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?"

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

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

Martin, the divine grandmaster, couldn't even withstand a single move from Sebastian. To the rest of them, they weren't even worthy of being called cannon fodder.

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

"Sebastian, what are you planning to do?" Heather stammered, trying to sound defiant. "I'm warning you. I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch me, she will hunt you down and kill you!"

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

Everyone present was stunned. They knew that a divine grandmaster could manipulate objects from a distance, but usually no further than 10 feet and not with heavy objects. However,

Heather was over 15 feet away, and Sebastian still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display of power was far beyond their comprehension.

grabbed Heather by the neck

Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and terrified.

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

furious and panicked. "My mentor will

mocking smile. "I thought you had

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

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

Grand Elders of the Netherworld Sect! She

pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while

skill, ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now

was determined to make this father-daughter duo taste

full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and Tyler's

just ants," Sebastian replied

them, Mr.

It wasn't arrogance but

Sect wasn't far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds

hours had passed, and still no sign

seems your mentor won't be coming," Sebastian

Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice. If you

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

fine. But if they do,

as casually as if he were talking about

kind of confidence was this? How strong did one have to be to have

they would have dismissed it as bluster,

him severely injured Martin in a

have any last

kill me. For the

die."

means to steal my energe essence, and marrow and then tossed me off a cliff ff thadn't been lucky, I wouldn't be standing

young and made a terrible mistake in a moment of weakness. I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to change. I'll devote myself to

skills. Let's set the fact that you harmed me aside

beaten severely, and even tried to

wasn't my doing! It was Sean

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

can vouch for her. When it all happened,

to 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

intent.

belongs to s

of fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to do with

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

you trying to turn us against each

that forcing

simply killing

all, the survivor would

talk. I'm giving you one minute to decide.

eyes were full of fear

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

us go, and just name your price- anything you

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

just rob

someone to live comfortably for a

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

gritted his teeth, feeling as

large amount of gold, Sebastian only

long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100 thousand gold

word and left after receiving

Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy

Hendrick to

to ask you for

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

his wounds, which

a debt that Hendrick

with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was worth cultivating a good

requested paper and

Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his drawing

in the picture your

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

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

herself, but after seeing the portrait, her

in the drawing

matching her

circumstances and

find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick

at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also

arrange for some people to take

to protect

terrifying power first

refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts of

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

I just can't swallow this humiliation!"

and asked, "Are you willing to marry

without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding man. Of course I'm

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

and daughter then stepped out to

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

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

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

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

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

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

daughter is as beautiful as a

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

it's impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott.

of his daze and quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott, I was

angry at all. In fact, she felt quite pleased

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

access to the Stonebrook family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by

place among

Denzel smiled a

said, "My

not long

at first sight for

lost

his appetite and many.

sleep over her. As his father, I became anxious, soove

Cóntent

Denzel was done speaking, he clapped his hands, and

gleaming gold coins. They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique

box, though smaller,

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

family had truly gone all out. The gold

consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market.

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

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

"Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with the

satisfied. Extremely satisfied,

agree

to be interested in my

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

setting it for

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

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

a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder.

commoner.

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

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.

mind, we can call

eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but I didn't know the full

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

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

of her clever strategy; many people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's

herself, she hoped to handle

reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a beast. He's

as we got engaged, he demanded that

and naturally refused him. He then

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

scoundrel is very strong. Even my

under 30 years old. How could

cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are

in his 20s, but his real age could be

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

real age is definitely well

just an early-stage divine

Camden's engagement spread quickly,

one of the four major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only

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

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

her potential at five rings, placing her on the same level as Kaitlyn and the Netherworld Sect's

was a genius with boundless potential and

her beauty and talent compensated for her comparatively modest

engagement, many women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all,

who secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their hopes seemingly

was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even if she

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

plan was to find Fressia, secure the third stage of the cultivation technique- whether by stealth or force-and then return

boost the cultivation of those around him once he got

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

at Knott

One of them is for me, I

"Yes, you're

an

"Mr. Wilder, are

if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?"

