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
If Sebastian refused to return the Soulbell, he would be branded as the person who had taken Demongate's treasure by force. If word spread about his actions, Sword Towers or any other sects would be able to use this as an excuse to cause trouble for Sebastian.Ethan couldn't help but feel triumphant. He believed that he had gotten back at Sebastian. Although Sebastian had had the upper hand verbally, Ethan had come off looking morally correct.Sebastian didn't let him stay happy for too long. He said abruptly, "It's none of your business."Ethan's smile froze at once, and everyone present turned to look at him.Sebastian had a point. The loss of Demongate's precious treasure had nothing to do with Sword Towers at all!"Sebastian!" Ethan's rage erupted like a volcano.His patience had worn thin. How could Sebastian humiliate him like this when Trafford was right here? "I need you to understand something. In Dramon's martial arts community, you can't just do whatever you want b
"Pleasure to meet you," Sebastian said, lowering his head slightly to Trafford, looking perfectly self-assured."I am a deacon of the Gladius Sect. I used to be very aggressive in how I acted, so I was given the nickname of 'Swordster' by my peers in the martial arts community." Trafford clasped his hands behind his back and looked beadily at Sebastian as he introduced himself."I've heard." Sebastian nodded slightly.He was familiar with the name. In fact, a few years earlier, his mentor had told him personally about the rumors regarding some of the high-level executives in the Nine Sects. Trafford had happened to be one of them.It was just that the nickname hadn't been given to him the way he had claimed. Trafford had been born into a prestigious family, and the year he turned 16, his entire family was killed overnight. Out of the 76 members of the entire family, Trafford was the only one who survived.Luckily, he had been saved by an expert, who had then taught Trafford ever
Even though Declan had already said that the old man was only in shock and didn't have a cerebral infarction, the middle-aged man still wanted to hear the opinion of a young traditional medicine doctor like Sebastian! He must be either crazy or an idiot!"If he applies that needle, your father's complexion will go from pale to dark at once. When that happens, it'll only be even more dangerous," Sebastian said impassively."Stop talking crap, Sebastian! My grandfather is the elder of the Healer Sect! Are you implying that he's not as good as you are?" Bryce yelled angrily, pointing at Sebastian.He was furious. "Sebastian, are you doubting my skills in medicine? You're a rookie in the medical field. I only complimented you at the dinner table out of politeness. Did it go to your head?" Declan demanded curtly, his expression changing."You're trying to prick the acupuncture points on the base of the patient's neck as well as in the center of his chest so that you can unblock his br
"Wow, it really is Mr. Byrne Senior! Hello, hello!" A slightly pudgy middle-aged man exclaimed. He hurried forward and shook Declan's hand heartily.Declan frowned and looked at him for a long time, but he couldn't remember where he had seen the pudgy man before.There were too many people who tried to flatter Declan every day, and he couldn't possibly remember every single one of them."Who are you?" Declan asked, his brow furrowed as he shook the man's hand. "Mr. Byrne Senior, you're so busy, so of course you won't remember me! I'm Fritz Thomson! I had the pleasure of meeting you two years ago while I was shooting a documentary about traditional medicine," Fritz said courteously.Declan finally nodded. Fritz was either a reporter or a director. It wasn't surprising that Declan had forgotten who he was.Although the Healer Sect was also among the mystic martial arts sects, it was very different from the Nine Sects. The Healer Sect had always had close connections with the sec
Sebastian waved a hand slightly at the middle-aged man and said, "I'm not a genius doctor. I'm just an ordinary traditional medicine doctor. However, that old man is in a very dangerous situation. You must not touch him!"He spoke urgently when he saw that the middle-aged woman was propping the old man up so that he was lying on her lap.The middle-aged woman looked up at the middle-aged man. She was clearly hesitant.They were on the top floor, and the tiled floor was so cold. She didn't think that it would be safe for her to let the old man just lie on the floor. "Listen to Dr. Ballard! You won't go wrong!" the middle-aged man said quickly to her."Dr. Ballard? He's nothing compared to my grandfather!" Bryce exclaimed. He was annoyed to hear the middle-aged man addressing Sebastian so respectfully.After all, Declan was the elder of the Healer Sect. There were even numerous sage doctors who had to treat Declan with respect as their senior in the industry!Who did Sebastian th
