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.

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"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.

Sebastian grabbed Heather by the neck once more.

"What are you doing, Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and terrified. Her eyes betrayed her fear.

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

Heather was both furious and panicked. "My mentor will never let you get away with this!" she yelled.

Sebastian gave a mocking smile. "I thought you had some brains, but it seems that you're incredibly foolish."

"What do you mean by that?" Heather asked while bristling with anger. Sebastian's cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've provoked. You keep threatening me with your mentor-how stupid can you be?

"Let me make it clear 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 than an ant."

"You're delusional! My mentor is one of the Grand Elders of the Netherworld Sect! She has unfathomable power andChapter 658

Heather had pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while Sebastian stood there waiting.

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

Today, he was determined to make this father-daughter duo taste despair, bit by bit.

Hendrick approached Sebastian and whispered, "Mr. Wilder, the Netherworld Sect is full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and Tyler's power is beyond comprehension. Are you confident you can handle them?"

"They're just ants," Sebastian replied dismissively.

"Just don't underestimate them, Mr. Wilder," Hendrick cautioned.

Sebastian remained unfazed. It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in his strength.

The Netherworld Sect wasn't far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride, they should have arrived within an hour.

Yet, two hours had passed, and still no sign of them.

"It seems your mentor won't be coming," Sebastian remarked.

Fear 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 go."

Sebastian responded calmly, "If I were afraid, I wouldn't have let you call for help, nor would I be standing here waiting.

"If the Netherworld Sect doesn't come after me, fine. But if they do, I'll just wipe them out."

He spoke of destroying a powerful sect as casually as if he were talking about slaughtering a chicken.

Everyone around was stunned-what kind of confidence was this? How strong did one have to be to have such unwavering self-assurance?

If they had heard him before, they would have dismissed it as bluster, and not even credible bluster at that.

However, they had just witnessed him severely injured Martin in a single move-it was terrifying.

"Heather, do you have any last words before you die?" Sebastian asked.

Heather was trembling so much that her legs gave out. She fell to her knees before Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband and wife, spare my life. I'm still so young. I don't want to

die."

Sebastian let out 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 lucky, I wouldn't be standing here now." s

Heather pleaded, "I'm just still too 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 you and serve you well as your woman." s

Sebastian sneered. "You should've gone into acting with those skills. Let's set the fact that you harmed me aside for now.

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

"That wasn't my doing! It was Sean acting on his own!

"He was driven by lust. It had nothing to do with me," Heather quickly tried to distance herself from the blame.

Martin chimed in, "She's right, I can vouch for her. When it all happened, Heather was at the Netherworld Sect. She didn't know anything about it."

"Sean deserved 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 Martin, his eyes full of killing

intent.

belongs to s

Feeling a wave of fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to do with it."

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

"Are you trying to turn us against each other? How vicious!" Martin shouted angrily.

The onlookers silently agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose would be more

cruel than simply killing them both.

After all, the survivor would live with the guilt forever.

"Enough talk. I'm giving you one minute to decide. IfChapter 659

"Father." Heather's eyes were full of fear and helplessness.

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

"Sebastian, maybe we can negotiate. Let us go, and just name your price- anything you want."

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

"What? One million gold coins? Why don't you just rob a bank?" Martin nearly jumped up in anger.

Just ten thousand gold coins were enough for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins was a huge sum even for him.

Sebastian sneered. "If you're unwilling to pay one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to pay for anything."

"Fine. I'll pay!" Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart was bleeding.

Due to the large amount of gold, Sebastian only asked for gold notes.

Not long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100 thousand gold coins.

Sebastian kept his word and left after receiving the notes.

He hadn't intended to kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy them.

After leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton Chamber of Commerce.

"Mr. Watson, I'd like to ask you for a favor," Sebastian said.

Hendrick quickly replied, "Mr. Wilder, there's no need to be so formal. Just tell me what you need."

Hendrick's respect for Sebastian had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through his cultivation bottleneck.

It was a debt that Hendrick considered a second chance at life.

Moreover, Sebastian was at least a second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was worth cultivating a good relationship with.

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

Although Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his drawing was remarkably lifelike.

"Mr. Wilder, is the woman in the picture your wife?" Abigail asked.