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

father is right. You

walking right into

bunch of petty clowns. There's nothing to

you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has

Hendrick warned.

to .net

remained unmoved. "I appreciate your concern,

clowns. They're not

alone, fine. If they dare

ie

family is one of the four major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld Sect. They shouldn't

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

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

them

of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly blocked

gown, with a veil partially hiding her stunning

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

Sebastian nodded.

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

just to tell me this?" Sebastian

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

me. Could it be that you've fallen

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and

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

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

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

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

the atmosphere was

local powerhouse, the Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by

After all, by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family-who would dare to

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

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

Sebastian.

keeping tabs on

that moment,

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

He won't be able

"By the way,

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

nodded again in

and his

doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he spotted

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

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

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

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

today next year will

down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break

said, "You invited me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate

sneered. "I invited you

such an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden would let him go. He

He ruined Ms. Knott's reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I can't tell

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

and said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck, don't you

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

Sebastian laughed and his smile was full

furious. "What are you laughing at, you

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

woman? You've got some nerve!" Camden

lost it. This guy must

Mr. Camden asked, he might have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready

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

been practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to enhance

One day, shevited me

into her room, and tried

"Shut up!"

Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and

Heather on purpose. You can't believe a

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

evidence do you have?" Camden

"Why don't you let me finish what I 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

just upset that I

her hand and said, "Don't worry. No matter

she drugged me that day, I couldn't resist and ended up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone

slander 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 lying, you can do with me

"Camden, don't listen to him! He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves

this guy has ulterior motives. Don't

to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his

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

everything as soon as

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

grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This

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

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

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

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

few scratch marks on her

and instinctively covered her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those

However, Heather's reaction

her, leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing

tricked, Heather was

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

and he

four major families of the southern region, with all

divine

the pressure from his released aura alone made it hard

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

resounding sound,

Septimus let out a pained scream and

him down and grabbed Septimus by

"What?"

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

was

Not long ago, Sebastian had participated in the Netherworld Sect's

at most a warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why would

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

Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't even have

also approached Sebastian, his eyes filled with

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

Kaitlyn from the start. Although her face was hidden, she

distance, Camden found her even more enticing than he

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

out his own eyes, and breaks both his hands,

his eyes

for offering this. This is my bottom line!"

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

death trap. Why shouldn't I come?" Sebastian

your strength

Stonebrook family

Gouging out your eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome I could negotiate for

and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate

in the habit

it's hard

miserably than to die. IfChapter

something, but in

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

the chances were slim, at least Sebastian could

"Septimus!"

the Stonebrook

as he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how

satisfied until I torture you for

his cultivation

He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura

his presence intensified. Every footfall

cultivation must be truly

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

struck so quickly

Everyone nodded in agreement.

catch the sword!" Camden shouted,

sword and immediately drew it from its

the blade resonated through the air, unleashing a

feeling as though they had

this be the Godslayer Blade

roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long

stunned. They hadn't expected Camden to carry the

is doomed now. With the added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand

agreement. The Godslayer Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to be

here was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

eyes, unable to bear watching

taken her virginity,

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

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

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

that moment, she felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook

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

that instant, the energy within a few miles surged violently,

cultivation slumped

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

about to strike, Sebastian suddenly

with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer

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

"How is this possible?"

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

Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What

energy, trying to pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip.

hand it over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual

was jolted by

the Godslayer Blade while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is not bad. From now

anger and panic, clenching his fists and throwing a

actually dared to kill two of our

you can

I'm warning you. I'm the heir to

said, "Sebastian, don't get too cocky! The Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts in the Southern Regions, so

idiots. You two really are made for each

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

shout at me. If that's not foolishness,

to kill

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 pay with

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,

the end, his voice was

silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate

this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was

remarked, "You truly are full of yourself! Our family has stood

come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then,

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

you dare!"

afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from the

disdain. He took a step forward, releasing an

present. Those below

struggled to remain standing, their legs quivering with

him!" Camden commanded

from the Stonebrook family were filled with terror, they had

join the fray. Instead,

deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were

was very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped

cake. The sheer ease

was terrifying.

