“Whip!” Kaze twirled the cloth in his hand and used it as a whip, smacking the sniper in the left cheek. The force of the whip sent her sprawling to the floor again, breaking a tooth in the process and making her spit it out along with blood. “Hiding a poison capsule behind your tooth?” Kaze stepped forward and stomped on the tooth-like capsule to break it. He then said coldly, “So you were trained by Siber and are ready to die for him?” The sniper tried to kill herself with the poison behind her tooth but Kaze just stopped her. Lying down on the floor, the sniper looked at Kaze in fear. She finally had a taste of despair. She could not even kill herself in front of him. Without sparing a glance at the woman lying on the floor, Kaze pulled out his phone, which had been buzzing incessantly moments ago. “Kaze, Albert and I are at Bronze Sparrow now. How’s your side doing?” It was from Snow and her voice sounded concerned. Kaze smiled. “You are calling me. Doesn’t
Siber’s secret killer? No wonder not even South, the so-called diplomat of the Steelclaw Guild, had no idea of her existence. The sniper, Samantha, was even sent to Ryokan to train as a ninja. “Interesting.” Noticing the pondering look on Kaze, Collier lowered his head and said, “I am sorry, Branch Leader. The woman is only a killer. I thought I could make her tell me who contacted Siber and contracted him to kill you, but she had no idea.” “It’s normal that she doesn’t know. If she does, then the mastermind is being unprofessional and careless,” Kaze said. He waved his hand and said, “There’s nothing much to get out from her anyway. As soon as I walked out of the state police department, she came for me. So, there are only two people who eagerly want me dead. “It’s either Reiko Hara, or Aiden Krad, but I tend to lean more toward the latter. Reiko is much more difficult to deal with and the Ryokanians are powerful here in Riverbank. If I can walk out of the state police d
The men spread out and quickly surrounded Kaze and Collier. One of them, in a black uniform and a headband over his forehead, stepped up and said coldly, “Kaze Lee, I am Senji Kadota from the Refined Blade Clan. I heard you have taken Anzu Okita. You have one minute to hand her over and I will take her away, or else I will level Bronze Sparrow to the ground and make this place your grave!” Senji peered down at Kaze condescendingly as if he were looking at a dead man. He did not take Kaze seriously at all. Kaze did not even look back at Senji. He grumbled, “What is Miru doing? I put her in charge of Bronze Sparrow and this is how she does things? Some random people came down here and she told me this is a safe spot?” Miru had become the kingpin of Riverbank’s underworld. With her connection to Kaze, she was able to secure a tight relationship with the Viper’s Den South River Branch as well. Collier knew Kaze was annoyed and not necessarily criticizing her like a mere employee.
“Pft!” Even Kaze could not hold back his laughter. Collier was amusing at times. “You bastard!” Senji was infuriated by Collier’s words, but he was on a mission to retrieve someone important, so he suppressed his erupting anger and said coldly, “Anzu Okita has another name here in Arcadia—Samantha Oakland. “She might be an Arcadian but the martial artists here are all show and no power, charlatans if you may. She studied under a famous teacher in Ryokan and was given a new name.” Kaze was not concerned by Senji’s insult but he glanced at Collier. Collier tacitly understood Kaze’s glance and quickly lowered his head, with his forehead glistening with sweat. He said timidly, “I am sorry, but my men did whatever they could to make the woman talk. “We thought she had spilled everything but it seems like she still kept something from us.” It was a serious mistake for not being able to extract all the information from Samantha. Initially, Kaze thought she was just a kille
Collier knew exactly who Albert was—the ex-chief commander of the South River Strategic Department. He was certainly powerful. If it was one-on-one, Senji might not even make it through the first round even if he sounded intimidating. Yet there were almost fifty of them and all of them were experts, equipped with a katana. One slash from each of them could easily slice Albert into a thousand pieces. Collier was worried that Albert might be overwhelmed by the numbers. “Calm down.” Kaze explained, “I know better than anyone how powerful Albert is. After going through the lengthy fight at Drake Gym the other day, he’s reaching the point where he could break through to the next stage. “If he could overcome this situation, then he would be able to take the final step to the next stage, thus becoming an expert Warlord. Only then will he be worthy of being the chief commander of the South River Strategic Department.” He ignored the other Ryokanians and focused his gaze on Albe
If nearly fifty elites of the Refined Blade Clan were wiped out in Bronze Sparrow, Reiko would likely have to lay low for a while. “Yes, sir. I’ll open my eyes and watch closely.” Collier put away his messy thoughts and focused on the scene. “Arcadians! You are fools to send one man against us! This is pure disrespect!” Senji was infuriated when Kaze and the others talked about how to wipe them out in his face. He turned to Albert and raised his hand at his men, shouting, “Kill him!” “Rawr!” The two elites closest to Albert drew their swords and jumped at Albert. Albert was not deterred at all. Instead, his eyes showed a strong sense of battle intent. He advanced on his opponent despite being barehanded. Fists and kicks were thrown at the two men, causing a few heavy thuds followed by agonizing cries. The two men were sent flying backward as they groaned in pain. Blood gushed from their mouths as they slid across the floor. Their faces paled rapidly, losing all