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

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

but after seeing the portrait, her confidence

in the

her own

circumstances and

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

at the chamber, waiting for

some people

to protect her

Sebastian's terrifying power first hand, Brork

of refusal. He was

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

just can't swallow this humiliation!"

asked, "Are you willing to marry the

is an outstanding man.

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

and daughter then stepped

Stonebrook family had arrived in large numbers, bringing

of the Stonebrook family and one of the

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

graces our humble Knott Estate," Martin

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

Please, come in." Martin led the

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

for the compliment, Mr. Stonebrook." Heather appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never left her,

reprimanded, "Camden, it's impolite to keep

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

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

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

the Stonebrook family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making

even secure a place among the four great ladies in the

Denzel smiled a

said, "My son

not long

at first sight

lost

his appetite and many.

over her. As his father, I became

Cóntent

was done speaking, he clapped his

followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged

box, though smaller, contained dozens

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

admit, the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone

not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard about the Purification

constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance a

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

said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied

satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly

that mean you agree to their

"Of course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be

the future title of

setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned

someone whose strength is formidable and who is

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

scoundrel named

commoner.

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

of the situation and insisted I take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no

call

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

I don't

thank you for understanding," Heather forced

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

bringing it up herself, she hoped to handle the situation

protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel

we got engaged, he demanded that I sleep with

naturally refused him. He then tried to force himself on me,

don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die by

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

under 30 years old. How could he be stronger than

added, "As cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs and pills that

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

brat's cultivation is at least at the early

age is definitely well over

just an early-stage

of Heather and Camden's engagement spread quickly,

Stonebrook family, one of the four major families of the

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

Heather's family background wasn't on par with the daughters of the four great

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

a genius with boundless

her beauty and talent compensated for

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

who secretly admired Heather, were equally

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

Sebastian invested in a vast amount

of the cultivation technique- whether

pills now to boost the cultivation of those around him

Sebastian took breaks periodically to rest. One day,

tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent over an

invitations? One of them is for me, I

"Yes,

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

are you planning

don't go, wouldn't I

if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear they want to use the

"My father is

right into their

clowns. There's nothing to fear," Sebastian responded

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

unmoved. "I appreciate your concern, but those

clowns. They're not

fine. If they dare provoke me,

ie

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

listen to us

can't be avoided. If they're out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next time

to confront them sooner rather than

approached the entrance of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly blocked their

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

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

Sebastian nodded.

Stonebrook family plans to kill you at the banquet. Going there now is like walking

just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked

happened to run into you and thought I'd

about me.

scoffed and

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

as long as you're alive. With your talent, you're destined to become a

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

father and daughter both sighed and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could probably do now was retrieve his body

was festive and

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

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

and his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and neredibly talented was something that would inspire envy in countless

and touched by Sebastian

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and

just at that moment,

all the exits once he enters. Make sure

worry, Mr. Camden. Everything is in place. He won't be able to get away, even

nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, has

make it today. But with the family's

nodded again

and his companions entered

exclaimed in surprise

the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up. Was he walking into his own

"Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts

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

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

wore a mocking smile. "Brat, today next

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

his hand and said, "You invited me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so

invited you here just to

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

let him live. I can't tell if this guy is

and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done

Camden and said, "Today is your engagement

about such things. If you want to live today, the only way is to do as

his smile was full

immediately grew furious. "What are you

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

my woman? You've got some

This

done as Mr. Camden asked, he might have had a slim chance to live. But

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike

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

been practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy

day, shevited

me into her room, and tried

"Shut up!"

Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and tarnishing my

he's just slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe

him. This guy has

you have?" Camden

what I was saying earlier? Heather wanted to absorb male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce me, but I

He's just upset that I broke off the engagement with him,

worry. No

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

right in front of me...

believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying, you can do with me as you

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

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

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

around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth or

to verify everything as soon as

powerful aura that felt as vast

Just the aura alone is enough to make me

like Korbin and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were

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

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

I'll make sure you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather

a few scratch marks on her chest because I got a

truth, Sebastian was

However, Heather's reaction

her, leaving everyone stunned.

