“I said he cannot be the chief, which means he cannot be the chief. Anyone who wants to be chief must get my permission.” Hope was baffled by Kaze’s words. What shocked her most was that Buffy nodded with agreement as if Kaze spoke the absolute truth. Why would her nominal stepdaughter trust Kaze that much? Was she brainwashed or drugged? Hope could not understand. She looked at Kaze for a moment and then scoffed. “Kaze, you cannot just tell lies like that. “Who do you think you are? The branch leader of the West State Viper’s Den, or the Viper Queen herself? “Your permission? You are full of nonsense! My impression of you changed for the better after everything. I really think you are a capable man but now it seems like you are still the insolent fool who brags. “People like you won’t go far. There’s no way you can achieve anything big, even if you have what it takes.” Hope showed obvious disappointment in her gaze at Kaze. Earlier in the hospital, her impression of
Though Kaze could not care less about Hope for now. She had a complicated history of hate and romance with Jude. Kaze was looking forward to her reaction when she learned of Jude’s defeat. Ever since he arrived at Riverbank, Jude and Hope disgusted him the most. He did not mind waiting a little longer for a better show between them. Buffy did not walk with Hope. She stayed and followed Kaze to Hannah’s side. Her action stirred resentment from Jude’s supporters. As Jude’s biological daughter, she chose to side with the opponents at this critical moment. It was embarrassing for the father. Hope saw the scene as she returned to Jude’s side. She raised her brows and sneered. “Jude, your daughter openly stands against you.” Jude was unfazed. He calmly looked at the battle in the ring and said, “Just ignore her.” He was fully concentrated on the match tonight. It was the last step for him to reach the position of chief. Other than that, nothing could steal his focus awa
The dead agent was dragged away. “Bump!” Suddenly, a large figure, at least two meters in height, came out from backstage and jumped into the ring. As he landed, the entire ring trembled as if an elephant had entered the ring. “It’s him!” When the man stepped into the ring, Hannah, who had remained calm and expressionless until now, suddenly appeared afraid. Not only did she not know the man but she was also afraid of him and his strength. If even the prodigy of the West State Viper’s Den feared him, his strength spoke for itself. “Next match, Bruce Payne versus Al!” The emcee announced the next match to the audience. Bruce made a fierce entrance and it captured everyone’s attention. “Bruce Payne? Who is he?” “I have never heard of him.” “I have never heard of him but I know he’s strong. Just look at him!” “That’s right. Jude Gwake is left with the last candidate and he will certainly give his best. This might be his strongest man.” “This Bruce guy might b
“Deputy Chief Gwake is going to win this! Bruce is here! He’s almighty! Who else can beat him?” “Yeah! Al might be powerful but he looked like a child in front of Bruce!” “Bruce is not just all brawn and no brains, he’s extremely talented and smart, rivaling Hannah Delmore.” “Hannah wasn’t able to fight in the ring because she was hurt, that’s why she got Al in her place while she stayed in hiding. I don’t think this guy can match Bruce at all.” “We are in for a good show.” The audience erupted into a sea of excitement. Those who cheered on Jude were thrilled, gloating at Hannah and her followers. Hannah’s followers and supporters reacted with bitter looks. The match was crucial to decide who the next chief of the South River Branch would be. It was unfortunate that Hannah got hurt and could not participate herself. Given Bruce’s background, even if Hannah was in her prime and healthy, she might or might not be able to overpower Bruce either. With that in mind, a
Kaze was also looking at Bruce with interest. In the north of Arcadia was a less developed country named Barhmans. People from various barbaric tribes there were born with unique physical traits, making them ideal candidates to be trained as killers from a young age. They were sent into the woods for rigorous survival training. They hunted wild beasts, drank their blood, and fought the fiercest of them all. Once they came of age, they would be stronger than other people of the same age and could kill a grown tiger with their bare hands. Kaze met a lot of barbaric mercenaries from Barhmans on the foreign battlefield and all of them shared a similar physique with Bruce. They looked like people with superhuman strength. However, Bruce was also labeled as a genius in martial arts, not just raw strength. Kaze wanted to see how powerful Bruce was. “Then I will kill you and strip that mask off your face.” Bruce curled his lips into a sinister grin and exercised his neck. “
“Is he out of his mind?” “Hannah, please stop him! He should prolong the fight and exhaust Bruce Payne’s stamina first!” Collier was nervous. He disagreed with Albert’s decision to settle the fight in one move. It was because Hannah brought Albert in and he had been performing well until now, or else Collier would have shouted at him in the face. “Shut up!” Hannah then looked at Kaze, who remained silent and observant, closely watching the match. She was unaware of Albert’s true identity, but since Kaze was the one who brought him here, he must be closely connected to Kaze. Before the match started, she was able to have a brief conversation with Albert. By instinct, Hannah sensed nobility in Albert’s presence and she knew he was not an ordinary man. It was great to have someone like Albert to take her place. Collier was in no position to criticize him. “Kaze, what do you think about Al beating Bruce? Can he win?” Buffy asked. She knew Kaze was in a league of his o
