Back when Thea impersonated Maxine to save James, she had seen with her own eyes how James’ martial art skills were taken away by Hades. However, she did not have any martial art skills. Even with the support of the God-King Palace, she could not act recklessly. Now, she applauded James for crippling Hades. “Have you thought of the consequences?” Maxine frowned. James said, “Of course I have. I was worried that the Johnstons would lose control. If not, I would’ve killed that old geezer.” “Sigh…” Maxine sighed. James was not worried about the Johnstons for now. He was only concerned about one thing—Who leaked the information regarding his strength? “Maxine, who do you think revealed my strength? Could it be the Cadens?” Since things had already come to pass, Maxine did not blame James further. After brief contemplation, she gave her own opinion. “That’s highly unlikely. Based on what you said, they assumed you cultivated the secret of the four paintings. That’s how you w
Now, however, three families of the Ancient Four had lost their closely guarded paintings. “Has he unraveled the mystery behind the paintings? Could it be that the paintings contain records of martial art skills that enable us to reach the ninth rank?”Yaakov’s expression was grim. He did not dare act recklessly. After all, he should have been long dead. All this while, he had been sustaining his life through the consumption of medicine. If his True Energy leaked while he was in the midst of a battle, he would die in a few months. If chose to retain his True Energy, he could live for a few more years. “We shouldn’t act recklessly.” After brief contemplation, he ordered, “We’ll wait and see for now. I’ll go to the Cadens’ mansion personally.” Although the Johnstons were dissatisfied with the Grand Patriarch’s decision, they remained silent and nodded respectfully.Yaakov stood up. Under the watchful gaze of the Johnstons, he dragged his old body with the help of a cane and lef
Before James could even react, he was sent flying back into the foyer.The moment the powerful blow struck his chest, he could feel excruciating pain throughout his body. Then, his Blood Energy churned, and he vomited a mouthful of blood. He swiftly got up and sat in a lotus position, catalyzing Heavenly Breath to suppress the Blood Energy inside his body which had gone rogue.Then, he lifted his head. An elderly man with a cane walked in. Upon seeing the man’s appearance, Tobias’ face paled, and he exclaimed, “Mr. Yaakov?”It was Yaakov Johnston, the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons. His status was even beyond that of Bennett Caden. Walking into the foyer, he found a place to sit. Then, covering his mouth, he coughed a few times. James was sitting in a lotus position on the floor to treat his injuries. From Tobias’ reaction, he knew that the elderly man before him was a Johnston of high status. Not only that, his strength was unbelievable. After Tobias recollected himse
He looked at James and reprimanded him, “James, is it true that you’ve stolen the paintings of the other three families and unraveled the secret behind them?”Tobias was also curious to know how James managed to become this powerful in such a short amount of time. However, James refused to tell him the truth. So, he was using this opportunity to pressure him into spilling the beans.James thought long and hard about it. He knew that the Cadens would not shield him from the Johnstons’ Grand Patriarch if he did not provide a satisfactory explanation.“No.” After brief contemplation, he said, “When I was imprisoned in the Johnstons’ dungeon, I came across a man by the name of Spencer Johnston. As he knew he wouldn’t be able to live for long, he imparted his True Energy to me and taught me the Blithe Fist of Abomination.“Also, the elderly man who defeated Donovan Blithe, the Patriarch of the Blithes, at Mount Littleroot was me in disguise. That’s also how I came to learn the B
Tobias had had his eyes on the Blithe Fist of Abomination for a very long time.Although he had cultivated Thirteen Heavenly Swords, the signature martial art skill of the Cadens, he was still bitter about losing to the Blithe Fist of Abomination.Now that he knew that James had cultivated this martial art skill, he was tempted to learn it himself. James knew what Tobias was thinking of. How could he impart the Blithe Fist of Abomination to him? “James, from today onward, you’ll be the Minor Patriarch of the Caden family. After the Mount Thunder Conference, I’ll step down from my position as Patriarch for you, assuming that the Cadens are still around.” Tobias was wearing an anxious expression.“The Cadens are now besieged on all sides. Many hope for our destruction. However, as my strength is limited, I can’t protect the entire family. However, if I can cultivate the Blithe Fist of Abomination, I might be able to turn the tides.”James looked at Tobias and said, “I wish I co
Although James did not know Bennett’s strength, he knew he was strong. He put his thoughts aside for now. Thea asked, “What do you plan to do now, Darling? The Mount Thunder Conference is just around the corner. Do you plan to use this opportunity to enter closed-door meditation or do you wish to proceed with your plan of executing Mr. Gabriel?”“Let’s not rush things…” Maxine said. “Huh?” James and Thea looked at her. Maxine was deep in contemplation. “I’ve been thinking… I think Mr. Gabriel is the mastermind behind this incident.”James asked, “Why do you say so?”Maxine explained her analysis, “Your strength is confidential. Not many people know about it. Now, all of a sudden, the other three families have received word about it and decided to make a move. The three families do not concern themselves with worldly affairs. There’s no way they would know that your strength has greatly increased nor would they suddenly realize that you were the elderly man on Mount Littler
Thea trusted Thomas. However, Maxine’s words made sense. It was worth a try. James thought about it. His objective was to execute Mr. Gabriel, lure the Gu Sect out, and catch them all in one fell swoop. On the contrary, by cooperating with Mr. Gabriel, he would learn more about the Gu Sect. This was a pretty good deal as well. “Alright, I’ll go visit the Sullivans and the Lees. But I don’t know where their residences are.” “I’ll go as well,” Maxine said, “Grandpa once brought me there. I know the way.” “Mhm,” James agreed. With Maxine showing the way, it would be much less cumbersome. Unwilling to provide them an opportunity to be alone together, Thea hurriedly said, “I’ll go as well, Darling.” “Thea, this is serious business.” “I know. I’m not the Thea from before. As a third-rank martial artist, I’m even stronger than Maxine,” she said and glanced at Maxine. Aware of what Thea was concerned about, Maxine said smilingly, “Sure, why not?” “Let’s go then,” James said
“I understand.” Madelyn nodded. “Alright now, you’re free to go. I haven’t slept well for the past few days, so I’m going to take a nap in my room." Yaroslav stood up. He did not know if he could fall asleep, but apart from taking a nap, there was nothing else he could do. He returned to his room and lay on the bed, but could not fall asleep. It had been many years since he last felt such anxiety. He closed his eyes, and a million thoughts flashed through his mind. Suddenly, as if reminded of something, he jumped off of his bed. A few days ago, Thomas came and told him about James’ strength. He told him that he would certainly die at James’ hands. However, he also said in the end that he could survive if he thought of a way. “Could it be…?” Yaroslav thought of a possibility. Thomas must have been hinting at something. He was reminding him to cooperate with James to survive. Yaroslav would not have thought so if it was anyone else telling him this. However, this wa