Heather was

spouting lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to the

a fool, and he

family was one of the four major families of the southern

divine grandmaster.

his move, the pressure from his released aura alone made it hard for anyone nearby

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

out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting faster and landing

resounding sound, Septimus' arm shattered

let out a pained scream and staggered back in

movement, Sebastian chased him

"What?"

utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated in a

was beyond

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

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

underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might leave your

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

approached Sebastian, his

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

face was

close distance, Camden found her even more enticing than he had imagined.

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

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

eyes and breaking his hands a bit too

my bottom line!"

whispered, "Didn't I warn

death trap. Why shouldn't I come?"

"I didn't realize your strength was

Stonebrook

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

and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate your

the habit

it's hard to accept,

than to die. IfChapter

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

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

at least Sebastian could die

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook family

he

be satisfied until I torture you for

cripple his cultivation

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

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

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

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

so quickly before; this is definitely going to

Everyone nodded in agreement.

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

caught the sword and immediately drew it from its

through the air, unleashing a wave of

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

this be the Godslayer Blade of

the Stonebrook family proudly stated, "That's right. This is our Stonebrook family's Godslayer Blade. Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long as one wields the Godslayer Blade,

They hadn't expected Camden to carry the Godslayer

of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey Defeating Sebastian will

was a renowned magical artifact, said to

was Sebastian,

closed her eyes, unable to bear

taken her virginity, but after

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

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

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

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

he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with

few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive

weaker cultivation slumped

alive, so his

strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to grab

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

as the blade made contact with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of blood and mangled flesh,

"How is this possible?"

with shock and disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as

with his bare hand! This is insane!"

to pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength,

Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of

was jolted by

in satisfaction. "This sword

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

shocked. His finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill

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

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

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 killing you would be a piece of

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

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

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

kill us?" Heather

and afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will

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

the end,

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

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

Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with

can fight us alone? Hand over 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 to be buried

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

you dare!"

was already afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from

with disdain. He

instant, the oppressive force weighed down on everyone present. Those below grandmaster

grandmasters struggled to remain standing, their legs

Kill him!" Camden

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

Instead, he

hand, a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were sent

grandmasters from the Stonebrook family

of cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

collapsed to the ground, and

Heather. He grabbed

the air, attempting to escape.Chapter

nervous clerk

happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying

Elodie blurted, nodding so hard the tight bun

spread through her limbs like warm water, leaving

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

and the child, the day would have

her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured, sincerity softening

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

I should be the one thanking

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

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

ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this child

card, uncertainty flickering across her eyes as she sought

required his guardian's

an entire rack of adult clothing,

expression. "Of course," she said, nearly

hurried off, sweeping the garments from velvet hangers

showroom, the other employees watched,

large could cover the

more.

standing nearby and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no one dared

guided Nathaniel

she leaned down, voice barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a

over eight million." s

would never have taken a job

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

offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card

the numbers in disbelief.

set. Thank you for choosing us." Ivy presented the card

matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy,

set the receipt

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

"Pass it on to whatever gentleman keeps

first in wonder, then alarm. 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 rising like

apairof

low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that,

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

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

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

didn't miss a beat. “Oh. Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is just

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

unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy

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

darkened like a sky

and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad,

first fib, it was only

appeared more like an adult compared

Cecelia? She would never delegate adult

figured something

Jonathan blinked,

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

and the realization sent a

lashes lifting

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

skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value you," Jon announced, brutally direct in the way only children can

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing it

his throat. “And exactly where did you pick

across your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating

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

stayed shut far too

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost

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

you two been? And what on

stepped forward, intent on inspecting the loot, but Nathaniel

smoothly. "Holiday

excuse had been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole

I was starting to

Jonathan gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever

cleared his throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

to carrying the constipation story

guess I've been skimping on

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

to a doctor, all right? You're far too

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

heat rush to his cheeks until his whole

never imagining the confession would buy

had been ages since Cecilia had

really. I'll be fine if I drink more water. It isn't that bad,

been the model child, obedient, courteous, eager

"That won't do. Maybe we should

it with earnest gravity, the

daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked

whispered,

boy and a glimmer

another word, Cecilia opened her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a

the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia

be embarrassed. If you're not sure

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

Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook

I can

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

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

bathroom with you," she said, voice low and gentle, as though sending him

"Okay."

