After ten minutes or so, Sebastian felt as if he was sitting on a volcano. Every single pore in his body felt as if it would catch on fire.The air around Sebastian burst into flame, and even his clothes were burnt to ash. However, the extreme heat turned into extreme cold in just an instant.Layers of frost and ice coated Sebastian's body at once. It was the result of light and dark energy fighting for authority in Sebastian's body. After some time, the spiritual energy in Sebastian's body suddenly surged toward his limbs. Everything happened so suddenly that his skin cracked into deep fissures, unable to withstand the immense pressure.Blood seeped out of the cracks on his skin.Sebastian felt as if there were countless bugs and ants gnawing his body, and the pain made him wish that he was dead. Finally, after an hour, the cracks on Sebastian's body slowly healed as the two conflicting forces of spiritual energy merged into one.As Sebastian slowly opened his eyes, a powerfu
In the center of the venue, there was an empty piece of land that was about the size of a soccer field. Seats rose in tiers around it. The tiers were already filled with martial sect apprentices who had come to watch.Bertie and Drake headed straight to the main grandstand on the north side. They bowed respectfully to Sebastian and said, "Please be seated, Mr. Ballard."Sebastian did not stand on formality with the two of them. He sat in the main seat of the north grandstand at once.Bertie and Drake sat down on either side of him. This made several of the younger people present look at Sebastian. Opposite them, in the south grandstand, several elderly men stared at Sebastian as they muttered to each other. They pointed at him from time to time. One of the old men looked displeased as he spoke to those around him."Those are the elders of the Healer Sect. The ones sitting beside them are elders of other sects who are on good terms with the Healer Sect," Drake said quietly in Se
"You're much too inexperienced to compete in refining pills. I'll give you one final chance to give up on the idea of betting your life," Sebastian said impassively.Cedric wasn't the only one who laughed. Everyone in the venue burst out into mocking laughter."Who does he think he's talking to? That's the young Refinist of the Healer Sect.""Yeah! I heard that a year ago, Cedric had already attained the skill of refining Spiritual Energy Pills, which are the most premium kind among the true pills. How can a layman like Sebastian be so boastful?""I think that he's just trying to give himself a way out. It's a pity that Cedric won't fall for it."Everyone in the crowd was speaking contemptuously about Sebastian.Cedric clasped his hands behind his back and began the Square Steps footwork. He walked slowly down the steps and gazed in Sebastian's direction as he said, "Ballard, I'm not looking down on you, but what gives you the right to brag in front of me?"I don't mind telling
Cedric said, "To tell you the truth, I'll be refining a Spiritual Energy Pill today! Didn't you just say that my Spiritual Energy Pill is worthless compared to a mystic pill? Then refine one and show us all! Do you dare to do so?"Cedric shook the waiver he was holding.A white-clad youth sitting behind Octavius couldn't help frowning slightly. His name was Nicholas Thornton, and he was the young sect leader of Medcity. Medcity hadn't sent him to compete in the Medical Congress. His only purpose was to observe. Besides, Nicholas was self-aware and knew that he was no match for Cedric with his own knowledge of pill refining. Therefore, there was no need for Medcity to embarrass itself. However, Medcity and the Healer Sect had a very close relationship. Nicholas couldn't help being worried that Cedric would make a mistake. He lowered his voice and said to Octavius, "Mr. Fuller, if that Ballard fellow really can refine a pill that's in the mystic pill grade, won't Cedric…"Nicholas
"Hmph!" Octavius huffed coldly and turned his head to one side."The competition now begins." A white-robed old man walked up to the rostrum and announced the beginning of the competition in a loud voice.The apprentices of the Healer Sect and Medcity all crowded around the sides of the arena to pick the medicinal herbs that they needed. The participants knew that they weren't the main event that day—they were only there to make Cedric stand out.However, everyone wanted to show off their skills in front of a crowd of a thousand people. If they caught the eye of the elders in their sects, they would be able to get the elders' skill passed on to them.Even if they couldn't shine as brightly as Cedric did, they could at least become one of the core apprentices. Sebastian yawned and asked Cedric rather impatiently, "Are you going to compete or not? Aren't you just refining Spiritual Energy Pills? Must you dawdle so much? My time is limited." He pointed to his wristwatch as he spok
Cries of surprise and disbelief erupted at once. Cedric, who had been confident of winning, was now completely dumbstruck."This is impossible! You're cheating!" he shouted. He couldn't suppress the shock he felt. However, he realized at once that he had blurted it out without thinking.There wasn't a single person within 80 feet of Sebastian. How could Sebastian have cheated?Octavius glared grimly at Cedric. There were over a thousand pairs of eyes watching. Saying that Sebastian had cheated was ridiculous.He was thinking quickly about how to extricate themselves from the mess when a gold pill fell into Sebastian's palm."Although Spirimist pills aren't top-grade mystic pills, I'm sure it's several grades higher than a Spiritual Energy Pill. Would any of the senior members from the Healer Sect be interested in testing out its authenticity?" Sebastian held the Spirimist pill in his hand and turned to look in the northwest direction, where the Medcrofters' grandstand was. A
