“You didn’t come here just to hear me yap, did you?”After seeing Stefan’s gloomy expression, Harvey chuckled and changed the subject.Stefan came back to his senses, and took a deep breath. “The master wants to see you.”“The master?” Harvey froze. “Can you and your teacher not handle the situation?”Stefan chuckled.“You’re joking, Sir York…“It doesn’t matter if we can or not; Master Roben is still the master of the temple.“He was uncertain about his stance before, but he’s asking to see you today.“I had no choice but to come.”-Harvey was a little shocked when seeing Master Roben.In his mind, the master of the Aenar Temple would be quite the experienced monk.However, it was just an ordinary old man. He was wearing simple clothes while cocking an arrow on his crossbow.The arrow flew out, and a heavy thump could be heard from deep inside the woods.Judging from Harvey’s eyesight, he was able to tell that other than a hawk, there was something else that resembled a
“As expected of the top talent of the outskirts’ younger generation , maybe even the entire Desert Province.”Before Stefan could stand up with a horrible expression, Master Roben had already walked forward while playing with his crossbow.“If Stefan’s even half as good as you, I wouldn’t have to see you today.“Speaking of, he’s quite the lucky man. He caused you a great deal of trouble, but he still managed to earn your friendship. I’m relieved.”Master Roben’s words had deep meaning; he seemed to understand a lot about Harvey, along with why Stefan would try to challenge Amos at such a moment.That said, he only implied all that without actually speaking about it. No matter the case, he couldn’t hide the admiration he had toward Harvey.Harvey chuckled.“You’re kidding. I’m not from the outskirts, or the Desert Province. I do think that Stefan fits the title more, though.”Stefan felt a little prideful after hearing Harvey’s words. He knew he was no match against Harvey, but
Master Roben burst out laughing.“Good! How straightforward!“It’s already quite rare to see a young person do things like this!“It doesn’t matter if they’re from the top ten families or the five hidden families…“They all pretend to be mature while they keep beating around the bush, making people angry with their high and mighty attitude.“Us older ones like someone as direct as you after all!“With that, I’ll just start asking.“Judging from your recent actions, methods, strength, and background…“The outskirts really aren't enough to hold you back. Since that’s the case, then why stay here?”Master Roben stared at Harvey, his eyes lighting up. Naturally, this was his true goal of meeting Harvey.There wouldn’t be a next step unless he figured out Harvey’s intentions.Because of the Smalt Sect and the outskirts’ situation, this was an extremely crucial moment.No matter how the Aenar Temple would make its decisions, figuring out the allies’ goals would be the most import
“Him?”Master Roben frowned.“His status, background, and strength are far inferior compared to Amos, no?”Stefan’s face darkened after hearing those words. ‘Why would you even say something like that…?’“He’s suitable exactly because of this. That way, he’ll recognize the people who gave him the opportunity to rise to power.“That recognition is exactly what he needs to sit firmly in his position. This will be the reason why the outskirts will stand firm.“After all, the country is filled with outstanding talents.“However, a person who knows his limits suits my needs far more than those talents.“To put this bluntly…“Stefan knows that if he actually got closer to the country’s enemies…“Since I got him here in the first place, I’d be able to take his position away just as easily.”Harvey showed a faint smile, as if his words were nothing but the truth. It was as if his actions and words alone could decide anyone’s fate.Stefan showed a horrible expression; he would’ve la
Judging from the current situation, the Kronen Temple fully supported the Adenar Temple.Without Harvey’s support, Stefan would be looking for his death to even challenge Amos.That said, things were different then.There would always be endless benefits, but not eternal friends or enemies.Harvey did have some conflict with Stefan back then; he even instigated Stefan to do all this by stirring up his ambition…However, everything was smooth sailing as soon as both sides established their common goal.Eight o’clock at night, Harvey finally left the banquet when he was completely full. Master Roben escorted him to the front door himself.The entire Aenar Temple was filled with shock when they saw that. Even Vaati, who had been seated the entire time, showed a profound look in his eyes.After all, Master Roben was one of the three masters who had the right to fight for the Smalt Sect’s throne.Even if the current master of the Smalt Sect was here, Master Roben wouldn’t escort hi
On the third day, early in the morning.Harvey wore his simple white tracksuit when he reached the front door. A Haval limousine with a bright yellow license plate had been waiting outside.Stefan came out of the passenger’s seat to open the door for Harvey.Harvey went inside the car, waiting for it to start up with a smile on his face.“There’s no free food in this world. Speak up if there’s something on your mind.”Stefan chuckled awkwardly before handing a laptop to Harvey.“The schedule of the ceremony’s out, Sir York. Other than the ones that are the same as before… The Smalt Sect arranged a battle as well.”“A battle?”Harvey chuckled.“What? Are they planning for experts to fight to the death now?”Stefan let out a sigh.“It’d be good if that were the case…but that’s not it. This is a battle of the sect’s teachings. And also…”Stefan swallowed his spit.“Amos told his subordinates to announce that he’ll bet all of his Eyed Beads in the battle. And that he hopes tha
Amos squinted at the guest hall in front of him.“A battle of wits does fit the sect’s habits. It’d be a lot easier for the populace to accept it, too.“In reality, we might not be able to win through martial arts alone. That’s why we can’t let down our guard. Right. Who’s going to challenge us tonight anyway?”“I heard Master Roben would probably show up himself,” Serval said quietly. “He’s the best debater in the Smalt Sect; we might just lose if he challenges us. Should we make preparations here?”Amos was in deep thought for a moment.“No need. Since the Aenar Temple’s planning to send Master Roben, all we need to do is stop him from showing up.“Tell everyone that we won’t prepare any of the monks this time.“I’ll join the battle myself.“If Master Roben’s willing to take advantage of a junior, the Aenar Temple would be humiliated even if they win.”Serval froze, then smiled faintly. “As expected of you, Young Master. The Aenar Temple wouldn’t be able to send anyone but
Stefan’s face darkened after seeing Amos’s determined expression. Since he came here way before Amos did, he naturally got word already.Amos was planning to participate in the battle on his own; he didn’t want the other monks to take his place.This meant that Stefan had no choice but to do the same. If he didn’t, he’d lose his advantage.When Stefan hesitated to give a reply, Harvey’s calm tone was heard.“Let’s do that.“But it’s boring to bet on the beads alone.“How about this? Let’s raise the stakes.“If you win, I’ll deal with your energies, guaranteeing your survival along with the improvement of your training!“But if you lose, you’ll have to give up your training in front of everyone here.“How does that sound?”Everyone was instantly shocked after hearing Harvey’s words.‘Where did this guy even come from? When does an outsider like him even get the right to butt in? He wants Amos to give up his training? He has a death wish or something!’Amos frowned at Harve