contraband and

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

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

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

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

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

to take tons

in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them

little photoshoot ended, she pinged the piChapter

polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia

short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across

couple, in return, video-called often to check on the children

by little, life seemed

you and the children be able to come back for a visit?" Bethany asked, voice

her priorities were pulled toward her

have decided. We'll

grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany

laughed aloud, chatted with Bethany for a good while longer, then finally ended

after the final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot

Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a

couch, eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel

"Ceci."

surprise.

this all we're doing today?"

you mean?" Confusion knitted

eyes. "Nothing," he

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

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

single step closer, the scent of cedar

could speak

arms swept out

swift, possessive motion,

chest, as though staking a claim no

really have to

gravel, every

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

go! If Elliot

her hair as if the conversation

married people holding each other? They're not

"Not babies? They're only six-maybe seven-

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

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You

we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll

heart squeezing. "They're too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr. Sinclair company

to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr. Sinclair for now. OnceChapter

finger brushing her

"Hmm?"

fine leaving me on the sidelines.” He paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for

did it click. Her proud, composed

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

darkened, a storm gathering behind the calm

bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering

for it, then sprang up and covered the

swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel,

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

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

clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness enveloped

wind hissed against the windows,

came in a burst of white light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and

than an inch away. She could count the fine stubble

that faint roughness,

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

murmured, drawing her even closer until her breath mingled with

came out in a whisper, pressed tight

a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's

best friends a

only tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give

clingy he could be, warmth and

this

his mouth.

and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing

need to get moving. I have a busy day ahead,"

caught her hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the mall with your friends, that's all, right? No

her head. "That's

you buying?” he asked, still unwilling

for Mom, and something

note of suspicion wrapped

"Nope."

of her head. He had never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she

gently pried her fingers loose, voice

hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she let the moment

the ceiling until the silence felt like

rose, padded through quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

Jon and Elliot

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

truly believed that only a complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any

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

He

darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked

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

shifted to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina

least this one

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

The room fell silent.

worry, Grandma," she said. "I'll do

flashing Beatrix a smug grin

sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag the rest

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

real embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some

said. "I think the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in

you not believe in

I just think it's impossible

already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as wisdom. And you know what they say: hell's

she snapped. "You're a fool if

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

"Fine. You think I'm

outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is ours foever. You move into our home, and we take

if Sofina fails, I want both of

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

in, "Count me in too! If I win,

her, raising a brow. "Alright.

lose.

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

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

"If you lose, I want you to divorce

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

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

he said. "I like it when

glance at them. She couldn't care less about their childish

Wolfsbane family could actually secure

"Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and close the deal. That's all. Meeting

the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me

smirked. "Trust?

"That's supposed to make

you want comfort, talk to someone who hasn't

bet on your victory. Isn't that

arched a brow. "You really think this bet will prove

show who's got guts and who's got

crossed her arms. "And what

I'll finally fit right in with

she'd spent the entire night refining.

won from Nikolaus-a

glide across the car's polished hood, “we should

resting on the wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for a

the future deputy of the Wolfsbane Group-it's perfect. Your grandmother and mother wouldn't dare buy

can."

glancing at him. "You really think this is

than okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way

half amused. "I wish

don't need it," Alex said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot

Eden Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls

Sofina whispered as

to open her door. "With me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm

QUMS

eased. She wished she could carry

stood under the shadow of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out inside her-like a room with the furniture hauled

into the sky like a polished god. The idea that

them was like a

in front of the whole

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

tense, each waiting for their turn to

The

all every one

of them was hono

thing: a coffaboration with power.

What on earth are you doing here?"

standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

lips tightened the way

sentence.

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 and grabbed Sofina's wrist in a rough. "You're here to attract attention," he hissed. "I told you I won't give you any. Leave this place." "Heinrich,” she said calmly. "I'm not here for you. I'm here for the Wolfsbane- for the Eden Group

fool? Even your grandmother couldn't get a deal with Eden Group. You're not worthy-none

gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming softly

guest-he

the footage," Alex

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

on his gloves, and strode out

on the floor, gathering a pile

he said quietly, helping her pick them up.