There was an uproar from the crowd as soon as Sebastian spoke."Isn't Ballard being too harsh? The head elder of the Healer Sect has already humbled himself to beg him. Why isn't he showing him even the slightest respect?""That's right. Cedric is a rare talent in the Healer Sect. If he just dies in this manner, it will be a loss to the mystic sects.""Even if it's just for the sake of those in the mystic sects, Ballard shouldn't be so cold and unfeeling."The crowd muttered darkly. They were all against Sebastian.Octavius felt more confident when he heard the crowd. The crowd's emotions were very important. If everyone felt sorry for Cedric, they could exert pressure on Sebastian and force him to let Cedric go. Even the Warrior League wouldn't risk angering the crowd for Sebastian's sake. Besides, Sebastian's biggest ally was the Warrior League. Would he really offend the Healer Sect so thoroughly?Octavius smiled thinly and said to Sebastian, "Mr. Ballard, I'm sure you'v
After all, Octavius was an expert at the fourth level of the Celestial realm. How could he be unable to withstand even one blow from Sebastian?There was a thump as Octavius fell heavily on the ground about 40 feet away. He spat out a huge mouthful of blood.After a long time, he raised his head in disbelief and stared at Sebastian in shock. "You… How could you—"Sebastian huffed coldly and toyed with the Spirimist pill in his hand. He scoffed and asked, "Is everyone in the Healer Sect an idiot like you? If I can refine Spirimist pills, how could I be less powerful than you?"The heavens have their own laws, so we'll end things here for today. I hope the Healer Sect will learn its lesson. If you cause trouble again, I wouldn't mind wiping out your entire sect."Remember, I never joke with my enemies." Sebastian turned and walked toward the entrance of the venue. As Sebastian passed the crowd, they all stood up to clear a path for him. They watched him walk off into the distance.
"My name is Reggie Joston. I'm the leader of Swordfyre Hall in the Wind Dancers. Greetings, Mr. Anton!" Reggie bowed slightly to Anton, and he spoke confidently.The leader of Swordfyre Hall?Anton was secretly surprised. It appeared that he had misunderstood the Wind Dancers. Although Reggie was young, Swordfyre Hall was renowned throughout Boren.He had only made a call, but the Wind Dancers had sent someone who was a leader. Not only that, Reggie was the lead apprentice of the Wind Dancers' sect leader. They were showing the Wentworths plenty of respect.At that thought, Anton smiled quickly and said, "Please sit down, Reggie!"As he spoke, he waved a hand at the butler, gesturing for him to go and prepare tea. Once Reggie was seated, he asked in surprise, "Who would dare to bully the Wentworths when you have such a vast fortune? The messenger told me that you've been provoked by a young man named Sebastian Ballard?"Anton nodded angrily. Although the Lynches were nothing
Seeing the determination on Sebastian's face, Nina had no choice but to nod and say, "Yes. I will do as you say. However, please allow me to go with you to the entrance of Mount Quiln tomorrow morning before I return to Steinberg, my lord!"Sebastian thought for a moment before he nodded and said, "Alright!"Nina squeezed out a smile when Sebastian gave his permission.After all, she had entered Mount Quiln with Sebastian before. She knew that it was very dangerous on that mountain. Even with Duo as his companion, Sebastian was sure to come across many obstacles on his journey!At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Nina opened it, and when she saw who it was, she informed Sebastian, "My lord, it's Joaquin.""Let him in," Sebastian said impassively. Joaquin walked into Sebastian's room and put on a wide smile as he said ingratiatingly, "Mr. Ballard, you mentioned that you'll be going into the mountains early tomorrow morning. Do you need me to send Mr. Gabbard and the ot
Sebastian crooked a finger at Jayden, who had gone out of his mind with fear. He was both sobbing and laughing as he went up to Sebastian.Sebastian slapped him.Jayden jolted with the shock, and blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth."Mr. Ballard, I was wrong! Please have mercy on me. After all, I didn't make any major mistakes!" Jayden said, falling to his knees.He didn't want his flesh sliced off until he was a mere skeleton, which was what had happened to Kayden."That slap is a lesson to you. Why can't you just do business properly?" Sebastian asked, frowning slightly."I'll remember this! From now on, I'm going to turn over a new leaf!"Sebastian looked down at Jayden, then waved a hand at him. After all, Jayden hadn't committed any major crimes and didn't deserve to die.Jayden thanked Sebastian profusely before fleeing from the Aequor.Joaquin glanced at Brayden and Darla and said coldly, "Inspector Jefferson, aren't you going to thank Mr. Ballard for not kill
