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Chapter 1030
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1031
Aspen could only imagine how terrifying Andrew's real identity was. Everyone knew that Holtrien had no shortage of prodigies, but those who made it onto the Titan List were monsters in human form—true legends among legends. Take Aspen, for example. In her hometown of Bridgefields, she was the pride of the city, admired by everyone. Yet, not a single person from Bridgefields had ever qualified for the Titan List. Even the Underworld Index only had at most two names from there, and they were way at the bottom. Andrew stood up and said, "Alright then, I should head back and get some rest. Thanks for the hospitality, by the way." Zachary stood up right after him, eyes blazing with passion. "Come back with us. Let's rise again together. Once the old crew hears you're back, they'll drop everything and come running!" Andrew chuckled and replied, "Don't exaggerate. I'm just a regular guy, just trying to live a simple, quiet life. All that talk about fighting and war? I'm not into
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1032
After leaving the Aroma Exchange, Andrew got into the car and said, "Drive. I'm tired and just want to rest." However, Aspen did not start the engine. She had been holding back her curiosity all evening and finally asked, "Was Mr. Fischer really your subordinate?" Andrew kept his eyes on the window and replied calmly, "Something like that." Aspen's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected that Andrew was not an ordinary man. She pressed on, "Mr. Fischer called you… General. Andrew, were you some kind of military general before?" Andrew glanced at her and said, "Why the interrogation? Are you trying to run a background check?" The Ferrari shot forward with a roar, and Aspen huffed, "Fine, don't tell me. It's not like I'm dying to know anyway." Andrew said, "The more you know, the more dangerous it gets for you." Aspen scoffed, "There it is. The mysterious act. You think you're in a movie or something?" A vein popped on Andrew's forehead. "Aspen, I just complimented your
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1033
Aspen was so furious, and she shouted, "Andrew, you're such a bastard!" Nonetheless, Andrew stayed calm and replied, "Using yoga to try and reach senior grandmaster level? It's not a bad approach. However, your method is flawed. "You should try activating your twin core meridians and running your energy through the full-body cycle. It'll get you results with half the effort." With that, he turned and went upstairs to rest. Aspen stood frozen in place, full of shock and suspicion. "So he wasn't staring at my body… he was analyzing my training? Hmph, acting all high and mighty as if his advice would actually help!" She did not want to admit it, but deep down, she was tempted to try what he said. So, she adjusted her posture and started cultivating again, following his method. … Upstairs, Andrew collapsed onto the huge bed in his room. He had just arrived in the capital and had already run into trouble—no wonder he felt drained. Still, there were things he needed to keep up
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1034
Andrew let her go and said casually, "Your twin core meridians were never fully opened. That's why your skills have always been so underwhelming. But now, I've fixed that for you. "From here on out, your cultivation will be a lot faster. And you've officially broken through to the senior grandmaster level." Feeling the new surge of power running through her body, Aspen gasped, "But… opening the twin core meridians is something only a martial king could do, and even then, with rare medicinal aids! H-How did you pull it off?" Andrew answered calmly, "Just gave it a strong push. It hurts a little, but you already lived through it, didn't you?" Aspen's face turned red hot as she gritted her teeth. "You sound like a damn pervert, you sleazy jerk!" She said that, but deep down, she was genuinely grateful to him. Reaching senior grandmaster so quickly was partly thanks to her own hard work, but mostly, it was Andrew's guidance. Aspen knew how rare this kind of hands-on instruction
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1035
Aspen smirked. "Not much, just a little over 30 grand." Andrew let out a cold chuckle. "You sure know how to burn through my money like it grows on trees. But it's fine—if you ever drain me dry, I'll just sell you off to cover the losses." That wiped the smug look right off Aspen's face, leaving her gritting her teeth. Andrew had absolute control over her now. If he did sell her, she would have no one to complain to—not even a court that would listen. She huffed, "The ones draining you dry are Lauren and Francesca. I haven't even touched a penny…" Her heart shrank a little, but her mouth still refused to back down. … After finishing the company tour, Andrew barely took a breath before heading to the charity event hosted by the local government. Aspen's competence clearly was not just for show. All the way there, she gave Andrew a crash course on the capital's complicated business networks and behind-the-scenes power plays. She said, "In a bit, Governor Derek McCormick
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1036
"Aspen, long time no see." Christina was the first to speak, smiling as she broke the awkward silence. Aspen's expression turned icy. "You don't need to call me. I don't recognize you as family. Your family is in Jayrodale, and mine's in Bridgefields. We were never close, and we never will be." Christina kept her smile steady. "It's been so long, and you're still holding a grudge? But don't forget—when the main family fell apart, and you ended up as Andrew's servant, that was mostly your own doing." Aspen let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, I'll admit it. Everything back then was my own fault. But Christina, do you dare say you didn't stir the pot from behind the scenes with that sweet, scheming smile of yours? I know it was you who lured the main Stevens family to Jayrodale, just to use them against Andrew." Christina did not even try to deny it. "You're absolutely right. I brought them there. But I only did it to help you—to settle the score on your behalf. Things just didn't go h
