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
Sky’s breakthrough shocked Omniscient Deity. Back then, it took him a century to finally cross into the ninth rank. Meanwhile, Sky only needed a couple of years to accomplish that. The Dragon Essence and the dragon’s blood were indeed good stuff. Looking at Sky with a composed look on his face, he asked, “Why are you here at Mount Jade when you’re supposed to be in Tacriyrus?” “Master, I have come to challenge you,” Sky said calmly. The Omniscient Deity was not surprised. He had watched Sky grow. Sky was an extremely ambitious and power-hungry man. He wanted to stand at the very top of the power pyramid. Meanwhile, as Sky’s master, he was an uncrossable obstacle in his path to greatness. To become the most powerful individual in the world, Sky would have to defeat him first. “Very well…” The Omniscient Deity nodded slightly and said, “Since you insist, I’ll allow you to challenge me. The battle will take place on Mount Kirkton in a week.” After he said that, the Omniscient
In truth, James wanted to witness the once-in-a-lifetime battle and seek advice from the Omniscient Deity and Sky on how best to cross into the ninth rank. “Go ahead if you want.” Thea did not stop him. She knew that James was passionate about martial arts, researching them day in and day out. She also knew that James was adamant about making a breakthrough into the ninth rank. As if sensing James’ concerns, she said with a smile, “Just go, I’ll be fine. I’m not a child anymore. Even though the baby’s due in two months, I’m still one of the most powerful martial artists out there. No ordinary martial artists can approach me. With the Malevolent Sword in my hand, I might even stand a chance against some of the best ones out there.” James shook his head and said, “Nah, forget it. Something bad has just happened to the Callahans. Besides, Callan just said that someone’s targeting me behind the shadows. It would be bad if someone comes the moment I leave.” Although James wanted
James’ gaze was fixed on Delainey. She was wearing a red vintage dress and flowers embroidered with beads on her head. Her features were fine and delicate, and her skin was fair and smooth. Holding a sword in her hand, the charisma she exuded accentuated her beauty. At that moment, the rest of the Mount Thunder Sect walked over to James. Their gazes were fixed on James. When James retreated into the mountains three years ago, word of his life of seclusion spread all across the world. He was the youngest and most brilliant martial artist there was, so any news that concerned him would spread like wildfire. Then there was Thea. Though she was an ordinary woman at the beginning, she became one of the most powerful individuals in a year. It would be impossible not to garner any attention. James looked at Simon and greeted him respectfully, “Simon…” “Mhm.” Simon nodded slightly before looking at Thea and Callan, greeting them both. “Hmph!” Thea grunted. Back in the Mount Thu