"Testing you?" Jesse muttered under his breath, stunned.Nashon stood up, walked next to the window, and looked at the garden for a while. "None of the Islanders are simple. Often, we have to make costly sacrifices if we want to gain their trust. Shingen must be very suspicious of us offering him a marriage. He thinks we're up to some schemes or this is in preparation for something else."Meanwhile, the Shinto Way requires the help of our family to enter our country. However, he needs to be on his guard in case we're up to no good. That's why we had this performance today. "If I'm someone who values family ties, then he will be sure I won't betray my country for some benefits. But if all I care about is profit and care little for family, it will make me the best partner for him. That's why I'm saying that instead of confirming the date of marriage, he's here to decide if he wants to work with us."Nashon explained all his conjectures one by one, and it was enough to stop Jesse i
"Yvonne has gone back to the Xavier residence last night, but she's not back yet," Ray said quietly to Harvey."The Xavier residence? Does she need to take this long?" Harvey asked. He had a bad feeling about it. Just when he was thinking if he should personally go to the Xavier residence, George's phone started to vibrate as he stood at the sideline silently.George was going to hang up, but when he saw who was calling, he decided to pick it up in front of Harvey. Listening to the voice from the other side, George frowned slightly. He then walked over to Havery and asked, "Sir, we have a problem. Something of interest has occurred while we're keeping an eye on the Martial Arts Alliance."An Islander called Shingen Tokugawa has led the elites from the Shinto Way to challenge the alliance. Out of the 48 so-called prodigious youths that the Alliance has chosen, half have been defeated. Many of them lost after one move. The Country H Martial Arts Alliance has lost all their digni
George continued to explain to Harvey and the others, "Some of them said that the Islanders must have used some tricks to win all 24 challenges. Others said that the so-called young elites from the training grounds and martial arts families were all bark and no bite. They were all used and crushed after just a single move!"There are also some who believe that the so-called martial arts in Country H is simply a performance art and has no place during actual fights. Some even said that the Country H Martial Arts Alliance has no right to be one of the Five Directors, and they should make way for others if they're too weak. In conclusion, the Alliance's reputation is completely ruined after this. "I even heard that a certain Elder Lee from the Alliance almost had a heart attack from the outrage. He only managed to calm down after spending a few hours in the hospital."Ray nodded. "I'm not part of the martial arts community, but I can imagine just how troublesome this will be. If we do
"In this situation, no one in the Elder Group dared to force the remaining 24 young elites to fight," said George.Tyson nodded. "Sir, I believe if the Island Nation's Shinto Way appears and challenges the Alliance at this time, it means they've come with preparations. They may have already investigated all the 48 youngsters and know all there is to know about their abilities, personalities, and even weaknesses."They have full confidence they can defeat all 48 of them. Otherwise, the Shinto Way wouldn't have acted like this, especially when the Islanders have failed during the conflicts with our country in the last few times. Currently, the difference of opinion within the Island Nation is quite great. Some believe they should make peace while some believe they should fight until the bitter end."If the Shinto Way lost, then the diplomatic faction within the Island Nation will be at an advantage. That's why the Shinto Way cannot afford to lose the challenge this time. If we conside
"No, we mustn't! The Shinto Way is the leader of the Six Schools of Martial Arts from the Island Nation. I heard the Shinto Way have recorded many of their murderous techniques that originated during the Warring States Period, and they're the only school recognized by the Island Nation's royal family."I have also heard that the school's techniques, if fully mastered, would even allow them to communicate with the spirits of the Island Nation. It's not wise for us to oppose a school like this, so we shouldn't accept the next challenge!"Not to mention, they're fully prepared while we're completely caught off guard. How are we supposed to win? I've also checked the 24 elites that have fought earlier. They're either from the training grounds or martial arts families, but every one of them is the best among the youths in our country—but they didn't even survive one round!"How are we supposed to fight in this situation? How can we even attempt to win the fight?" Deep inside the Songst
"Of course, it's possible that we will lose it all if we accept the challenge. We may ruin the Martial Arts Alliance's reputation. However, at least we dared to face the challenge head-on. "So what if we lose? At least we've let them know that we are courageous! But if we refuse to accept their challenge, we will only be known for our cowardice whenever someone speaks of this in the future."If the Islanders spread the news through the international community, not only will the Alliance be humiliated, but even the entire country won't be able to escape the infamy. We can't lose the respect and glory the people and warriors of our country fought for just because the Alliance refuses to fight. "Not to mention, the reason the Martial Arts Alliance was formed in the first place is to let the world know the power of our country's martial arts so we can go one step further. But if we don't even have the bravery to accept the challenge from an Islander, what right do we have to call ours
