On the cliff…Thea’s eyes frequently glanced down the cavern as she waited impatiently for James and Maxine to return.After checking for the umpteenth time, she finally saw James climbing back up and excitedly chirped, “How did it go, Honey?”James shook his head sadly. “This cavern is bottomless, and the heat was searing hot down there. We couldn't go any deeper. I doubt grandpa would’ve survived.”Maxine climbed up after him.James sighed and said dejectedly, “We’re done here. Let's go back.”Since they could not find him, James did not intend to waste another second in this cavern.Based on what he and Maxine had gleaned from the clues, he had a rough idea of what might have happened.His grandfather was most likely still alive.He was still slightly dubious about Maxine’s theory.James firmly believed that his grandfather would not bring harm him, or Thea.The only thing he was unsure about was why his grandfather needed to come up with so many elaborate plots.James t
James did not press the matter further since it was a matter of small consequence.“Alright, I’ll see you around.”James engaged in a brief conversation with the Blithe King and Daniel. Then he turned to leave.After leaving the military region…Thea tilted her head. “Honey, where are we going? Are we going back to the Callahans?”Before James could answer, Maxine interrupted. “James…”“Yeah?”James turned around and looked at Maxine, who was still traveling alongside James.Maxine said, “Grandpa sent me to protect you. As it stands, you’ve almost caught up to me now that you've recovered your cultivation base. Aside from that, you also have Thea, a grandmaster of the third rank beside you. It’d be pointless for me to stay in Cansington any longer. It's time for me to return to the Capital."“So soon?” James uttered in disappointment.She had a sharp mind and could think on her feet.Having Maxine beside him would be immensely beneficial to him. Her departing so quickly was
Cynthia had no business meddling in James' affairs. Upon seeing Thea, she had the urge to say something but swallowed the urge.Thea walked toward the sofa and sat opposite Cynthia. Then, she looked at James. “Honey, what are you planning on doing next?”James also sat down. He shook his head and replied, “I’ve no plans for now.”He was like a blind man that was not able to see the path ahead.“We’ll stay in Cansington for the time being and observe the overall situation. Right now, there isn't much to do. All I can do is hone my skills and continue to improve my strength as much as possible.”Maxine had made James aware of how far beneath the Ancient Four's strength he was.As he was, he was too weak to achieve anything.He was nothing compared to the Ancient Four.Unless he reaches the fifth rank, he would essentially be a sitting duck for his enemies.Regardless of his rank, he would still end up doomed if the Ancient Four were really determined to eliminate him.“Honey,
After James had left, Luther approached and stood beside Cynthia. He opened his mouth and reminded her. “Miss, there are plenty of women around James. I hope you don’t get involved in his love life.”Cynthia side-eyed Luther and sneered. “Your imagination’s run amok. That won’t happen.”“But you’re going to practice the Dual Cultivation method with him…”“Alright, that’s enough out of you. Quit nagging. Go back to the North if you’ve got nothing better to do.” Cynthia looked at him with a displeased expression.Luther wisely snapped his mouth shut.James had not slept in the past few days. He was bound to feel physically and mentally exhausted even if he had the stamina that comes with being a martial artist. He collapsed into the sweet embrace of his bed as soon as he reached his room.Meanwhile, in a particular courtyard within the Capital…The courtyard had the feel of a historical relic that was hundred of years old. It was built mainly with wood and was painted red. From af
Maxine was adopted by Tobias. Tobias taught her everything she knew about martial arts from the time she was a child. It was not in her nature to disobey him.There was no doubt in her mind that this day would come.However, things were progressing faster than she expected.Tobias leaned back in his chair and let out a wistful sigh. “My first encounter with the Blithes was 20 years ago when I went to the Enchanted Forest in search of medicinal materials. The person I met at that time was Ezra Blithe. We exchanged blows over a rare medicinal herb, and it was there where I witnessed his otherwordly skills…”Tobias’ eyes glazed over as he recalled the past.The battle 20 years ago came back to him.Even after 20 years, the memory was fresh to him as if it had taken place just yesterday.“The Blithe Fist of Abomination is an extraordinary technique. That fight almost cost me my life. For the past 20 years, I’ve tried to come up with various ways to counter it, but to no avail.”M
“What else did Grandpa tell you?”Thea tilted her head in an effort to remember and suddenly recalled a fact. “Grandpa said the technique recorded in the Medical Book Volume Two is called Invincible Body Siddhi. Mastering it will make you invulnerable to swords and bullets. However, it needs to be practiced alongside the Medical Book First Volume which will act as a guide.”“Back then, Julianna wasn’t able to pierce through your skin with a knife in Dagon Fountain Villa. You claimed to be wearing clothes made from a special material, but now it's clear to me that you've changed your body's cellular structure with medicine.”Thea felt the shame creep up on her as she recalled past events.After reading the second volume of the medical book, James realized what it was trying to describe was a set of defensive martial arts.However, he had yet to understand how to practice it.His grandfather was a martial arts genius and was highly proficient in the field of medicine too. Since Tho
Madelyn relayed a series of drastic decisions.First, make efforts to resume their research as soon as possible.Second, every other pharmaceutical group apart from Centennial Corporation must be eliminated. Third, only one medical hospital could exist on Medical Street—Universal Hospital.Madelyn gave out her orders with swift determination. The process did not matter to her. All she cared about was achieving the desired end result.“Ms. Gabriel…” Jonathan stood up anxiously.He chose his words carefully so as to not anger her. “James is in Cansington and has established Messiah Corporation. His company has been fiercely competing with Centennial Corporation for market share. It’s going to be an uphill battle to accomplish your goals. James is definitely going to get in our way and interfere with our plans.”“James…” Madelyn murmured pensively.She had never left the Capital before, but she was keenly familiar with James’ name.“Does he think he can stop Centennial with Mess
“P-Prove it…! Hold me tight in your arms!.”James took a deep breath of resignation and wrapped his strong arms around Thea.Thea nestled comfortably into his arms and nuzzled her face into his chest. The two spent the night in this position as it passed silently.The next morning…Thea stirred from her slumber relatively early in the morning.As soon as she woke up, she could sense a warm hand clasping her breast. Her face turned hot and her senses were immediately slapped wide awake. She sheepishly tried to move away, but was trapped in James’ tight embrace. As she found herself unable to move or escape her predicament, she could only stare at the ceiling in a bewildered daze.Soon after, James also woke up.Feeling the sensation of something in his hand, he reflexively gave it a firm squeeze.“Ah…”He heard a surprised gasp from beside him.“What are you doing, James? That hurts.”James eyes immediately snapped open when he realized the situation he was in. In his flus