Hans Wagner, commonly known as Hades Hans, was a notorious local kingpin in Steinberg, overseeing a few hundred underlings.Ruthless and vindictive, he had established numerous businesses, primarily focused on lending and entertainment venues, engaging in various shady dealings.Despite recent efforts by Hans to change his image and engage in philanthropy, transforming into a successful businessman with several accolades, his brutal reputation persisted in Steinberg.He was the kind of person whose name alone would send shivers down one's spine.Offending him meant crossing paths with Hades himself!"Kid, why aren't you talking? Scared? If you're scared, then kneel!" William taunted, his eyes filled with malice.Fergus immediately stepped forward, shouting, "Mr. Saunders, this has nothing to do with me. I've been implicated, and I kindly ask for your leniency.Fergus was scared. Crossing paths with Hans meant he would be in deep trouble.William gave Fergus a disdainful look an
With his eyes locked on Sebastian, William warned, "Weren't you all high and mighty just now? You have a death wish, don't you? Come to the deck then!"With that said, he turned to leave the cabin and headed to the deck. Whitney almost passed out upon hearing what he said. Wagner … It was THE Hans Wagner of Steinberg he was talking about! Even Mabel shivered in fear, her face already as pale as a sheet. Hans was ruthless. They were doomed for sure! No thanks to Sebastian, that idiot! "Ms. Sutton, what do we do? Mr. Wagner's heading here!" Mabel shouted as she stomped her feet in frustration, her heart overwhelmed with anxiety. Whitney was afraid of Hans too. Sweat dotted her forehead, and her lips lost their color. Now, even her hands were cold, and her legs trembled. The path to the deck was right in front of her, but it seemed especially gloomy and foreboding now. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed Mable's hand and muttered, "Don't be afraid. This land has its laws. Mr
There was an uproar. The people on the deck all turned to look in fear at the group of men standing at the port.As the cruise ship slowly came to a halt, they finally got to see clearly what was happening at the port. The group of men who stood in a row looked strong and formidable. "They're Mr. Wagner's men …" "Oh my! Something huge's gonna happen tonight. This is the first time I'm seeing Mr. Wagner appear himself to settle things.""The poor fellows are so unlucky! They're gonna be tossed into the lake and drowned."The crowd couldn't stop talking about it. At the port, Hans got out of the Maybach at the very front of the line of cars. He had a cigar in his mouth and a thick golden chain around his neck. Even his face looked deadly, like a ferocious beast. "Mr. Wagner, the ship's docking," one of his men politely reminded him. Hans nodded and looked at the ship that was slowly coming their way. When it finally stopped completely, more than ten of his men in black suits
Sebastian glanced at Hans and snickered. "It seems like you've recovered well. You gained weight and look way better now," he said. "You can even teach someone else a lesson, I see." "It's all thanks to you!" Hans said with an awkward smile. "You gave me a second chance at life!" Everyone on the deck was stunned at this turn of events.What just happened? Why was Hans so polite toward the young man in front of him? Besides, Hans kept calling him "Dr. Ballard". Even William himself was baffled. He'd never seen Hans treat someone else with so much reverence. This time, he was doomed for sure! Just then, Hans turned to glare at him."You son of a bitch! What did you do to offend Dr. Ballard?" "N-No! I didn't!" William begged. "It's all a misunderstanding, Mr. Wagner!" In his fear, he stumbled backward as Hans approached him and said, "A misunderstanding, you say?"Hans kicked William in the stomach, sending William crashing to the ground once more. He kicked him a few m
"That's right! Don't just stand there as if nothing happened! You would've died if it weren't for Mr. Cobb!" Mabel said, going along with the flow. She was annoyed at him. He didn't even thank Fergus for saving his life. What a rude idiot! Chuckling, Fergus said, "It's fine. There will always be people who aren't grateful to others." Despite their words, Sebastian didn't feel like explaining himself. But then, his face darkened when he realized that Fergus had seized the chance to take credit for something that was not his doing. "You want me to thank him? Should I thank him for being a shameless fool then?" Sebastian laughed.His piercing eyes were locked on Fergus as he said coolly, "Mr. Cobb, I'm sure you know full well why Mr. Wagner left. Do you think you deserve my gratitude?""Sebastian!" Whitney snapped. She was furious at Sebastian for being so ungrateful toward his savior. "How could you say that?" she asked. "I know you don't like Fergus, but you wouldn't be aliv
Whitney, Fergus, and Mabel stood at the entrance of Luna's Waterfront."Whitney, the people who are having dinner here are the mentors and leaders of the Steinberg Medical Conference district competition," Fergus said to Whitney.He didn't exactly get this piece of news easily from his friend. It was top secret!"For real?" Whitney exclaimed.Fergus nodded. "Yeah. My friend is one of the person-in-charge of the Steinberg Medical Conference district competition next week. He told me about it."Moreover, the upcoming downtown selection competition next week is meticulously crafted by the original team of the Crestborne Harmony Quest program. "The event will be broadcast live, promising to make waves in Steinberg! I heard them mention that if the live broadcast of the competition is well-received, subsequent matches will be nationally televised. "According to them, the goal is to transform this year's medical conference into a program akin to Crestborne Harmony Quest, generating