“Kabaam!” The slap was not just powerful. Its speed was like a fleeting comet, creating a loud explosion in the air as it moved. With an intimidating and destructive force, the slap went straight for Albert. The gale assaulted Albert in the face, messing up his long hair that he had just tied up. “Kapoof!” He had no choice but to raise both fists and throw punches at the incoming slap. “Bang!” Their fists collided forcefully, producing a dull thud of flesh and bone crashing together, sending thrills and exhilaration through the audience’s hearts. It was the clash of muscles and raw strength. There was no fancy technique involved. However, compared to the towering Bruce with superhuman strength, Albert, who was deemed tall among the commons, looked like a child. The audience assumed Albert made the worst choice possible for facing Bruce face to face with his fists. He would eventually lose it. “Yeah!” Even Jude’s loyal followers could not help but cheer on Bruc
The crowd was so carried away by the excitement that no one noticed Bruce’s furrowed brows and narrowed eyes. He stared at Albert jumping off the ring and walking away. A hint of seriousness appeared in his eyes. Everyone thought Albert was simply being ridiculous and refused to accept that he lost, but only Bruce knew Albert might be right. Only when one fought Albert face-to-face, one could sense the blood and bodies in his presence. Albert felt like a merciless killing machine that emerged from the goriest and fiercest battlefield. The intensity Bruce felt was unlike anything he had experienced, even during his rigorous training in the Viper’s Den West State. If they were on a battlefield that could determine one’s life and death within a split second, Bruce might be the one who died in the end. At that very moment, he felt like he was gazing into a brand-new world. Hannah barely reacted to Albert’s loss, but Collier had a bitter look on his face, mostly because Jude
“Whoosh!” The swift swing of the dagger left a huge cut on Kaze’s shirt at the abdomen. The old man had switched his stance to kneeling on one knee. The pain in his eyes had been replaced by frosty murderous intent, with a hint of shock and resentment as if he did not expect Kaze to dodge the lethal blow. “Old man, you’re a wicked one.” Kaze was also shocked. He looked down at his collar T-shirt and the wide opening at his stomach. The chilling wind on his skin sent chills down his spine. A split second later he would be gutted on the spot. “Swoosh!” After missing the ambush, the old man jumped like a nimble fox for a follow-up attack. This time, he switched his target from Kaze to Darcy. The dagger in his hand glared coldly as it thrusted toward Kaze’s chest. He was shocked that Kaze was able to dodge his lethal blow. He also realized Kaze was a tough opponent, so he switched to an easier one—Darcy. He acted like a gambler who had lost everything. With nothing
“Huh?” Phoenix narrowed her eyes and shot a sharp gaze at Joan. “Thump!” Joan fell on her knees immediately, looking horrified. “I-Impossible! My family spent tens of millions to make this walking cane, how can it…” Her family members were also similarly horrified, all falling onto their knees after her and even prostrating on the ground. If they were charged with attempted murder on Phoenix’s life, she and her entire family would be uprooted completely. Phoenix’s expression darkened. With gritted teeth, she said, “Take all of them away and investigate what really happened!” Her men who followed her from Ridgesouth came up, dragging Joan and her family away despite them crying for help. Those who resisted were slapped and knocked out before being shoved into the car. “Kaze, how did you know about the walking cane?” Agnes asked, her voice trembling. She felt grateful for escaping what seemed to be a disaster. Kaze’s offensive behavior shocked her, but it was to expos
“Huh?! Y-You hit me?!” Joan screamed as she covered her face. “Madam Quint, do something about this monkey! He’s disrespecting you and slapped me in front of everyone!” “You wretched boy, on your knees!” Phoenix’s expression darkened, her eyes on Kaze resentful. “If your family failed to teach you manners, I’ll do it for them!” “Greedy, self-righteous, ignorant, use your age to pressure others…” Kaze was determined to teach Phoenix a lesson about shame and humility today, so there was no way he would show her any respect. “People like you don’t even know what you are doing even with age, what gives you the right to lecture me?” “Kaze, shut it! Are you trying to get yourself into more trouble?!” Agnes bellowed, almost passing out due to the anger. Kaze had offended Phoenix. “Me? Ignorant?!” Phoenix scoffed due to disbelief. Her eyes were burning with the flames of anger as she said, “You disrespectful little bastard, I will show you what ignorance is!” As the words
