"Quake!"At the serene peak of the Hush Purple Gardens, Liam's calm voice echoed, striking like a decree set in stone.The old man's body quivered uncontrollably the moment he heard Liam. As if sensing something, his left elbow lifted and trembled slightly in the next moment.That subtle change unleashed a tremendous force, surging from the base of his spine like a tidal wave, completely overshadowing the elder's initial sense of weakness. In that moment, his body seemed to transform into a unified entity without a hint of stiffness or hesitation.The elder shifted sideways, his left elbow flashing like lightning again, striking directly at a nearby jujube tree.Crack!A crisp sound reverberated as the jujube tree swayed, leaves fluttering down, and a crack appeared on the trunk the size of a bowl.The elder's elbow had cracked the trunk!The old man's mind reeled as he heard the sound. Suddenly, he was wide awake. His gaze trembled as he looked at the jujube tree in front of
Howser frowned, glancing at Preston. "You're concerned about my safety? What trouble do you think I could cause? Why did you bring so many people just to surround my young friend? What exactly do you intend to do?"It was not Preston's arrival with a group of people that irritated Howser. What truly irked him was that Preston, upon arrival, indiscriminately surrounded Liam without any clarification. It made him, already burdened with guilt, feel even more embarrassed.Preston hastily tried to smooth things over, smiling apologetically. "Isn't it because quite a few people have been coming to you for favors lately?" Preston waved his hand, prompting over a dozen black-clad men behind him to step back once again.Howser snorted coldly, no longer paying attention to Preston. He looked at Liam instead, his face once again showing a hint of apology."Young friend, I sincerely apologize for involving you again.""It's fine."Liam played with a leaf in his hand, shaking his head light
"Young friend..."Mister Ulrick paused momentarily, then revealed a wry smile again.After that, he faced Liam, clasped his hands in respect, and bowed deeply with utmost seriousness. "I, Howser Ulrick, am profoundly grateful for the instruction you have imparted to me!"Howser understood better than anyone the immense importance of lineage in martial arts, especially considering that the technique Liam shared was the nearly lost art of the Lesser Nine Skies Tai Chi Fist. As Liam had mentioned, Lesser Nine Skies Tai Chi Fist was traditionally passed down through a single lineage.However, just moments ago, Liam had effortlessly taught him the true form of the Lesser Nine Skies Tai Chi Fist.Had it been a mere transaction, Howser might not have been so serious. After all, exchanging the genuine Lesser Nine Skies Tai Chi Fist for his assistance would have been perfectly normal. It would simply be a matter of what he needed to offer in return.However, it was not about any compensat
Upon hearing Howser's words, Liam squinted slightly. "Really? Is there such a saying among martial artists?"Old Master Dante had taught him many things in prison. However, he was completely unaware of the customs that Howser just mentioned.Howser nodded, looking at Liam in confusion. "Of course there is! Young friend, you can clearly discern the flaws in my Lesser Nine Skies Tai Chi Fist, but you're unaware of these things?""Indeed, I'm not very familiar with them," Liam replied calmly.Though somewhat perplexed, Howser began to explain to Liam patiently."Let me explain it to you, then. As I mentioned earlier, external training involves strengthening muscles, bones, and skin, while internal training involves cultivating a breath of energy. Through refining their bodies, martial artists can reach a certain level where they generate inner energy!"This is called internal power. Internal power is not a myth created by charlatans. It truly exists. And once one has cultivated inte
With a respectful nod, Howser said, "I understand! I'll arrange a check-up when I get back." Despite not feeling any bodily issues, he could not ignore Liam's words. After all, he knew all too well what Liam's insight meant."Thank you for your concern, young friend! Here's my contact information." With that, he retrieved a delicate card from his oriental suit pocket and handed it to Liam with solemnity. "If you have any questions, feel free to call the number on this card to reach me anytime."Liam accepted the card without a word, inspecting it briefly. The card was intricately designed and exuded elegance. There was no additional information besides Howser's name and contact information written in gold.At that moment, Preston leaned in and whispered, "Mister Ulrick, the young miss is returning home today, and you said you'd be back after sparring. Time is running short..."Preston had not intended to interrupt Howser's conversation with Liam. After all, it had been long sin
After Serena had finished tidying up, she left her home. She had arranged to meet with Tobias and the young officer from the military who had introduced the project at the Yarrowstone Hotel.As one of the finest hotels in South City, the Yarrowstone Hotel was situated in the best location and boasted luxurious, high-end decor. Choosing the Yarrowstone Hotel for this dinner indicated how seriously Serena took this event. The dinner alone was costed over a hundred thousand dollars.Serena arrived at the Yarrowstone Hotel shortly after seven in the evening. Sitting in the private room, she looked at the array of dishes in the private room on the table and sighed softly.The collaboration project was crucial for Lloyd Group. Once they secured it, the company could expand into new markets. Therefore, the pressure on Serena's shoulders was immense.It was not long before he heard a burst of laughter and chatter outside the private room. Soon, the door was pushed open. A short, rotund man
