Under the Veil I Rule

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.

"Father!" Abigail cried out in shock, rushing forward to support him.

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

Hendrick wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm not your match, if you insist on killing Mr. Wilder, I will fight to the death!"

"Mr. Watson, sacrificing yourself is pointless. I won't stop you if you leave right now, but that kid is doomed." Martin sneered, then turned to Sebastian.

"Brat, now I see why you dared to make trouble at KChapter 656

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

Heather approached, her eyes filled with fury as she glared at Sebastian.

She spat venomously, "No one has ever laid a hand on me since I was a child. You're the first. I will make you wish for death over life! As for your wife and godmother, I'll ensure that they suffer fates worse than death too!"

The moment she finished speaking, a terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone present felt a chill of fear run down their spines.

Almost instantly, Sebastian moved aside.

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

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

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

Still, he remained confident that he could easily subdue Sebastian. After all, no matter how talented Sebastian was, he was still young-his strength couldn't possibly be that formidable.

Sebastian could be a grandmaster at most. As a divine grandmaster himself, that was merely a slightly stronger ant.

Sebastian's eyes gleamed with a cold light as he stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening me with my wife and godmother!"

As she was both frightened and enraged, Heather tried to maintain her composure as she said, "Let me go now, or my father will tear you to pieces!"

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

"Damn, this guy is way too arrogant! He actually dared to call Mr. Knott an ant. He has no idea what he's up against!"

"Exactly! The divine grandmaster is one 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 Sebastian. s

Even Hendrick and Abigail thought Sebastian was being too arrogant. It was fine

to boast, but there needed to be a limit; otherwise, it would just make him a laughingstock.

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

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

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

Heather was furious, nearly

exploding with 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 will be satisfied!" s

Martin glared at Sebastian and said coldly, "You heard Heather. I'll first cripple your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that, Heather can take her time tormenting you to death!" s

Sebastian 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 me. How ridiculous."

"Then, I'll show you the strength of this ant!" Martin roared, charging at Sebastian with incredible speed.Chapter 657

Martin was shocked and horrified. It felt as though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried to retreat upon realizing something was terribly wrong,, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, a terrifying surge of energy erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the energy blasted Martin away.

He immediately spewed a mouthful of blood mid-air as his eyes filled with disbelief and fear.

What!

Everyone was stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing.

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

"What incredible power! I knew Mr. Wilder was a genius at pill refinement, but I never imagined his combat prowess would be so profound!" Hendrick exclaimed in awe.

Abigail was in awe, and her eyes sparkled as she watched, momentarily entranced.

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

"This can't be happening! How is it possible? You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were filled with terror as he stared at Sebastian. "Who the hell are you?"

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

he was boasting. But now, not a

To the rest of

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

apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you

at her words. With a flick of his wrist, Heather was unable to resist and was suddenly pulled

stunned. They knew that a divine grandmaster could manipulate objects from a distance, but usually no

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

Heather by the neck

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

her hard across the face and sneered. "What can you do now that I've laid a hand on

will never let you get away with this!"

mocking smile. "I thought you had

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

mentor Bertha were here, she wouldn't be able to save you because, in my eyes, she's nothing more

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

help from her mentor, Bertha,

pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now he had no

make this father-daughter

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

ants," Sebastian

don't underestimate them, Mr.

It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted

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

and still no sign

mentor won't be

filled Heather's eyes. "Sebastian, you can't kill me. I'm the Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice. If you kill me, the Sect will never let you

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

Netherworld Sect doesn't come after me, fine.

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

of confidence was this? How strong did

have dismissed it as bluster,

him severely injured Martin in a single move-it

you have any last words before

before Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of

die."

a 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 me off a cliff ff thadn't been

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

sneered. "You should've gone into acting with those skills. Let's set the fact that

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

wasn't my doing! It was Sean acting on

to do with me,"

all happened, Heather was at the Netherworld Sect. She

die, but I don't believe he acted alone. If it wasn't her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his gaze te Martin, his eyes

intent.

belongs to s

a wave of fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I

Sebastian scoffed. "Well, it's definitely either one of you. So, you can choose who

to turn us against each other?

onlookers silently agreed, thinking that forcing them

simply killing them

survivor would live with the

one minute to decide. IfChapter

full of fear

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

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

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

just rob a bank?" Martin nearly

live comfortably for a lifetime.

you're unwilling to pay one million, that's fine. I can just

teeth, feeling as if

to the large amount of gold, Sebastian only asked for gold

handed Sebastian ten notes,

word and left after

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

Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to

to ask you

need to be so formal. Just

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

was a debt that Hendrick considered a second chance at

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

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

wasn't a professional artist,

is the woman in

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

eyes. It was hard not to

always been confident in herself, but after seeing

in the drawing

matching her own beauty.

