"The less you know about this, the better. You'd better go back to the main hall and help me entertain the guests," Oliver said.Rosalie pouted and put down the teapot she was holding. She swung Oliver's arm playfully and said, "Grandpa, I'm just curious! Just let me listen.""Be obedient!" Oliver's brow furrowed, and his expression became stern.Rosalie noticed that Oliver was getting angry, so she had no choice but to leave the back garden reluctantly.After he watched her walk off into the distance, he continued, "The Dragon Sect is planning on joining forces with Sword Towers and the most important local sect in Steinberg, which is the Elderstone Sect. They want to take the position of chairman of the Martial Arts Association. "They'll use it to control the martial arts and business community in the whole of Sartvale so that they can help the Dragon Sect to stand firm in Dramon."I know that you're already in a feud with the Beckards because of Rosalie, so whether or not you
"What is it?" Sebastian asked, raising an eyebrow. "Just a couple of minutes ago, all the medicinal herb suppliers called almost simultaneously to say that they want to cancel their contracts with us. "We have less than eight days until we have to hand over the first batch of the Gold Remedy. Where are we supposed to find other suppliers in such a short amount of time?" Whitney asked.What? Sebastian's heart dropped to his stomach."Sword Towers must have colluded with the Healer Sect and used their influence in the pharmaceutical industry to influence Sartvale's business world," Cillian said, looking stern. Sartvale had always been a prominent medical state in Dramon, and it took up a huge chunk of Dramon's pharmaceutical industry. If they cut off the medicinal herb supplies to Sartvale, it would make Sartvale's businesses collapse instantly.At the same time, Sword Towers would get control of Sartvale's Martial Arts Association, which would solidify their position in Sartval
Hunter chuckled and said, "It's simple. We'll use the Sartzade Chamber of Commerce and exert pressure on Trey from the pharmaceutical factory so that we can force him to hand over the land for the Arctic Snow Group pharmaceutical factory! "If they lose both their supply channels and their pharmaceutical factory, what do you think is going to happen to them?"Jace's eyes lit up.That was right! They could use the Sartzade Chamber of Commerce to strike a fatal blow on Arctic Snow Group. That would mean that Sebastian and Rosalie would be unable to do anything about it, no matter how capable they were. Jace couldn't help giving Hunter a thumbs-up as he said, "Great plan!"He then ordered his men, "Come on, call Ryder now and tell him to exert pressure on Trey in the name of the Sartzade Chamber of Commerce, just as Hunter suggested!"…While Sebastian and Whitney were discussing countermeasures, Ryder went personally to Trey.When Trey heard him mention Sartzade Chamber of Comme
Early the next morning, Sebastian and Whitney were discussing ways that they could solve the issue with the medicinal herb suppliers when a security guard suddenly barged in."Mr. Ballard, Ms. Sutton, they—"Before the security guard could finish, Ryder walked in with over a dozen bodyguards, looking very menacing.Sebastian waved at the first security guard and gestured for him to leave.He glanced at the dozen or so bodyguards behind Ryder, and he couldn't help laughing as he said, "Are you here to get beaten up?"Ryder laughed sardonically and waved the land transfer agreement in his hand. He said coldly, "I've bought this land, so this pharmaceutical factory needs to move away within three days!"Ryder tossed the document smugly onto Whitney's desk.Although Sebastian and Whitney still had the operating permit for the pharmaceutical factory, the land no longer belonged to Arctic Snow Group. That meant that they only had the rights to the buildings, which would be useless.R
After a long time, Ryder scrambled up from the floor with difficulty. He spat out blood, along with a few teeth."Sebastian! Do you have a death wish?" He waved at the bodyguards behind him. The bodyguards surged forward and surrounded Sebastian and Whitney. Sebastian glanced at the bodyguards and smiled slightly as he said, "Ryder, this bunch aren't even worthy of being sent to their deaths."A pretty figure appeared at the door.The bodyguards who had been surrounding Sebastian and Whitney turned abruptly and looked at Rose warily. She was standing in the doorway.Although the beautiful woman behind them had not attacked, the bodyguards sensed danger.Rose seemed to be giving off a faintly murderous energy. It was the kind of energy that only a killer who could kill without blinking would have."You must have heard of the famous Rose. The person standing behind you is her! I advise you all not to resist," Sebastian said, grinning.Rose?The bodyguards were all stunned wit
"Collect payments?" Whitney's brow wrinkled, and she looked at Sebastian in confusion."That's right!" Sebastian looked expressionless as he said, "If I'm guessing correctly, only one person can get the Sartzade Chamber of Commerce to do this, and that's Jace!""Are you saying that everything Ryder did was done at Jace's command?" Whitney asked through gritted teeth as she clenched her fists.Sebastian nodded heavily and said, "Of course. Do you really think that Ryder could get Brandon's help on his own? Brandon is the person in charge of Bashmore Group. "Also, why would the Sunway Stallones support him? You always need to go for the head. Now, the time has come for us to put an end to some things!"Whitney took a deep breath and nodded heavily.When night fell the next day, Sebastian put on a newly bought suit while Whitney wore a black gown. The two of them got into Whitney's car and rushed to Sunway.Coeur Hotel was one of the most luxurious hotels in Sunway.Sebastian lo
