Hearing this, James could not help but be stunned. He never expected there to be such drastic changes in the ancient martial world in just three short years. It seemed everyone had benefitted greatly from slaying the dragon three years ago. Things were even more chaotic now than they had been back then. “By the way, what about the Blood Race? What have they been up to over the past three years?” James asked. Callan said, “They’ve been keeping a low profile all this while. Apart from the First Blood Emperor who would occasionally show himself once in a while, the rest almost never appeared in public. They might be intimidated by the Solean ancient martial artists.” “I see…” James said. Then, holding the wine glass in his hand, he said, “What’s the point of knowing all this? I’m now living a happy and carefree life. I’m not getting myself involved in this.” “But, can you stay out of it?” Callan said, “Many powerful martial artists have emerged. You’ve cultivated the Lunar
“Pipe down! She could be Favion Hansel’s friend. She looks like she possesses extraordinary strength.” Many conversed in whispers. Upon seeing Maxine, Favion momentarily froze. Wearing a puzzled expression on his face, he murmured, “Isn’t she Maxine, Master of Floret Palace and the woman who left the Cadens’ household? Why is she here?” After collecting himself, Favion walked over to Maxine with a bright smile. “Welcome, Master of Floret Palace. What a surprise this is! Please make yourself comfortable.” Maxine’s name had been well-known by all recently. It was natural for Favion to recognize her almost immediately. As he thought Maxine was here for his birthday banquet, he welcomed her warmly.However, Maxine looked at him coldly and simply raised her arm. Powerful energy gathered in her palm, and she struck Favion.Favion was immediately sent flying. “…” The crowd fell silent as they watched Favion crash against the wall and collapse heavily to the ground. Vomiting a
Learning that his True Energy, which had been stagnant for three years, increased, James was delighted. “Thea!” He rushed into the house excitedly. At that moment, Thea was sitting on a chair in the courtyard while reading stories to her soon-to-be-born baby. Upon seeing James rushing over to her, she rolled her eyes and said, “You’re no longer a child, James. Calm down.” “Wait, I can explain! My True Energy increased after absorbing the Spiritual Energy of the herb. I’m heading to the back of the mountain to see if I can make a breakthrough.” Back then, James could not make a breakthrough no matter how hard he tried. Now, he was tempted to give it another try. “Go on, then.” Thea waved her hand slightly, After gaining her approval, he hurriedly turned to leave and headed to the back of the mountain. Soon, he arrived in the woods behind the wooden house. After finding an empty plot of land, he sat in a lotus position on the ground and catalyzed the Lunar and Terra
In his room, James contemplated ways that would allow him to cross into the ninth rank. At that moment, he wanted to seek those who had crossed into the ninth rank for assistance—Sky, the Prince of Orchid Mountain, the Omniscient Deity, and even his grandfather. Thomas had made a breakthrough and had become a Half-Saint. Soon, Thea walked in. “Darling.” She spoke in a gentle and melodious tone. James collected himself and looked at Thea with a smile. “Hey, there.” Thea sat beside him. “The baby’s due soon.” “I know.” James nodded and grabbed Thea’s hand, saying, “I promise to always be by your side. Until the baby is born, I won’t be going anywhere. After living here for three years, I’ve grown attached to this carefree and peaceful life.” Though this was what James said, Thea knew he wanted to leave to the outside world. “Mhm.” She did not say anything more. That day, James remained at home. In the courtyard, he repeatedly swung his wooden sword. Though his movem
In the courtyard, Thea looked at James. James said in frustration, “I really don’t know what happened.” Thea asked, “What does Floret Palace have to do with anything?” James narrated the events that unfolded in the ancient martial world to her. Upon hearing this, Thea furrowed her eyebrows. “What is Maxine up to? Why did she harm an innocent man for no reason and direct him to you?” James gestured and said, “How would I know? In any case, we shouldn’t pay any heed to her. Come, let me carry you in for now. I’ll see to the injured man later.” “No, you promised me that you’d never intervene in the affairs of the ancient martial world.” Wearing a surly expression, Thea said, “Besides, Callan possesses great medical skills too. Saving someone’s life should be a piece of cake for him.” “I’m just going to have a look. I won’t do anything.” “No means no.” “Alright, then.” James shrugged. Outside the courtyard… Upon learning of the events that unfolded, Callan furrowe
“You’re overthinking things.” “You don’t understand. Maxine’s a cunning and shrewd woman. Be on your guard, and never ever meet with her without my permission. I don’t want you falling into her trap.” “Am I that dumb to you?” James scratched his nose. “In any case, I don’t think you stand a chance against her when it comes to mind games,” Thea said matter-of-factly. She knew what kind of person Maxine was. Back then, during her time at the Cadens, she resorted to underhanded tactics to secure her position as the family head. Then, she resorted to the same tricks when she helped James establish New Era Commerce. She cajoled and pressured the Lees and the Sullivans into siding with them. “Fine, fine… I know my limits.” “What? Are you annoyed now?” “Of course not, Darling.” James hurriedly explained, “I will obey your command and stay far away from Maxine. I promise I’ll never have any sort of relationship with her whatsoever.” “That’s more like it.” Thea smiled. For the
“I’ll go with you.” Thea was concerned about the Callahans’ safety as well. They were family, after all. Now that her family was in danger, she could not simply sit idly by. James stopped her in time and said, “Don’t worry, Thea. The baby is due in two months. You shouldn’t be running around. Stay here and rest well. I promise I’ll be back soon.” “You should hurry, James. Any later and everyone might be killed!” David said anxiously. Upon hearing this, Thea furrowed her eyebrows. She was lost in thought. She could not understand why something like this would happen at such a critical moment. Was it merely a coincidence? “Don’t worry, Thea, everything will be fine.” James grabbed Thea’s hand and consoled her, “You know how powerful I am, don’t you? Even if I have yet to cross into the ninth rank, I can face off against a Half-Saint.” “I’m not worried about your safety,” Thea said anxiously. “I know your strength, of course. I’m just concerned about the timing of all this.
Indeed, he suspected Maxine because the timing of these occurrences was too suspicious. Thea suspected the same. That was why she reminded James not to fall for Maxine’s trap. Though she did not voice her thoughts, James nonetheless came to the same conclusion. She smiled and said, “Get going, then. I’m pregnant, but my strength isn’t beneath yours. Only a handful of people can stand a chance against me on the battlefield. Even if Maxine has ascended the Ninth Stair, she might not be able to defeat me. Besides, this might not be her doing.” James looked at Thea and said, “I’ll be back soon. Take care, alright?” “Sigh… If you’re so worried, why don’t you remain here? Just leaving everything to me,” Callan said. “You?” James looked at him. Callan said smilingly, “Do you not trust me?” “No…” James immediately shook his head and said, “Of course I trust you, Callan. In that case, I’ll leave everything to you.” “A piece of cake.” Callan smiled. Then, he grabbed David by the ar