circumstances

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

chamber, waiting

to arrange for some people

to protect

first hand, Brork didn't dare

He was

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

can't swallow

asked, "Are you willing to marry the

hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding

then. We'll settle this marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to

father and daughter then stepped out to

Stonebrook family had arrived in large

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

about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was

truly graces our humble

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

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

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

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

reprimanded, "Camden, it's impolite to keep

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

showed him a bashful smile. She 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

family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a

a place among the four great ladies

Denzel smiled a

"My

Knott once not long ago,

at first sight for

he lost his

his appetite and many.

her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him here

Cóntent

his hands, and the servants immediately opened

of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged wine, and a box of

though smaller, contained dozens of

a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium

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

making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather

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

these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and

you

very satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin

that mean you agree to their marriage?" Denzel

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

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

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

is formidable

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

scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder.

commoner.

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

the situation and insisted I take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm telling you this not

call off the engagement, Mr.

about

don't mind. It wasn't

understanding," Heather forced out a

about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the

up herself, she hoped to handle the

"To protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was

we got engaged, he demanded that I sleep

He then

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

Even my father couldn't

under 30 years old. How could he

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

in his 20s, but his

nodded in agreement. "That's right. That brat's cultivation is at least at

age is definitely well

scoffed. "Isn't he just an early-stage

and Camden's engagement spread

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

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

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

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

a genius with boundless potential

beauty and talent compensated

many women 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

secretly admired Heather,

heard the news, but he paid it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he

Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs for pill

Fressia, secure the third stage of

now to boost the cultivation

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

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

of them is for me,

nodded. "Yes,

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

Wilder, are you planning to

me an invitation, so if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them

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

in agreement. "My father is right. You

right

clowns.

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

your

just clowns. They're not worth

fine. If they dare provoke

ie

one of the four major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld

please listen to us

avoided. If they're out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next time even

to confront them sooner rather than

the entrance of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly

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

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

Sebastian nodded.

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

just to tell me this?"

to run into you and

you to care so much about me.

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned to

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

With your talent, you're destined to become a peerless force

made up. No more

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

was

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

end of today, she would be the

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

been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way to remove that thorn was to

Sebastian.

had been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements,

at that moment, "Mr. Camden,

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

place. He won't be able

satisfaction. "By the way,

it today. But with the family's third elder and the seventh elder here, dealing with

nodded again

and his companions entered Knott

doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he

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

guts to come.

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

Since you've come today, don't expect

wore a mocking smile. "Brat, today next year will be

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

me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so

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

because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden would let him go. He must

ruined Ms. Knott's reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I

Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried

"Today is your engagement party.

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

his smile was

immediately grew furious. "What are

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

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

it. This guy

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were

get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You

practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to enhance

day,

into her

"Shut up!"

quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop

slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe a word

don't believe him. This

you have?" Camden

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 at all, so she drugged

he's lying! He's just upset that I broke off the engagement with him, so

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

sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw me off a cliff.

laughed angrily. "To slander my woman right in

with me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying, you can do with me as

"Camden, don't listen to him! He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still be a joke if word

has ulterior motives. Don't fall

under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as he wondered, "Could this

stop standing around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth or not, he had

for Heather, Camden planned to verify everything as soon as the engagement

a powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard for everyone

Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive," the onlookers said as their

Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they

whereas Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly stronger than

"Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in

wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up,

by the way, I left a few scratch marks on her chest because I got a bit rough. They're probably still

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

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned. Upon

tricked, Heather was

now, you're spouting lies! I swear I'll cut

a fool, and he was infuriated

of the southern region, with all

divine grandmaster. His

the pressure from his released aura alone made it

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

it seemed

a resounding sound, Septimus' arm shattered

let out a pained scream

a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and

"What?"

middle- stage divine grandmaster like

was

long ago, Sebastian had

ordinary person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why

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

was equally shocked and enraged, and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't even

his eyes

"Mr. Camden, can you do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return, you spare his

Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure that piqued his

found her even more enticing than he had imagined. He

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

and breaks both his hands, I'll spare

out his eyes and

my bottom

"Didn't I warn you? Why did you still

death trap. Why

your strength was

The Stonebrook

your

lightly and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate

the habit

it's hard to accept,

than to

wanted to say something, but in the end, she

hands was a fate worse than death.

were slim, at least Sebastian

"Septimus!"

the Stonebrook family erupted

he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how dare

satisfied until I

cripple his cultivation

Camden's order. He was already walking toward Sebastian,

his presence intensified. Every footfall left

be truly unfathomable. He's probably at

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

knows what level Sebastian's cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is

Everyone nodded in agreement.

shouted, tossing a

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

the blade resonated through the air, unleashing

as though they had fallen into

Godslayer

once roamed the world with this sword, and with it,

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

a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice through iron like it was

was Sebastian,

unable

had taken her virginity, but after calming down

have been defiled by that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young