the ground, and

that moment, Martin rushed toward Heather. He grabbed

into the air, attempting to escape.Chapter

little Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous

Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of

hard the tight bun at the back

away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs like warm

Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first to Jonathan and

child, the day would have

Jonathan, her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured,

practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly composed for

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

pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte

announcement hit the staff like a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped,

well over ten thousand,

uncertainty flickering across her eyes as she sought Nathaniel's

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

entire rack of adult clothing, yet he trusted the

course," she

velvet hangers

the other employees watched, envy shining through

the down

more.

and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no

Ivy guided

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

over eight million." s

never have taken

Jonathan said, firm

When he offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card

in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent

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

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

set the receipt

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

marble. "Pass it on to whatever

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

baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is

Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about the ruckus that

silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping

who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have

pick 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 up on

unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy certainly trusts you," he

note curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes

darkened like

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 sure that one was meant

believed the first fib, it was only

like

Cecelia? She would never delegate adult shopping to a

"You've figured something

blinked, performing

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

be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a tremor of startled admiration through

you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every flicker on

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

you completely. That proves she doesn't value

snapped shut.Am I showing it that

his throat. “And exactly where did

across your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if

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

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

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost collided

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

And what

forward, intent on inspecting the loot, but Nathaniel

he said smoothly.

painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching

well, a heads-up would have been nice. I was starting to

gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever

and shot Jonathan a pointed

carrying the constipation story on his

I guess I've been skimping on water

Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a

all right? You're far too little to struggle with

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

cheeks until his whole

never imagining

since Cecilia had hugged

I drink more water. It isn't that

the model child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare

"That won't do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation sometimes needs

said it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a lifesaving

misery. Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you

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

the boy and a glimmer

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

courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in

If you're not sure how to

the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair

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

can

can handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the boy's

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

off to the bathroom with you," she said, voice low and gentle,

"Okay."

box like contraband and bolted down the

watched his brother's retreating and,

sure doesn't look it,"

seated beside him, fixed him with a mild but warning stare.

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

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

Mommy, you have to take

in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed

photoshoot ended, she

Alphonse and Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but

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

little, life seemed to find its rhythm

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

to the Rainsworths, so her

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

Come as soon as you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied, her delight practically shimmering through

chatted with Bethany for a good while longer,

Elliot collapsed onto their

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

drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when

"Ceci."

surprise. "What

doing today?" His question hovered,

do you mean?" Confusion knitted

eyes.

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

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

closer, the scent of cedar from

could speak

long arms swept out

swift, possessive

his chest, as though staking a claim no

really have

with gravel, every syllable vibrating through the scant inches between

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

me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks

settling atop her hair as if the conversation

awkward about two married people holding each other?

babies? They're only

was seven when I moved overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words low, laced with

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left

coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll give us more

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

།

for Jonathan, let him stay with

a hand, the pad of his finger brushing her burning cheek. “You're

"Hmm?"

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

Her proud, composed husband was jealous of his own

the kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring them

a storm gathering behind

and bolted down the hallway,

a break for it, then sprang up and covered the distance in long, powerful

one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why

plenty of spare rooms in this house.

was no match for his effortless strength. With a gentle shove, he

the deadbolt turned, and darkness enveloped

windows, but inside,

light, snow glare slicing

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

trace a finger over that faint roughness,

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

open, hazy with

her even closer until her breath

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

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

best friends a

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

did Cecilia realize how clingy he could be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like

you this

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

hair, dark strands springing up beneath

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

after you hit the mall with your friends,

shook her head. "That's

buying?” he asked, still unwilling to release

New clothes for Mom, and something nice

note of suspicion wrapped in playful

"Nope."

studied Nathaniel with a puzzled tilt of her head. He had never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over

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

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

at the ceiling until the silence felt like a

through quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

and Elliot off to

brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with

could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of

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

He spun toward the

Wolfsbane's hands trembled on the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his

was Alex-the outcast, the family fool-who stood up for

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

least this

cowards! Every last one of you! From this moment on, Sofina

The room fell silent.

