Lahat ng Kabanata ng Rising from the Ashes: Kabanata 1981 - Kabanata 1990

Maurice sneered coldly. "You don't just love money, you love beautiful women and expensive entertainment too. Honestly, for a so-called monk, you play dirtier than most men I know. I won't say more, but Franklin, I know exactly what kind of man you are." Franklin's face did not even twitch as he shamelessly replied, "Solmortal remains in my heart despite my sins. As long as I keep Solmortal in my thoughts, then drinking, gambling, and chasing women are all just small matters. It's all part of my spiritual practice." Maurice let out a cold snort. "Whether you're truly religious or just putting on an act, I don't really care. Andrew has declared war on the Driscoll family, and he's already killed two of our top people. I absolutely will not tolerate him staying alive any longer. So, it's time for you to take him out." Maurice's tone left no room for argument. Franklin shook his head firmly. "Sorry, but the payment the Driscoll family gave me has already been used up. You want m

Maurice's view of Franklin, once full of admiration, had shifted over the years. First to equality, then to thinking he was nothing special, and now to outright disdain. He was no longer that naive rich scion from years ago. Back then, as the proud heir of the Driscoll family, Maurice roamed the martial world and fell for Mia, a beautiful woman with exceptional skills. At the time, Mia, dressed in flowing white, was seen as the perfect match for Franklin. He was handsome, talented, and admired by all. Yet Maurice, with the Driscoll family's wealth and influence, managed to win her over, defeating Franklin in a way only money and status could. Maurice had felt pretty smug about it back then, thinking to himself that even though Franklin was handsome and incredibly skilled in martial arts, Mia had still ended up in Maurice's hands. Franklin might have been impressive, but Maurice believed he was the greater man. With Scarlett's revelation, he finally understood the bitter trut

Franklin hissed with venom. "But I seriously underestimated that damn that bitch Victoria! All these years, I've been lurking in the shadows while she appeared to be living quietly. To think that she's actually become even more vicious and dangerous than before…" He added, "This move of hers was like pulling the rug out from under us. She managed to push you, me, and Joe right into the eye of the storm all at once." Mia screamed like a woman possessed. "I told you years ago to kill that bitch, but you wouldn't listen. You were completely mesmerized by her! And for what? She never even wanted you. "Now she wants both me and Joe dead. Franklin, bring back the ruthless spirit you had when you ruled the martial world. Make sure she's gone for good." Franklin sneered. "Don't worry. Victoria's martial skills are finished. She's weak now and can't stir up trouble anymore. Maurice wants me to help Scarlett, using her as bait to lure Andrew in. "He thinks he can use me as his muscl

The remaining operatives quickly regrouped and rushed up to the second floor to help their comrades. This distraction gave Aspen on the third floor the perfect opportunity to make her move. Her fighting style was pure assassin. She specialized in stealth, striking fast and precisely with the goal of killing in one blow. Her dagger flashed through the darkness and instantly claimed a life. The dozen or so Shadow Division members who were heading down to the second floor were all shocked by the sudden attack. Some rushed to help their fallen comrade while others roared in anger and launched a furious assault on Aspen. However, Aspen was incredibly fast and knew every inch of Serenity Villa like the back of her hand. Within moments, she had slipped away from her pursuers and vanished into the shadows. In just a few moves, she shook off her pursuers and struck again, taking down several more. Unlike Francesca and Lauren, Aspen was no newcomer with a soft heart. Killing didn't bothe

Andrew shook his head with a grin. "You're giving me too much credit. Do you know how much sweat and money it took to build this body of mine through external training? "To be honest, when I was a kid, they threw me into a pit with wild beasts, and I had to fight my way out. Either I toughened up, or I died. You call that easy? I can't exactly put Fran through that, can I?" Eric chuckled but said nothing. External arts were hard enough, but Andrew's were downright monstrous. He thought maybe they really were forged through battling animals. If that was true, Eric figured this skill was not worth learning. After all, he had been raised by Jerome and pampered despite being an adopted son. He had never endured such hardship. Natasha spoke up, her tone worried. "Darling, Lauren and the others have held out long enough. The Driscoll family's Shadow Division isn't a bunch of amateurs. If this goes on much longer, something could go wrong." Andrew's voice was calm. "Give them thre