Norman had fainted several times from the intense pain, and a few of his family doctors were trying to staunch the bleeding of his wound."Are you alright, Mr. Nichols Senior?" Sebastian asked in concern.Norman tried his best to concentrate as he said, "Mr. Ballard, I don't know what happened just now, but the wound suddenly started bleeding. It hurts so much."Sebastian couldn't help laughing and said, "That's because the demon maggots are gone. It's normal for such a huge wound to bleed. It'll get better after a few days."Sebastian handed a bottle of medicine to the nurse who was staunching the wound for Norman. The bottle contained the Gold Remedy, which Sebastian was supplying to the military.After dressing the wound for Norman, Sebastian said, "Mr. Nichols Senior, let's go and see Mr. Croydon together."Norman looked shaken as he said, "Mr. Ballard, are you sure he won't bite again?"When Sebastian nodded firmly, Norman felt reassured and led him back to the villa next d
"Yes, sir!" One of the young men approached Sebastian and said, "Mr. Ballard, please write your phone number and bank account number here."He took out a small book from his pocket and handed it to Sebastian. "Mr. Croydon, there's no need for me to write my bank account number. It was nothing," Sebastian said, smiling. "Mr. Ballard, you can't say that. Even though it wasn't your duty, you saved my life. That's an undeniable fact. I wish to thank you, and money isn't something you can take with you when you die. It's just a bit of money to thank you for saving me."As the richest man in Port Isle, Lorcan had stopped caring about money long ago. Instead, he prized loyalty even more. Lorcan respected Sebastian even more for not wanting anything in return despite saving his life.In the end, Sebastian couldn't refuse him any longer, so he had to write his bank account number on the book."Mr. Ballard." While Sebastian was chatting with Norman and Lorcan, Bartholomew mustered up t
Bartholomew's son had refused to listen to him and insisted on moving into an old house. As a result, his family had been destroyed. That was why Bartholomew was confident in his skills. "Mr. Haye, I happen to have some free time. Why don't I go with you and see?" Sebastian asked, smiling.Upon hearing that Sebastian was about to leave, Norman immediately said, "Mr. Ballard, you can't leave! Stay here tonight so that we can celebrate properly. I have to thank you on behalf of myself and Mr. Croydon." Lorcan got up quickly and said, "Mr. Ballard, you can't leave in such a hurry. At least give us a chance to thank you. You can stay for a meal, can't you?" Sebastian glanced at Bartholomew, who looked troubled, and he said to Lorcan and Norman, "Mr. Croydon, Mr. Nichols Senior, I'll be back tonight. That will be alright, won't it?" Lorcan nodded seriously and said, "If you said so, you can go ahead, Mr. Ballard. However, you must come back before 8:00 pm. We'll be waiting to hav
Sebastian followed Bartholomew into the house and immediately saw a young man of about 16 or 17 years old. He was grinning foolishly at Sebastian. There was something discomfiting about his smile, although Sebastian couldn't explain what it was about it. There was something strange about it. Lyanna glanced coldly at the young man and said impassively, "He won't live past the end of the year."Both Sebastian and Bartholomew turned to look at her."How do you know?" Sebastian asked in confusion. How could Lyanna tell that the young man would encounter a great disaster that year and even lose his life?"My lord, people like me are very sensitive to the scent of death. He doesn't have much life energy left in him," Lyanna answered very confidently.Sebastian couldn't help eyeing the young man once more. Upon a closer look, Sebastian was startled. Although the young man looked healthy at first glance, it was easy to see that something was wrong once one looked closely. There w
"What is it used for?" Sebastian asked quickly. "Absorbing blood essence!" Lyanna sighed. Among the mystic arts, there were a few kinds of articles which looked ordinary but had very special uses. Cauldrons were one of them, and they could be used to oppress evil beings. The other was emerald, which was used for absorbing people's blood essence.There were over 100 varieties of emerald, and the Soul Severing emeralds were the most efficient at absorption. Not only that, it could replenish blood essence as well. That meant that the blood essence sucked out from someone could be used by someone else. It was a technique called a replenishing source. However, that was all Lyanna knew. She didn't know the details. "Absorbing it?" Sebastian frowned slightly. It sounded very similar to eating supplements in traditional medicine. However, such evil spells were much too diabolical. Using someone else's blood essence as a supplement was a crime that went against humanity. "Mr. B