Three minutes went by quickly. The last one standing, Senji, fell onto the floor with his hands over his neck, his expression in disbelief. Blood gushed out from the seams of his fingers over his neck. He held his neck tightly, trying to speak but the signs of life faded from his face rapidly. Cough… Senji opened his mouth but blood gushed out uncontrollably before he finally died. The noisy underground level finally returned to silence. Albert was covered in blood, standing on a pile of dead bodies. His bloodshot eyes were closed. Collier looked as pale as paper. He stared at Albert with fear and reverence while he got up on his feet. He then looked at Kaze, but he did not and dared not speak. Kaze remained quiet as he looked at Albert. A while later, Albert finally opened his eyes, which had returned to normal. He then went to one of the cells with the iron door and stood in front of it for a few seconds before he raised his right hand for a punch. Bang! A
Albert was greatly encouraged by the words. Kaze said it was possible for him to achieve Wargod rank in the future. As long as he could set his mind at the goal, and train himself properly, he would eventually achieve it. He put his arrogance and excitement away and said with a strict look, “I understand. I will not be carried away by my emotions and pride.” His eyes at Kaze were filled with admiration. After reaching the Warlord rank himself, he finally got a glimpse of just how powerful Wargod rank experts like Kaze truly were. Collier finally regained his composure. He gulped nervously and said, “Branch Leader, should we go to war with the Refined Blade Clan? We killed their elite members and if we go after them now, we can certainly hurt their influence here in Riverbank. “Then, we might be able to uproot them completely, including Reiko Hara. She’s the one who set this up and sent hitmen after you.” Collier then bowed and continued, “I am willing to take charge and g
Kaze pursed his lips nonchalantly. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. You’re just a member of the Krads. “I can crush you along with your family. “If you think I’m going to give up on the Golden Toad because of what you said, you are highly mistaken.” It was never Kaze’s intention to let Aiden bring back the Golden Toad to the Westeros Krads. Ever since Sasha had an adverse reaction to the Golden Toad at Marlboro, Kaze decided to keep the gem close. Kaze believed the Golden Toad must be somehow linked to the Nine Phantom Lotus within Sasha. Coincidently, like Sasha, the Golden Toad came from Megisto. The Golden Toad was possibly key to eliminating the Nine Phantom Lotus within her. Of course, the gem might worsen Sasha’s symptoms instead. Either way, Kaze needed to study the gem. Back from dragging Draig away, Juan stood at the door and said, “The state police chief, Morgan, contacted the palace. The police will be here to launch an investigation, and I am
Gritting his teeth, Aiden said, “Stop your demands, Kaze. You scammed me out of ten billion dollars at the auction. I’m still trying to recover some money. I can’t give you more than I have offered.” “Hm… Now that you mentioned…” Kaze said with a smile, “You bought the Golden Toad for ten billion dollars, so you believe the gem is worth that much. “I think ten billion dollars is a good price for your life.” Taken aback, Aiden said, “What are you trying to say?” “It’s simple, really.” Kaze said with an amused look, “I want the Golden Toad, and you keep your life in return. How does that sound?” “No! Dream on!” Aiden shouted in rage. He would never give up the Golden Toad to Kaze. If the Krads were to find that Aiden spent ten billion dollars to acquire the Golden Toad, only for Kaze to reclaim it, Sean would kill him. Aiden would never live it down. The Golden Toad was linked to his future within the family and his career. Aiden could not possibly hand the Golden T
It was true that Ali died at the hands of Albert. Still, Draig was only injured because Ali snuck up on him. Draig did not think Albert was strong. The only reason Kaze and Albert could turn the situation in their favor was due to Juan’s timely help. Furrowing his brows, Albert approached Draig and kicked him in the face. Draig passed out right away.“Make him leave.” Albert waved at Juan. While others may not know Albert, Juan, the chairman of the Riverbank Feng Shui Society, had been a fixture in the city’s high society for years. Juan knew who Albert was. After nodding at Albert, Juan grabbed Draig and took off. “I’ll leave everything to you, my mentor. I’ll be back to clean the place up,” Juan told Kaze with a smile before leaving.“You’re a mentor to Juan?” Despite the pain, Aiden was stunned.Kaze constantly surprised Aiden. Here Aiden had another newfound understanding of him. “Bam!” Wasting no breath, Kaze walked to the steps and knocked Aiden against a