"Is this your first time attending one of the Chamber of Commerce's banquets?" Daryl asked in a friendly manner."Yes, it's our first time here. I hope that we'll be able to get on well in the future," Sebastian answered very politely.Although Sebastian was smiling and chatting in an easy manner, Whitney's palms were drenched in sweat because of how nervous she was.When she saw how relaxed Sebastian was, she couldn't help casting an admiring look at him.Sebastian was able to talk and laugh so easily among all those prominent figures. It showed how self-assured he was. "Young man, you are very lucky. You'll get to meet someone very important today, and it's only your first time!" Eddie said to Sebastian, smiling."Oh? An important figure? How important?" Sebastian asked, smiling. Eddie grinned mysteriously and said, "As important as you can imagine."It was the 50th anniversary of the Sartvade Chamber of Commerce's establishment, which was why its mysterious supporter would
Ryder looked blissful as he imagined it, and there was a spring in his step. He greeted several strangers and raised his glass at them. "Mr. Sutton, I heard that you've managed to gain the favor of someone important recently. If you have a chance to prosper, don't hog it for yourself! As we're all members of this Chamber of Commerce, we should take care of each other." Someone went up to greet Ryder. Ryder nodded triumphantly and said, "Of course! If there's a chance to make money, I'll be sure to think of all of you."Whitney watched as Ryder laughed and chatted animatedly, and she pulled at Sebastian and said in a low voice, "Look. There's Ryder."Sebastian smiled and patted her hand to reassure her.While Sebastian was talking about medicine with Eddie and the others, Ryder caught sight of him and Whitney. At the same time, Sebastian turned to look at him.Their eyes met, and Sebastian's lips curved up slightly. He raised his wine glass, as if he were greeting Ryder.Howeve
Samson glanced at Sebastian. He took a deep breath and said to Arnaud, "Thank you for sparing me, Uncle Arnaud."He gave Sebastian a few final reminders before leaving the hall with Preston.Once they were gone, Arnaud pointed at Duo and said to Sebastian, "Tell him to leave too."Sebastian waved a hand at Duo."I'll wait for you at the entrance, my lord," Duo said. "If anything happens, I'll be here as soon as you call!"He gave Arnaud a cold look before striding out of the hall.Arnaud watched him leave and smiled approvingly. He beckoned to Sebastian. "Come, sit!"Sebastian didn't hesitate. He crossed the hall and sat in the chair opposite Arnaud."Do you know why I asked Andreas to bring you back here?" Arnaud asked impassively. Sebastian shook his head expressionlessly. He said in a cold voice, "It's probably because of the emerald token in my father's possession."Apart from using him and Whitney as leverage against Samson, he couldn't think of any other reason.Arnau
"The Blessed Child! The Blessed Child has finally come to our family!"The black-robed old man who had been sitting beside Arnaud stood up, looking pleased. He couldn't hide his excitement as he turned to Arnaud and said, "Arnaud, our family is going to prosper!"Only Rexton and Milton looked extremely displeased. Braxton and Roland looked pained, as if they had lost something of great value. They were practically thumping their chests in regret!The Blessed Child had been foretold by one of the heads of the family centuries ago. No matter how far the Ballards declined, the prophecy said that after a few hundred years, a Blessed Child would appear—someone who could lead the family's revival!The only proof of the Blessed Child was for him to enter a master-servant oath with a Devora."Prosper? What a joke!" Hugo scoffed, holding Virtus firmly. "Weren't you all just clamoring about killing the two of them?"At Hugo's words, Arnaud's expression changed slightly. "When did I say tha
"Hugo!"Arnaud, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them wide. He eyed Hugo with a conflicted expression as he asked, "Have you forgotten the agreement the Thornes made with us ten years ago?"Hugo smiled coldly and put one hand behind his back. "That was the agreement you made with the Thornes. I'm only following Ms. Thorne's orders to protect Samson and find the emerald token. If Samson dies in this battle, how am I supposed to explain that to her?"He pointed at Sebastian and added, "He's Ms. Thorne's flesh and blood. Your family has no right to punish him! If the Ballards insist on killing them today, don't blame me for going on a killing spree!"When Hugo had finished, Sebastian finally realized that Hugo was from Isabella's family and that he had stayed at the Ballard Estate to protect Samson.It was clear that Isabella hadn't held a grudge toward Samson. In fact, she had sent an expert to stay behind to protect him in case anything happened.Arnaud's
