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
Sebastian shook his head slightly and said, "Thank you for your kind thoughts, Madam Dragon. Even if the entire martial arts community treats me as an enemy because of this, I'll accept it."How could Sebastian be an elder in the Warrior League when he was the successor of the Sacred Medicine Society?Everyone looked at Sebastian in slight surprise. He would be willing to make an enemy of the entire martial arts community?Belinda was also surprised. She hadn't expected Sebastian to be so firm."Mr. Ballard, are you afraid that your mentor will be against it?" she asked, frowning.No one would refuse the conditions that she had just made. Besides, joining the Warrior League in the current circumstances would be great for Sebastian.With the Warrior League as his ally, the Sapientia wouldn't dare to do anything to him. She hadn't expected Sebastian to refuse outright."Mr. Ballard, do you have a mentor?" Elara asked, puzzled. Hadn't Sebastian always said that he didn't have one?
Belinda hosted a lavish dinner for Sebastian, Phineas, and the others. It was late at night when Blake finally brought Sebastian back to the convenience store. Melvin sat thoughtfully in the car. After thinking long and hard, he pulled out his phone and found a number. He sent a message to it.Not long after that, a young man in Ballard Mansion walked over to a pavilion in the back garden. Arnaud was relaxing in the pavilion."Great Uncle Arnaud, there's news from Melvin," said the young man. "Oh?" Arnaud glanced sideways at him."Melvin is very sure that Sebastian's ally is the Warrior League." The young man stepped forward and handed his phone respectfully to Arnaud. "Alright. Andreas, go and get ready. It's time for him to return to Ballard Mansion and acknowledge his ancestors," Arnaud said calmly. "Yes! I won't let you down!" Andreas Ballard replied. He bowed deeply to Arnaud and took three steps backward before turning to leave.As he watched Andreas walk off, Arnaud
Aiden's eyes were shining slightly.Ezekiel nodded quickly and said, "That's right. This must be the treasure spoken of in the legends. It's just a pity that it's fallen into the hands of someone like Sebastian. What a waste!"Aiden thought for a moment before saying, "Mr. Harton, the influence of the Flying Cranes alone will not be enough to force him into submission."People like Sebastian were sure to have an ally. The Flying Cranes had influence in Jerose, but they weren't currently in Jerose.The major sects in Sartvale would play a greater role than the Flying Cranes.Ezekiel knew what Aiden meant. However, none of the sects in Sartvale had the courage to make Sebastian their enemy.On the one hand, Belinda was supporting him. On the other, the incident with Ethan had shocked Sartvale's martial arts community.Several experts at the seventh level of the Celestial realm had almost all been slaughtered without mercy. Who else would dare to provoke Sebastian?"A few sect lea
"Hundreds of international experts have gathered in Steinberg, and they're obviously targeting us, the martial arts community," Alaric said. "That's why Mr. Harton issued the Martial God Command for the sake of our safety."Phineas glanced at the middle-aged men and nodded slightly. "Oh, I see." Despite Alaric's words, he didn't believe a single thing the man said. Alaric and Ezekiel weren't the kind of people who would care about the rest of the world. If they were, they wouldn't have made the comments that they had in the stands. In fact, they had been very unhappy about the fact that Sebastian had won three battles in a row."That's right. Even though we misunderstood Mr. Ballard in the past, that was a personal matter. It has nothing to do with righteousness," Alaric added.Phineas eyed him coldly and smiled. "It would be a blessing for the martial arts community if you truly thought that way. Right now, we're under immense pressure. This is the time when we need the help of s
Aiden's fake reluctance in accepting the position had clearly been done as an act for Phineas' benefit.Phineas was the head director of Steinberg Martial Arts Court. Did they really think that he couldn't see through it? It just wasn't appropriate for him to expose them outright. He already knew exactly what they were plotting."You're mistaken, Mr. Tuxley," Aiden said. "This is an important matter for the martial arts community, and it concerns our reputation. We have traveled from afar to lend a hand to our comrades in the martial arts community." He sounded displeased, and his expression turned frosty. The Martial Arts Court had to show respect to the leaders of major sects. Besides, an expert from the Sapientia was also present. Phineas was clearly disrespecting them with what he had just said."Mr. Tuxley, I believe that since several major sects are involved, forming a martial arts league will allow us to stand united against outsider threats," Alaric interjected quickly,
"Well, we're all making an effort for the martial arts community, aren't we? This is part of my duty," Phineas remarked. "Please sit down, gentlemen. I'll go and invite Mr. Ballard right away."Phineas shot a meaningful look at two deacons, signaling them to treat Ezekiel and the others with hospitality. He got up and made a beeline for the front door. Once he got into his car, he drove straight to the convenience store to look for Sebastian.After the news broadcast two days ago, Sebastian had become famous in Steinberg. Many people had come due to his fame, forming a long line outside the convenience store.Sebastian's medical skills were already famous in Steinberg, but few people knew he was also very skilled in martial arts. Even those who had lined up to see him were speculating among themselves."I never thought that Mr. Ballard would be such a skilled fighter, on top of being exceptionally talented in medicine.""I know right? Steinberg has produced a genius!""Mr. Ball
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