Tobias pridefully said, "This project was primarily about the military seeking partners for a new base construction. Serena, the Lloyd Group happens to have the qualifications in this area. Since Mister Timberwood can fully represent his uncle's stance, you two should have a good talk. This could be a long-term project.""Mister Timberwood, I've heard some related matters from Mister Corona," Serena said as she turned around, about to retrieve some documents from her bag. "Here are some materials from the Lloyd Group and our recent projects. You can look through them."As long as you choose to collaborate with us, you won't be disappointed!" she added earnestly.However, Isaac had no intention of looking at the materials at the moment. He waved his chubby hand and stared at Serena with a lecherous grin."Take it easy, take it easy! Let's drink and dine first. We can discuss the project later!"Tobias, seemingly oblivious to Isaac's demeanor, followed Isaac's lead with a smile."T
"Mister Corona..."Serena briefly displayed a hint of discomfort. She turned to Tobias for assistance, but to her surprise, he seemed to slump as if heavily drunk ever since Isaac plopped down next to Serena.Isaac's displeased expression deepened. "Why are you calling for Tobias? Are you discussing cooperation with me or with him?"Serena bit her lip, observing the situation. "Apologies, Mister Timberwood. I need to use the restroom."With those words, she pushed her chair back and left the private room."Damn it."Watching Serena's graceful figure leave the room, Isaac's eyes flashed with lust once more, cursing under his breath.However, as soon as Serena exited the room, Tobias lifted his head. He showed no signs of being intoxicated."Mister Timberwood, Serena is the CEO of the Lloyd Group. Show me some respect."Tobias wanted to say more, but before he could finish his sentence, Isaac narrowed his eyes. "Respect? What are you even worth for me to show you respect? Are yo
"I…"Hearing this, Charles was momentarily stunned.But in the end, he shook his head and said, "Mister Nosh, if Union Finance truly can't approve a loan for the Hensworth Group, then so be it."We'll figure out another way…"Charles's voice was low and heavy. At first, he genuinely believed Godfrey wanted to be with Valerie. But now it was clear Godfrey had no such intentions—he only wanted to toy with Valerie. How could Charles possibly agree to this?At the same time, his heart was filled with regret. He had almost become the one to push his daughter into a pit of fire!"You'll figure out another way?"Godfrey's expression darkened. He glared at Charles coldly and sneered. "Ten billion in loans, just to have Valerie play with me for a while! I really didn't know that any wh*re on the market could be this expensive!""If you don't agree, I'd like to see which other financial institution in Qyn Province would dare lend to you without Union Finance's approval!"The entire orde
"What’s wrong with you?"Hearing this, Godfrey furrowed his brows and said in a dissatisfied tone, "How long has it been? How could you not handle such a simple matter?""You still want that loan from the Hensworth Group approved, don’t you?"He immediately reprimanded Charles."Whether or not I’m with you is my business, it has nothing to do with my father!"Upon hearing this, Valerie immediately understood the implication behind Godfrey's words. Although she had just been angry with Charles, she could not allow Godfrey to speak to her father like that."Then what exactly are you thinking now?"Hearing Valerie's words, Godfrey turned his head, his eyes flashing with an inexplicable light as he looked at her. "The other day, I asked you to go out for drinks. Why didn’t you go?"The reason Godfrey had come in and started pressuring Charles was that he sensed that Valerie seemed uninterested in him.However, he had not expected Valerie to suddenly speak up at this moment."I did
"Dad, Liam really does have the ability to help our Hensworth Group…"However, hearing Liam’s words, a hint of urgency flashed across Valerie’s face. She quickly spoke, as though she wanted to persuade him of something.Even though, up until now, Valerie did not know the full extent of Liam’s influence, after the last class reunion, she was very certain—Liam helping the Hensworth Group would definitely not be a problem!"Valerie! You and Liam, both of you get out of here!"Before Valerie could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Charles. His face darkened as he pointed toward the nearby door and barked harshly."Come back when you’ve thought things through!"The Hensworth Group was already on the brink of a crisis. Yet Valerie was still stirring up trouble. Right now, Charles did not even want to see her!"Dad…"Seeing this, Valerie opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say more.And just then—Bang!A loud noise rang out. The villa door of Valerie’s home was violently k
