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
Before long, Richard rushed in. Hearing the news, he wore an expression of disbelief and shock. "Well, well, who would have thought that Steinberg has produced such a formidable person? Quite intriguing.""Mr. Jett, what do we do now? Even the leader of Drager Martial Arts couldn't handle that kid," Kevin asked anxiously.Richard frowned, taking a moment to think before responding, "Mr. Carlton Senior, let's not panic. I'll figure something out."At that moment, one of their subordinates stepped forward and said, "Mr. Carlton Senior, Mr. Stewart had sent a message from Sebastian.""Oh?" Kevin's face darkened as he demanded. "Go on."The subordinate hesitated before speaking, "Sebastian says, if the Carlton family doesn't apologize in person, not only will Ms. Carlton die, but the Carlton family itself will disappear from Sunway.""Damn it! This kid dares to threaten me? He's got some nerve!" Kevin erupted in anger."After striking Lorraine, he still dares to demand an apology fr
"We're planning to rush Ms. Carlton into surgery right away to get those silver needles out," the hospital director said, looking visibly anxious."What's the holdup then? Get her into surgery now!" Kevin urged."Right away." The director nodded, motioning for his assistant to wheel Lorraine into the operating room.But then, Richard said, "Hold on a second!""What is it, Mr. Jett?" Kevin asked, his tone tinged with suspicion.Frowning, Richard asked, "Did you just say there are more than a dozen silver needles inside Ms. Carlton's body?""Yeah, it seems like whoever attacked her deliberately left them there to torture her," the director explained, wiping sweat from his brow."Let me see those scans," Richard demanded."Of course." The director quickly handed over the CT scans to Richard.After a brief look, Richard's expression turned to one of shock. "Hell's 13 Needles!" A wave of astonishment swept through the room, with every expert, the director, and Kevin himself weari
Kevin was absolutely livid! Never in all his years had he felt so frustrated!"Damn it! How dare he hang up on me!" Kevin seethed with rage.Richard intervened, offering words of advice. "Mr. Carlton Senior, right now, Ms. Carlton's life is in the hands of that man. You'll have to swallow your pride for now."Kevin understood this all too well. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down as much as possible before making another call.As soon as the call connected, Kevin tried to be as polite as possible. "Sebastian, let's not beat around the bush. Come over and remove these Hell's 13 Needles from my daughter immediately.""Why should I listen to you?" Sebastian replied coldly.Kevin paused, suppressing his inner rage as he said in a deep voice, "As long as you remove them, I will let this matter rest." "And you have all the say in the world?" Sebastian chuckled, his expression icy. "Even if you let it rest, I won't!""Insolent brat! What are you up to?" Kevin shouted,
The renowned doctors exchanged glances and shook their heads.Kevin was furious and desperate."Get out! All of you, get out!"The doctors hurriedly left the room with their heads bowed.Inside the room, Kevin vented his rage, "Incompetent! They're all a bunch of incompetent doctors! They boast about their superior medical skills, yet they can't even remove a few silver needles!""Dad... it hurts, it hurts so much..." Suddenly, Lorraine moaned in pain from her hospital bed.Kevin's heart sank with worry hearing her cries. "Mr. Carlton Senior, it's not looking well! Ms. Carlton's seven orifices are bleeding!"one of Kevin's subordinates by the bed suddenly exclaimed.Kevin's face turned pale with shock. "How could this be happening? Lorraine, Lorraine… Get the doctors. Call them over right now!" Moments later, the doctors rushed in, swiftly attending to Lorraine.Finally, Lorraine escaped the grasp of death, but the situation had turned dire.Richard spoke up beside Kevin and
Crystal immediately grabbed Whitney's arm. "What are you doing? Your action could end up destroying the Sutton family! It could ruin you!""Mom, you can't do this! If it wasn't for Sebastian saving me, I might be dead by now," Whitney pleaded desperately.In a bold move, she removed her sunglasses, mask, and hat, revealing the scars and bruises covering her face to everyone present, including Edna.Seeing Whitney's battered appearance, the members of the Sutton family, as well as Edna, were all taken aback!"Winnie… your face…" Edna stuttered, her eyes filled with shock.Whitney's current appearance was truly unsettling. The Sutton family members started murmuring among themselves."How did Whitney end up like this?""It's so terrible! Those injuries on her face… They look like they were caused by a knife. Who would dare to do this to a member of the Sutton family?"Whitney's eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded with Edna. "Grandma, Lorraine Carlton is the reason I look lik
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