Upon seeing James enter, Zachary's expression changed dramatically, and his brow furrowed with concern."Mr. Turner? What brings you here?" Zachary reined in his anger and gave a slight bow, showing James a level of respect.James, the head of the Turner family, was a legendary figure in Steinberg. Anyone with any influence in the city had to give James some measure of respect. Even someone like Zachary knew better than to disrespect him."Hmph! If I hadn't come, would you have gone so far as to cripple Mr. Ballard?" James snapped, his face filled with displeasure.Zachary shuddered at his words, and he frowned in confusion. He glanced at James and asked, "Mr. Turner, are you here for this punk?""Watch your words!" James pounded his cane on the ground with a resounding thud, his voice sharp with reprimand. "Zachary! To speak to Mr. Ballard like that… Are you disregarding me?"Zachary froze, and his expression changed. He quickly stammered and said, "No, of course not, but I don'
Sebastian frowned. It seemed that the Targery family had considerable influence.James also whispered, "Mr. Ballard, Mr. Targery Senior was previously retired from a prominent position in Sunway, where he had significant authority. Many of his protégés now hold high-ranking positions. We can't afford to provoke Mr. Targery Senior easily."Meanwhile, seeing Hans and James's reaction, Zachary smirked coldly and said, "Mr. Turner, Mr. Wagner, what now? Are you still sticking up for this punk, or do you want to call it a day? I won't make things difficult for you both. Just take him away, and I'll pretend none of this ever happened."Hans and James exchanged uneasy glances, then looked at Sebastian."Mr. Ballard, maybe it's better to let it go today. Ms. Sutton is safe now, after all," Hans suggested.But to everyone's surprise, Sebastian simply smiled and raised his head, staring directly at Zachary with an air of defiance. He said coldly, "I don't care who you have as your backing
"Dante?" Sebastian frowned as he didn't expect it to be him. "Why?" he asked.Leonardo told Sebastian everything honestly, including Dante's debt to the casino."Bastard! He's asking for it!" Sebastian was so mad he rushed out of the casino and drove Hans' car straight to the Sutton residence.Hans and James exchanged glances, both shaking their heads in resignation. They knew that Sebastian had gotten himself into trouble. After all, hitting Zakary was equivalent to slapping Mr. Targery Senior in the face!Now, things were complicated.…Fergus had already brought Whitney back to the Sutton residence. He had hurried to the abandoned junkyard. He found Whitney on his way and immediately brought her back.Whitney said that Sebastian had saved her and told Fergus to go rescue Sebastian.When Fergus arrived, aside from seeing a person lying on the floor, he didn't find any sign of Sebastian.Thinking ahead, Fergus pressured the man to record a video.Fergus instructed the man to
Crystal was flustered and tried to push Sebastian out of the residence.Sebastian stood his ground with his gaze fixed coldly on Dante, who was visibly panicking. "Dante, aren't you going to explain?"Dante was terrified, his eyes darting around nervously."Dante! What's going on? Did you have me kidnapped?" Whitney looked at Dante with a mix of disbelief and shock.Dante, growing desperate, took a bold step forward. He pointed at Sebastian and shouted, "You're full of it! You, you're slandering me! What gives you the right to say I had my sister kidnapped? She's my sister! How could I do something like that? Do you even have any proof?"Sebastian chuckled coldly. "Proof? Leonardo already spilled everything! You owed 50 million in gambling debts and saw no way out, so you had your sister kidnapped. You hoped to take control of the company and get the money to pay off your debts!""You're full of crap! You're spewing nonsense!" Dante shouted, his anger boiling over. "I didn't do
Whitney raised her hand and slapped Sebastian, shouting with a voice full of desperation and frustration. "Enough! Stop explaining! Sebastian, I never expected you to be this kind of person!" She tearfully looked at Sebastian. At that moment, she felt nothing but disappointment.Sebastian was stunned. After a moment, he let out a self-deprecating laugh and said, "No matter what I say, you won't believe me, will you?""How can I believe you? The evidence is right here. How am I supposed to believe you?" she retorted. "And you even came here to accuse my brother! Sebastian, what on Earth do you want?" Whitney sobbed uncontrollably.She couldn't understand why Sebastian would do such a thing. What was he trying to achieve?"I'm telling you one last time, it wasn't me! This whole thing was planned by Dante!" Sebastian said coldly.Fergus chuckled mockingly. "Sebastian, after all that's happened, what are you even trying to explain? Are you saying my video is fake? If it's not you,
Sebastian had risked his life to save Whitney, but what he got in exchange was insults and zero trust. He was upset, so he kept drinking.…Zakary was sent to the hospital by his subordinate. When he woke up, he was so mad that he kept shouting. "God damn it!" This was the first time he got beaten up so badly in Steinberg. How humiliating!"I will not let you off the hook, Sebastian! The same goes to Hans and James!" Zakary roared at the top of his lungs. Then, he got up and asked his subordinate, "Send me to the Targery residence now!""Mr. McQueen, are you in good shape to go now?" one of the men asked.Zakary slapped that man and shouted. "Are you an idiot? Mr. Targery Senior would only help us if he sees this!"The man who got slapped suddenly understood, and he nodded. "Yes, yes! I got it now!"Soon, he drove Zakary to an estate on the outskirts of Steinberg, which was the Targery residence!The entire estate wasn't too big nor too small, but it was built in a traditio