Sebastian threw his head back in laughter. He strode forward, standing in the center of the hall, and said coldly. "Ungrateful? How could you have the audacity to say such a thing?"Even if I'm surrounded by enemies, you Ballards can forget about making me submit! It's just death, after all. If I even blink, then I won't call myself a man!"Everyone there stared at Sebastian."How dare that brat be so cocky? If he's not punished, it'll be a disgrace to our family rules!""He should be given the death penalty!""It'll be a disaster if we just let him be, and it'll only bring trouble for our family. Please give the order, and we'll kill him at once!"The entire hall was in an uproar. Even Preston, who had been speaking up for Sebastian and Samson, sighed in resignation.Since Sebastian had already made his stance clear, Preston couldn't help even if he wanted to.Sebastian had roused the anger of everyone there, and Arnaud had closed his eyes and wasn't saying anything. He was cl
Sebastian was just about to step forward when Samson hastily waved a hand at him and said, "Sebastian, the grudges of the Ballard family from over ten years ago have nothing to do with you. Don't get involved!""But—"Sebastian's gaze sharpened as he turned to look at Milton. There was an icy glint in his eyes. Samson shook his head slightly at Sebastian. The Ballard Estate had at least ten experts at the eighth level of the Eldoria realm. At Sebastian's current level, trying to fight them would only bring him big trouble."Sebastian, one must learn how to adapt to the situation," Samson whispered into his ear using voice projection. "Today, I will exchange my legs for your and Whitney's freedom. Think of it as a payment for what I owe you and your mother."Sebastian clenched his fists tightly. He hated himself for being too weak. He couldn't even protect his own family in a place like the Ballard Estate, where many experts were gathered.However, he would never allow anyone to
"Do you accept it, Samson?" Arnaud asked harshly when he saw that Preston hadn't said anything else. He turned to look directly at Samson.Samson smiled bitterly and turned to look at Sebastian before raising his head to look at Arnaud, who was sitting high above them. He said, "Uncle Arnaud, I was the reason for everything that happened. I wish to ask you not to trouble Sebastian.""What are you talking about?" Preston was agitated. He stood up again and yelled, "There must still be an investigation about who was right and who was wrong. Why should they break your legs?"As he spoke, his eyes blazed with fury. He looked at the thin old man and said furiously, "Milton, you old bastard! How can you be so shameless at your age? Tell me! Did you embellish the story to Arnaud?""Uncle Preston!" Samson stopped him quickly and sighed slightly. "Forget it. It's my fault for bringing such huge trouble upon our family back then."I admit that I have let our family down. Since imprisoning m
As the man in the black robe yelled, the entire hall fell silent at once. The thin old man threw the black-robed old man a disgruntled look, but he returned obediently to his seat.Once the noise had died down, Preston stepped forward and swept an icy gaze over the crowd who were present. "You call yourself the elders of the family?"The monument of our ancestral dragon is right in front of you. How could you bully two young members of the family in front of it? Don't you feel any shame?"Besides, how dare you speak before Arnaud does?"After the harsh scolding they received from Preston, no one in the crowd dared to protest. Sebastian nodded involuntarily. It appeared that Preston did have influence in the Ballard family. At least no one had interrupted his scolding, including Arnaud and the man in the black robe.Preston huffed angrily and bowed to Arnaud, who sat in the middle. "Arnaud, I've brought Samson and Sebastian!"Preston went over to the chair next to the black-robe
"Sebastian, I won't be going in. Remember, don't say anything without being spoken to, and don't be impulsive!" Andreas said softly in Sebastian's ear when they reached the door to the hall. He then walked over to the crowd, which was packed on both sides of the hall.Samson and Preston walked into the hall without any change in expression. Sebastian hesitated for a moment before hurrying to catch up.When they reached the entrance, the two old men reached out to stop them and said to Preston, who was in the lead, "Preston, I'm afraid that it wouldn't be a good idea for you to go in. Everyone knows that you're biased toward Samson's family. If you get into an argument with Arnaud, then—""Nonsense!" Preston yelled furiously. He spoke in a menacing tone to the two old men. "Don't try those tricks with me. Today, I'm going to be the voice of reason. Who among you can do anything to me?"With that, he pushed them aside and strode into the hall.The two old men gazed after his ret
The Ballard Estate's resources were unfathomable as it was. Could Isabella's family be even more powerful than theirs?Sebastian clearly remembered that both he and Samson were under the Sacred Medicine Society. They even had the same mentor.The Sacred Medicine Society was above all the other mystic martial arts sects. Even the sect leaders of the Nine Sects were very respectful toward his mentor.If Samson really was from the same sect as Sebastian, then his mentor had clearly been unable to save him. Wouldn't that mean that the Sacred Medicine Society was no match for the Ballards?Wouldn't that mean that Isabella's family was an even greater entity?"If my mother's family is really that powerful, why couldn't they rescue my father? There would also be no reason to let me join the Sacred Medicine Society either, right?" Sebastian asked probingly. It seemed as if Andreas had never even thought about such questions. He smiled and shook his head. "You probably don't know about a