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

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

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

sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed as

surged violently, creating an oppressive atmosphere that weighed

with weaker cultivation slumped to the ground

Sebastian alive, so his sword's target

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

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

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

"How is this possible?"

eyes widened, filled with shock and disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they

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

Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it didn't budge

Just hand it over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of the s go

he was

Blade while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is not bad.

mix of anger and panic, clenching his fists and throwing a punch at Sebastian.Chapter

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

"Either kill or be killed. If you think you can kill me, I can also kill

you. I'm the heir

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 be a piece of

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

the idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily at

dare to shout at me. If that's

really plan to kill us?" Heather was

angry and afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you care about will

seem powerful 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, I'll kill both of them. If you send a whole army, I'll wipe them out. If your entire family

he spoke. By the end, his voice was thunderous, sending shivers down

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

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

full of yourself! Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with countless divine

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

"Whether or not I end up in a grave, you won't be around to see

dare!" Camden

from

Sebastian looked at him with disdain. He took a step

down on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level

grandmasters struggled to remain standing, their legs

him!" Camden

were filled with terror, they had no choice but to obey Camden. Gritting their teeth, they

the fray. Instead, he used the chaos

a wave of his hand, a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters

Stonebrook family had been wiped out

cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her

Martin rushed toward Heather. He

the air, attempting

stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided to

trust nothing like this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment through

blurted, nodding so hard the tight bun

did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through

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

child, the day would have ended in chaos

turned to Jonathan, her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured, sincerity softening every line of

a small, practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly composed for a boy his

the one thanking you," he replied, voice clear

and drew out a sleek matte card.

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

started at well over ten thousand, yet this child intended to buy the lot without

fingers hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering

scale required his guardian's word.

wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet he trusted the

flared in Ivy's expression. "Of course," she

the garments from velvet hangers into satin-lined

showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining through

the down

more.

everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no

guided

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

over eight million." s

Ivy would never have taken a job at

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

Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card through the polished

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

choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both

matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy, I truly appreciate everything you

clerk finally set the

a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my gift, he said,

it on to whatever gentleman keeps you

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

apairof

Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If

moments earlier, while paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a

crisp shirts,

to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have in a

wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits

mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check

once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy

a small, sour note curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci

like a sky before

"Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit a while back. I'm pretty sure

the first fib, it was only

more like an adult

would never delegate adult shopping to

"You've figured something

blinked,

out a quiet breath. “When it comes to

fast, and the

you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting

a civil smile. "Why would

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

shut.Am I showing it

exactly where

printed across your face, Dad.” Jon

The comment landed like a weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia

when the restroom door stayed

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with

the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags bulging with

you two been? And what on earth is all

on inspecting the loot, but

smoothly. "Holiday

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

heads-up would have been nice. I was starting to wonder why

utterly bewildered. When have I

and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

resigned himself to carrying the constipation story on his

guess I've been skimping on water

flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled

a doctor, all right? You're

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

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

confessed the problem, never imagining the confession

ages since Cecilia had

fine if I drink more water.

had always been the model child, obedient, courteous,

yield. "That won't do. Maybe we

the way surgeons

lies you could invent, you picked

them,” he whispered,

boy and a glimmer of amused apology for

her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and

gate like a summoned genie,

don't be embarrassed. If you're not sure how to use

plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a stone in his

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

Mommy. I can

you can. You can handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made

pitying him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation. If it lasted, a

she said, voice low

"Okay."

clutched the box like contraband and bolted down the

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

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

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

little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind

clapped her hands. “Come on," she

take tons of

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

photoshoot ended, she pinged the

in place, but Cecilia saw the

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

elderly couple, in return, video-called often to

seemed

to come back for a visit?" Bethany asked, voice

her priorities

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

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

Bethany for a good while longer, then finally

the final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed

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

eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five

"Ceci."

in surprise. "What

all we're doing today?"

What do you mean?"

clouded Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing,"

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

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

scent of cedar from

could speak

arms swept

possessive motion,

though staking a claim no

have to

gravel, every syllable vibrating through the scant inches between

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

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

her

married people holding each other? They're not

"Not babies? They're

was seven when I moved overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You

coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build

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

།

for Jonathan, let him stay

hand, the pad of his finger brushing her burning

"Hmm?"

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 in

did it click. Her proud, composed husband was jealous of his own

the kids outrank you. I risked

storm

free of Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the

would dare make a break for it, then sprang up and covered the distance in long,

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

harder on the door. "There are plenty of

shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again,

deadbolt turned, and darkness

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

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

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

a finger over that faint roughness,

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy

drawing her even closer until her breath mingled with

voice came out in a whisper, pressed

hold by a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine. We really have

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

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

clingy he could be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like an

this

grin tugged at his mouth. "I was younger. Didn't know

laughed and ruffled his hair, dark strands

get moving. I have a busy

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

head.

buying?” he asked, still unwilling to release

New clothes for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa

note of

"Nope."

coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over

darkened by the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice

under the words but misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave too

until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep

padded through quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

and Elliot off

You can say all that crap because you're an idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his

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

then burned red. He spun toward the Baroness. “I—I didn't

face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had

people, it was Alex-the outcast, the family fool-who stood up

She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something

this

cowards! Every last one of you!