When Prince heard Madden's self-righteous speech, he replied coldly, "You make it sound like you're in the right, but have you ever thought of one thing? Once the pride of our country's martial arts community has been broken, we won't have any chance to have our revenge anymore. We should learn from our mistakes and fight the good fight. There's no future in begging for mercy!""Enough! No more talking!" Gaspar said when he saw the Elder Group once again falling into turmoil.As the seneschal of the Martial Arts Alliance, Gaspar was a veteran within the Alliance. He was greatly respected among his peers. All sides would need to show him some respect. When he started speaking, everyone else turned to look at him.Compared to his usual prideful self, Gaspar looked a little tired today. They could even see a faint mark on his face. However, no one mentioned anything about it. There was no need to expose everything under the sun.Gaspar didn't care what the others were thinking. He fel
"Who is it?" Gaspar instinctively asked."The representative of our country's Martial Arts Alliance, Harvey," Prince said clearly."The final remaining participant of the current tournament will be challenging Harvey in the final round. From that angle, Harvey is also one of the participants of the tournament. With him, we can easily deal with the Shinto Way."Prince then gave Gaspar a meaningful look. "Elder, I believe you have first-hand experience in understanding Harvey's power. You believe he's enough to deal with the Shinto Way, don't you? That's why, what we need to do right now is not to have this meaningless argument. Instead, we should get Harvey to help us no matter the cost!"When Gaspar heard the name Harvey, his expression quickly darkened. He could even feel the pain in his face as he remembered Harvey slapping him not that long ago.Meanwhile, all the other elders started to consider this. Some of them weren't very happy with Harvey becoming the representative. S
Daichi smiled faintly and said, "I know very well that in the eyes of people like you, Islanders like us are detestable. Speaking with us, working with us, and even eating a meal with us is quite disgusting, right?"However, we must all learn to be patient. It has already happened for quite some time. Is there a point in rushing through these few minutes? It's better for us to share a good meal and have a chat afterward."Daichi slowly partook in the meal, putting a piece of fish into his mouth and chewing slowly. At the same time, he narrowed his eyes as he looked at Harvey, his eyes filled with subtle amusement.Daichi found the meal before him quite enjoyable. He also found himself quite satisfied looking at Harvey showing a hint of irritation."Looks like you really think that you have me under control," Harvey said coldly. "But I can tell you that by just sitting here, my patience is already at its limit. I have a habit, too. Rather than being threatened by someone, I prefer t
Harvey looked at Daichi coldly. "I don't think there's anything between you and me that we need to talk about."However, Daichi said passionately, "But I believe we do. This is not a place for us to speak of such things, though. I have prepared a table for us at the best restaurant serving Island Nation cuisine in Grand City. I invite you to dine with us. How does that sound?"Not only can we talk about what's happening at the Island Nation, Sky Plane's scenery, the Seven Families of Grand City…as well as what's currently going on with Ms. Mandy of the Jeans of Mordu!"Clack!Harvey immediately grabbed Daichi by the throat. "I dare you to say it one more time. Are you threatening me?"Daichi smiled faintly. "Threaten? You must be joking! Someone like me doesn't threaten anyone. However, Sky Plane does have a deal with the Jeans of Mordu. They will be sending out a representative, who turns out to be Ms. Mandy."However, Ms. Mandy doesn't know much about the situation in Sky Plane
Hearing the conversation between Harvey and Clarion, Hale wasn't sure what to say. He let out a long sigh and said, "Thank you, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Clarion. I won't waste my breath, then. Since you're willing to protect a cripple like me, I'll be in your care from now on."He took out a paper and pen from the bedside table and quickly drew a picture, then put it in front of him. "Mr. Harvey, this is the real location of the Chapter of Ascension. I know you're sincere in helping me. I can't repay you, so I can only offer you this. Please don't refuse it. This thing will only get me killed if I have it with me."However, if it's with you, you should be able to put it to good use. Consider it my goodwill. I… I hope you can accept this and give me a chance to repay your kindness."Hale then made a gesture and swore, "I swear, this is the real location where the Chapter of Ascension is hidden. This is not a death trap. Please trust me. Other than the Chapter of Ascension, there's also some
