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Chapter 439
Kaugnay na kabanata
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 440
Rodney's words made the skilled fighters behind him burst into raucous laughter. The students stopped their practice to stare at Lauren with strange expressions. "Rodney, I told you years ago that I wasn't interested in you," Lauren said calmly, showing no sign of anger. "Your persistent pursuit might be romantic to some, but even if you offered me the entire Madblade Martial Academy, I wouldn't give you a second glance." Rodney's face darkened immediately. He had tried to embarrass Lauren, but her sharp tongue had turned the tables on him instead. A hulking man beside Rodney sneered, "Ms. Rhodes, if you're going to reject Mr. Sanford, why are you even here?" "For our money," Lauren replied curtly. Dean scoffed. "Atlas owed Rhodes Corporation money, not me. If you want it, go ask him in hell." Lauren smirked. "Atlas may be dead, but not all Northern District's people are gone. I know you cleaned out Atlas's accounts. Dean, are you really going to pretend you don't owe us?"
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 441
Rodney's lips curled into a mocking smile. He sneered, "Mr. Keoghan, you've got quite the attitude, showing off in front of my Madblade Martial Academy. What do you think this is, some kindergarten playground?" Jerry, being a renowned senior grandmaster for many years, carried himself with natural authority. "Mr. Sanford, if it were your father, Vince Sanford, I would show him proper respect. But you're still too young and inexperienced, so I advise you not to make any foolish decisions." Jerry continued, "Just hand over Dean and let Ms. Rhodes deal with him. If you do that, we can put this whole incident behind us." Lauren gave a cold smile and turned to Andrew. "Don't worry, Dr. Lloyd. Jerry is one of the top fighters in the Rhodes family. If Rodney wants to play rough, we're more than happy to oblige!" Andrew's expression showed traces of doubt. Jerry's power as a senior grandmaster was indeed undeniable. Even if he had only recently reached that level, it was still enough t
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 442
Rodney declared, "If my side loses, then you'll get their 60 million, handed over without question. But if you lose, I don't want anything else except…" At this point, Rodney suddenly stopped, his eyes gleaming with lust as he licked his lips in an incredibly vulgar manner. Behind him, his martial arts students joined in with sleazy snickers. Lauren felt goosebumps all over her body. She asked with disgust, "What do you want?" Rodney smiled. "Don't worry, my request isn't too outrageous. I just want your stockings, Lauren. And specifically, the ones you're wearing right now—I want them while they're still warm!" Then, he burst into laughter. Lauren's face turned slightly pale, clearly suppressing both rage and humiliation. She controlled her emotions well, though, and turned to look at Jerry. "Don't worry, Miss. I can defeat these petty thugs with one hand tied behind my back," Jerry said coldly. Lauren turned to Andrew, blushing slightly. "Dr. Lloyd, my stockings are on
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 443
Andrew shook his head and warned, "Jerry, you're being too arrogant. "From what I can see, the head of Madblade Martial Academy doesn't even need to step in—that martial arts expert next to Rodney alone is enough to give you serious trouble." Jerry sneered. "What do you know about fighting levels? Do you think you can see something I can't? Young man, don't mistake ignorance for courage—it's truly foolish!" Ollie Keoghan, who had just been called up, mocked, "Andrew, why do you always have to run your mouth when you're around Ms. Rhodes? Jerry could probably take you down with just one finger." "Ollie is right—this guy's a nobody who talks too much," another guard chimed in. "Since we're having three matches, let's win the first two to secure victory. Then, we can let this punk go up for the last round and get beaten to a pulp by Madblade's fighters. Jerry's bodyguards all shot hostile looks at Andrew, joining in the criticism. Andrew just shook his head, noting how Jerry'
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 444
Suddenly, Ollie, who had been attacking fiercely, started panting and made a tactical retreat. The Madblade student's face broke into a mocking smile as he taunted, "What's wrong? Tired already?" The student changed his footwork pattern, rhythmically advancing toward Ollie before launching a series of quick, vicious strikes at his face. Ollie was startled and tried to defend with all his might, but his footwork became unstable and chaotic. Seizing the opportunity, the Madblade student whipped out a devastating leg sweep that connected with Ollie's thigh. As Ollie groaned in pain and lost his balance, his opponent showed no mercy and delivered a lightning-fast kick to his groin. There was a sickening crack that made even Andrew wince. Ollie's face drained of all color as he rolled around the ring, screaming in agony. The Rhodes family bodyguards stood speechless, completely caught off guard. Ollie had not only lost but had been brutally defeated—his groin likely shattered. "Ro
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 445
Dean scoffed. "Don't worry, Mr. Sanford. I'll handle this arrogant fool." With a single leap, he landed on the fighting platform. Jerry looked at Dean with extreme contempt and taunted, "If it were Atlas, perhaps he could have given me a decent fight. But you, his worthless senior? You're not worthy—save yourself the humiliation!" Dean's gaunt face turned ashen as he gritted his teeth. "Jerry, you're only slightly more famous than me. Even if I can't defeat you, I'll at least make sure you suffer!" With that, Dean launched into a flurry of lightning-fast punches toward Jerry. Jerry moved with measured steps, turning left and right before delivering a powerful palm strike that sent Dean stumbling back three steps. "Garbage!" Jerry mocked, still keeping one hand behind his back. Dean was enraged and charged forward three steps before leaping high and launching a series of three rapid kicks. Three loud thuds sounded, and Jerry retreated while blocking Dean's flying kicks with