Heinrich. No matter what I say,

you?" Alex asked, gently lifting her chin,

serious,"

sheet. "You know, you don't need to

smiled faintly. "Maybe. But I like the feel of paper. I like touching something

chest. "The same

chuckled. "You really are

at me like I was more than data in a file.

they walked back through the glass corridor of Eden's

voice cracked

"What the hell are you doing here? I told you to

The color drained

it-the invisible chain that still tied her

tensed, eyes flickering, as if waiting for his approval... or

placing himself between

Eden Group," Alex said. "You're a guest. You

to be treated like a king. Where's

king?" Alex let out a low, sharp laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're just another arrogant

know who I am? I'm Heinrich Schiller." Heinrich's face went 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

brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found a nearby

What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd be delighted if you

in your place had the nerve to try and kick me out. Frankly, Eden Group

tightened with professional courtesy. "Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell me their name and I'll see

said coldly. "That's the man. Your gardener. He insulted me and tried

and spotted Alex in his Eden Group gardener uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never seen you

all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the security androids wouldn't have given me

forget your place.

Resources. I can fire you anytime I

and

one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't even belong to Eden

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

if he's not joining?" Alex

respect. You're nothing compared to him!

calmly, shaking his head. "I

if

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

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

by the rising

at that," someone jeered. "A gardener trying to stand up

got a

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing off.

smirked and turned

desperate for my attention, haven't

Your husband's a fool who doesn't know his place. How about you kneel

and I might forgive

around Alex's arm, her

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

have the whole

nothing outcasts. And you

s

stepped forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and

steady.

hesitated, searching her face. She met his

stepped forward

face was red as a boil. "You hit

curse.

name do you think you're

strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot

with a hand at the small of his

security. Twenty lashes. She won't

a command. "Give her what she

better cancel that order," he said. "Someone's going to

one who'll get hurt

jabbed his communication bracelet. "Security —

tilted his head.

began

dare she hit Heinrich,"

Heinrich's the man

another voice

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

the system flagged a threat to her,

room expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had

machine. Alex had wired her into his

and every linked node. Any device that touched Sofina reported to Eve first-she was

the previous command. Secure Dietrich and

robot optical

The shock hit him like a thrown

it, security robot drew an electric whip from a holster and

and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not me -

from triumph to alarm. "Is

tech is already the most advanced," someone muttered,

confusion moved through

until Dietrich

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

frozen, her mind struggling to catch

upright, one hand clutching his bleeding nose. He wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist, his face twisting

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

lunged toward her, his hand swinging

Heinrich had

she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken her submission for

closed on Heinrich and seized his arm. "Find someone your own size," he said, low and

go of

under a hard lid. The government cameras watched from

screamed like an

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

me go! How dare you let me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears wet on his cheeks as the

breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with

-

offer - a bid to replace the

become the next family tied to its

were desperater

same breath she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if the

into the main hall, the polished calm of her diplomacy shattered. What she

was holding Heinrich down, and

stormed over

this instant. How dare you strike him until he

the police won't help you," he said coolly. "I didn't hit

true?" Katarina asked

hit

and held herself steady. "So what? You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone

nobles still carried real power. The

the punishment could be death. If a commoner

penalties were severe and swift. More often than not, the

law protected rank, not

a noble struck a commoner, most people just accepted it.

power didn't need to explain

sharp

to make me jealous, to get my attention. Well, you've got it.

won't divorce her.

don't have

for you and for your Sant Claire family. When im done with Heinrich, if you behave yourself, I'll let

stared at her, disbelief hardening his face. "Do you really

you? That everyone just spins around

dare talk to me like that, Alex!" Katarina snapped. "It's already a blessing that I'm even willing to marry you. How dare you disobey me! I command you divorce that woman and come back to me. You've caused enough

long gone. Just the sound of her voice gave him a headache. He took Sofina's hand and turned

Katarina's voice cracked with fury and desperation. She had lost him once, and

she wouldn't admit —

him.