Sebastian was still drinking at the grocery store, trying to ease his frustration.Suddenly, a few black sedans pulled up outside. The car doors opened, and several burly men stepped out. They looked fierce as they stormed into the grocery store, surrounding Sebastian from all sides."Are you Sebastian?" the leader of the group, with a commanding presence, asked. One could tell just by looking at him that he was no ordinary person, more likely someone with military training.The other men stood in a way that suggested they knew what they were doing, possibly trained soldiers."What's this about?" Sebastian asked casually, taking a sip of his drink."Our boss wants to see you!" one of the men said coldly, reaching out to grab Sebastian by the shoulder, showing no courtesy.With a loud bang, the man who grabbed Sebastian's shoulder was sent flying back, and his entire arm went numb!"You punk! You dare resist?" The man who was thrown back shouted angrily. He pulled a baton from
"Very well! What a brave young man! I never expected there to be someone who could beat up my men and even ask me to visit him personally!" Eugene's face was filled with rage. He hit the armrest and said coldly, "Get the car ready! I want to see how powerful this young man is!" With that, Eugene walked out of the Targery residence.A large group of nearly a hundred men in black suits quickly followed. The entrance was lined with dozens of black sedans.Eugene got into his car, and Zakary quickly joined him. "Mr. Targery Senior, that brat is too arrogant. We need to give him a lesson he'll never forget!""I know," Eugene replied coldly.The cars started up, heading quickly toward the grocery store.Zakary had a sinister look on his face as he thought to himself, "You little punk! This time you're done for!"Meanwhile, Hans and James were also rushing to the store. They couldn't ignore Eugene's orders. After all, defying him would mean they couldn't operate in Steinberg anymore
Phineas stood up, ready to leave. "Mr. Tuxley, there's no need to rush," Rosalie said, smiling.Phineas flinched and turned his head to say, "Mr. Ballard, Ms. Griffin, please don't misunderstand. I'm not on their side at all. I just don't wish to cause trouble for Mr. Ballard because of this incident."Phineas was sincere, and both Rosalie and Whitney knew he had just been tricked by Ezekiel and the others. A man in his 40s being deceived by a group of people in their 50s to 70s was hardly surprising.However, the suggestion might not actually be entirely disadvantageous for Sebastian."I think that we should accept it. You should be the leader of the league," Rosalie said firmly, looking at Sebastian."No!" Phineas waved his hand quickly. "Since they planned this in advance, Mr. Ballard mustn't play into their hands. Otherwise, there's sure to be trouble."Sebastian looked at Rosalie and said, "You know it's a trap. Yet you want me to do what they want?"Whitney nodded seriou
"Well, we're all making an effort for the martial arts community, aren't we? This is part of my duty," Phineas remarked. "Please sit down, gentlemen. I'll go and invite Mr. Ballard right away."Phineas shot a meaningful look at two deacons, signaling them to treat Ezekiel and the others with hospitality. He got up and made a beeline for the front door. Once he got into his car, he drove straight to the convenience store to look for Sebastian.After the news broadcast two days ago, Sebastian had become famous in Steinberg. Many people had come due to his fame, forming a long line outside the convenience store.Sebastian's medical skills were already famous in Steinberg, but few people knew he was also very skilled in martial arts. Even those who had lined up to see him were speculating among themselves."I never thought that Mr. Ballard would be such a skilled fighter, on top of being exceptionally talented in medicine.""I know right? Steinberg has produced a genius!""Mr. Ball
Aiden's fake reluctance in accepting the position had clearly been done as an act for Phineas' benefit.Phineas was the head director of Steinberg Martial Arts Court. Did they really think that he couldn't see through it? It just wasn't appropriate for him to expose them outright. He already knew exactly what they were plotting."You're mistaken, Mr. Tuxley," Aiden said. "This is an important matter for the martial arts community, and it concerns our reputation. We have traveled from afar to lend a hand to our comrades in the martial arts community." He sounded displeased, and his expression turned frosty. The Martial Arts Court had to show respect to the leaders of major sects. Besides, an expert from the Sapientia was also present. Phineas was clearly disrespecting them with what he had just said."Mr. Tuxley, I believe that since several major sects are involved, forming a martial arts league will allow us to stand united against outsider threats," Alaric interjected quickly,
