"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
"Mr. Ballard, let me make the introductions. This is Rupert Lannister. He's the CEO of Astro International in Sunway, and he's also the richest man in Sartvale."The middle-aged man looked rather proud when he heard Leopold's introduction. As the richest man in Sartvale, he was always the center of attention no matter where he went. He was the person whom people always tried to curry favor with.He felt that although he had a favor to ask of Leopold, Sebastian would behave obsequiously to him just like all the other geomancers did.However, unexpectedly, Sebastian only gave him an impassive nod. He didn't even shake hands with Rupert before sitting down in the seat opposite him.Rupert's brow furrowed, and he looked at Sebastian in displeasure.Was Sebastian expecting Rupert to take the initiative in greeting him?Leopold turned quickly and gestured toward Sebastian. He looked reverential as he said, "Mr. Lannister, this is the man I mentioned to you yesterday. "He's Mr. Ballar
Sebastian had just left the room when he heard Rupert's roar of fury behind him.Leopold's gaze swept coldly over Rupert. He huffed quietly and turned to rush out of the room and go after Sebastian.As Rupert watched Sebastian and Leopold walk off, he clenched his fists tightly and ground his teeth.Those two charlatans had just left him there! He could not endure such treatment!At that thought, Rupert turned and said to a black-clad bodyguard behind him, "Send someone to investigate that Ballard's background. I'd like to see if that cocky young brat can withstand my wrath!""Yes, sir!" The black-clad bodyguard answered before going off to carry out his orders.…Leopold soon caught up with Sebastian. "Mr. Ballard, please don't misunderstand. I didn't accept the Astro International case for money. It's just that people kept dying on that construction site. I couldn't stand seeing any more innocent workmen die tragically, so I—"Sebastian nodded slightly. From the way Leopold h
"It all comes back to Uncle Samson," Andreas said. "Great Uncle Arnaud already told you he'd let Uncle Samson have his freedom if you find the other emerald token, but then he brought up the marriage alliance. "It directly affects whether or not Uncle Samson can regain his freedom. So, why don't you think about it?"With a quiet chuckle, Andreas walked toward a grove of peach trees to the west.Realization finally dawned on Sebastian. Arnaud was a shrewd man. He wouldn't slip up like that. Besides, although the Ballards and the Yeomans had established a marriage agreement, they hadn't named specific individuals, only that the Blessed Child of the Ballards would fulfill it.The Blessed Child bore the duty of guiding the Ballards to revival. In other words, the emerald token would be better off falling into the Blessed Child's hands rather than anyone else's.Could it be that the final emerald token was with the Yeomans? If that were true, why hadn't the Ballards used their pow
"I'm sorry, but I have no interest in becoming the head of the Ballard family," Sebastian said impassively. "I only want my father to be freed."Arnaud's expression changed slightly, but his tone remained neutral as he said, "It's Braxton who owes you and your mother, not the entire family. Why must you do this?"Sebastian let out a cold snort. It was true that Braxton had been the one who had kicked them out, but weren't the true culprits the elders of the Ballard Estate?"If there's nothing else, I'd like to see Whitney," Sebastian said, rising slowly to his feet. As soon as he mentioned her name, Arnaud waved a hand at him and said, "Don't be in such a rush, Sebastian. Whitney is safe. The Ballards would never harm a frail woman."He added, "However, there's something I want to ask you. Is Whitney still your wife?"Sebastian frowned. "Whether she is or isn't, what business is that of the Ballards?""Of course it is," Arnaud replied firmly. "The Ballards and the Yeomans of
Arnaud led Sebastian into a secret room deep within the Hall of the Ancestral Dragon. Once inside, Sebastian saw a Cosmic Orbit Diagram. It was exactly the same as the records in the Sacred Medicine Secret Annals.However, the Ballards' Cosmic Orbit Diagram was divided into different sections. It looked even more three-dimensional."This is the Cosmic Orbit Diagram passed down through our family for generations," Arnaud said proudly. "The one that the Sacred Medicine Society has is just a copy."The legacy of the mystic arts in Dramon almost all came from the Ballards.The Ballards had withheld some things back then as well. As a result, all the legacies of the various secular sects only had incomplete Cosmic Orbit Diagrams. It was why there were very few experts at the fifth level of the Eldoria realm and above.Afterward, Arnaud led Sebastian into a library. Thousands of technical legacies lined the shelves. Sebastian flipped through them. The techniques recorded there were
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