It was obvious that Hale's anger and sorrow had pushed him to the limit. He was already blaming Sky Plane for everything. Sky Plane had just earned him as a mortal enemy."My condolences, Hale." Harvey extended his hand and tapped Hale's shoulder. "The dead can't be brought back, so the most important thing now is to recover. Sky Plane is a difficult enemy."Clarion nodded as well. "Now that Susan is dead, Sky Plane will not let this slide. However, we'll need to get you a new identity after you recover. Only when you're safe and when you can live for yourself will you have the chance to have your revenge."I've just received news that everyone in Grand City knows who you are. All the other Sacred Lands will find out very quickly. In a short while, there will be countless people looking for you, for us. That's why you need to get ready. We're running out of time."When Clarion said that, the frigid light in his eyes glinted. He didn't need to send anyone to find out what was go
"No matter what happened, she treated me well all these years. Even if I were to kill her, I want her to die with some dignity. As for the trouble from Sky Plan and her… I'll give you an explanation you'll be happy with. Please permit me," Hale said, not caring for the wounds on his body even when he was kneeling on the floor.Clarion looked stern. If he were to bring in a spy like Susan, it would help him immensely in his career. If they got her into the interrogation room and asked her proper questions, they could get valuable answers from her. That was the only value she had left.However, Clarion also knew why Hale framed it that way. She was still his wife, even when she had already betrayed him. Rather than letting someone like Clarion take her away right now and live a torturous life that she wouldn't be able to tell day by night, he'd prefer to kill her right now. That way, Susan would be able to die peacefully.But how should he choose? Clarion was having a headache rig
Hale's expression was one of shock.Susan was the same.Hale didn't expect Sky Plane's plan to be so vicious. They wanted the Chapter of Ascension and to use the chance to plunge Grand City into chaos.Susan was shocked about how accurate Harvey's guesswork was. If it wasn't because she knew that someone like him would never have a connection with Sky Plane, she would even think that he might have a hand in setting up the trap that looked like it was simply a string of coincidences.Otherwise, how would he have known everything in such detail?Clarion looked at Harvey with more admiration. While he looked like just an ordinary man, whether his power or perception was far beyond them.Hale slowly closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down for a long time.Then, he turned and looked at Susan and muttered, "Now that we have reached this juncture, I don't think that there should be any more secrets between you and I. Just one question. Did everything happen exactly as Mr. Harvey
"Or maybe, in your subconscious, you do realize that something isn't right. Maybe you simply feel that it's better for her not to know about some things. That way, things will be safer for her," Harvey said with a shrug. "However, the truth is that she didn't get anything from you at all until yesterday, isn't it?"Hale nodded. "You're right. I did have some doubts about her in my mind, that's why I did tell her everything except the Chapter of Ascension."Hale seemed to reminisce about something else before giving a painful smile. "And then, as time passed by, I no longer suspected her. But I'm worried that it'll get her killed, so I chose not to say anything. I believed that as long as I said nothing, we'll be able to live a peaceful life! No one expects that in the end…"Hale signed, looking hopeless when he said that.However, Susan simply smiled icily. "Stop your crocodile tears, Hale. You never trusted me, so stop saying that you love me!"Hale smiled bitterly. He didn't w
Clarion was stunned when he saw Mrs. Hoffman was still trying to argue her way out."Even the way you argue is the same as the Origin Ninjas. Seriously?" Harvey smirked. "Right, I heard that the Origin Ninjas would leave the mark of a petal on the most private spot so that it was easier for them to identify each other. You must have seen it, right, Mr. Hoffman? Of course, I believe she'd definitely say it was just a tattoo that she had while she was in her youth."Unfortunately, I believe that Grand City has plenty of records. It should be quite easy for us to find the evidence we need. That's why, Mrs. Hoffman… Is there really a need to deny it anymore now that we've reached this point?"Mrs. Hoffman shuddered a little. She didn't expect that Harvey would be able to easily see through all her disguise. Most importantly, he even knew about the most damning evidence on her. In a situation like this, continuing with the argument really was pointless."You… You…!"At the same tim
Harvey said calmly, "You smell like one of them."Whoosh!Before Harvey could finish, Mrs. Hoffman immediately pounced at him. In midair, she waved her hand and threw a string of knives.All her blades were blue in color. They looked very pretty, but if they scratched one's skin, one could easily lose their lives if they weren't sent to the hospital immediately.Clarion was shocked when he saw what was unfolding. It was obvious he didn't expect Harvey's words to help them identify Mrs. Hoffman's real identity and forced her to attack.Still, that was quite normal. Thinking back about it, Mrs. Hoffman's calmness during this whole ordeal showed that she was not a normal woman.The power she suddenly showed was within their expectation, and they could understand it too.However, this exact revelation was making things more painful for Hale. It hurt him even more than finding out that his beloved wife sold him out. Clank! Clank! Clank!Harvey pulled up a small fruit knife and thr