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 446
Jerry's eyes narrowed as he laughed bitterly. "So you're a nobody who's afraid to speak up. Fine, I'll make you pay for your ignorance and arrogance." Down below, the Rhodes family bodyguards were rubbing their hands in anticipation, already envisioning Jerry's decisive victory after defeating two of Madblade's fighters. "Andrew, this is the final round—if Jerry wins, we've got this in the bag! Watch and learn what real power looks like!" "Kid, look at Jerry, and then look at yourself. From what I can see, you probably couldn't even last half a move against him," one guard sneered. Another laughed, "Half a move? Jerry's breath alone could blow him away!" They continued their mockery: "The entire tournament was won by Jerry single-handedly. Hey Andrew, didn't you say you wouldn't let us lose? Haven't seen you lift a finger!" With victory seemingly within reach, Jerry's followers had become increasingly arrogant, praising him while ridiculing Andrew. Andrew just smiled a
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 447
Below the ring, Andrew nodded slightly. Jerry's arrogance was backed by real skill, but unfortunately, the martial arts path was like a mighty river flowing into an endless ocean—there were always greater depths to discover. Ivan finally moved, transforming from his mountain-like stillness into explosive action. His classic internal martial arts technique concentrated all his power into a single point, channeling his energy like a surging tide before releasing it like a dragon's strike. Then, a dull thud echoed through the arena. Jerry's palm strike connected with Ivan's chest, but Ivan's counter-strike to Jerry's abdomen was even faster. Blood gushed out from Jerry's mouth as he staggered back three steps, his face pale as paper and filled with shock. Meanwhile, Ivan stood unmoved, wearing a look of disdain. He commented, "The Octa-Palm technique flows like a swimming dragon, fluid and adaptable. Too bad you've only scratched the surface of what your master created." Ivan wa
Pinakabagong kabanata
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 986
Alfred's furious outburst stunned everyone in the Goth family. "The entire city of Jayrodale is closing ranks against us right now!" he shouted, his face red with rage. "I spent over 30 years building our network—30 years of sweat, deals, and favors—and you destroyed it in a single day! You want me to stay away? Fine. But what now? You expect me to sleep on the streets like some washed-up nobody?" Alfred was shaking with rage as he slapped Dominic across the face again—and again, and again, delivering a flurry of brutal smacks. Given his seniority and power in the family, Alfred's authority was on par with Dominic's, if not stronger. In fact, Dominic's mediocrity had long been hidden behind Alfred's efforts—he was the one who kept the family's reputation intact. So, inside the Goth family, Alfred's word always carried more weight than Dominic's. After that vicious barrage of slaps, Dominic's face was covered in blood. Even one of his ears had started to bleed. Camilla shrie
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 985
Dominic believed there was a limit to how much someone could bluff. The Goth family might have kept a low profile, but they'd always been stable. Unless they were completely self-destructed, thinking someone could wipe them out from the outside was just a fantasy. Right then, Dominic's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and grinned before answering. "Mr. Jenner! Haha, I'm guessing the permit finally came through for our project, right? I knew it'd get approved!" The voice on the other end exploded. "Permit my ass, Dominic! Have you completely lost your damn mind? That project's main contract went through Rhodes Corporation, and you had the nerve to piss off their director, Mr. Lloyd? They already booted us off the deal! You absolute dumpster fire of a partner. I must've been blind to ever work with you!" The call ended in a furious hang-up before Dominic even had a chance to respond. He stood there frozen, still holding his expensive phone as if it had just slapped him across t
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 984
Camilla glared at Nyla with eyes full of venom. "You little bitch—this is all your fault! The Goth family fed you, clothed you, gave you everything. And this is how you repay us? By betraying your own blood? You just wait. I swear, I'll make you regret it." Nyla burst into tears. "Dad… Camilla… we were the ones in the wrong. If we all apologize to Andy together, I know he'll forgive us!" However, Dominic roared and pointed toward the door. "Get out! Get out of the Goth residence right now! From this moment on, you have no place here. You are no longer one of us." Nyla turned pale and dropped to her knees, ready to beg. Francesca rushed over and pulled her into her arms. Her voice was cold. "Nyla, don't waste your tears. Instead, be thankful. Because now, you finally see them for who they really are. These people are not parents—they're monsters." Andrew casually patted Dominic's cheek, a half-smile on his face. "You think I can't touch you, don't you? Mr. Goth, maybe we haven
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 983