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1037
In truth, Christina was jealous and furious. Andrew had accepted Aspen, yet refused to give her a second chance. Was Aspen really better than her? That could not be right. In looks, status, and ability, she was never inferior to Aspen. She believed there could only be one explanation—Andrew still had feelings for her, but was using Aspen to replace her. The moment that thought clicked, Christina suddenly felt clear-headed. Otherwise, why would Andrew treat Aspen so well now? The two had once been bitter enemies. Moreover, Aspen's family had even provoked him, and they had nearly gone to war. "Obsessed with Stevens family women? Please, Christina, you're hilarious," Andrew said with an amused smile. "But you did get one thing right—I am willing to treat Aspen well. Because, whether you like it or not, she's mine now." Christina's jaw clenched. "I reached out to you, and you turned me away. But Aspen? You welcomed her with open arms. Can I ask why?" Andrew answered without
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1038
Christina had not expected the two of them to be that close already. "Andrew, you're going to regret what you've done!" she snapped coldly before looping her arm around Quinton's and striking a deliberately intimate pose. Quinton smirked. He knew Christina was using him, but he did not care. For someone like him, the thrill was in the chase. When the thrill was gone, he would have no problem tossing her aside or forcing things if it amused him. Quinton said with a smile, "Ms. Aspen, Christie's mentioned you before. But sticking with Andrew will only bring you down. Why not join me? Serve under the Wrights, and I promise you a spot among the capital's elite socialites." It was a tempting offer, made with a wolfish grin. If he could really win Aspen over, having both Stevens beauties serve him would be a fantasy come true. Especially since Aspen had a figure that made him burn with desire. Hell, she was playing housemaid for Andrew—that was practically a crime in Quinton's boo
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Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1176
Yet, of all the fearless, reckless men they had encountered, neither Aspen nor Chantelle had ever seen anyone as stubbornly arrogant as Andrew. Both women were completely stunned, wondering where he even got the guts to say things like that. In this world, commoners fear officials—but officials? They fear the men with guns—the military. However, here was Andrew, treating a colonel like Xavier as if he were worthless weeds. It was utter madness—like a sparrow challenging an eagle, a lamb taunting a wolf. It was sheer recklessness bordering on suicide. With a thunderous swoosh, Xavier's massive broadsword came crashing down with enough force to split boulders and level trees. Just the murderous pressure from that swing made Chantelle's face go pale. She was starting to doubt if she could even stand up to Xavier herself. After all, Andrew looked like he was about to be torn in half by that blade. What infuriated her even more was that, at the height of danger, Andrew just st
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1175
"Colonel Haywood, you know full well that with your rank and position, you can't just go around killing people on a whim," Chantelle warned coldly. She added, "Besides, your friend Andarov used banned weaponry on Holtrien soil, which is a serious offense. You can be sure Mr. McCormick won't just let that slide." Left with no other option, Chantelle had to drop Derek's name to try to rein Xavier in. However, Xavier was not intimidated at all. His voice dripped with venom as he said, "Ms. Garcia, I respect Mr. McCormick—he governs this province, and I'll give him that. But do you think the Haywoods' name should be trampled like dirt? Especially by some no-name punk who doesn't know his place? "I'll chop him into pieces, and if I have to, I'll apologize to Mr. McCormick myself. But with the military accolades I've earned, the Haywood family's backing, and my deep ties in the defense department, killing this bug wouldn't even cause a blip on the radar." Chantelle's stomach twiste
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1174
Chantelle sneered, "All in all, you're just an ordinary man, a slave to your desires with a pathetically mediocre mind." She had finally caught an opening to hit Andrew where it hurt, and she was not about to waste it. Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Garcia, you really do live up to your title as a master of psychology. You got most of it right. But you still missed one tiny detail—like the fact that, right now, I've got a very clear image of your naked body in my mind." The bluntness of that line stunned Chantelle, and her expression twisted in outrage. She snapped, "Andrew! That was in the past—how dare you bring it up like it's nothing? Aren't you worried I'll kill you?" The usually cold woman was genuinely furious now. Andrew shrugged lazily. "I'm sitting right here, wounded and unarmed. Go ahead, kill me. But even if you did, you still wouldn't erase the fact that you once stripped bare in front of me." Chantelle raised her hand in fury but forced herself to lower it again with
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1173
