Eugene was clearly displeased with Sebastian's attitude. He was a figure of authority in Steinberg, someone whose word carried significant weight. When had a young punk ever treated him with such disregard?"How dare you! Do you know who you're talking to? Kneel and apologize to Mr. Targery Senior!" Zakary shouted while glaring at Sebastian. It was as if he wanted to tear him apart.Sebastian frowned and gave Zakary a cold look. "Who do you think you are? This isn't your place to speak.""Why you—" Zakary fumed with rage, then turned to Eugene. "Mr. Targery Senior, do you see how arrogant this kid is? He has no respect for you! This is outrageous!"Eugene's expression grew even darker. "Very well. Young man, do you know my status in Steinberg?" Eugene asked coldly.Sebastian chuckled. "A bit. But so what?""Then why aren't you kneeling?" Eugene asked with a sharp gaze, exuding a stern air.Sebastian laughed, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair as he looked at Eugen
Earlier, Zakary hadn't mentioned any of this to Eugene, only claiming that Sebastian had stormed into the casino, causing chaos. He also suggested that it might have been part of a power play by Hans.Zakary shuddered and quickly explained, "Mr. Targery Senior, I-I didn't know… This was all done by my subordinates. You know how it is with a large group—sometimes things get out of control. "Besides, even if what he's saying is true, there's no reason for him to attack and destroy the casino or hurt me! I'm one of your people! If he does this, it's like he's insulting you!"Eugene frowned, contemplating the situation. He looked at Sebastian and said sternly, "No matter what happened before, you shouldn't have resorted to violence!"Sebastian laughed. "So, Mr. Targery Senior, you're just going to ignore the facts?" he retorted with a cold smile.Eugene's expression darkened. "Boy, I don't want to hear your nonsense! Get him!"The two bodyguards quickly moved forward.Sebastian's g
Vincent? The head of the Hindon family? He was in Steinberg!Instantly, Eugene's face turned pale.But Zakary, blinded by rage, kept cursing. "I don't care who this Vincent is! Tell him to get over here and apologize! Otherwise, if Mr. Targery Senior gets mad, he'll be as good as dead!"That sentence shook Eugene to his core. "Shut up!" he roared, raising his hand and slapping Zakary across the face. The slap left Zakary reeling, and knocked him to the ground. "Mr. Targery Senior, why'd you hit me?" he asked while holding his face. He was utterly confused.Eugene glared at him with fury and said, "You idiot! Are you trying to get me killed? Do you have any idea who Vincent is?""I… I don't know... But he can't be as powerful as you, right?" Zakary replied, full of resentment.He thought Eugene had lost his mind. After all, it was just some man named Vincent! Was it worth hitting Zakary in front of everyone?"You're truly clueless!" Eugene snapped, raising his cane and pointing
Vincent looked sickly. An elderly man in a blue robe was currently checking up on him."What's the diagnosis, Dr. Evans?" Vincent asked.He'd fallen ill after returning from a private art exhibition, feeling weak, with aching limbs, dizziness, and occasionally even coughing up blood.Michael Evans was Vincent's personal doctor, known for his medical expertise.He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Mr. Hindon, it's nothing serious. It's just a common cold exacerbated by some underlying conditions. "I'll give you a few acupuncture treatments and prescribe some medicine. Rest for a few days, and you should be fine."Vincent nodded, "Thank you, Dr. Evans.""There's no need to thank me, Mr. Hindon. It's my duty," Michael replied with a smile before leaving to prepare for his treatment.Vincent coughed a few more times and asked the man in the black suit who had entered, "Is he here?""Yes, he's waiting in the parlor," the man replied."Bring him in," Vincent said as he c
As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere in the sitting room became tense. Vincent's expression darkened significantly, and his already unhealthy complexion turned even more grim."What did you say?" Vincent asked coldly, every word laced with anger.The man in the black suit also frowned, his expression showing displeasure at Sebastian's words. Who dared to curse Vincent, predicting he wouldn't live past the night? That was a death wish!Michael, however, just smirked, thinking that Sebastian must be insane to say such things to Vincent.But Sebastian remained unruffled. "Mr. Hindon, it's your choice to believe it or not. But from what I see, you won't last through the night. Even if I make the Life Prolonging Pill, you won't be around to receive it.""How dare you!" Vincent roared, slamming his hand on the armrest. In his sudden burst of anger, he coughed violently, spitting out blood.Michael was alarmed. He rushed toward him and said, "Mr. Hindon, you mustn't get agitated, or
The man in the black suit glared at Michael. "If anything happens to Mr. Hindon, you won't survive, either! Someone, lock him up!"Two guards immediately rushed in, grabbing Michael and restraining him."It's not my fault!" Michael protested in fear. He never expected Vincent to react like this.Vincent managed to force out a few words, his voice faint and strained. "Get… Sebastian…"After saying that, he fell unconscious.The man in the black suit quickly got up, instructing his men to carry Vincent to the bedroom. Then, he ran out to find Sebastian.…Sebastian had taken a taxi back to the grocery store.Outside the store, Eugene was still there, seemingly waiting for Sebastian. Hans and James stood nearby as well.Seeing Sebastian step out of the car, Hans and James quickly approached him and asked, "Mr. Ballard, what did Mr. Hindon want with you?""Mr. Ballard, are you okay? Did Mr. Hindon do anything to you?"Sebastian smiled and replied, "I'm fine."Eugene also walked
"Please, Mr. Ballard, save Mr. Hindon," the man in the black suit said, his head touching the floor. Sebastian watched him for a moment, then sighed and said, "Alright, I'll go, just because of your loyalty."He walked out of the grocery store, brushing past Eugene, who stood there like a deer in headlights.Eugene quickly adjusted his attitude, forcing a couple of awkward laughs. "Mr. Ballard, it was all a misunderstanding earlier. I hope you won't hold it against me."Sebastian glanced at Eugene without a word and got into the car. The man in the black suit jumped in and sped off.As the car drove away, Eugene felt his legs trembling, a thin film of sweat forming on his forehead.If Mr. Hindon's aide had to beg on his knees, then Sebastian was no ordinary person. Hans and James came out, and Eugene asked, "Hans, what does Mr. Ballard like? I need to prepare a generous gift as an apology."Hans pretended to be surprised. "Mr. Targery Senior, what are you planning?"But the s
Then, in front of the man in the black suit, Sebastian used the small knife to cut open each of Vincent's ten fingers, allowing dark blood to flow from them.The man in the black suit was both astonished and anxious by the sight. "Mr. Ballard, what are you doing?""Bloodletting," Sebastian replied calmly."Bloodletting?" The man was confused, wondering what was going on.Sebastian explained, "Mr. Hindon's system is filled with toxins. We need to reduce the toxicity by draining some of his blood.""Is this safe?" the man asked, still doubtful.Sebastian chuckled and said, "You'll see soon enough."After collecting a small basin of dark blood, Vincent's complexion began to improve. He wasn't as dark, and his breathing seemed to stabilize a bit."Mr. Ballard, it's working! Should we keep going?" The man was getting excited.Sebastian shot him a look and said, "Keep going, and your superior will die from blood loss.""So, what do we do next?""Lay him flat and get a set of cuppi
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