Camilla stepped forward and backed him up. "That's right! Andrew, you may be the head of Moonlit Apothecary and have quite some power right now, but the Goth family is still one of Jayrodale's founding families! "And the White family still holds plenty of influence around here. If you go too far, and the two of us join forces, don't think we'll just sit back and take it!" Andrew let out a cold laugh. "I don't usually bully the weak just because I can. But Mr. Goth, you said your family never wronged me. Are you really going to stick to that story?" Dominic's eyes shifted, but he doubled down. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I? You gonna tell me when exactly we ever crossed you?" Andrew's voice turned sharp. "You're still trying to play dumb at a time like this? Really? You became Quinton's lapdog and tried to steal the formula for my miracle pills. You're not getting out of that one, are you?" Dominic's eyes blazed with fury as he shot a murderous glare at Nyla. That little tr
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 982
Camilla giggled and said, "Honestly, I think that's the best decision too. But Dominic, don't you think Nyla might resent you for it? Her mom passed away so early—right now, you're all she has left." Dominic's voice turned cold. "Her mother's been gone for years. To be honest, I barely feel anything about it anymore. Sure, Nyla's my biological daughter, but if I'm being blunt, I never felt much for her emotionally. "Now that you're carrying my heir—and it's confirmed to be a boy—once he's born, you and our son will be the most cherished members of the Goth family." Both of them wore blissful smiles, completely lost in their fantasy of a perfect future. Suddenly, two guards rushed into the garden, completely out of breath. "Mr. and Mrs. Goth, Ms. Goth 's back!" Dominic frowned with displeasure. "Back already? That was quick. Don't tell me she failed?" His tone turned vicious as he clenched his jaw. "If she screwed up, I'll make sure she pays. I won't let that ungrateful br
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 981
Nyla quickly waved her hands and shook her head. "I can't, Andy. I appreciate your kindness, but I really can't accept it. I'm too young, and honestly, I don't have what it takes to run the Goth family." Andrew chuckled. "Nyla, I know exactly what you're worried about. You have no one backing you, no powerful connections, and you're not a man—so you feel like leading a family just isn't in the cards for you. "On top of that, you're terrified of your father, Dominic, and even more afraid of Camilla. You're convinced they wouldn't approve, right?" Nyla let out a bitter smile. "It's not even about whether they'd approve or not. The moment I show the slightest interest in becoming head of the family, Camilla would probably find a way to kill me quietly. "She warned me herself, the day she married into this family. She said the Goth family would belong to her children and that I should forget about having a place in it." Francesca scoffed coldly. "Andrew, you know what? I'm on boa
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 980
Nyla lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes full of sorrow. She choked out, "Andy… my dad… he's forcing me… He wants your formulas. He's making me steal them and bring them back to him." She broke down into sobs. "Andy, Dr. Aicker, you should fire me. I don't deserve to stay at Moonlit Apothecary anymore. I don't even have the face to show up here!" The words poured out of her as the tears fell. She had finally revealed everything because her trust in Andrew and Francesca was unconditional. Her loyalty to them ran deeper than blood, and when it came to Dominic, the man who was supposed to be her father, she felt nothing but heartbreak and betrayal. She had come to see that the man who once called her his daughter had turned into someone cold, greedy, and unrecognizable. He wanted her to betray Andrew—to steal from someone who had only ever been kind to her. Nyla realized she simply could not do it. She would rather tell the truth than live with that kind of guilt. Francesca
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 979
"But the Three Titans—Driscolls, Phelans, and the most elusive of them all, the Drache family—you'd better be careful around them, Mr. Lloyd," Phantom Eye said seriously. He added, "From what I've heard, those families each have someone far beyond the martial king level hidden in their ranks." Andrew remained unfazed. "If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. So what if they're above martial king? The world is vast—no one stays undefeated forever. There's always a higher peak beyond the last, and just because they're the Three Titans doesn't make them invincible." Phantom Eye nodded, still concerned. "Maybe so, but the Three Titans have always held the reins there. So, Mr. Lloyd, it never hurts to stay cautious when you're not on home turf." Andrew understood where Phantom Eye was coming from. Anyone who survived in Blumedale's ruthless martial world had to have a sharp eye and a wide view. Even a semi–martial king could build a reputation and live comfortably, but
Rising from the Ashes Chapter 978
A new day had begun. First thing in the morning, Andrew noticed several missed calls from Aspen. However, he did not respond to any of them. He already knew exactly why she was calling—she wanted to ask about the new 40 billion dollar transfer. However, Andrew did not feel the need to explain. As far as he was concerned, as long as Aspen managed the funds properly, that was enough. Francesca stepped out of the bathroom with flushed cheeks, looking irritated and disappointed. "Andrew, my period just started." Andrew chuckled. "It is what it is. Does your stomach hurt? Want me to give you the classic 'get some rest' line?" Francesca clenched her jaw. "Don't. Only emotionally clueless guys with zero tact say stuff like that." Andrew nodded seriously. "I agree. That's why I was going to make you a proper warm tea instead." Francesca waved it off. "No need. I may be on my period, but I'm not cramping or low on energy. Don't forget—I grew up in a traditional medicine family. My
