"Uh-oh." Jolie's face turned to stone as she witnessed the audacity before her.For five years, no one dared to cross her like that. They were flying too close to the sun!In her mind, she had already sealed their fate. Whatever their reasons, they had signed their death warrants by challenging her."These idiots are looking for an early grave!" The black-suited bodyguards hesitated before he lunged at the pair with a flick of their electric batons.Thud! Thud! Thud!The eight bodyguards were downed in a heartbeat—sprawled on the floor, heaving and gasping for air.The crowd gasped. The display of skill was nothing short of impressive."Outrageous! Who do you think you are?! And do you even know where you stand?" The sycophantic young man pointed at them, his voice thundering with rage. "Disappear now, or you'll wish you had!"Whoosh!Before he could finish, a swift breeze from Howard's fingertips sent the young man's index finger tumbling to the ground, blood jetting out in a
Jolie leveled the gun at Howard's brow. "Think you're hot stuff, huh? Let's see you strut now!""Think these guns are your ticket to safety?" Howard's face was the picture of serenity."You're pushing it, big time!" Jolie was irked by Howard's unflappable demeanor under the gunpoint. She then warned, "Apologize now, or it's a one-way trip to hell for you!""Given your bravado, I'll grant you one shot," Howard said, his voice as detached as ice."You're clueless about your own mortality!" Jolie, teetering on the edge of fury, glared and squeezed the trigger.Bang!The gunshot reverberated across the courtyard. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, their faces morphing with fear once more.Jolie dared to attempt murder in full view of an audience—utterly brazen!However, in the next instant, everyone's faces registered pure shock.Clink!The bullet, as if bewitched, plummeted to the ground mere inches from Howard, ringing out with a metallic ping.What in the world!? Was
Aaron glanced at Howard and his companion before hitting the answer button on his phone.Whatever was said on the other end knocked the wind out of him. In less than two minutes, he collapsed to the ground and turned pale out of sheer panic.How on earth had he gotten on the Shadow Sect's radar? He knew, right then and there, that he was done for.Given his past deeds, even if he managed to stay alive, he would likely spend the rest of his days behind bars."Try to do better in your next life," Howard said with an indifferent look, then turned and headed for the car.Yoel, with the still-unconscious Jolie in tow, did not waste any time following him.40 minutes later, they were at Saint Mount Cemetery.Yoel dumped Jolie unceremoniously in front of Howard's foster father's gravestone and gave her a couple of sharp slaps to the face.Waking up, Jolie's eyes fluttered open. "Where am I?"As her gaze fell on the gravestone, she screamed, "What the hell?! Why'd you drag me to a gra
Jolie's scream echoed Howard's grim promise, but it was cut short. A spray of blood misted in front of the tombstone before silence returned.Howard's eyes brimmed with tears, his voice thick with emotion. "Dad, Jolie's gone to make her peace with you. Whether you forgive her, well, that's your call."Also, tonight, I'm bringing everyone involved in that mess to say they're sorry." He straightened up, bowed three times with deep reverence, and then gave his next order.When he returned to the car, Howard's gaze was steely as he addressed Yoel, "Let the Judge know, we're heading to the Austins'.""Got it!" Yoel replied, his nod full of gravity.…At six o'clock, the Austin mansion was tense. The ashen-face Terry sat on the couch, surrounded by the family's inner circle."Any word on Lucas, little bro?" Terry's voice was heavy with concern."Nothing." Vonn shook his head. "Been calling since yesterday. No answer.""I've had people check his usual spots, too. No sign of him, and
Snap! Snap!Terry's brows were knitted together, his gaze intense. With just a bit more pressure, the phone in his hand was crushed into useless metal, clattering to the floor. He was well aware that once Jolie set out on this venture, there was little chance she would return unscathed. Jolie was far more to him than just another woman in his life. She managed the questionable businesses that he owned, and her knack for networking was something even he admired—a true asset.However, in an instant, she was just...gone."Bro, the Penn brothers made it, right?" Terry exhaled a heavy breath and turned to Wessel."Yeah," Wessel confirmed with a nod."Got here around noon. I set them up in the attic out back. Nichole and four others are with them. They're all resting up there now.""Could you get them to come down?" Terry said after a moment's pause."Sure!" Wessel nodded and headed out."Hey, any idea when Jacob will be home?" Terry shifted his attention to Vonn. "I just called
His inner force was sharp as a blade, slicing through metal as if it were clay.A martial master!?The entire Austin family gasped in shock.They never thought that the Penn brothers could be that formidable.Martial masters.It was doubtful anyone else in all of Mendorra could claim such a title! Such might!"To think that you both have reached the martial master level. I'm truly in awe," Terry said, managing to compose himself.He felt a wave of relief wash over him. With a martial master in the Austin family, they were secure."Heh. Mr. Austin should see why we didn't bother with that young man you mentioned," Blythe remarked with a faint smile."I was shortsighted. Please forgive me," Terry replied with a sheepish grin.At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from outside. Soon after, a figure dressed in black burst into the great hall."Outrageous!" Terry's brow creased in annoyance. "What's all the fuss about?""Boss, there's... There's been an intrusion at the A