Andrew was sitting on the lawn outside Serenity Villa, watching the crew from The Sovereign Residences repair his home. After the attack last night, it was a miracle the place was still standing—if the villa had not been built to the highest security standards, it would have been reduced to nothing but ash and rubble by the Srovika Federation mercenaries. Felix Daughtry, the security captain from The Sovereign Residences, a semi-martial king-level fighter, walked over with a grim expression and reported, "Mr. Lloyd, Serenity Villa took quite a hit. Full restoration might be difficult." Andrew glanced at him and said coldly, "I want it restored exactly as it was, and not just that—The Sovereign Residences will need to compensate me for all damages, including emotional distress. If that's too much, then I don't want the house anymore. I'll go to the press and let the world know just how useless your brand really is." Felix's face darkened, turning almost pitch black with anger. H
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1172
Since the night before, Xavier had been fully suited in military attire, standing vigilant and sleepless. He gripped a massive broadsword, and when the butler spoke, his voice was ice-cold. "Don't worry. Andarov won't fail me. That bastard Andrew is as good as dead." Though those were his words, doubt lingered in Xavier's mind. After all, Andarov never took this long to finish a kill. Nonetheless, the sun was rising—he should be back any minute now. Andarov, commander of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, was ruthless and battle-hardened. Xavier met him while stationed overseas, and after several missions together, they became close allies. "With the entire Blood Wolf squad under him, it doesn't matter if Andrew has bodyguards. He won't last five minutes," Xavier sneered, confident. He was already planning the next steps—hold Seth's memorial as soon as Andarov returned, then introduce him to Luna to score even more clout. Having a famous international mercenary as a personal friend? E
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1171
At the Golding family estate, Elon exclaimed in disbelief, "What did you just say? Black Wolf is dead?" The butler, face tight with unease, replied, "Yes, sir. Early this morning, his body was found dumped in the sewer. The cause of death matched the last group of assassins perfectly. There's no doubt that it was Andrew who killed him." Elon's expression darkened instantly. "Even Black Wolf failed and ended up dead? Andrew... you've clearly been hiding more strength than we thought." The butler nodded gravely. "Sir, that man is definitely not some pawn on the board. Not only is Black Wolf gone, but the Srovika Federation mercenary commander the Haywoods brought in also died at Serenity Villa." Elon gasped. "Even Xavier's overseas hitman got wiped out? Are you absolutely sure?" The old butler's brow twitched. "Completely sure. This morning, both bodies—Black Wolf and the mercenary captain—were found side by side in the sewer on Blumedale's main street." Elon clenched his ja
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1170
On the ground, Black Wolf writhed in pain, howling in disbelief. He finally understood why that last squad of heavily armed mercenaries had vanished without a trace after storming Serenity Villa. This place was not just a house—it was a damn death trap. "Who sent you to kill me?" Andrew asked calmly as he twirled the dagger Black Wolf had dropped. Pinned down by Natasha and Dylan, Black Wolf was drenched in sweat, his shattered legs leaving him gasping in agony. He growled, "Why the hell should I tell you? You should know exactly who you've pissed off. Even if I'm in your hands, kid, if you lay a finger on me, the consequences—" Andrew did not let him finish. Instead, he drove the blade straight into Black Wolf's chest. Whatever threat Black Wolf was about to spit out died on his tongue. His eyes bulged in shock before his head slumped to the side—dead. "If you didn't have the sense to act like a prisoner, then I did you a favor and sent you straight to hell. Next time, try
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1169
Aspen could not help leaning closer to see what Andrew was doing. To her surprise, his breathing was steady—he was already asleep. She stared at him, both amused and annoyed as she thought, 'I'm lying right next to him, and he still manages to fall asleep? Am I not attractive enough? Or does this guy just not find me worth the effort?' That split second of realization triggered an unexpected wave of disappointment and frustration in her. … Meanwhile, outside Serenity Villa, a black figure moved silently across the ruined outer wall, climbing with inhuman ease. It was Black Wolf—Elon's secret weapon, a top-tier assassin with a reputation to match. A matte-finished blade dangled from his lips as he surveyed the building, swiftly memorizing the layout of the damaged villa. He was not alone. At least a dozen other men hid in the dark, surrounding the perimeter and lying in wait. Nonetheless, they were not predators, at least not to him. He scoffed, thinking, 'They're the bait,
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 1168
Through the second half of the night, Serenity Villa remained eerily quiet. Chantelle stepped out from her lookout post and announced, "Looks like no one else is coming tonight. Everyone should get some rest." Andrew stopped her. "Hold up. You all stay on watch—I'll go rest." Chantelle narrowed her eyes. "Are you giving me orders like I'm your subordinate?" Andrew responded calmly, "Not at all. I just want to isolate myself and draw the next assassin in alone." Chantelle frowned. "So, you're planning to be alone in a room and give the assassin a shot at you? You're using yourself as bait?" Andrew replied, "Exactly. One mercenary commander from the Srovika Federation is dead, but with the Haywoods and Goldings both after my head, there's no way they'd just send one decent hitter and be done." Chantelle nodded. "That… makes sense. But you're injured. What happens if something unexpected comes up? Can you really handle it?" Before Andrew could answer, Aspen blurted, "It's
