Sebastian scoffed. "Family meeting? It's just to force me into agreeing to enter a marriage alliance with the Yeomans. To tell you the truth, I have zero interest in internal family conflicts like this."Andreas laughed softly and said, "Don't forget that this is the only way for you to leave the Ballard Estate safely. Is there any way other than this? Let's go! We shouldn't keep Great Uncle Arnaud waiting."Then, he greeted Samson before walking out of the courtyard."Sebastian, you must not be impulsive. The most important thing is for you to take Whitney and leave the Ballard Estate as soon as possible!" Samson warned him in a low voice. Sebastian couldn't oppose the Ballards with his current powers, and it would be better for him to compromise temporarily, rather than getting imprisoned in the mountains like Samson had been.He nodded slightly and said, "Dad, I'll make sure you regain your freedom!"With that, he patted Samson's shoulder before turning and walking out of the
Roland couldn't believe his ears. He would need to hand over all the Ballards' assets in the secular world to Sebastian?His expression changed instantly. He wanted to get up and argue, but Braxton stopped him. They were in the Hall of the Ancestral Dragon. Roland had no right to oppose Arnaud to his face. Braxton took a deep breath and mustered his courage. He got up slowly and bowed to Arnaud first before saying, "Arnaud, Roland and I worked hard for decades to gather the assets of the Ballards in the secular world!"Besides, there are many descendants in our branch who can be successors. If we hand all of it over to Sebastian, then—"Before Braxton could finish, there was a chilly gleam in Arnaud's eyes, and he interrupted coldly. "Oh? It sounds like you want to disobey my order."As soon as he spoke, Braxton felt a chill come over him. When he looked up again at Arnaud, he saw a murderous look in his cold, icy eyes. Braxton drew in a sharp breath.He knew very well that fa
As long as Arnaud agreed, even if the Ballards' assets were transferred to Sebastian, Roland was confident that he could override Sebastian's authority!Arnaud wasn't fooled by Roland's little scheme. He just glanced at him and ignored him.His intentions were clear. He wanted Braxton and Roland to hand over their assets, but that was just the first step.If Sebastian took those assets and was still unwilling to be used by the Ballards or unwilling to sincerely return to the family, the next step would be for Arnaud to take an emotional approach.He would use Braxton's and Roland's lives to assuage Sebastian's hatred of the Ballards.Beside them, Preston observed the situation closely. He had seen everything, so he stood up slowly and said, "Arnaud, I think that this is not advisable."Arnaud nodded slightly. Preston was still the one who understood him the most!"Why so?" he asked. "Speak freely.""Arnaud, I think that Roland and Braxton have been tainted too deeply by the sec
Sebastian was implying that he could obey Arnaud's will and visit the Yeomans. However, he would never marry the Yeoman heiress!There was a cold gleam in Arnaud's eyes upon hearing Sebastian's words. However, he immediately smiled once more and said, "Alright. As elders, it's inappropriate for us to dictate the affairs of young people like you."If so, let's settle our current matter. In the future, Sebastian will be our representative in the secular world, and no one is allowed to treat him disrespectfully. If he has any requests, then no one is allowed to refuse. Do you understand?"Arnaud's icy gaze swept over the faces of everyone in the hall.They all immediately stood up and bowed to Arnaud as they said in unison, "We will obey!"Arnaud waved to dismiss them in satisfaction. "You may go!"He watched the Ballards leave. Only Sebastian remained seated and didn't move an inch."Do you have any other matters to discuss, Sebastian?" he asked with a frown.Sebastian stood up s
Arnaud was now in his 90s, and even he knew that he didn't have much time left. If he couldn't return to the Holy Grandia as soon as possible, he would have no choice but to die in this place.Even if he knew that Sebastian would be rebellious, he had to take the risk!…After Sebastian and Andreas left the hall, they went to say goodbye to Samson before leaving the Ballard Estate with Whitney. With Andreas leading the way, they soon returned to the secular world through another exit on Mount Quiln. Only when they had left the Ballard Estate did Andreas say to Sebastian, "If I'm guessing correctly, Great Uncle Arnaud must have tried to persuade you again last night, right?"Sebastian smiled but didn't answer. He reached out and took Whitney up in his arms before leaping right across a river that was more than 30 feet wide and landed gently on the other side.Upon seeing that Sebastian was refusing to answer, Andreas said once more, "You can only trust 10% at most of what Gre
Even by plane, it would take them four or five hours to reach the foot of Mount Quiln.They had just walked into a Stonedoor Spell, and they had immediately arrived in Steinberg!"It's just the Escape Technique, which is one of the arts of paper charms. Don't be so shocked. I'll teach you when I have time!" Andreas said, smiling as he patted Sebastian's shoulder.Sebastian couldn't help feeling awed. The Ballards were clearly very accomplished in the mystic sects. It could be said that they were on par with the Sacred Medicine Society legacy. Although they were only about a dozen miles or so away from Steinberg, which was a negligible distance to Sebastian and the others, it was different for Whitney. She was a young woman, after all.Sebastian pulled out his phone and called Zane. Ever since Sebastian had left Steinberg, Zane hadn't been able to sleep or eat well. He had been waiting to hear any news from Sebastian.When he received Sebastian's call, Zane perked up at once. H
