After Thea left, she removed her mask and put it away. Then, she hurriedly returned to the hotel. Upon returning to the hotel, she removed her overcoat and undergarments. Wearing only thin clothing, she leaned on the sofa. She did know whether her actions were appropriate. However, she had no choice. She mistreated James in the past, dismissing all his care and concern for her. She only learned to appreciate everything after she had lost them. Thea wanted to spend the remainder of her life with James. However, he only had the nation in mind. As long as Sol remained in chaos, he would never wholeheartedly devote himself to her and live a secluded and comfortable life with her. For James, she had no choice but to do this. In Cansington… James was in closed-door meditation to refine the Spirit Turtle’s core. As the Spirit Turtle had lived for many thousands of years, its core contained potent and concentrated energy. Even though it was fragmented into eight pieces, it still po
Meanwhile, the Three Treasures cultivated while crossing into the seventh rank had gathered too. The Three Treasures and the Five Spirits of the human body were completely regulated. At that moment, the energy in James’ body had reached the zenith. He slowly stood up. Wearing a composed and emotionless expression on his face, he gently murmured, “Finally, I’ve reached the eighth rank.” After being in closed-door meditation for months absorbing the energy of the Spirit Turtle’s core, his True Energy was greatly boosted. Now, he was an eighth-rank grandmaster. He suppressed his energy and walked out of the room. It was now night-time. Many people gathered in the foyer of the building─Cynthia, Quincy, Tiara, and Scarlett. The four of them had some sort of experience with cultivation. For the past few months, they would be practicing and discussing martial art if they were not busy working at the company. “What a powerful aura…” Quincy was stunned. “This is incredible…
Almost three months had passed since the Mount Thunder Conference. Those who had obtained the Spirit Turtle’s core should have finished refining it and were about to emerge from hiding to wreak havoc on Sol. Meanwhile, there were only around six months left until the election in October. James would have to resolve everything before then. The women looked at James in anticipation. James, on the other hand, catalyzed Ataraxia and suppressed his desire. Looking at them, he said, “I’m worried that the Capital will descend into chaos. I should leave Cansington and head to the Capital immediately.” “So soon?” Quincy was dismayed. Although James was here for the past two months, he had been in closed-door meditation the entire time and would frequently abstain from eating. There were few opportunities for them to spend time together, so Quincy wanted to use this chance to at least have a meal with him. However, she did not expect him to leave in such a hurry. “Mhm.” James stood up
Thea asked coldly, “How’s the situation?” “Master, apart from the Ancient Four, the Blithes, the Lowes, the Sylvan Sect, the Heaven and Earth Sect, the Mount Thunder Sect, the Five Swirling Blades Sect, and the other powerful families and sects, we have wooed the rest over to our side. Technically, we the Celestial Sect have half of the ancient martial world on our side.” “Mhm.” Thea nodded slightly. She did not sit idly by for the past two months. She intimidated Luca into returning to the Southern Ridge, subdued many powerful outlaws and pariahs, and secretly established the Celestial Sect. For the past two months, the Celestial Sect only grew increasingly stronger. It had begun subduing and taking over many powerful families and sects. The man in front of her was the deputy Sect Leader of the Celestial Sect. Kneeling before her, he asked, “Master, please give me your next instruction.” Thea said, “Apart from Lucjan Owen, have no other eighth-rank grandmasters shown thems
Thea brought up the Celestial Sect, but when faced with James’ question regarding the newly-established sect, she feigned ignorance. James’ expression was grim. Nothing good would come out of the Celestial Sect, which had appeared out of nowhere. After a brief moment, he asked, “Is there any other news in the ancient martial world apart from the newly established Celestial Sect?” “That’s all.” Thea continued, “Apart from Lucjan Owen, all other eighth-rank grandmasters who appeared at the Mount Thunder Conference have not shown themselves for quite some time. By the way, the current situation in the Capital is grim.” “Oh?” James froze before asking, “What’s the situation in the Capital?” “According to Maxine’s information, Lucjan arrived in the Capital a month ago and began meddling in the affairs of the outside world. He founded another Owen family, which has been involved in many business dealings. The interests of the Ancient Four were somewhat damaged. “Also…” She paused
“Got it.” Holding the Blade of Justice in his hand, he hurriedly left. He immediately headed over to the military region. “Emperor.” As he entered the military region, many soldiers greeted him respectfully upon seeing him. James nodded and went straight for the office. Smack! Before he could enter Henry’s office, he heard a commotion coming from inside. “I’m warning you, Black Shadow. Release him now, or else you’ll face the consequences.” James could hear rebukes coming from inside. Opening the door, he could see an elderly man in a military uniform pointing his finger at Henry. “This is the Capital, not the Southern Plains. You don’t call the shots around here.” Henry, who did not dare utter a single word in retaliation, stood up and greeted James respectfully upon noticing his arrival.“Emperor.” “I don’t care if James is here. Release him now,” the elderly man said coldly. “Is that so?” James said nonchalantly. The elderly man turned his head. Upon seeing
James sat on the sofa in Henry’s office. Henry immediately handed him a cigarette and sat opposite him. “You’ve done well.” James lit the cigarette and asked, “Besides Yasir Parker, is there anyone else applying pressure on you?” “There are so many of them I can’t name them all.” Henry lit a cigarette too and said, “Almost every powerful figure in the Capital came to visit me in an effort to cajole and pressure me into releasing Halvor. However, I’ve tried to avoid them at all costs.” “Mhm.” James nodded and said, “The Tucksons have established themselves in the Capital for centuries and are one of the most powerful families in Sol. As they are affiliated with many powerful figures, there will inevitably be a chain reaction once we make a move against Halvor. Jot down the names of the people who came later so that I can have a rough idea.” “Understood.” Henry nodded. “I’ll go visit the King now.” James did not linger in the military region for long. He left after having
“Who’s your preferred candidate for the King?’ James asked. After long contemplation, the King said, “In the beginning, it was you.” “Me?” James froze. “Yes.” The King continued, “Back when you were framed by the previous Emperor, I planned to introduce you to the world of politics. However, a lot happened afterward, and I realized that though you make a good general, you aren’t qualified to be a leader.” James scratched his nose and asked, “What about now?” The King clapped his hands. A man forty years of age around 180 centimeters tall walked in. He was wearing a black suit, and his refined features only accentuated his charisma. “King… Emperor…” The man greeted the two respectfully. The King explained, “Mr. Zander is the Deputy Director General of Sol.” “Mhm.” James nodded slightly. Since the King ordered Mr. Zander to enter at this moment, he must be his favored candidate for the position of King. The King continued, “There would be turmoil and disorder in