The Ridgesouth Quints may be a prominent family, but their influence did not extend as far as the South River State. If that were not the case, the Ridgesouth Quints would not have waited until now to appoint Darcy as a proxy to expand their influence in the South River State. Kent came from a wealthy family, and he was the mayor of Riverbank. He had no reason to curry favor with the Quints by giving them a villa. The Ridgesouth Quints should be the ones showering Kent with gifts to do business in Riverbank. “What? How dare you say that we are unworthy!”“If we are unworthy, what about you? You’re just a moocher.”“Insolence!” Joan and the others flipped out. “Bam.” Phoenix slammed her cane to the floor and said chillingly, “You said that the Quints are unworthy, boy. What about you? Why would the mayor give you a villa? “You better give a convincing answer. If you don’t, ha!” “It’s none of your business,” Kaze replied bluntly.Silence hung heavy in the air. E
“Gone too far?” Phoenix said furiously, “Do you want to get it too, boy?” “Shut up, Kaze!” Not wanting the situation to escalate, Agnes charged over and said ingratiatingly, “I’m sorry, Madam Quint. We didn’t do a good job raising Sky. He simply didn’t think straight in the heat of the moment.”“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry!” Darcy apologized as well. “I’ll wipe the blood off you, Madam Quint. We don’t want to get your hands dirty.” Joan pulled out a tissue and cleaned Phoenix’s hands fawningly while uttering sarcastically, “You have no idea, Madam Quint. Some people have the money. They just don’t want to spend it.“As far as I know, our little leader is living in a villa worth several hundred million dollars in Riverbank. The villa was a gift from Mayor Synder too.“They didn’t give a bracelet that was only worth half a million because they have no money. They simply do not care enough for you, Madam Quint. “They’re just trying to fob you off since you’re only an old
“We from Chrysant City have given Madam Quint a bullet-proof Lincoln stretch from Uleania. The Lincoln will be Madam Quint’s ride in Riverbank,” a middle-aged man with glasses said smugly.Kaze glanced at the Lincoln stretch not too far away, understanding the value of the car. “Madam Quint can’t be staying in the hotel throughout her trip. We, the branch in Takeno City, are a family in politics, so we lack funding. Still, we borrowed a villa from a major corporation to accommodate Madam Quint,” a representative of the Takeno Quints said with a chuckle. The Takeno Quints talked about borrowing. Their primary focus was on politics, so they could not be honest about their net worth. However, every branch of the Quints presented Phoenix with expensive gifts. Each gift was worth at least five million dollars. The five-hundred-thousand-dollar bracelet from Darcy’s family seemed modest in comparison. Sure enough, Phoenix grew upset and raised her free arm to slap the gift box
Even Darcy did not think Phoenix would deny her. It was true that Darcy was supposed to gather all family branches in Riverbank. She would have to discipline the unruly and unite the rest. Her goal was to consolidate the family’s power and resources under her control. It was a clear and comprehensive strategy. Darcy had not anticipated such a response from her first meeting with Phoenix. It was harsh. Phoenix completely dismissed her. Darcy, though accepting fault, felt hurt. Agnes felt like her world was crumbling down. If Darcy was stripped of her leadership role, the family would go back to when things were bad. Ever since Darcy became the family head in the South River State, Agnes was treated like royalty everywhere she went. She was addicted to the privileges. Agnes never wanted to go back to those days when people would look down on her.“Darcy, where’s the gift you got for Madam Quint? Hurry up and apologize to her.” Agnes grabbed Darcy hastily. A
“You should know that Madam Quint loves flowers, and you came empty-handed. No flowers, no gifts.” “You talk about respect for Madam Quint. It’s all talk. What have you done for her?” “You are hicks from a small place like Lilyrose. Where are your manners? You’re lucky to become the head of the South River Quints, but you will always lack refinement.” “I’m starting to worry about this leader taking us to new heights. I guess we can consider ourselves lucky if she doesn’t bring us down.” “Yeah! She was late and came empty-handed. This tells us all we need to know about this family.” Taking Joan’s lead, the other family members lay into Darcy’s family thick and hard. “That’s enough!” Before Kaze said anything, Sky had a go at these people. “You tried to set my sister up, and now you’re putting the blame on us!“Only you had information of Madam Quint’s flight. You only let us know half an hour before the plane touched down. “Why didn’t we come earlier to wait in the airp
Kaze narrowed his eyes at the woman and drew close. “You’re a member of the South River Quints. Should you stand by your leader instead of stirring the pot and causing the scene? “Does family even mean anything to you? “Are you defying the family? “Who are you to disrespect Madam Quint and the family?” The woman staggered back with each question, her face draining of color.“I… You…” Flustered, she glared at Kaze. Still, she was at a loss in the face of Kaze’s questioning. “I assure you, Madam Quint. My daughter, Joan, doesn’t mean any disrespect.” A grizzled-haired middle-aged man with glasses came forward with an ashen face. “She was just trying to defend your honor, Madam Quint. She’s upset because someone disrespected you and arrived late.” This person was manipulative. While sticking up for his daughter, he also took the opportunity to belittle Darcy. “Doesn’t mean any disrespect?” Kaze snapped back, “Madam Quint hasn’t said a thing, but a nobody came out