The room fell silent.

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

Beatrix a smug

-try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll

eyes hardened. "Beatrix, Sofina's worth a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance and shame.

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

think the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in the Baroness's dream—and I believe in my wife's intelligence

your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just like your husband-thinking your own grandmother's got half a brain?

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

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

she snapped. "You're a fool if you think any of this

mocking sound that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she does

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

estate. If Sofina pulls this off,

Sofina fails, I want both

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

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

on her, raising a brow. "Alright. But what

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

"Since you love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose, you kneel

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

you

calmly. "But if I win, you'll

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

said. "I like it when everyone

at them. She couldn't care

Wolfsbane family could actually secure

of this nonsense." She roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and close the deal.

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

"Trust?

shot him a look. "That's supposed

to someone who

least I bet on your victory. Isn't

"You really think this bet will

course," Alex said. "It'll show who's

crossed her arms. "And what

"Then I'll finally fit right in with this family-bad decisions and

a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were

from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester that it turned

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

wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for a gardener

Your grandmother and mother wouldn't

can."

"You really think

our

shook her head, half anxious, half amused. "I wish I

need it," Alex said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina.

the Eden Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls gleaming in the morning

whispered as the

luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden Group. That means you've got an insideron your

QUMS

She wished she could

of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out inside her-like a room with

god. The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured, scandal-scarred—could

like a beggar asking a banker to lend him

the challenge in

seat occupied by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed in

in quiet conversations, their voices low but tense, each

Group. The sight

all every one

of them was hono

a coffaboration with power.

on earth are you doing here?" a voice

and found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

lips tightened the way a

sentence.

times-get this sort of woman away from my sight. How could you let her walk in here?" Heinrich bowed his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He pushed forward

mockery. "You? Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your grandmother couldn't get

buttoning up his Eden Group gardener uniform when a security drone glided into

shoved by a guest-he forced her out into the entrance area. Do you want us

the footage," Alex

robot projected the recording. Heinrich's hand clamped around Sofina's arm, dragging her down the hallway

collar, pulled on his gloves, and strode out

Sofina crouched on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He knelt beside

helping her pick them

her head, frustrated. "It's Heinrich. No matter what I say, he just slips

asked, gently lifting her chin, checking

nothing serious,"

know, you don't need to print

"Maybe. But I like the feel of paper. I like touching

"The

chuckled. "You really are

was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes I think it'd be better

walked back through the

a voice cracked

barked, stepping forward. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't want you near me,

froze. The color drained

invisible chain that still tied her to

overnight. Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if

placing himself between Sofina and

"You're a

lips curled. "A gardener telling me how to behave? I'm a guest here-l expect to be

dreaming. You're not a

hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm finished, you'll be out of a job.” "You can try," Alex

give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found

extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd

derisive snort. "I came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the nerve to try

professional courtesy. "Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell

gardener. He insulted me

Eden Group gardener uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never

smiled faintly. "Eden Group has over a thousand workers in this two-hundred-floor building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the security androids wouldn't have

"You seem to forget your

can fire you anytime I

Kneel and

stood firm. "Why should I? He's the one who tried to throw out another guest, and

have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds in Winchester-soon to join the

he's not joining?" Alex asked

your respect. You're nothing compared

shaking

if you don't!"

"Come on, Alex. We've known each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe

was low and dangerous. "How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I'll let you stay

started to gather, drawn by the rising tension.

jeered. "A gardener trying to stand up to Heinrich?

got a name. You know who

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing off. He's too stupid

smirked and turned

you've been desperate for my attention, haven't you?

husband's a fool who doesn't know his place.

bows, and I

around Alex's

you don't, I'll make sure everyone in Winchester hears

I'll have the

back on you-even the Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing outcasts. And you

s

but Sofina grabbed him

but steady.

her face. She met

Sofina stepped forward

hit me, bitch-" He spat

curse.

God's name do you think you're doing, bitch!" Dietrich

Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot

Heinrich upright, supporting him with a hand at the small

won't be standing after that her

Heinrich said, every syllable a command. "Give

stood toe-to-toe with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order," he said. "Someone's going to get

"The one who'll get

bracelet. "Security —

head.

began to

hit Heinrich," someone

you know Heinrich's

her!" another voice

ID scan,

threat to her, an

node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household

had wired her into his network bridge so

node. Any device that touched Sofina reported

previous command. Secure Dietrich and give him

robot optical sensors swung