Since Declan had coincidentally met Sebastian at the dinner table that day, he had thought of bringing the latter over to his side. That way, Sebastian could work for him. "Sebastian, I'm planning to make an exception and take you as my apprentice. What do you think?" Declan asked again when he saw that Sebastian was ignoring him.Sebastian continued to ignore him. Did he really thought he could be Sebastian's mentor? The old man must be crazy!"Sebastian, you should hurry and kneel to my grandfather! You're lucky to get him as a mentor! My grandfather hasn't accepted any apprentices for 20 years!"Bryce glared at Sebastian, whom he felt was being far too tactless. There were countless people fighting to have Declan as a mentor."Mr. Byrne Senior, I don't wish to have a mentor. Besides, no one is qualified to be one," Sebastian said impassively. "You little—"Declan was furious. Sebastian was far too arrogant! He was already humbling himself by deigning to take Sebastian as an
Bryce saw the anger in Declan's face, so he said reluctantly to Larys, "I'm sorry, Mr. Compton. I've acted impulsively."Acted impulsively? It would have been better if Bryce hadn't apologized at all. His apology had made Larys even angrier. He clearly had no respect for Larys at all if he could slap him just out of a moment's impulse. Larys was the mayor of Steinberg. How could he just let things go just because Bryce had said that he had been impulsive? "Mr. Compton, my grandson is young and ignorant. Please don't hold it against him." Declan had no choice but to speak up and apologize to Larys on Bryce's behalf. Larys could only nod. He smiled slightly and said, "Forget about it. Make sure that it doesn't happen again."Once everyone was seated once more, Bryce continued staring viciously at Sebastian. It was all Sebastian's fault that he had been slapped twice by Declan!He couldn't just let him go, but he didn't dare to cause any more trouble at the dinner table. Howeve
"People always say that you can see what a person is like from looking at their family. I can see that it's true," Sebastian said impassively.That was a harsh insult to Declan. It implied that Bryce's rude behavior was a reflection of Declan's lack of good character, and that their family didn't have good manners.Declan turned purple with rage. Ever since he had become one of the esteemed members of the Healer Sect, everyone in the martial arts community always spoke respectfully to him, especially those of the traditional medicine community. All of them were polite whenever they met him.However, Sebastian had insulted him thrice in a row, and each insult was worse than the last. Rosalie couldn't help but laugh. She leaned on Sebastian's shoulder and turned her head away, her slender figure trembling with the effort of not laughing out loud."You're terrible! You've insulted them so slyly!" Rosalie whispered in Sebastian's ear.Sebastian reached out to put an arm around her t
Sebastian's expression turned cold at once. What was so important about an elder of the Healer Sect? Was there any reason for him to make so many people wait?Besides, the banquet had been set at 9:00 pm, and both he and Rosalie had arrived on time. Why should Declan be treated differently?Sebastian had never had any patience with people who used their age as an excuse to do whatever they wanted to."Forget it. Calm down, both of you, and let's both refrain from saying anything else."Larys stood up quickly to smooth things over. Both Sebastian and Julian remained silent out of respect for him. However, they both exchanged icy looks.Now that the conflict had subsided, Larys leaned closer to Sebastian and whispered, "Mr. Ballard, I'll be honest with you. I can't afford to offend either you or Mr. Byrne. Please help me out and refrain from pursuing this matter further."Larys was being sincere. He was in awe of Sebastian's allies, but Declan had equally powerful allies supporting
Upon hearing Rosalie's words, Sebastian laughed wryly and shook his head.The Nine Sects wouldn't dare to say a thing to the Ballard Estate, who in turn thought nothing of the Healer Sect.Andreas snorted in laughter and said, "If you had said so 100 years ago, even I would have had to concede. However, times have changed now.""What do you mean?" Rosalie looked curiously at Andreas. It seemed that Sebastian's cousin was very familiar with the Healer Sect. "About 12 years ago, they went on the wrong path. If you check thoroughly, you'll probably find that the development of many new medicines was related to the Healer Sect. However, they are not the refiners!"Rosalie seemed to be deep in thoughts. Her brow darkened as she said thoughtfully, "Do you mean to say that the Healer Sect has abandoned the art of medicine and has decided to go in the direction of the art of pill refining instead?"This made Andreas see Rosalie in a different light.Medicine and pill refining were very
"Are you talking about your cousin? He doesn't look like a businessman at all, though. He looks more like…"Rosalie put her chin in her hands, her brow tightly furrowed. However, she couldn't find an appropriate way to describe Andreas.He felt very strange to Rosalie. There was a kind of energy he had that was difficult to express in words. "It doesn't matter whether he's a businessman or not. He just has to have money. Why don't we discuss it with him tomorrow? I think he'll probably support you unconditionally," Sebastian said confidently."Really? But if we develop a similar medicine, won't we be going against the Croydons? That doesn't seem right."Lorcan was a friend of Oliver's, after all. That meant that he was a friend of the Griffins. Rosalie didn't want to make such an important family their enemy in business. "With that contract, we have to show the Croydons that they shouldn't become ungrateful, nor should they use their force against us!" Sebastian exclaimed in a