she despised him now, the memories still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded

was

didn't want

take another step, her hand shot out and clamped around his wrist

at him, fierce and cold, while his

to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every

kneel in the rain for three days and

I don't owe you a damn thing. I don't answer to your orders. We're strangers now-so let go of my

you're my dog for life," Katarina hissed, and her hand whipped across his face. The slap cracked

trembled — a flash of tears she fought to hide,

command you

this bitch!" Katarina

hesitation. Her eyes were quiet,

it in one swift move and snapped

"You're his ex- don't touch him again. He isn't yours. You're pathetic. A servant's

treated

the whispers

Rosenheim title was

they earned their barony by stabbing their own marquis, the Saint- Claires,

said their so-called empire was built on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than well-fed servants gnawing on

spitting on my family name! Slap her-make her remember who she

to Katarina's will and some Rosenheim retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their loyalty. They

a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided between them, its mechanical voice cutting

on Eden Group property," it announced firmly. "Cease all hostile actions

of tasers snapped out. Electricity flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and they dropped

violence," the security unit repeated. "Please remain

stood there, red-faced and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power she'd always

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

here," she said,

about love! You said you loved me! You swore you'd do

rage. “You promised to obey me, to give me your body, to destroy yourself for me!

and fade, it hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow vows, or even violence and control-trying to keep alive what's

Alex could answer, another android glided

the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you if you are unfamiliar with the

her hand. “Go,” he said quietly. "This

about you?" she asked, her

can access it. These people won't be

followed the android down the corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The

woman in a tailored suit stepped in. "Miss

Please follow me. Miss Von Adler would like to meet you in

blinked. "Miss Von Adler?

ma'am. She's

and followed the

Eden Group headquarters.

most powerful woman in

even submitted her proposal yet, the one about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed to meet the

It didn't make sense.

why, Sofina knew an opportunity like this didn't come twice. She followed the assistant through the long corridor, her heels echoing off the marble floor, until they

her in. Inside, Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind

her hand. "I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden

standing before the most powerful businesswoman in Winchester-someone people usually

answered,

met

Miss Von Adler. Thank you for taking the time to see me," she said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I know the Wolfsbane Group isn't as large or as influential as

but we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

Marlena a neat folder. "This is the Wolfsbane Group portfolio.

take a look."

smile and took the file. She opened

pages,

her voice soft but sure, "I've already reviewed your

"Really? You mean...

out.

quick-too easy. She had spent weeks

long negotiation. And yet here

in seconds.

back, her expression

fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very nigh regard. He personally requested this partnership

she asked,

I know who

she said softly,

unsure if she'd

"Don't worry. You'll understand when the time comes. Let's

you. He believes in you. And

spoke gently, but her tone carried weight. Alex had instructed her not to

the topic with a professional calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial quotation for the collaboration is

"Yes, that's right," she said, her

easily. "In fact, it's less than what we planned

"What do

instructed me to increase the contract

set at one hundred million

her breath

repeated, barely believing it.

opened a folder, retrieved a crisp contract, and slid it across the polished desk

she said. "We've already drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in

at the document in disbelief.

in Winchester-had not oChapter

yanked out his cane and brought it down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring that woman home as your wife, I'll

Despite his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp white

He kept shouting, "I'll beat you to death!" and from the look in his eyes, he almost meant

hurried forward and gently caught Mr. Everly's arm, her voice

stopped, glaring at Finnian and gasping for breath, his shoulders

met his gaze, her expression calm. "You should go. I'll talk to

a long, searching

gone, Mr. Everly's anger seemed to collapse into grief. He clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind. Can't you see? He insists

he squeezed her hand, his

anymore. Just yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was determined

voice clear. "Grandpa, there's something I've never told you, but I think you need

"What is it?"

Qu

because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship has never been

but firm. She nearly

Mr. Everly listened, utterly exhausted, guilt weighing on

blame Amara for not wanting Finnian. Only

l.ne

For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them to be together-he knew that

I'm tired. I need to lie

well, Grandpa. I'll see myself

did care for her, and he'd always dreamed She'd stay with the Everly family become Finian's wife. But

deeply, no longer wanting to dwell on it,

in the living room. He'd changed his shirt, and his wounds looked

Chapter 365

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him briefly before looking away,

But Finnian spoke up. "Let

"That's not necessary-"

you," he

things to rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his car, and let him drive her home.nly accepted Wolfsbane's

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