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'
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
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
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
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
Rodney chuckled. "Mr. Lincoln, you truly live up to the high regard my father holds for you. Please rest, and I'll make sure you're properly compensated later." Ivan nodded and turned to leave, but Andrew's voice cut through the air. "Wait." Everyone froze—both Rodney's Madblade Martial Academy group and Rhodes family bodyguards were stunned. "Andrew, what are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Jerry growled through his pain. The bodyguards joined in, "Are you insane? Even Jerry was defeated! Do you want to die?" "Shut up! We already have a lot of problems on our plate!" "Andrew, don't try to get yourself killed. Mr. Lincoln is obviously a powerful expert—no one can save you!" Since even a master like Jerry had been defeated, they viewed Andrew's interruption as suicidal. The Rhodes family bodyguards were amazed at Andrew's audacity, believing he was playing with fire. "Well, our side still has one person who hasn't fought yet," Andrew said casually. "O
Ivan stood on the platform with his arms crossed, letting out a disdainful snort that showed his complete contempt. "Andrew, what the hell are you doing?" Jerry shouted. Andrew gave him a cold glance and replied, "Since you're badly injured and have already embarrassed the Rhodes family, you should stay quiet." Jerry's fury triggered his stomach wound, making him wince in pain. "Andrew, you can't possibly beat this guy," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Once you step into that ring, your life is in your own hands—do you understand that?" He had seen many reckless young men like this before—all courage and no wisdom. In his experience, they usually ended up as corpses. "Andrew, we've warned you multiple times not to throw your life away!" one of the bodyguards shouted. "If you get yourself killed, that's one thing, but you'll be putting Ms. Rhodes in a terrible position! Get lost—you're not as important as you think you are!" The Rhodes family bodyguards were furious, o
In the world of martial arts, following the unspoken rules of the ring meant that even if someone died, it was considered their own fault. And with the Madblade Martial Academy's influence in Jayrodale, the loss of one or two lives was nothing significant—they could easily sweep it under the rug. Ivan lowered his crossed arms, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He gestured at Andrew with a beckoning motion. "Kid, I'll give you the first move. If you can get close to me or even touch my clothes, I'll admit defeat." His arrogance made Jerry seem modest in comparison, but no one dared to laugh. Everyone believed Ivan had the strength to back up his confidence. Jerry coughed twice and muttered, "Mr. Lincoln isn't just some random nobody. It's a shame I can't figure out who he really is. Andrew's chances don't look good." On the platform, Andrew casually strolled toward Ivan, his movements unhurried. "Since you're being so polite, I won't hold back." Andrew's calm response pr
Zachary let out a cold snort. "You better make sure there isn't a next time. Everyone seated here has earned their place—except you. You're just a cheap nobody who doesn't belong at this table." He added, "Get on your knees and pour drinks for Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Stevens." Ruth stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking her to kneel now, all for Andrew? Was he really worth this level of humiliation? Ultimately, she gritted her teeth and dropped to her knees like a servant—silently pouring drinks as ordered. Aspen watched, wanting to say something but stopped herself. She could not help but shoot Andrew a look, annoyed he had not said a word to stop it. Letting someone kneel like that was seriously inhumane. However, Andrew just sipped his drink quietly, as if he had not seen anything. He had no intention of stepping in—not after how Ruth had acted earlier. If anything, this was just karma being served cold. Zachary downed half his glass and looked across the table
"Ms. Stevens, please have a seat," Zachary said warmly. Aspen was caught off guard but quickly sat beside Andrew, feeling like she had entered a surreal dream. Never in her life had she imagined someone like Zachary Fischer—a living legend in the southern martial arts world—would personally invite her to sit. "Ruth, go grab the two vintage bottles I've been saving," Zachary added, turning to her with a tone that left no room for negotiation. "Tonight, I'm going all out for Mr. Lloyd." Ruth's face tightened with resentment. Why was her man, always so powerful and untouchable, suddenly acting like a bootlicker? However, when Zachary's icy gaze locked onto her, she shuddered and hurried off to obey without another word. Andrew chuckled, clearly amused. "Zac, you're living large these days. And your woman? Man, she carries herself like she the damn queen." Zachary forced a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lloyd. Ruth's gotten spoiled by me. I'll discipline her better going forward
"Zac! Do it! What are you waiting for?!" Ruth shrieked, stamping her heel in a fury. Without a word, Zachary raised his hand and slapped her across the face hard. The force sent Ruth flying, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. Stunned, she clutched her cheek and stared at him in disbelief like she had just seen a ghost. "Why… Why the hell did you hit me?" she stammered. Around them, everyone froze in place. They all could not believe what had just happened, and they could not help but wonder if it was a mistake. After all, they all thought Andrew was the one who should have been hit. Andrew stared at Zachary, shocked. Then, he let out a low, amused laugh. He certainly had not expected to see a familiar face, of all things. Meanwhile, Zachary shuddered. From the moment Andrew had stepped into the light, he had been frozen, like some spell had locked his limbs in place. His legs were shaking as he stammered, "C-Captain, is it really you?" Andrew's lips curled int