"You'll find out from Jolie herself after you're dead," said Howard, taking another drag of his cigarette. "I'm offering the Austins one final chance. It's your call.""Is that so?" Terry let out a callous, mocking laugh. "I'm all ears.""Your brothers will pay with their lives, your children will maim themselves, and then you'll spill every dirty secret to the authorities.""If you can manage that, I'll let the innocent among you walk free from Mendorra."Terry's response was a bitter laugh. The onlookers shared looks that screamed 'fool,' their eyes fixed on Howard and his friend.Only the truly clueless could have been so bold. To have uttered such wild words, he really had some nerve."Why don't you just drop dead, boy!" Wessel bellowed with fury.He had lived a long life, and not once had anyone dared to speak to him with such disrespect. They had no clue who they were dealing with."You've got one minute to think it over!" Howard said, ignoring Wessel's outburst and turni
"Hm!?" As Yoel laid bare their secrets with eerie precision, a chilling shiver ran through the Penn brothers' eyes."Who are you?" Maxim's brow creased in suspicion."I caught wind that you two arrived in Mendorra a few days back. I figured I'd come looking for you later, but this saves me the trouble." Yoel's voice was deep and steady."Enough talk, kid. We'll take care of you right here!" Maxim's gaze hardened, and he lunged at Yoel with a swift motion.Watching Yoel's calm demeanor, Maxim felt an unsettling twinge of dread.Blythe, momentarily taken aback, quickly gathered his energy and dashed after his brother.The two brothers possessed a cultivation base at the minor mastery stage within the level of martial arts. When they took action, they went all out, unleashing powerful energy and creating a sharp howling sound.The crowd watching felt an overwhelming force emanate from the brothers. They instinctively stepped back several paces in awe.Such was the might of a true
"And look at that bracelet, it's stunning! Oh, and the compact has such a unique charm! Should we get one of each to decorate our homes?""Yuffie, you're still in school. How can you afford all this?" Talia chided gently. "You have a hundred fifty-dollar budget. Spend more, and it's coming out of your allowance.""What? Only a hundred fifty dollars? You're being too tight-fisted, sis!" Yuffie's complaint was lighthearted as she playfully turned to Howard. "Howard...""Don't even think about it. His wallet is in my hands!" Talia cut her off, fully aware of her little sister's ploy."Fine..." Yuffie's pout was all in good fun."Haha! It's not every day we get to do this, honey. If Yuffie finds something she loves, let's get it for her. Who knows if it'll be here next time?" Howard chuckled."Yay! You're the best, bro-in-law!" Yuffie cheered, her face lighting up with joy."You're just making her more spoiled!" Talia gave Howard a playful eye roll and turned her attention away from
Howard's willingness to visit the antique market was not solely to assist the sisters in their quest for a legendary blade. Such weapons were treasures often stumbled upon by chance, rarely found by those who sought them.His real intent was to immerse the sisters in the rich culture of the martial arts clans they were then a part of. More exposure to the ways of the warrior guilds could only benefit them on their chosen path.The following morning, Howard's group of five set off in the direction of Nathanael. Talia and Yuffie buzzed with excitement throughout the journey, their minds alive with wonder.Nathanael, nestled in the mountains to the northeast of Mendorra and a couple hundred kilometers away, awaited them.By 10 a.m., they arrived, parking at the gates of a sprawling estate on the city's outskirts—the site of the famed market.Stepping out, they were greeted by a lively throng at the estate's entrance, many adorned in traditional robes, weapons hanging from their belts
"And that's not all. They might even be a bona fide king-level warrior." Howard's brow furrowed with uncertainty."It looks like The Dark World is a whole lot more tangled than we thought," Yoel mused aloud.Then, turning back to Howard, he inquired, "Sir, did the old man ever share anything with you about The Dark World?""Not a word," Howard replied, shaking his head."Sir, do you think our mystery person could be from one of the elite families or sects, maybe just there on some errand?" Mystical Chubby chimed in.His speculation was not unfounded. Most of the king-level warriors from Rackaham were known to hail from the secretive clans and sects."It's unlikely." Howard dismissed the idea with another shake of his head. "From what Sabertooth described, our guy seems to know The Dark World like the back of his hand.""Who's that supposed to be?" Mystical Chubby scrunched his brow in confusion."Let it go for now. We'll head back to The Dark World in a little while," said Howa
