Chapter 8

Theodore was seated where Clyde once was while holding his severed head which was still dripping blood.

Meanwhile, Clyde's body lay lifeless in a pool of blood like the other corpses scattered across the hall.

It was a shocking sight for the people present.

Most of the Yardleys had hoped Theodore would stay with the Ashcrofts. That way, the other families in Philodorah would have some reservations about acting against them.

Even if Theodore was crippled, he would remain the Ashcrofts' son-in-law as long as he was alive. The Yardleys and the Ashcrofts would still be tied together by their marriage alliance.

However, no one had expected him to come home.

Not only had he returned, but he had done so in the most dominant way possible. He had first killed Sebastian, who had come with a marriage proposal. Then, he exposed Clyde, the traitor who had leaked his family secrets all those years ago.

The crowd stared at the young man before them and suddenly found him unfamiliar. His face was youthful, but his gaze was like someone who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.

No one dared to meet his gaze, especially those who had followed Carson's lead just now. They were trembling in fear while regretting their decision to stand behind Clyde just moments ago.

On the other hand, those who had remained neutral silently rejoiced.

However, the looming crisis of annihilation still weighed heavily on everyone’s hearts. Theodore was indeed powerful, but he had yet to step into the Innate Realm.

The gap between a foot in the Innate Realm and a true Innate Realm cultivator was like the difference between heaven and earth.

"Theodore, have you mastered the Seraphic Swordplay?" Austin broke the silence in the grand hall.

"Yes, Uncle Austin. I have mastered the Seraphic Swordplay."

Theodore then revealed how he had brought the Seraphic Swordplay to the Ashcroft Manor and trained in secret. Of course, he omitted the part about inheriting the Sword Orb.

At once, the grand hall erupted in murmurs. The Yardleys took great pride in their sword techniques, but the secret of the Seraphic Swordplay was only passed down to the heir chosen to inherit the patriarch's position.

The Yardleys had been in a state of confusion when rumors recently spread that they possessed a near-immortal sword technique.

"Theodore, can your strength defeat an Innate Realm cultivator?" Anthony asked.

The two brothers questioned Theodore in perfect coordination to get answers to calm the family down. Theodore's merciless slaughter had left the Yardleys' elders deeply unsettled.

As Theodore's uncles, they had to stand by him. After all, Theodore's father was their most respected elder brother.

Theodore understood their intentions. He had inherited Ezekiel's legacy, including the Sword Orb and sixty years of imprinted memories. Though he had yet to fully digest them, he had become an extraordinary force.

"Not yet," Theodore replied.

His response sent another wave of despair through the grand hall. Even Austin looked visibly disappointed. The impending annihilation weighed on everyone like a mountain.

"Does that mean that you will be able to in the future?"

Unlike the others, Anthony looked ecstatic.

"If I step into the Innate Realm, I will be invincible in the Innate Realm," Theodore replied calmly.

"Is that true?" Austin lifted his head and asked.

"Yeah." Theodore nodded.

The moment he finished speaking, Austin immediately declared, "In this time of crisis with Lord Callum in seclusion, we cannot go a day without a leader. Theodore has sacrificed thirteen years for the family. Upon his return today, he slayed our enemies and eliminated internal traitors. As the eldest son of the direct lineage and the one who has mastered the Seraphic Swordplay, I believe Theodore should take charge of the family's affairs!"

"I second that." Despite his exhaustion, Anthony stepped forward and stood before Theodore. "Greetings, Lord Theodore."

Although some of the elders harbored dissatisfaction, the situation left them no room to object.

Carson was the quickest to react. He immediately stepped forward respectfully. "Greetings, Lord Theodore."

"Greetings, Lord Theodore." One by one, the Yardley elders in the grand hall followed suit.

"Since everyone is entrusting me with the position of acting patriarch, I will accept it."

Theodore swept his gaze across the hall and didn't waste time on any pleasantries.

"I will let bygones be bygones for what has happened previously. However, if anyone dares to conspire with outsiders and bring harm to the family—this will be your fate!"

With that, he tossed Clyde's severed head in the air, and it rolled to a stop right at Carson's feet.

Carson almost collapsed as he stumbled back in horror.

After Theodore ordered the corpses in the grand hall to be taken out and buried, he requested for the elders to temporarily stay in the guest chambers for now.

At his command, those who had sided with Clyde earlier were immediately placed under house arrest. The Third Elder, Carson, was the first to be detained.

Once everyone had left, Theodore stepped down from the main seat and greeted Anthony and Austin respectfully. "Thank you, Uncle Austin and Uncle Anthony."

Austin immediately patted his shoulders. "Theodore, you've grown to understand a lot of things. It's the family that has failed you."

"Theodore, shouldn't we keep a closer watch on the elders?" Anthony voiced his concern instead of exchanging courtesies as he was worried about what might happen next.

"I will entrust this task to you, Uncle Anthony. Give me three days. If they refuse to behave, I'll leave it to you to handle them."

Theodore was deeply grateful to both of his uncles. They were the only ones who had spoken up for Liliana just now when Sebastian forced her to be his mistress. Especially Anthony—he had fought for her even when the odds were against him.

"I am your uncle, your father's brother. He was always nice to us when he was alive. As Liliana's uncles, we must protect her," Anthony said.

Upon hearing this, Austin lowered his head slightly. As Theodore's uncle, he had indeed pleaded for him earlier, but he wasn't that firm in his stance.

Theodore held no resentment toward him. With sixty years' worth of memories from Ezekiel and thirteen years of silent endurance, he understood the brutal reality of the strong preying on the weak.

Austin may not have been resolute, but he had still spoken up for him. It was a gratitude Theodore would never forget.

"Theodore, what happens next..." Austin continued anxiously.

The truth could not be hidden forever. Even if the Yardleys sealed off all information, the Boltons would inevitably learn of Sebastian's death.

Moreover, the Yardleys were already the target of many factions in Philodorah. They were under intense scrutiny; it was impossible to keep this hidden for long.

Theodore knew he was far from being able to take on all of Philodorah's forces with his current strength.

But, that was only for now. As long as he was given enough time, the forces would become insignificant.

"Where is Grandpa cultivating in seclusion? I need to see him first. Give me three days to handle the family's affairs."

Theodore was worried about his grandfather. Clyde's final words had left him deeply unsettled.

"Theodore, I know where Grandpa is. I'll take you there." Liliana immediately stepped forward.

"Please take charge of the family matters for the next three days, Uncles," Theodore said.

Although Anthony and Austin didn’t fully understand his confidence, they felt somewhat reassured seeing that he had reached Peak Postnatal Realm after returning from the Ashcrofts.

Without further delay, Liliana led Theodore to the patriarch's seclusion chamber.