"Mom? Dante? Why are you guys here?" Whitney asked in confusion.Then, she quickly pulled the blanket up to cover her face.Crystal's heart dropped to her stomach, and she grabbed Whitney's blanket. "Whitney, what happened to your face? Let me have a look!""Mom, I'm fine." Whitney tried to cover herself, but she couldn't.Seeing Whitney covered in bruises and wounds, Crystal couldn't help but cry out in distress, "Who dared to lay a hand on you like this? I'll get them right now! I'll make sure they pay for what they did!"As a mother, who wouldn't ache at the sight of her daughter's injuries?Whitney remained silent.Crystal turned her gaze to Sebastian, glaring at him with frustration. "You, what's going on here? Did you do this? If you dare lay a finger on my daughter? I'll skin you alive!"With anger boiling within her, Crystal moved to take action.Sebastian frowned, and his expression darkened.Whitney hurriedly exclaimed, "Mom, it wasn't Sebastian. Please don't make a
If it was Whitney's fault, Crystal would even accompany her to apologize in person."What else could it be? It's all because of Sebastian!" Suddenly, two more figures rushed in through the door—Mabel and Theresa."Whit!" Theresa ran over nervously, sitting beside Whitney. Seeing her condition, she felt deeply distressed.Mabel, on the other hand, glared at Sebastian. "Sebastian! The reason Ms. Sutton ended up like this is all because of you! I've had it investigated thoroughly. "The reason Lorraine from the Carlton family did this is solely because you injured Louis! Louis is Lorraine's son, and she flew back specifically for him from abroad!"With those words, everyone in the room was stunned."Exactly! I was wondering how Winnie, with her gentle demeanor, could offend the Carlton family. Turns out, it's all you!" Crystal shouted. She immediately pointed at Sebastian and cursed, "You scoundrel! You're nothing but bad luck! I told you to stay away from Winnie! Look at her no
Sebastian frowned as he looked at Whitney. "Are you worried about me?""I…" Whitney was stunned, and her gaze flickered. "I just don't want you to get involved in my affairs. This all happened because of me, so I don't want anyone to suffer because of me.""Winnie, are you out of your mind?" Crystal was infuriated. She shouted, "Sebastian is the one who harmed Louis, so he should bear the responsibility. Don't be stupid! We're talking about the Sunway Carlton family here. If they blame this on you, then the entire Sutton family will be affected too!""That's right, Winnie! Don't be foolish!" Dante was anxious too.With so many people talking around her, Whitney felt helpless as well. She shouted, "Alright! Stop fighting! This is my decision, so don't try to change my mind anymore. I won't let Sebastian handle everything alone!Crystal was so angry that she said, "You… You'll be the end of me! Are you seriously risking our entire family for this jerk?""Winnie, Mom's right. I do
Seeing Whitney not heeding his advice, Sebastian's expression darkened. He shouted, "Enough! Do I have to spell it out for you? Whitney! I told you, this matter doesn't concern you! With you here, it'll only bring me more trouble!"Upon hearing this, Whitney froze. Her eyes instantly turned red, filled with tears. She hadn't expected Sebastian, who had just been gentle and sweet, to suddenly change his demeanor and say such things!"Do… do you really mean that?" Whitney asked. Looking at Sebastian's cold expression, she felt incredibly distant from him. In her heart, there was a deep sense of bitterness. Wasn't she doing all this for him? But he actually despised her for causing trouble."Yes!" Sebastian said firmly."I don't believe it, I don't believe it! You don't mean it…" Whitney shook her head, crying.Sebastian's expression darkened again, and he said resolutely, "Believe it or not, I don't need your help, and I don't need you to do so much for me! "My affairs don't
In the rain, the two black vans stopped in front of the grocery store.With a clatter, the van doors swung open! Seven or eight men in black clothes with machetes in their hands jumped out of the vehicles. They glared menacingly at Sebastian standing at the doorway and Robert sitting there, smoking his pipe."Are you Sebastian?" one of them, the leader, asked coldly.The machetes in their hands glinted sharply!"Yes," Sebastian replied calmly.The leader sneered, and with a swift swing of his machete, he grimly said, "I'll send you on your way!"As the words fell, he aimed a powerful blow directly at Sebastian. The speed and force behind it were beyond ordinary.Robert, still puffing on his pipe, chuckled. "Oh, you've got some skill there. Not your average Joe, there's a real martial artist here."Sebastian naturally noticed it too as his brow furrowed slightly.If he wasn't mistaken, these people in front of him were all martial artists. Their stance and energy were more po
A moment later, the disciples of Drager Martial Arts were shaking uncontrollably from the heavy rain. Several of them couldn't bear it and passed out."Robert, how much do you know about Drager Martial Arts?" Sebastian asked Robert beside him.Robert explained, "Drager Martial Arts ranks first among the various martial arts schools in Steinberg. They are formidable and have many members, but their quality varies. The head of Drager Martial Arts is a man named Jacob Stewart, who is likely a Grandmaster."Robert added, "He's known to be sociable and has connections with various figures from all walks of life. Many notorious criminals and thugs are said to be associated with Drager Martial Arts too. "In essence, Drager Martial Arts is not just a martial arts school. It functions more like a martial arts alliance. And Jacob is its leader, holding considerable power and influence in Steinberg."Upon hearing this, Sebastian frowned slightly, but his expression remained calm as he said,
"You're seeking death!" Jacob declared coldly. Then, he added, "However, I am not one to bully the weak. As long as you kneel and apologize, I can spare your life for the time being!"Sebastian chuckled and replied, "You're quite compassionate. Wouldn't it be impolite of me to not accept this kind offer?""It's good that you know," Jacob said arrogantly.However, Sebastian's expression changed, and he retorted coldly, "If you want to fight, then fight. Spare me the stupid talk!"At Sebastian's words, Jacob's face darkened, and he grew furious. He shouted, "Kid! It seems you're unwilling to accept kindness but would rather invite punishment. In that case, don't blame me for using force!""You guys, attack!" Jacob gestured with his hand.Immediately, several disciples from the martial arts school rushed forward, charging at Sebastian.They attacked with fierce momentum and cunning moves. But the next moment, before everyone could react, those disciples who rushed forward were se
A Grandmaster in his twenties? That was downright terrifying!Someone like that could go places in the martial arts world, no doubt. But why would such a talent be stuck hiding out here?"Mr. Stewart, are you okay?" A couple of disciples hurried over, looking concerned.Jacob frowned, shaking his head. "I'm fine. That punk just sucker-punched me when I wasn't looking. What a cheap shot!"Jacob wasn't about to admit he got outplayed. It'd deal a blow to his authority.The disciples caught on quickly, turning to Sebastian with accusations."You sneaky little… Who attacks from behind?""Screw this! Let's take him down, guys!""Mr. Stewart, let us handle this for you."The disciples were all fired up, itching for a fight.Jacob's eyes narrowed, his voice cold as he said, "No need. I'll deal with him personally!"With a roar, Jacob unleashed his internal energy and threw another punch at Sebastian. The punch was fierce and domineering!But Sebastian didn't even flinch. He caught
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
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