Sebastian only recovered after a while. He refused quickly. "Mr. Shields Senior, I can't take such an expensive gift—""Take it!" Cillian didn't let him refuse. He looked stern as he clasped his hands behind his back and said, "This is the only thing that an old man like me can do."As long as that bunch of people from Sword Towers don't get their way, I'll be able to face the members of the Department of Defense."Remember, we must not lose the position of the chairman of the Sartvale Martial Arts Association. We can't let the Dragon Sect return either, or there will never be peace in Dramon!"Sebastian nodded heavily and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Shields Senior."Cillian and Wyatt nodded in satisfaction when they saw that Sebastian had put the crystal in his pocket.They all sat down once more and exchanged a few pleasantries before Oliver said to Rosalie, "Rosalie, it's getting late. Take Sebastian back to Steinberg and let him get ready.""Okay." Rosalie nodded
Ethan touched the Solispill that he had received and smiled coldly as he said, "Mr. Polene, I'll be honest with you. If Sebastian hadn't meddled in all this, we wouldn't have had to trouble you.""Oh?" Trafford raised an eyebrow and asked coldly, "Sebastian?"Ethan looked menacing as he said in a cold voice, "That's right. It's him! A few days ago, I met a woman with an ice disposition in Steinberg and was about to take her as my apprentice so that I could use her as a furnace for training, but Sebastian stepped in and snatched the woman away from me."When Ethan thought of Whitney's ice disposition, his eyes shone with greed. Women with that kind of disposition were very rare in the world.What was even more rare was how beautiful Whitney was. Even if she wasn't his furnace, she would be the perfect candidate to be his training partner.However, the appearance of Sebastian had made Ethan wary of approaching Whitney. After Terence's death, Ethan had been even more afraid of cove
However, practitioners of the Way of Wisdom were very different. As long as they broke through the foundation phase, every subsequent level could give them an extra ten years of life or more. Additionally, as they continued to rise through the levels, they could even reach a lifespan of more than 1000 years.That was why Trafford wanted to meet Raphael. He would be doing him a favor, and perhaps one day, he would be able to enter the mystic sects through him as well.Raphael sighed deeply at Trafford's question. He looked rather frustrated as he said, "It pains me to speak of it, but I'm sure you've also heard about the fact that over ten years ago, the Soulbell was lost. It is one of Demongate's sacred objects."We received news recently about it being in Steinberg with a young man named Sebastian. Upon the orders of my sect leader, I came down from the mountain to ask for it back."However…" Raphael instinctively touched his cheek, which Sebastian had slapped.Although it hadn
Trafford had been intending to intimidate Sebastian.Although letting Ethan take a swipe at Sebastian before the battle wouldn't decide the victory in the arena, they would be able to test Sebastian's attitude. Raphael was sitting opposite Trafford. He got up quickly and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your help, Mr. Polene. If we manage to get back Demongate's sacred vessel, my sect leader will be sure to thank you with a valuable reward.Trafford's eyes lit up. Gifts of gratitude from the mystic sects would probably at least be some kind of pill, or perhaps the knowledge of an amazing technique. Even a Breakthrough Pill would be able to help him enhance his abilities rapidly. He couldn't help flashing a satisfied grin. "You are too kind, Raphael. Both the martial arts and the mystic sects need to learn how to respect the teachers. Ballard's defiant rudeness to you has disgraced all martial arts practitioners." Turning to Ethan, Trafford added, "Mr. Whitehall, we'll have to trou
Ethan took Cecilia's hand and led her to the front room. When they arrived, he noticed that Trafford and the others had eaten most of the food. Upon seeing Ethan, Trafford asked rather tipsily, "Mr. Whitehall, have you done what I asked you to do?""I've sent someone to do it," Ethan replied. He bowed respectfully to Trafford and gestured toward Cecilia. "Mr. Polene, this is Cecilia, the daughter of Madam Dragon, the leader of the Warrior League." She happens to be my guest, so I brought her over to meet you. I hope you don't mind." He shot Cecilia a pointed look, and she quickly bowed. "G-Greetings, sir." Trafford waved dismissively at her. He said to Ethan, "Take her along with us later. Since she's Madam Dragon's daughter, she's no outsider."Cecilia was pleasantly surprised. Although she didn't know where Trafford wanted Ethan to take her, she was still delighted. To be with the three top swordsmen of the Gladius Sect was already an unimaginable honor to those in martial ar
Rosalie set her phone down. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, and she drove straight to Sebastian's convenience store. When Lyanna saw Rosalie's furious expression, she burst into laughter and went up to her, asking, "Ms. Griffin, why do you look so angry as soon as you walk through the door? My master hasn't offended you, has he? Come and sit down. My master is in seclusion, so please wait for a while." Lyanna led Rosalie to a chair and poured her a cup of tea. At that moment, the door to the inner room opened, and Sebastian strode out. Seeing Rosalie was there, he looked startled but quickly smiled. "What's wrong? I see that your complexion isn't looking too great."Rosalie took a sip of tea and frowned as she said, "It's nothing! It's just that Cecilia was being too rude. Not only is she getting close to Ethan, but she keeps saying bad things about you to my face.""I thought it was something serious. Let her say what she wants." Sebastian smiled wryly and
What if the three top swordsmen took the opportunity to attack Sebastian? That would be no laughing matter. Rosalie had just finished speaking when they heard the sound of brakes screeching urgently to a stop outside the door.Moments later, the sound of leather shoes clacking on the floor echoed as Liam strode in, clad in his uniform. "Sebastian, Rosalie is right. You must not attend the banquet tonight," he declared and took out an identical invitation, tossing it onto the table. "Hmm? Liam? What are you doing here?" Sebastian asked, looking Liam up and down. Liam had been busy with work recently and hadn't come to visit Sebastian for a long time. "Seb, I came to warn you. I'm not the only one who received this invitation. The Stallones and the Winters did too. Not only that, but almost every influential figure in Sartvale will also be in attendance. I have a feeling that this is a trap for you, Seb," he said sternly as he analyzed the situation. Liam had sent people to
Liam was startled to hear what Sebastian had said. "Seb, what do you mean by that?" he asked. Sebastian smiled faintly. "It's simple. Just keep them waiting."He knew very well what the intentions of Trafford and the others were. They just wanted to embarrass him in public, and he didn't want to get into an argument publicly with the Nine Sects. After all, not all the high-level executives of the Nine Sects were traitors like Trafford. Sebastian could see everything that Trafford was doing, but it wasn't the time to settle the score yet. "Seb, do you mean that you accepted Swordster's invitation but will be late to the banquet?" There was a glint in Liam's eyes, and he understood what Sebastian meant very quickly. If Sebastian accepted Ethan's invitation but didn't show up, it would be a veritable slap in the face for Ethan. Sword Towers would be the ones getting embarrassed. Sebastian smiled, patting Liam on the shoulder. He grinned and said, "Exactly. This is how you win w
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