"Hello, this is Ethan." Ethan's icy voice came from the other end of the phone. Bartholomew immediately put on a smile and said to Ethan, "Mr. Whitehall, I did as you told me to and put a curse on Croydon's soul using the Soul Lure charm. "It's just a pity that Ballard managed to break it, and Croydon is now fine. Luckily, I made preparations in advance and used the idiot I picked up to set a trap for Sebastian…" A vicious look flashed on Ethan's face. Sebastian had managed to break his Soul Lure charm? That Soul Lure charm of his wasn't cheap. A year ago, he had gone to meet a Dainist master with his father and had only persuaded the master to give it to him with great difficulty. That Soul Lure charm hadn't attracted an average spirit, either. Even an expert in the mystic arts would have to pay a heavy price in the face of such a terrifying entity. Had Sebastian also mastered the techniques of the mystic arts? "Haye, I'm warning you. Sword Towers' spies are also in Sart
After Ethan finished, he hung up."Ethan, the Sword Towers is now one of the most prestigious among the Nine Orders, Eighteen Principles and Thirty-Six Sects. Why are you so excited about a little Skypatch pill?" There was a gorgeous woman sitting opposite Ethan. She stretched out a slender hand and stroked an orange cat that was lying in her arms. It was Tessa Lowestoft, the granddaughter of Edmund Lowestoft, who was the deputy leader of the Pinnacle Sect. The Sword Towers had enlisted the Pinnacle Sect for extra strength to oppose the Warrior League. However, the Pinnacle Sect felt that they didn't have the skills necessary to withstand the wrath of the Warrior League, so they didn't have the courage to openly oppose them. However, they still had to show respect to the Sword Towers, so they had sent Edmund's granddaughter Tessa to go with Ethan to Steinberg. Tessa was as beautiful as a flower, but she was known among the 36 sects as a venomous beauty. She was ruthless, a
Lorcan laughed wryly at what Oliver had said. "Well, I'm used to it. No matter where I go, someone is sure to covet what I have. I guess it's unavoidable." Sebastian looked up at Lorcan. Although his demeanor was relaxed, there was still a momentary glint in his eyes. It was clear that he had already sent someone to investigate the incident. As the richest man in Port Isle, it wasn't just outsiders who coveted his wealth. Even his family members wished that he would die quickly so that they could all get their hands on his vast fortune. Sebastian had no right to ask about Lorcan's family affairs, nor did he have any interest in doing so. He just speared a piece of fish and put it in his mouth. He began chewing it slowly."Sebastian, what kind of illness does Mr. Haye's grandson have? Weren't you able to cure it?" Rosalie asked curiously. She was so confident in Sebastian's skills in medicine that it was bordering on superstition. She could hardly be blamed for that. Ever sin
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
As they stepped out of the courtyard gate, Samson suddenly turned and lowered his voice as he said to Sebastian, "I didn't treat you and your mother well. Please don't hold it against me."Sebastian felt even more conflicted. After everything he had been through, he knew very well that there were times when one really had no choice. When Samson saw that Sebastian was looking at him with a conflicted expression, he patted him on the shoulder and gave him a warm smile. Then he took a token from Preston and walked out of the yard.They followed Preston as he walked toward the east, where there was a majestic-looking building."Why are you helping me?" Sebastian suddenly turned and asked Andreas in a low voice. Andreas glanced at him and gave him a long, cryptic smile. "Do you think I'm helping you? I'm helping myself while doing so!""Oh?" Sebastian looked at Andreas in confusion, his brow knitted. Even Rexton had mentioned that Andreas was in Arnaud's favor. Why would he need t