"I…"Hearing Charles’s words, Sebastian froze. His once-straight back slowly hunched over.Charles was not wrong.If the Lloyd Group were dealing with some minor trouble, maybe he could help. But if the crisis was so severe that marrying off Valerie was the only solution, there was nothing Sebastian could do.After all, he had stepped away from the Lloyd Group’s management and handed it over to Charles many years ago.Sebastian had long since lost much of his influence.Now, he was just an old man who spent his days watering flowers and pulling weeds.At that moment, a wave of frustration washed over him.As for the truth behind Charles’s words, he did not ask much. Sebastian knew his son well. If the situation were not dire, Charles wouldn’t be saying such things.Just then, Liam’s voice rang out, slow and steady."How serious could the Lloyd Group’s crisis be for you to be in such a rush to marry off Valerie?"He narrowed his eyes slightly, fixing his gaze on Charles."Yo
The young man standing before them, tall and handsome, could he really be the person described in those rumors?"Dad! Mom! You just don’t understand!"Valerie's delicate face was filled with urgency as she looked at the scene before her. "Liam really isn’t like the rumors say.""I honestly think that being with him is an honor for our Hensworth family. Please, you have to trust me!" she pleaded desperately."Grandpa just had a chat with Liam earlier. Why don’t you ask him? Doesn’t he also think Liam is great? He’s truly amazing. Everything I know about him barely scratches the surface!"As she spoke, Valerie turned her gaze to Sebastian, seeking his support.What she wanted to convey to Charles and Janell was not just about seeking their approval for her to be with Liam.At this point, Valerie only wanted to clear Liam’s name!"Sigh..."Hearing her words, Sebastian let out a deep sigh.He raised his head to look at Charles, his tone softening slightly. "It really hasn’t been
Hearing Valerie's voice, Liam could not help but turn his head, looking at Valerie with surprise in his eyes. Although he knew that her current actions were merely an excuse to avoid marrying that Mister Nosh, her performance truly startled him. If it were not for the prior agreement between him and Valerie, he would have almost believed what she was saying was true. Valerie's acting skills were indeed exceptional.As for the Hensworth family's prejudices, Liam did not care. He was well aware that, thanks to the propaganda from the Lloyd family, his reputation in South City was hardly good. However, none of this could affect him. A dragon soaring high in the sky would never be concerned about the buzzing of flies. But it seemed that the rumors from the Lloyd family were causing some trouble for Valerie. Liam had actually thought about this initially. However, when he first agreed to meet Valerie's parents, he genuinely believed that he just needed to show up and everything w
He immediately turned his head to look at Sebastian and said, "At your age, you usually have the best perspective. What happened this time? Why do you trust someone you just met so much?"That's because you didn't see the performance of this kid just now!"Sebastian was very dissatisfied with Charles's words. He patted his waist and said, "If it weren't for this kid just now, I wouldn't be able to stand up until now! He wants to teach me a set of boxing techniques that can heal my old man's back injury. Can you do that?""This…"Hearing Sebastian's words, Charles was taken aback. He really did not know that so much had happened just now. Charles was not a foolish person stuck in his ways. Seeing Sebastian's attitude, he could still determine that the young man in front of him had some ability.However, even so, Charles's thoughts did not change."What's your name?" Charles turned his head to look at Liam and asked. This was the first time he had inquired about Liam's name since e
"It's probably because Valerie didn't want to expose our relationship too much before."Liam shook his head.In fact, he felt helpless too. After all, just ten minutes ago, he had agreed to Valerie's request to pretend to be her boyfriend.Charles might have heard about him somewhere before. At most, it was probably back when they were in school, listening to Valerie talk about herself.Upon hearing Liam's answer, Charles's expression grew even darker.He looked at Valerie with dissatisfaction, then turned back to Liam, straightforwardly asking, "What do you do for a living, and what does your family do?""Charles, how can you talk like that!"Seeing this scene unfold before him, Sebastian's voice rang out first before Liam could respond."This young man is quite capable; he just helped me with my waist injury. After all, he is Valerie's boyfriend, so you should speak more politely!"He shot an unhappy glance at Charles."I…"Hearing this, Charles was taken aback, and a look
Sebastian no longer harbored much doubt about Liam's words. Looking at the scene before her, Valerie's face was filled with astonishment. She had never imagined it.Aside from being knowledgeable in medicine, Liam also knew martial arts! This revelation sparked intense curiosity in Valerie's heart. Hadn't he been in prison for a few years? How did he come out not only with such an extraordinary background but also with skills in both medicine and martial arts?The key point was that Valerie knew her grandfather, Sebastian, very well. Although he appeared kind and gentle, he actually had high standards! She had never seen anyone, except Liam, who could make Sebastian so satisfied upon their first meeting.Unfortunately… Liam was not actually her real boyfriend. Valerie lowered her head slightly, her eyes dimming a bit.However, at the moment, no one seemed too focused on Valerie. Sebastian eagerly began asking Liam about martial arts. Just as Liam was positioning himself to teac