Farrell was about to get up when he collided with the sole of Zane's foot as Zane aimed a kick at him. Although Zane wasn't very powerful and wasn't even a beginner in martial arts, the kick encompassed the inertia that had built up over a long distance as well as the fact that Farrell had just rolled over. With his full weight behind it, the kick carried great force.A loud sound echoed through the arena as Zane's kick landed squarely on Farrell's face. The bridge of his nose actually collapsed."Aargh!" Farrell clutched his face, screaming in pain.Before he could recover, Zane gave him a spinning kick which hit him in the back of the head. The force knocked Farrell out cold. The moment he hit the floor, another bolt of intense energy struck him in the chest.The audience and the international experts in the stands only saw Zane kick Farrell, after which the latter spat out a mouthful of blood. Farrell didn't even struggle before dying in the arena.Thunderous applause bro
When the host saw that no one else dared to step into the arena, he immediately announced, "The match will end here for today. Each side will rest for three days each, and after three days, the matches will resume!"The three days' rest in between had been Phineas' idea.He still didn't feel assured. After all, Dramon only had Sebastian and the others, and today's battle was only the beginning. The really tough battle was yet to come.He had to fight for time so that the Martial Arts Court could send some powerful candidates.When the battle ended, Phineas finally snuck over to Sebastian and said, "Mr. Ballard, please wait."Phineas' passionate speech earlier had genuinely moved Sebastian, so his attitude had softened greatly."Mr. Tuxley, go ahead and say whatever you have to say." Phineas looked around. Upon seeing that no one was paying attention to him, he whispered in Sebastian's ear, "Mr. Ballard, you must be wary of Ezekiel. He is coveting the treasure in your possession.
Technically, this was gross negligence on Phineas' part. However, he had very little authority that he did not have the courage to ask for details.There were probably only very few people who knew Sebastian's real identity. It wasn't as if Phineas could go and ask Belinda. Would he dare to ask the elders of the Warrior League? Of course not!"Let's go to Ventus Estate," Melvin said as he stood up.He had to find out what kind of relationship Sebastian had with the Warrior League. In particular, he had to know whether Sebastian had latched onto the Warrior League or if it had been the other way around.He couldn't let himself make the wrong decision.Phineas hurried out of the lounge after Melvin.…Meanwhile, Belinda and Blake were at Ventus Estate, discussing the martial arts battle that had taken place that day."Madam Dragon, these people were much too ignorant. How could they have expected to do well when fighting against Mr. Ballard?" Blake smiled.Belinda looked at the
Melvin bowed his head and followed Blake into Ventus Estate. On the way there, he kept stealing glances at the black-clad men.The more he looked at them, the more shocked Melvin became. Where had the Warrior League gotten so many experts at the third level of the Celestial realm and above?In any other sect, they would be a deacon at the very least, but they were only fit to be guards for the Warrior League.He didn't know that these men hadn't previously been at such a high level. It was all thanks to Sebastian that they had been able to improve so swiftly.That was why everyone in the Warrior League respected Sebastian so much. Sebastian and the Warrior League relied on each other and helped each other. There was no imbalance in their relationship."Please come in, Mr. Cappell." Blake stood in the doorway to the hall and indicated for Melvin to enter.Despite Blake's politeness, Melvin knew that he had no right to walk in front.The Lucoxes weren't just the family who contr
"Yes. That's right," Melvin answered quickly.Blake nodded slightly and strode to the entrance. He said to Phineas, "Mr. Tuxley, Madam Dragon would like to see you."Phineas immediately puffed up his chest and straightened his clothes. When he finally felt presentable, he followed Blake to the hall.Meeting someone as important as Belinda was a matter of honor for Phineas. Therefore, he prostrated himself as soon as he entered and said to Belinda, "My name is Phineas Tuxley and I'm the head director of the Steinberg Martial Arts Court. Greetings, Madam Dragon."Belinda was startled to see him prostrate as soon as he entered. She suppressed a smile and shook her head slightly. "Mr. Tuxley, a bow like that is an outdated rule from hundreds of years ago. It is no longer appropriate in today's times. Please sit down," she said, pointing at the seat beside her."Thank you, Madam Dragon." Phineas stood up and glanced at the chairs. Where was he supposed to sit? Melvin had already ta
Blake bowed slightly to Belinda before turning and leaving the hall."Please sit for a moment, gentlemen. We'll discuss this matter once Mr. Ballard arrives." Belinda left Melvin and Phineas there on their own after she had finished. She didn't even give them a chance to reply before entering the back room with Elara.Melvin and Phineas sat awkwardly in their seats. It didn't seem right to either leave or stay."Relax, gentlemen. Madam Dragon is discussing some matters with a few elders. Have some tea and wait for Mr. Ballard," a maid said as she carried over a tray of tea. She served both Melvin and Phineas with a cup of fragrant tea.Melvin was pleasantly surprised. He took the teacup from the maid with both hands. Although she was a mere maid, the important thing was who she worked for. Belinda had a close relationship with the head director of Dramon's Martial Arts Court. It could even be said that the Martial Arts Court wouldn't exist without her.Even the national head dir
Blake chuckled as he walked in."Yes! I just jump up and slap people in the face—" When Zane turned and saw that it was Blake, he abruptly stopped speaking.He smiled awkwardly. Boasting in front of Blake was just asking for trouble."Zane, that move where you jump up and slap people was quite interesting to watch," Blake said, grinning.Zane suddenly had a coughing fit. He didn't know if Blake was complimenting him or not."Is Mr. Ballard around? I've come on behalf of Madam Dragon. She would like him to pay a visit," Blake said to Zane. "Yes, yes! He's inside. He's with Ms. Griffin, and they're chatting—" Zane suddenly spotted Sebastian leaning in the doorway, a smile playing about his lips as he stared at him."Uh… he's not chatting." He hastily changed tack and congratulated himself for being quick-witted."Come in, Blake." Sebastian rolled his eyes at Zane. He knew exactly what Zane was going to say whenever he opened his mouth. He was sure that Zane had nothing innocent
When Belinda and Elara heard Sebastian's voice, they walked out of the back room."It's been a while, Mr. Ballard," Belinda said, smiling.Upon seeing her expression had changed from how it had been when she greeted him, Melvin was even more astounded by Sebastian's identity.Belinda always smiled when she met Sebastian, but it was a rare event for any other person to see her smile."It's been a while, Madam Dragon," Sebastian said with a bow. "Please sit down, Mr. Ballard." Elara hurried toward him and pulled him down beside the main seat. Melvin and Phineas returned to their seats, looking rather awkward."Mr. Ballard, I hear from Mr. Tuxley that Ezekiel is plotting something against you. That's why I sent Blake to bring you here. I'd like to hear your opinion," Belinda said, smiling.Everyone noticed that Belinda had spoken respectfully twice. They all turned to look at Sebastian."Madam Dragon, I wasn't concerned about Ezekiel at first, but now so many sects from the mar
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