When Rexton and the others had gone, Preston turned to look at Samson and said irritatedly, "You little rascal. Would I ever hurt you?"Besides, you've been here in isolation for ten years. Why hasn't your temper changed at all? Couldn't you show me some respect in front of all those people?"Samson glanced at Preston but didn't answer.Preston huffed and ignored him. He turned and looked Sebastian up and down instead."Hey, kiddo. Over ten years have passed in just the blink of an eye. You've probably forgotten me. I even gave you candy back then! Come over here and call me Great Uncle Preston!"Sebastian looked at him in surprise. It was true that he didn't have much of an impression of what had happened over ten years ago. However, he could tell from what Preston had said and done that his attitude toward Sebastian's family was completely different from Rexton and the others.Beside Sebastian, Andreas kept shooting him meaningful looks. Sebastian finally smiled and said, "Hell
Although the old man looked as if he was over 60 years old, his expression was sharp and lively, and his skin was smooth as a baby's. It gave him a youthful air.Even the severely injured apprentices all scrambled up from the ground when they saw him. They hastily bowed and said, "Greetings, Great Uncle Preston!"Even Rexton had no choice but to suppress his anger. He bowed sullenly to the old man and said, "Greetings, Uncle Preston."Preston Ballard glanced at Rexton and turned to shout angrily at the apprentices, "If I hadn't come, were you planning to tear the Ballard Estate apart? Look at all of you! Get out of here right now!"Despite the scolding they had been subjected to, none of them dared to protest. They all lowered their heads and slunk out of the yard. Preston glared angrily at them as they went and snorted. "What an embarrassment to the family!"Then he smiled slightly and looked at Samson and Sebastian as he asked, "Samson, do you have anything to say?"Samson lo
Rexton's pupils constricted, and the muscles in his face twitched. He stared at Samson with a wary look in his eyes. He and Samson were two minor stages apart. It was no laughing matter. If the two of them began to fight, Rexton would be sure to die if he didn't have any external assistance."What's the matter? Are you scared?" Samson sneered as he asked in a cold, accusatory tone. That flipped a switch in Rexton's head. His expression changed instantly, and he turned a fierce look on Samson. "Afraid?" he asked through gritted teeth.As he spoke, Rexton seemed to make up his mind. He slowly reached into his pocket and took out a pale blue paper charm, which looked thicker than usual.The paper charm was oppressive to look at. Sebastian instinctively sensed a threatening energy approaching!Even Samson looked wary when he saw the paper charm."Uncle Rexton, this is a Soulcrush Charm. Great Uncle Arnaud has clearly said that no one in the Ballard Estate is allowed to use spiri
Sebastian immediately felt the pressure around him drop. The feeling of being pinned down disappeared as well."How dare you—"Before Rexton could finish, a shadow flashed past him, and Samson popped up right in front of him.Samson stuck out his finger as if it were a sword and tapped him on the chest. Although Samson hadn't used any strength, Rexton could see the murderous look in his eyes. There was a dot of scarlet light that swirled around Samson's finger. A crimson rune was gradually appearing, and there was a chilling, murderous sensation in the air. Sebastian gasped. He had finally realized how the mystic spells should be used, and he was in awe. It wasn't that Sebastian was unable to do it. It was just that up until then, he had only seen the mystic sect apprentices of the secular world. Perhaps their understanding of how to use mystic spells was too superficial, which was why Sebastian's perception had also been affected.Realization only dawned on him when he saw
At Rexton's roar of fury, everyone turned to look at Samson, who was still standing there quietly without moving."A traitor? Murder?"There was finally a flicker of emotion on Samson's face. A sudden glimmer of light flared in his eyes, which had been devoid of life for a long time."Rexton, you know very well how your father died!"As Samson spoke, he walked toward Rexton with a steady step as he said, "I admit that I've wronged Sebastian and his mother. I was just too soft-hearted back then. That's why I believed your lies and tried to keep the big picture in mind for the Ballards, but look at how you've treated me!"There was suddenly a cold glint in Samson's eyes, and he said in a thunderous tone, "You set up a series of traps and tried to kill and torture my wife and son!"You pursued them until the ends of the earth! If my mentor hadn't rescued Sebastian, do you think he'd still be alive today?"Did you just accuse me of murder? Did you ever think of the fact that we're f