Ethan and Cecilia pushed the door open and walked into the front hall, where four men and a woman were sitting.The young man sitting in the middle was dressed in a black suit. He had a regal demeanor, and there was a sharp look in his eyes. When he looked up and saw Ethan walking toward him, a bright smile flashed across his face, and he stood up to greet him. "It's been a while, Ethan."Ethan spread his arms and hugged the young man.The young man looked meaningfully at Cecilia, who was beside them. A smile played about his lips as he said, "You're as lucky with the ladies as always. Aren't you going to introduce us?"Ethan reached out to take Cecilia's hand. He introduced her to the young man and the others. "This is the daughter of the Warrior League's leader, Ms. Cecilia Lucox."At the mention of the Warrior League, they all looked at Cecilia in surprise. After all, the Warrior League was fighting against Sword Towers for the position of chairman of Sartvale's Martial Arts
Seven years ago, Magnus had joined the Fury Scimitars and had rarely been seen since then.Cecilia had never imagined that he would come personally to Steinberg to support Ethan.Beside Magnus sat a white-haired old man in a linen robe. Although the old man was smiling genially, he resembled an unsheathed sword. Cecilia felt as if a chill would descend over her if she just took a few steps closer!"This old gentleman is from Yutaria. Half of the mystic martial arts community will quake in terror at the mention of his name, Emil Perez! He's known as the Phantom Blade!"There was a gleam in Emil's beady eyes as they swept over Cecilia. He stood up slowly and said, "Hello, Ms. Lucox.""H-Hello." Cecilia felt as if she had been stripped naked in front of him, and the look in his eyes made her very uncomfortable. After that, a tall and burly man behind Emil stood up slowly. He was almost eight feet tall and had a pockmarked face. His fierce-looking expression made him look very aggre
"Everyone, please come to the back garden. I just caught a carp that's about ten pounds, and I'd like to invite you all to partake in it. Let's talk while we eat!" Ethan gestured for them to enter.They all stood up and followed Ethan to the back garden."Mr. Whitehall, it's late. If I don't get back soon, I'll be grounded. I'll get going then," Cecilia said, looking rather awkward as she said goodbye to Ethan.Ethan glanced at his watch. When he saw that it was already 10:00 pm, he told the butler, "Get a car to bring Ms. Lucox home.""Yes, sir," the butler answered. He walked quickly over to Cecilia and said respectfully, "Please come with me, Ms. Lucox."Before long, a black Panamera drove out slowly from the villa and headed straight for Ventus Estate.…Over at Ventus Estate, Belinda looked coldly at a secret report in her hand. Her expression grew more stern. Five notorious mystic martial arts sects had suddenly appeared in a villa in Steinberg's suburbs. That could only
Ethan wouldn't have been able to invite those people based on his own merit."Swordster, as the representative of the Gladius Sect, what you've done doesn't seem to be appropriate," Belinda said accusingly as soon as she sat down. She had gotten straight to the point."Oh? How is it inappropriate? Do enlighten me, Madam Dragon," Trafford said, raising an eyebrow. His expression had turned cold at once."Swordster, this martial arts battle is a personal affair within Dramon's martial arts community. How did Emil get involved? You should know about that better than I do. Don't you think it's inappropriate to allow a Yutarian slave to come and fight against a young talent of Dramon?"Trafford smiled coldly. His eyes narrowed as he eyed Belinda, and he asked, "Then does this mean that you've come to plead on that young fellow Sebastian's behalf, Madam Dragon? If he hadn't been so arrogant last night, I wouldn't have resorted to this."Young people should respect their elders at the ve
At that moment, a figure walked out. Even Belinda would have been surprised by his appearance.An old man stroked his beard and looked distantly at the retreating figures of Belinda and Blake. He murmured to himself, "Madam Dragon, I only did this because I have no choice. The Warrior League cannot stand against the Gladius Sect. "The Warrior League has been established for centuries, and it cannot be destroyed in the hands of a woman like you! I'm just trying to preserve it."There was no sign of guilt on Derek's face. He grinned at Trafford and Raphael and said, "I'm sure that the Warrior League is feeling unprecedented pressure. That's the only reason Madam Dragon was forced to come and plead with you. However, I would like to request that you spare her life once this is all over, Mr. Polene."Trafford stroked his beard and sneered. "Mr. Chesterton, I think that the survival of Madam Dragon and the Warrior League isn't what you're really concerned about, is it?"Derek's face r
As they spoke, a terrifying energy at the seventh level of the Celestial realm rose up abruptly around Frederick and Grant. Belinda, Gary, and the others were startled to feel the formidable pressure coming from them.A few months ago, they had both still been stuck at the fifth level of the Celestial realm, unable to achieve any further breakthroughs. How had they gotten to such a high level of training in just the blink of an eye?Everyone there was immediately filled with doubts, but both Frederick and Grant had been recommended personally by Derek. They probably wouldn't be a threat to the Warrior League. Belinda thought deeply for a moment before she said with a serious expression, "Mr. Chesterton, we asked Mr. Ballard to help us after I had a discussion with a few elders. About this—""Madam Dragon, please consider the reputation of the Warrior League. We object to allowing Sebastian to participate in this martial arts battle in the name of the Warrior League!" Before Be
When Derek and the others had gone, Gary said through gritted teeth, "Madam Dragon, Derek is clearly trying to take over your position! Why didn't you let me finish just now? "Besides, we have an agreement with Mr. Ballard! Now that we've gone back on our word, what will he think of us?"There was a cold gleam in Belinda's eyes, and she said thoughtfully, "I can see that Derek is disloyal. However, now isn't the time to clear our ranks yet."We are on the cusp of a great battle, and the Warrior League won't be able to withstand an internal conflict. Instead of fighting with Derek and the others, we might as well stabilize him temporarily. As for Sebastian, I have a solution for that!"She yawned and added, "I'm tired. Let's get some rest, everyone."Belinda turned and went into the back rooms. Gary and the others exchanged looks. They all sighed in resignation.As Belinda had said, Derek had built up his influence over many years. He had many close contacts in the Warrior League
Oliver's gaze swept over the title deed, and he sighed deeply.Haltona Gate was one of the most valuable areas in Draepolis, where every bit of land was expensive. However, could Sebastian's wrath be assuaged with that title deed?Even Oliver couldn't help shaking his head. Despite this, he took the title deed and said, "Alright, I'll take it on Mr. Ballard's behalf. As for how he will answer, I can't guarantee anything.""Thank you, Mr. Griffin Senior." Despite what Oliver had said, Blake still thanked him. After apologizing profusely to Rosalie once more, he left.As Oliver watched Blake walk off, he sighed and said, "Rosalie, call Sebastian later and explain this to him. If he refuses to forgive the Warrior League, there's nothing we can say. After all, this martial arts battle had nothing to do with him to begin with. The Warrior League really did cross the line here."However, it would be best if Sebastian could agree to Madam Dragon's suggestion. It would be like having dual
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