Aiden could feel as if his guts were spilling out while retching. Juan and Albert watched in silence. Draig played dead. While feeling vindicated, he felt a mix of emotions. Kaze sure was daring to attack anybody. It took a moment for Aiden to catch his breath. He picked his head up with a struggle and hissed through clenched teeth, “You have gone too far, Kaze! I have done nothing. What do you want from me?” “You have done nothing?” Kaze came closer to him and said chillingly, “I came because you have done nothing. “Do you think I have no idea what you intended to do to Snow?” Aiden said angrily, “It was just an intention. I have done nothing, haven’t I? Even the cops have to work based on evidence.” “The cops?” Kaze grinned. “Fine. I can drop that for now. Let’s talk about what you have done to me in the past few days. We can get it all out today.” Aiden grimaced without a peep. He was fully aware of his behavior. “Why aren’t you saying anything now?” Ka
The Refined Blade Slash was never about grace. The attack came on fast and strong. Even Kaze had to admit that Ali was impressive. She could execute the cut with precision. The speed was to die for. Still, she could not beat Albert, who had been through war and back. Before Ali’s sword could reach Albert’s throat, he stepped aside, and Ali missed. Albert struck back, and then came a clang. The blade cut through the air. It was quite a stunt. Ali was in disbelief. She could not dodge the attack. “Gash!” Blood shot out of her throat. Ali’s head rolled off her body. Her head was covered in dust and blood. It was an immediate elimination. That was all there was to the Haras’ servant and highly skilled practitioner of the Refined Blade. “Eek!” Gasps filled the quiet air. Aiden, blood staining his face, was dumbfounded. One minute ago, Ali was alive and well. Now, she was a headless corpse. It was quite a blow to Aiden. He started trembling. “A
Ali wanted to put the incident behind her, but Aiden wanted more. Aiden tried to solicit Juan to kill Kaze. Kaze smiled and said indifferently, “Is my life worth that much, Juan?” Lying on the floor, Draig shouted, “No, Mr. Kawasky! I am Draig Tenby. My father is Birch, a famous martial artist in Uleania. You’ve met me before.“Kill the Ryokanian woman and Aiden Krad. I’ll make it worth your while!” Draig was not dumb. Though he did not like Kaze, he was certain he and Kaze were allies. If Kaze was dead, Snow would die too. To cover up the truth, Aiden and the others would silence Draig. “Hahaha.” Juan looked at Aiden and Ali before uttering indignantly, “Do you think you can bribe me? “I hate morons like you. “Just because you belong to the Krads, you think you have the right to kill in Emerald Bull Palace. “Do I look like I need money? “I’m committed to the law, the righteous justice of the world. “I should start with you.” Juan waved his stick righte
“You bunch of idiots have some nerve to run amok here in my place. “Die!” Juan flicked his stick, and steel wires spread out, striking the four women between the eyes. They breathed their last. “Spare me, sir!” The young practitioner, who brought Snow to the place, peed his pants as Juan ditched his kind heart to be a mass murderer. Dropping to his knees, the young practitioner begged for mercy. “You deserve to die for colluding with the enemy.” Juan shot another round of steel wires. The wires snagged around the young practitioner’s neck and strangled him to death. The public watched in disbelief as Juan walked ahead to shield Kaze. No one expected the usually friendly owner of Emerald Bull Palace to be so horrifying. His decorative stick turned out to be a weapon. Ali, Aiden, and Draig were dumbstruck. “Not bad.” Kaze nodded in approval. Due to his decision to go to Juan upon arrival in Emerald Bull Palace, Kaze was able to find the remote courtyard in ti
What was going on? The Ryokanians executed their plan covertly with Reiko planning every detail. According to their plan, they would leak the information to Kaze. However, their business in Emerald Bull Palace would be over before Kaze could get there. Kaze would only come across Snow’s body. However, Snow was not dead yet, and the Ryokanians had not evacuated. Yet, Kaze had arrived. Even the best-laid plans could go awry. Reiko accounted for everything but one thing. Snow was absolutely loyal to Kaze. Even though she decided to come alone to Emerald Bull Palace and was told not to tell anyone, she left a note. The note saved her life. It seemed like fate had a hand in this. Ali looked Kaze dead in the eye and snickered. “Kaze, huh? Do you think you have everything under control? “We are only bait for Ms. Hara. The intention is to get you here. “I’m guessing that the security isn’t very tight at Bronze Sparrow right now. “It’s a shame that the signal is ja
“No! “My dad is Birch! We represent Arcadia in Uleania. You can’t kill me!” With Aiden having thoughts about silencing him, Draig was horrified. Draig was young. He had a lot to live for. For once, he felt fear. Aiden looked malicious. “Idiot! We are only killing you because your father is Birch, and your family holds influence in Uleania. “Mr. Tenby, you can be with your loved one in the afterlife. “Heck, you get your wish to spend eternity with her.” Aiden crackled, delighted by the control over another’s life. Over the past couple of days, he went from acting superior to groveling at Reiko’s feet. The rollercoaster-like shift in his mental state got him twisted. Waving his arm in annoyance, Aiden said to Ali, “Do it and get out of here. Don’t wait until Kaze gets here.”Ali pulled the sword out of Draig’s leg. She cleaned her blade with a silk cloth while gesturing toward Aiden with a smile. She said, “Please indulge as you wish, Mr. Krad. We will ensure you