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

his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that made her blood

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

"Beatrix, Sofina's worth a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you

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

that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in the

you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just

flinched and waved her hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think

even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as

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

let's make

think I'm scared? Name your

If Sofina pulls this off, that

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

leaning back with a half-smile. "Then let's

too! If

raising a brow. "Alright. But

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

"Since you love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose, you kneel ten times and admit you're lower

laughing. "Ha! You're really digging

"If you lose, I want you

"Fine," he said calmly. "But if I win, you'll

already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry.

said. "I like it when everyone

glance at them. She couldn't care less about

family

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

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

smirked. "Trust? No.

look. "That's supposed to make

someone who hasn't met this family."

"Hey, at least I bet

really

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

"And what

fit right in

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

car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester that it turned

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

resting on the wheel. "Maybe

Group-it's perfect. Your grandmother and mother

can."

him. "You really think this

okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over, maybe

anxious, half amused.

me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land

as the car descended toward the Eden Group's towering headquarters, its glass

Sofina whispered

your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the

QUMS

but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she could carry that

shadow of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out

Group's glass façade rose into the sky like a polished god. The idea

partner with them was like a beggar asking a banker to lend

she'd promised her grandmother. She'd accepted the challenge in front of

by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed in tailored suits and

but tense, each waiting for their turn to be

The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

thing: a coffaboration

are you doing here?" a voice

and found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

the way

sentence.

thousand 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

the hell are you trying to fool? Even your

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

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

the footage," Alex

Sofina's arm, dragging her down the hallway

on his gloves, and strode out toward the

found Sofina crouched on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered

helping her pick them

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

hurt you?" Alex asked, gently

serious,"

don't need to

I like the feel of paper. I like touching

"The same way

chuckled. "You really

that," she said softly. "You cooked for me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You

each other as they walked back through the glass corridor

voice cracked the

here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't

The color drained from

saw it-the invisible chain that

tensed, eyes flickering,

stepped forward, placing himself

Group," Alex said. "You're a guest. You have no authority to order people

I'm a guest here-l expect to be treated like a king. Where's your manager? I want to speak

laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're just

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 said, calm as a

give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found a nearby figure. "Manager

Schiller. What an honor to

came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the nerve to try and kick me out. Frankly, Eden Group doesn't

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

man. Your gardener. He

his Eden Group gardener uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one

building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here.

"You seem to forget your place.

Resources. I can fire you anytime I want.

Kneel and

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

"Do you have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds

if he's not joining?"

he deserves your respect. You're nothing compared to him! Now kneel before I make sure you regret

said calmly, shaking his head.

if you don't!" Dietrich

a long time. Just

this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then

started to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled

up to Heinrich? The man

"That gardener's got a name. You know who

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

Winchester? No

smirked and turned to

desperate for my attention,

who doesn't know his place. How

and I might forgive

Alex's arm, her knuckles

make sure everyone in Winchester hears about this. You have offended

I'll have

name you'll be nothing

s

Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook her head.

but steady. "Let me

searching her face. She met

stepped forward

hit me, bitch-" He spat

curse.

do you think

Group! Security robot - fetch her,

hustled Heinrich upright, supporting him with a hand

I've called security. Twenty lashes. She won't be standing after that her

it," Heinrich said, every syllable a command. "Give

forward until he stood toe-to-toe with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order," he said.

sneered. "The one who'll get hurt

"Security —

tilted his head. "I

crowd began to

hit Heinrich," someone

Heinrich's the

her!" another voice

glided forward and ran its routine: ID scan, threat assessment, authorization check. Its lenses swept over

flagged a threat to her,

in the room expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had left

Alex had wired her into his network bridge so she could talk to every

every linked node. Any device that touched

the previous

robot optical sensors swung toward

chest. The shock hit him like a thrown

anyone could process it, security robot drew an electric whip from a holster

and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop!

triumph to alarm.

is already the most

confusion moved through

didn't stop until Dietrich had taken twenty

it hauled him to his feet and kicked him out, shoving him past the main entrance

stood frozen, her mind struggling to catch up with the chaos unraveling

He wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist, his face

he hissed, voice low and venomous. "I'll teach

toward her, his hand

first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina before-over and

not because she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken her submission

"Find someone your own

slave — let go of me!" Heinrich

lid. The

screamed like an animal, pain folding

his knees, clutching at a hand that felt as if bone and pride were

dare you let me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears wet

like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp precision, aides trailing behind her in nervous

-