, envy

large could cover the down payment on

more.

and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no one

guided

it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put one or

over eight million." s

would never have taken a job

said, firm as

When he offered no objection, she finally swiped

approval tone chimed, she stared at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it

presented the card with both

with matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy,

set the

a

to whatever

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

apairof

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

while paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about the ruckus that had

loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and

still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have in a men's

out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is just a quick

the privacy of his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check

Ms. Kennedy certainly trusts you," he

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

mood darkened like

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 while back. I'm pretty

believed the first fib, it was only because Vivian's eccentricity made anything

more like

Cecelia? She would never delegate

gaze sharpened. "You've figured

Jonathan blinked, performing innocent

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

fast, and the realization sent

exhaled a theatrical sigh. “Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every flicker on

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

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

then snapped shut.Am I showing it

“And exactly where did you

across your face, Dad.” Jon

a weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia never noticed? She really doesn't

when the restroom door stayed shut far too long. Taking Elliot

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

the corridor, she almost

trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping

two been? And

inspecting

he said smoothly. "Holiday

been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel

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

bewildered. When have I

shot Jonathan a pointed look.

the

guess I've been skimping on water lately,"

She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled of warm vanilla

right? You're far too

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

warning, felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly

the problem, never imagining the confession would buy him this

ages since Cecilia had hugged him like

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

model child,

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

said it with earnest gravity, the

Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now Mom believes it

but honestly, Mommy, I don't need them,” he whispered, the

the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the

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

like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia placed

If you're not sure how to use

plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a stone

Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his head so hard his hair whipped

can manage on

She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the

endure the stubborn

she said, voice low and gentle,

"Okay."

box like contraband and bolted down the hallway

sliced fruit. He watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know why,

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

stare. "Don't tease your brother. He's

chest, trying to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he

clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits we just

take tons of super-cool photos of

in bright cascading layers. One by one, she

ended, she pinged the piChapter

Alphonse and Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw

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

couple, in return, video-called often to

seemed to

the children be able to come back

knew Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were

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

and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied, her delight

for a good while longer,

and Elliot collapsed onto

and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the

intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel

"Ceci."

jerked in surprise. "What is

doing today?" His question

follow. What do you mean?" Confusion

Nathaniel's eyes.

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

lifted her face to his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer. "What's the

the scent of cedar from his freshly pressed

could speak

arms

possessive motion,

his chest, as though staking a claim

have

voice came out rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every syllable vibrating through the scant inches

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

If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and sees

only tightened his embrace, chin settling atop her hair as

other? They're not babies anymore. They should understand," he

eyes, she muttered, "Not babies? They're only six-maybe

overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words low,

brows arched, genuine amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left the country

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

heart squeezing. "They're too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan

།

Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with

his finger brushing

"Hmm?"

paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest

proud, composed husband was jealous of

before she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you.

darkened, a storm gathering behind the calm

and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering

that she would dare make a break for it,

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

on the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this

shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked

clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness enveloped

wind hissed against the windows, but inside, heat pooled between

burst of white light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and painting the room in

than an inch away. She could count the fine

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

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

open, hazy

he murmured, drawing her even

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

"Stay. Just a little

promised her best friends a full day of window-shopping and

"Give me a few more

be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like an oversized

when were you this attached? I never noticed

grin tugged at his mouth. "I was

dark strands

get moving. I have a busy day ahead," she said, trying to slip from

hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the mall

head. "That's

are you buying?” he asked, still

New clothes for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa

His tone carried a note of suspicion wrapped in

"Nope."

slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning

the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low and flat. “Fine.

misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption,

bedroom felt even smaller once the door clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on

rose, padded through quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

and

idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted,

complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family

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

He spun toward

humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad and then Annabella, her so-called pride, had done

now, of all people, it was Alex-the outcast, the family

to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with

least this one had

one of you! From this moment on,

The room fell silent.

stood. "Don't worry, Grandma," she said. "I'll

a smug grin that made her blood

on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag the rest of us down into

fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance and shame. You're

A disgrace?" Beatrix's face turned crimson. "You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of miracle worker? That she's going

Alex said. "I think the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will

your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just like

That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make

even started. That's

flashed. "Me? Envious?" she snapped. "You're a fool if you

make this interesting. What if she does

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

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

clenched teeth. "But if Sofina fails, I want both of

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

chimed in, "Count me in too! If

her, raising a brow. "Alright. But what happens if

lifted. "I won't lose.

grin widened. "Since you love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you

digging

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

"But if I win, you'll accept our marriage- no

a cruel sound. "You really think you can win this? I've already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry. It's official

"Perfect," he said. "I like

at them. She

her was one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family could actually secure that collaboration

She roared. "Sofina, you have three days

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

smirked. "Trust? No.

"That's supposed

comfort, talk to someone

bet on your victory. Isn't

really think this bet will prove

who's got

crossed her arms. "And what if you

chuckled. "Then I'll finally fit right in

passenger seat, clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were tired, but her mind was sharp. Today would

won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare

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