Javier fell with a thump onto the floor. He stared dazedly as Kayden was tied to a long bench with a rope."Bring in the family members of the victim. Who from the law enforcement hall will carry out the punishment?" Sebastian demanded.He pulled out a silver needle and pierced one of Kayden's acupuncture points, which would make him more alert.When a man in a wheelchair was pushed into the hall by a young woman who looked very frail, Sebastian stood up quickly.He said to the young man, "Kayden is the reason your family's fallen apart. We'll torture him to death very soon.""That asshole! He deserves to be slashed a million times!" the young man yelled at Kayden, clenching his fists tightly."Don't get agitated. He won't die before he gets cut 7,000 times. Although you don't have the right to carry out the execution, you can splash salt water over his wounds!"Sebastian took a bucket from one of the law enforcement hall apprentices and placed it in front of the young man."Se
At least that man had not had to grovel to the perpetrators to thank them. Not only did Brayden have to grovel to the law enforcement hall men, he even had to thank them!After about four hours, when Kayden had pulled up his pants, he went over to Brayden and said in a slightly ashamed tone, "Inspector Jefferson, I… I had no choice!"He sounded as if he was completely innocent.Brayden wanted to murder him. Just a minute earlier, when Joaquin had called out his name, he had been shaking with excitement. He had even forgotten about the pain of having his crotch injured and lunged toward Darla like a hungry wolf. Now, he was standing in front of Brayden, acting innocent?Brayden had only gotten into this state because of Kayden!After sending away all the reporters, Joaquin sent a message to Sebastian. In less than ten minutes, Sebastian sauntered back into the restaurant. He glanced at Darla, who was lying on the floor with a vacant look in her eyes. Sebastian patted Brayden's sh
If the incident was broadcast, it would be sure to cause an uproar, and Boren would become the center of the storm.However, Sebastian had made up his mind, and Joaquin didn't dare to try and dissuade him. He had no choice but to do as Sebastian had commanded and call over the news teams from all three states' television stations.Since the head director of a state was calling them personally, none of them dared to refuse. In less than two hours, the news teams from all three state television stations had arrived and were in position."What news are we broadcasting today, Mr. Ballard?" a female reporter asked Sebastian.She had seen how messy the place was, and there didn't seem to be anything for them to report about."Later, these people are going to help a family improve the gene pool, and I need you to broadcast the entire process live. Before you do, please play a recording of a phone call from Inspector Jefferson," Sebastian said. He sent the recording of the phone call
"Kneel!" Sebastian suddenly yelled.Brayden yelped with fear and fell to his knees."Sebastian, I… I'm a tristate inspector of the Martial Arts Court!"At that point, Brayden's final hope was his authority and position. He didn't want to die, and he especially didn't want to die for no reason.He just wanted to win favor with the ancestral being of the Berkeleys and get some tips on how to get a longer life."Call your wife! I'll give you two hours. If she doesn't come, you'll be tortured to death as well. I can tell you clearly that I'm a doctor, and I have ways to keep you alive until you get slashed 3,600 times with a knife!" Sebastian said icily."I…"Brayden trembled as he pulled out his phone. His mind had gone blank, and it took him a long time to find his wife's phone number. Her name was Darla Wyllis. "Hello? Honey? A handbag caught my eye today, but that stupid store actually refused to give it to me for free! It's a lousy handbag that only costs about 500 thousand d
Jayden had only gone a few steps, but he had no choice but to stop. He turned and grimaced at the Berkeleys and Brayden, who were all looking in his direction.He was filled with regret. He should have made his escape earlier instead of coming back with Brayden. Egbert and Yorrick were clearly fools. One of them had maimed himself and ended up vomiting blood relentlessly, while the other stood there like an idiot for Sebastian to slap him. He would be surprised if either of them could defeat Sebastian.As everyone was watching him, Jayden had no choice but to return to his previous spot. He looked nervously at Yorrick, praying inwardly that the old man would somehow get more skilled. He couldn't let Sebastian screw him over!"This is the last slap, old man. Do you still have any feeling in your face?" Sebastian asked, raising his palm."Damn you!" Yorrick swore violently. However, one of his front teeth had been knocked out earlier when he was slapped, and air escaped noisily t
The entire left side of Yorrick's face had become so numb that he couldn't feel a thing."Young man, just now you already hit me—""I only slapped you once!" Sebastian interrupted, holding up a finger.Yorrick spat and said, "How could one slap have made so many noises?"Sebastian replied innocently, "Everyone here can testify that I only hit you once, and I did it very slowly too. You all saw it, didn't you?"The onlookers nodded quickly, especially the experts from the law enforcement hall. They still couldn't figure out how an expert at Yorrick's level could have been sent flying through the air by a weak slap like that from Sebastian.What puzzled them the most was that Yorrick had clearly landed in a very safe spot. Why had he insisted on rolling into a pile of broken glass and gotten such a gaping wound on his face?"Fine!" Yorrick clenched his teeth and suppressed the pain in the right side of his face. "There are still two moves left!" he said viciously."Will you com