After saying that, she ignored Whitney's visibly displeased expression and took Sebastian's arm. Surrounded by admiring gazes, they walked into Luna's Waterfront as if she were the center of the universe.Sebastian frowned a little when he passed by Whitney and the others, but eventually, he chose to remain silent.Whitney, Fergus, and Mabel were stunned. Their eyes widened as they stared at them walking in.They were really astonished."Damn! What's going on? Sebastian just went in like that?" Mabel exclaimed, utterly perplexed. Or rather, she was quite envious. Why Sebastian? How could such a useless and pathetic guy stroll into Luna's Waterfront? Why did several mentors and leaders personally come out to greet them?Fergus also furrowed his brow, cursing, "Damn! How arrogant! That idiot is just putting on airs because he's got himself a sugar mommy!"Fergus was furious. More than that, he felt the same envy as Mabel! It all seemed like a joke to him. Sebastian, the loser,
Rosalie shook her head. "They probably don't understand much. It's mainly for publicity. They'd probably just attend a few events. "You know, promoting traditional medicine is quite challenging nowadays. This is just one of the strategies we thought of—leveraging the natural popularity of celebrities to promote traditional medicine. "Those singing competitions on variety shows now often invite non-professional celebrities as judges to provide sharp critiques, grab attention, and create discussions."Sebastian nodded, slightly furrowing his brow but not saying much. Celebrities on the scene were just for show, after all. Sebastian didn't expect them to provide any insightful professional insights. As long as they didn't make random comments, he was fine."By the way, aren't you curious about the celebrities who will be joining?" Rosalie asked with a playful smile.Sebastian shook his head. "I'm not interested in the entertainment industry.""Boring!" Rosalie teased. "Let me
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
Rexton's pupils constricted, and the muscles in his face twitched. He stared at Samson with a wary look in his eyes. He and Samson were two minor stages apart. It was no laughing matter. If the two of them began to fight, Rexton would be sure to die if he didn't have any external assistance."What's the matter? Are you scared?" Samson sneered as he asked in a cold, accusatory tone. That flipped a switch in Rexton's head. His expression changed instantly, and he turned a fierce look on Samson. "Afraid?" he asked through gritted teeth.As he spoke, Rexton seemed to make up his mind. He slowly reached into his pocket and took out a pale blue paper charm, which looked thicker than usual.The paper charm was oppressive to look at. Sebastian instinctively sensed a threatening energy approaching!Even Samson looked wary when he saw the paper charm."Uncle Rexton, this is a Soulcrush Charm. Great Uncle Arnaud has clearly said that no one in the Ballard Estate is allowed to use spiri
Sebastian immediately felt the pressure around him drop. The feeling of being pinned down disappeared as well."How dare you—"Before Rexton could finish, a shadow flashed past him, and Samson popped up right in front of him.Samson stuck out his finger as if it were a sword and tapped him on the chest. Although Samson hadn't used any strength, Rexton could see the murderous look in his eyes. There was a dot of scarlet light that swirled around Samson's finger. A crimson rune was gradually appearing, and there was a chilling, murderous sensation in the air. Sebastian gasped. He had finally realized how the mystic spells should be used, and he was in awe. It wasn't that Sebastian was unable to do it. It was just that up until then, he had only seen the mystic sect apprentices of the secular world. Perhaps their understanding of how to use mystic spells was too superficial, which was why Sebastian's perception had also been affected.Realization only dawned on him when he saw
At Rexton's roar of fury, everyone turned to look at Samson, who was still standing there quietly without moving."A traitor? Murder?"There was finally a flicker of emotion on Samson's face. A sudden glimmer of light flared in his eyes, which had been devoid of life for a long time."Rexton, you know very well how your father died!"As Samson spoke, he walked toward Rexton with a steady step as he said, "I admit that I've wronged Sebastian and his mother. I was just too soft-hearted back then. That's why I believed your lies and tried to keep the big picture in mind for the Ballards, but look at how you've treated me!"There was suddenly a cold glint in Samson's eyes, and he said in a thunderous tone, "You set up a series of traps and tried to kill and torture my wife and son!"You pursued them until the ends of the earth! If my mentor hadn't rescued Sebastian, do you think he'd still be alive today?"Did you just accuse me of murder? Did you ever think of the fact that we're f