Ruth was breathless, her chest rising and falling rapidly from the long-haired man's teasing touch. Still, she looked thrilled. After punching his chest a few times in mock protest, she giggled and purred, "You're the one who made the restaurant rules, remember? No violence on the premises. If we go after that punk now, aren't we just ruining our own reputation?" The long-haired man scoffed. "Those rules were made for others to follow, not me." Ruth laughed seductively, pressing her chest against him with a flirtatious smirk as they linked arms and headed downstairs. The moment they appeared, every guest in the restaurant stood up, rushing to greet them respectfully. The long-haired man returned each nod with a warm smile, walking with effortless dominance, radiating presence. Ruth, however, wore a wicked smile. Now that her man was involved, that little punk Andrew? He was dead meat. Someone exclaimed, "Look, look! Mr. Fischer's heading toward the private room! That kid's
Some guests watched on with smug amusement. Ruth bit down her rage and gave a chilling command to the man at her side. "Wait until they finish their meal and leave the restaurant. I want that punk's tongue." With that, she turned and walked away, the contempt on her face thick enough to cut through glass. What a joke—he actually thought he could touch her? Ruth was beautiful, yes, but she was also powerful. In a place like this, people did not just treat her with courtesy—they treated her with reverence. No one had ever dared to say something so disrespectful to her, and the reason was simple. Behind her stood a monster of a man, a silent force that kept Aroma Exchange untouchable. He was the one who made this restaurant sacred ground. … Back in the private suite, the food was served again, freshly plated. A new bottle of Celestial Reserve had also been opened. Andrew ate happily, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, Aspen sat stiff as a board, her face pale and tense, an
"Let's go! What the hell are you doing? Move!" Aspen was so pale she looked like she might pass out, and she shoved Andrew hard—twice. She could not understand why he was being so reckless. Why could he not lower his ego and let this slide? After all, this was not Jayrodale. This was the capital, a place crawling with power players and hidden sharks. Even Seth had the sense to shut up, and back down in front of Ruth, yet Andrew was still out here picking a fight. Was he trying to get them killed? Andrew suddenly pulled her into his arms, his gaze sharp and cold. He said flatly, "Don't worry. I've got you tonight. If anything happens to you, I'll make sure this trash excuse of a restaurant gets wiped off the map." Aspen's mind went completely blank, and her body went numb. They were in trouble—deep, terrifying trouble. Ruth let out a slow, furious laugh and snapped, "You've got a sharp mouth for someone so young! Do you really think you're untouchable? One word from me, an
Ruth turned her head slightly, voice sharp and cool. "Mr. Haywood, is it true—what Ms. Aspen said? Did you barge in and stir things up first?" Seth growled, "I only said a few words. I never crossed the line! But that lunatic just snapped and attacked me out of nowhere! Ms. Sinclair, the Haywoods and your establishment have always had a good relationship. You have to stand up for me!" Aspen quickly countered, "Ms. Sinclair, that's not how it happened at all! He came into our private suite without permission and kept throwing insults at Andrew, calling him names over and over again. If you don't believe me, check the surveillance footage!" Seth sneered coldly. "Aspen, everything I did—I did for you. I was trying to save you from this nightmare, and this is how you repay me?" Aspen scoffed. "Mr. Haywood, are you really going to pretend your intentions were noble? Let's be honest—you had your own motives. I've told you before, I'm not one of those starry-eyed girls who fall for a
"Starting trouble at Aroma Exchange? Do you have a death wish?" A sharp, commanding voice sliced through the room. Striding in at the center of a group of men in fitted black suits was a tall woman in a crimson designer dress, a lit cigarette delicately balanced between her fingers. Her wavy hair and cold expression made her presence impossible to ignore. Behind her, the men stood like trained operatives—buzz cuts, sharp eyes, and temple veins slightly bulging—the kind of guys you just knew were professionals. Seth pointed at Andrew and barked, "Ms. Sinclair, I know the restaurant's rules! But I'm not the one who started anything—it was him, this crazy bastard! Just look at me! He beat me like an animal!" Ruth Sinclair's gaze darkened as she turned toward Andrew. "So you're the one who smashed Mr. Haywood's head open?" Before Andrew could respond, Aspen stepped in. "Ms. Sinclair, we were just having dinner when Seth barged into our private room and disrupted everything. As pe
Andrew started clapping slowly. He mocked, "Bravo. That was truly something. A full-on knight-in-shining-armor performance!" Aspen pleaded, "Andrew, please don't get mad. I'll make him leave right now!" Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Mad? I'm not mad at all. Actually, I'm happy for you." Aspen blinked in confusion. "Happy for me? Why?" Andrew gave her a chilling smile. "I mean, look at you—some heir to a powerful family wants to marry you, all head over heels, ready to rescue you from a so-called nightmare. That's gotta be something worth celebrating, right?" Aspen fell silent. She could not explain it, but something about that smile of his sent shivers down her spine. Seth tugged at his collar and looked down on Andrew with a smug grin. He said, "Kid, I know you've got a little something going on. Back in a small dump like Jayrodale, you might even pass for a big shot. "But this is the capital. It's a battleground full of real players. This isn't some backwater town you can