"Hundreds of international experts have gathered in Steinberg, and they're obviously targeting us, the martial arts community," Alaric said. "That's why Mr. Harton issued the Martial God Command for the sake of our safety."Phineas glanced at the middle-aged men and nodded slightly. "Oh, I see." Despite Alaric's words, he didn't believe a single thing the man said. Alaric and Ezekiel weren't the kind of people who would care about the rest of the world. If they were, they wouldn't have made the comments that they had in the stands. In fact, they had been very unhappy about the fact that Sebastian had won three battles in a row."That's right. Even though we misunderstood Mr. Ballard in the past, that was a personal matter. It has nothing to do with righteousness," Alaric added.Phineas eyed him coldly and smiled. "It would be a blessing for the martial arts community if you truly thought that way. Right now, we're under immense pressure. This is the time when we need the help of s
Aiden's eyes were shining slightly.Ezekiel nodded quickly and said, "That's right. This must be the treasure spoken of in the legends. It's just a pity that it's fallen into the hands of someone like Sebastian. What a waste!"Aiden thought for a moment before saying, "Mr. Harton, the influence of the Flying Cranes alone will not be enough to force him into submission."People like Sebastian were sure to have an ally. The Flying Cranes had influence in Jerose, but they weren't currently in Jerose.The major sects in Sartvale would play a greater role than the Flying Cranes.Ezekiel knew what Aiden meant. However, none of the sects in Sartvale had the courage to make Sebastian their enemy.On the one hand, Belinda was supporting him. On the other, the incident with Ethan had shocked Sartvale's martial arts community.Several experts at the seventh level of the Celestial realm had almost all been slaughtered without mercy. Who else would dare to provoke Sebastian?"A few sect lea
Belinda hosted a lavish dinner for Sebastian, Phineas, and the others. It was late at night when Blake finally brought Sebastian back to the convenience store. Melvin sat thoughtfully in the car. After thinking long and hard, he pulled out his phone and found a number. He sent a message to it.Not long after that, a young man in Ballard Mansion walked over to a pavilion in the back garden. Arnaud was relaxing in the pavilion."Great-grandfather, there's news from Melvin," said the young man. "Oh?" Arnaud glanced sideways at him."Melvin is very sure that Sebastian's ally is the Warrior League." The young man stepped forward and handed his phone respectfully to Arnaud. "Alright. Andreas, go and get ready. It's time for him to return to Ballard Mansion and acknowledge his ancestors," Arnaud said calmly. "Yes! I won't let you down!" Andreas Ballard replied. He bowed deeply to Arnaud and took three steps backward before turning to leave.As he watched Andreas walk off, Arnaud s
Sebastian shook his head slightly and said, "Thank you for your kind thoughts, Madam Dragon. Even if the entire martial arts community treats me as an enemy because of this, I'll accept it."How could Sebastian be an elder in the Warrior League when he was the successor of the Sacred Medicine Society?Everyone looked at Sebastian in slight surprise. He would be willing to make an enemy of the entire martial arts community?Belinda was also surprised. She hadn't expected Sebastian to be so firm."Mr. Ballard, are you afraid that your mentor will be against it?" she asked, frowning.No one would refuse the conditions that she had just made. Besides, joining the Warrior League in the current circumstances would be great for Sebastian.With the Warrior League as his ally, the Sapientia wouldn't dare to do anything to him. She hadn't expected Sebastian to refuse outright."Mr. Ballard, do you have a mentor?" Elara asked, puzzled. Hadn't Sebastian always said that he didn't have one?
When Belinda and Elara heard Sebastian's voice, they walked out of the back room."It's been a while, Mr. Ballard," Belinda said, smiling.Upon seeing her expression had changed from how it had been when she greeted him, Melvin was even more astounded by Sebastian's identity.Belinda always smiled when she met Sebastian, but it was a rare event for any other person to see her smile."It's been a while, Madam Dragon," Sebastian said with a bow. "Please sit down, Mr. Ballard." Elara hurried toward him and pulled him down beside the main seat. Melvin and Phineas returned to their seats, looking rather awkward."Mr. Ballard, I hear from Mr. Tuxley that Ezekiel is plotting something against you. That's why I sent Blake to bring you here. I'd like to hear your opinion," Belinda said, smiling.Everyone noticed that Belinda had spoken respectfully twice. They all turned to look at Sebastian."Madam Dragon, I wasn't concerned about Ezekiel at first, but now so many sects from the mar
Blake chuckled as he walked in."Yes! I just jump up and slap people in the face—" When Zane turned and saw that it was Blake, he abruptly stopped speaking.He smiled awkwardly. Boasting in front of Blake was just asking for trouble."Zane, that move where you jump up and slap people was quite interesting to watch," Blake said, grinning.Zane suddenly had a coughing fit. He didn't know if Blake was complimenting him or not."Is Mr. Ballard around? I've come on behalf of Madam Dragon. She would like him to pay a visit," Blake said to Zane. "Yes, yes! He's inside. He's with Ms. Griffin, and they're chatting—" Zane suddenly spotted Sebastian leaning in the doorway, a smile playing about his lips as he stared at him."Uh… he's not chatting." He hastily changed tack and congratulated himself for being quick-witted."Come in, Blake." Sebastian rolled his eyes at Zane. He knew exactly what Zane was going to say whenever he opened his mouth. He was sure that Zane had nothing innocent