At Andreas' question, Rosalie covered her mouth and giggled. She pointed at Zane and said, "We haven't come across any trouble, but someone has gotten seriously injured."Sebastian turned to look at Zane and eyed him for a long time. He suddenly pulled up the hem of Zane's pants and couldn't help bursting into laughter. It turned out that Zane had gotten rather cocky lately and was always provoking Rose. He had ended up with thick scabs on both his knees. The smell of blood probably came from him."Zane, look at where you've been injured… you'd better refrain from offending women. If you end up getting calluses, you'll just end up being punished when you get married!"Sebastian advised him, suppressing a smile.Zane could no longer endure it. "Seb, that bit— I mean, that woman, Rose is just too much! I was just having a friendly match with her—"Before Zane could say more, a slender figure pushed the door open and entered. It was Rose!Zane had been about to pour out all his
"However, Mr. Croydon's contract is even more important than the sales channels!" Rosalie exclaimed.She handed one of the contracts to Sebastian and said, "These are a series of medical investments that the Croydons have made here. We can participate in all these projects, particularly these two innovative medicines."Sebastian looked at what Rosalie was pointing at. One was called the Rejuve Pill, while the other was called the Longlife Pill. Both medicines had very specific functions. The Rejuve Pill was clearly a beauty product developed especially with women in mind. As for the Longlife Pill, it gave one pause for thought.Not only did it have the ability to extend one's life, it could also improve certain functionalities for men. In other words, anyone who took the medicine would have the energy of an 18-year-old in all aspects!If that was the advertising slogan, it would be sure to set most people's imaginations running."Although this medicine is aimed at a wide targe
Sebastian walked back into the private room with Larys and Rosalie."Look at that! That's what you call a miracle doctor!""He treats money with utter contempt, and he's such a skilled doctor. Steinberg has a miracle doctor!""Yes, that's what the spirit of a great doctor should be like!"Everyone looked admiringly at Sebastian.Refusing diagnosis fees of ten or 20 thousand might have just been for show, but no one would do that with ten million. That would be far too high a cost.When Franklin saw that Sebastian was determined not to accept his money, he went over to Sebastian's table after he had settled things for his family. He held up a wine glass and asked, "Dr. Ballard, since you're not accepting the money, can I make a toast to you?"Sebastian raised his glass quickly and said, "Of course. Thank you for trusting me, Mr. Baker!"He threw his head back and drained his glass with Franklin."This is my name card, Mr. Ballard. If there's anything you need, I would go throug
As the old man slowly opened his eyes, Declan was humiliated once more by Sebastian in front of everyone."Dad! You're awake!" The middle-aged woman broke into a tearful smile as she gazed at the old man."I… what happened to me?" The old man looked at the crowd around him in confusion."Sir, you had a cerebral infarction. If it weren't for Dr. Ballard, you'd have been in trouble!" the doctor explained. He then assisted the middle-aged woman in helping the old man to his feet."Dr. Ballard?" The old man turned his head and said gratefully to Sebastian, "You are our family's lucky star! A few months ago, you saved the life of my son's mother-in-law, and today you rescued me! Please accept my gratitude!"The old man reached out and grasped Sebastian's hand firmly. Sebastian hastily steadied him and said, "It's no problem at all, sir. I'm a doctor. Helping those who are sick and injured is my duty.""Dr. Ballard, please accept this ten million dollars as a token of my appreciation
Declan's face had turned grim after getting criticized by Franklin. His lips were trembling uncontrollably, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. "You have no idea what you're doing! That old man is going to die. Just wait and see!" Bryce bellowed wildly as he pointed at Franklin.The Byrnes weren't the only ones who were dumbstruck. Even Rosalie couldn't understand why Franklin had acted so impulsively.Declan was from the Healer Sect. Wasn't Franklin afraid of offending the sect?"Please save my father-in-law, Dr. Ballard," Franklin pleaded sincerely.Sebastian nodded slightly. He couldn't just stand aside now that Franklin had shown such trust in him.At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and a few doctors in white coats ran over, wheeling a stretcher."Move aside!"The onlookers hastily cleared a path for the doctors to go through."Dr. Ballard!" the male doctor in the lead exclaimed rather excitedly when he saw that Sebastian was about to give the old man acu
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