"Um..." Blood Rakshasa nodded, the woman's earlier words still ringing in her head."Sir... Sir, was what you said earlier true?" Blood Rakshasa asked Sabertooth, her voice barely above a whisper."What did I say?" Sabertooth looked puzzled for a moment."You said... You said next time, we'd go back home together to get married..." Blood Rakshasa's cheeks turned a soft pink."Hehe, absolutely," Sabertooth chuckled, his smile warm and genuine. "The boss gave me the order, and I've given my word."Blood Rakshasa's smile was shy but filled with joy.Soon after, Qemal strode in."Sabertooth, I've tracked down the hideout of the Slaying Heaven Palace," Qemal announced upon arrival."Is that so?" Sabertooth's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Tell the crew to take a two-hour breather, then we move out!"The Slaying Heaven Palace's goons had nearly wiped out them today. Payback was due.With the Palace's top fighters gone, the rest were hardly a threat. It was time to cross the Slay
"Shadow Demon Shrine?" The woman's brow creased for a moment, but she quickly dropped the subject.She then turned to Sabertooth and observed, "You and your group have the vibe of soldiers. You're not originally from The Dark World, are you?""Speaking to our savior," Sabertooth gave a respectful nod, "we were part of the Rackaham Western Region's military before we came here."He was open with the woman who had saved over a hundred of his comrades."The Western Region's military?" The woman paused, a hint of recognition in her voice, "You're with the Blood Shadow Force?""That's us," Sabertooth confirmed with another bow."Is your leader the King of the West, Master Howard?" she inquired further."You know my boss?" Sabertooth looked surprised."Not personally, but I've heard the name," the woman replied with a shake of her head. "What's he got you doing in The Dark World?""Over the past couple of years, the world's heavy hitters have been funneling their muscle and resource
"You'll live to regret this, Dark Demon Lord!" Blood Rakshasa declared, locking eyes with her adversary. "Kill us, and Master Howard will avenge us by wiping out every last one of you in your cursed palace...""Ha! That Master Howard of yours better think twice before stepping into The Dark World again, or it'll be his grave!" The Dark Demon Lord mocked with an icy laugh."You're the fool!" Sabertooth growled. "No one in The Dark World has been born who can take down our boss. Your time's coming!""Is that so?" The Dark Demon Lord sneered with disdain. "You're clueless, all of you. You have no idea how powerful the Shadow Demon Shrine truly is!""Enough babbling. Time to end this. I'll send you both to join your boss," he declared, his presence intensifying as he prepared to strike them down."I love you," Blood Rakshasa whispered, her eyes closing."No, don't!" Qemal and others shouted in despair.Then there was a thunderous boom.However, the expected tragedy did not unfold.
Sabertooth sneered, watching the man's futile efforts. "You're such a fool!"He then declared solemnly, "Blood Shadow Technique, second form, Sky Slash!"With those words, he summoned all his strength, his saber carving a fierce arc of light through the air, striking like thunder at his foe.The Blood Shadow Technique was known for turning the tides against stronger adversaries.The white-haired elder's eyes narrowed in alarm. Caught mid-leap, he desperately wanted to dodge but could not. The saber's light bore down on him, a chilling aura of death shrouding him completely.In that instant, a wave of energy crashed through the air like a tidal wave, bringing a howling gale with it.Crash!Suddenly, Sabertooth was hurled away like a shell fired from a gun, blood spraying from his mouth as he flew, before he slammed into the earth, leaving a huge crater and falling silent."Sabertooth!" Blood Rakshasa's shout pierced the chaos as she spun and dashed to his side.She barely made
The man in black was sent hurtling through the air, slamming into the ground with such force that he lay there motionlessly, struggling to rise. A gaping wound, carved by the relentless sword, oozed blood profusely from his abdomen."What in the world is that sword technique?" he gasped after a torturous effort to stand, his face ashen.He had underestimated Blood Rakshasa's swordplay. Since her breakthrough to a higher echelon of mastery, her blade's might had surged, utterly dominating her seasoned adversary."The Sword Without a Name," Blood Rakshasa declared icily.Without wasting another second, she launched another assault. Sabertooth was in dire straits, and she was determined to aid him.Her blade danced again, weaving a web of sword energy that shot toward the white-haired elder, ensnaring him in an instant.The old man's eyes narrowed in a flash of panic, realizing he was trapped with no way out."This is it!" he snarled, brandishing his blade and lunging forward.How
With a thunderous explosion of energy, Blood Rakshasa's power surged, forcing the old man before her to stagger back in disbelief."Impossible! Have you broken through?" he gasped, steadying himself, his face a mask of astonishment."You bet I have!" Blood Rakshasa's face lit up with triumph.She had done it, just as the old man had surmised. Amid her swordplay, she felt a dormant core energy within her erupt, catapulting her to the zenith of martial knight at peak mastery stage.Master Howard's words rang in her head. The core energy left in her by a once-mighty warrior was too much to absorb at once. Back in that cave, she only managed a minor mastery in martial knight. However, Howard had predicted further advancements, and he was right."Let's see if you can handle a few more of my strikes!" Blood Rakshasa challenged, her spirit soaring not just from her newfound strength but also from a deeper connection to her swordsmanship."Bring it on!" the old man bellowed, his blade re