After hanging up, Vince's expression turned dark.Who would be dumb enough to arrest a guest of the Griffins?Vince swiftly sent people to find out. A few minutes later, he received the information."Leonard and Captain Lopez?" Vince looked grimly at the names."Assholes! If they offend Ms. Griffin and prevent Steinberg's development, I'll kill them both myself!" Vince said angrily. He left the office quickly and ordered his chauffeur to drive to the police station. …Back in the interrogation room, Carl held his gun at Sebastian's head. He roared angrily, "I'm going to ask you once again, punk. Will you sign this or not?"Sebastian looked at him calmly and smiled. "I won't.""Do you have a death wish?" Carl pushed him violently and yelled, "Aren't you afraid that I'll kill you right now?" Sebastian chuckled and said, "You can try firing the gun!""Are you taunting me?" Carl snapped. The sound of a gunshot rang in the interrogation room. However, the bullet hit the floor
Vince's brow furrowed in surprise. He looked at Carl and the others and asked accusingly, "Tell me the truth. Was he really the one who hit you?" "Why would we lie, Chief?" Leonard said hurriedly. "It was that guy, he's crazy! We were asking questions normally, but he just attacked us!" the other injured officer added. Rosalie frowned. She shook her head and said, "I don't believe Sebastian would do that. I want to go in and ask him myself." Carl immediately stopped her and said, "Ms. Griffin, this is an interrogation room. Non-related people aren't allowed to enter. That's the rule." "Are you feeling guilty, Captain Lopez?" Rosalie said coldly. Carl immediately puffed up his chest and said quickly, "What do you mean, guilty? We're just following normal procedure. You can ask Chief Weist if you don't believe us!" Rosalie looked at Vince, who nodded. However, he immediately said, "I can accompany you if you'd like to go in, Ms. Griffin." Carl and the others looked worrie
Vince's expression darkened. He waved his hand, gesturing for the officers to let go of Carl. Carl laughed coldly and freed himself from their hold. He said icily, "Chief Weist, we all know the rules. You wouldn't want Mr. Targery to get involved, would you?""Mr. Targery…" Vince muttered, frowning. Sebastian frowned slightly and asked, "Are you planning to let them get away with it, Chief Weist?" Vince shuddered and quickly said to Sebastian and Rosalie in a low voice, "Mr. Ballard, Ms. Griffin, you don't understand. Mr. Targery is Mr. Targery Senior's favorite grandson."With the power and influence that Mr. Targery Senior has in Steinberg, he could decide my fate with just a few words. Mr. Ballard, can we just forget about what happened here tonight?"Sebastian finally realized the situation. Vince was afraid of Eugene. "What if I refuse?" Sebastian said coldly. Vince's expression changed. He looked conflicted, and he turned to Rosalie. Rosalie said impassively, "Vinc
Vince's expression darkened and changed to one of suspicion.Meanwhile, Sebastian and Rosalie bore equally cold expressions as they stared silently back at him.Vince momentarily considered his options before finally steeling himself and shouting, "Officers! Arrest him!"Hearing that made Carl break into a knowing grin. "You are indeed a wise man, Chief Weist," Carl said. "Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you once Mr. Targery arrives later!"As Carl spoke, the guards had begun to walk toward Sebastian to arrest him. However, they were stopped in their tracks by Vince's angry yell, "What are you doing?"He then jabbed a finger at Carl before he barked, "I told you to arrest him!"The officers, including Carl, were stunned.Carl's eyes were as wide as saucers as he glared at Vince."Chief! What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Are you trying to make an enemy out of Mr. Targery?"Instead of answering, Vince kicked Carl square in the chest, sending him sprawling
Everyone in the interrogation room was stunned into silence at the bold declaration.Who said that? Just who was brave enough to say that in front of Terrence himself?Was he insane? Did he have a death wish?Vince's expression had also darkened immeasurably. Things were about to get messy.Like the others, Carl was stunned by Sebastian's words. But he broke into a maniacal grin right after."Oh, that idiot is fucked," he thought smugly. He was basically asking to be killed by talking to Terrence like that!Rosalie's expression had also twisted into one of anxiety and worry. She knew full well the power and influence of the Targery family in Steinberg.Though they weren't as powerful or influential as her family in Janover, they were currently in Steinberg, not Janover.Hence, even though the Griffins were generally more powerful than the Targerys, they were on the Targerys' turf.If Eugene wanted to protect his grandson and make Sebastian an enemy, Rosalie couldn't save h
"This is for your grandfather! And this is for Steinberg! And this, well, it's just because I want to!" A slap accompanied each of Sebastian's exclamations. Terrence could taste the blood in his mouth as he lay on the ground. His gaze burned with unbridled rage as he glared defiantly at Sebastian."Mr… Mr. Targery…" Carl stammered as he rushed over to check on TerrenceOh, no. Terrence's handsome face was ruined. In fact, he might even look worse than Carl right now.After a long while, Terrence finally recovered from his shock. His cheeks burned. However, the stinging pain on his cheeks was nothing compared to the pain of getting his dignity trampled on in public.For 20 years now, he has been treated like a king in Steinberg. So, naturally, no one would ever so much as raise their voice at him.And yet this bastard had slapped him not once but multiple times. This would be the bastard's end!Terrence broke into a maniacal laugh as he screeched, "Bastard! I'm going to kill
The room fell into a dead silence.Everyone was rendered speechless as they watched Eugene treat Sebastian with respect.Was Eugene Targery, the head of the Steinberg Targery family really apologizing to Sebastian?They reeled in shock as they tried to comprehend what was going on.Carl seemed to be the most affected. He sat motionlessly on the ground with a pale expression.He knew that he was screwed. He wasn't going to make it out of this situation alive.Vince also looked confused, staring at Sebastian in disbelief.Who would've thought that Sebastian, who wasn't even in his 30s, could be important enough to garner the respect of Eugene himself?Rosalie also blinked in confusion at Sebastian. The more time she spent with him, the more mysterious she found him.Terrence was shell-shocked. His grandfather was practically a king in Steinberg!Even the leaders of Steinberg could be toppled with just a few words from his grandfather. So, seeing his grandfather apologize so sin
Fergus, who had been in Carl's office, paced anxiously across the room. He was anxious because he saw Vince arrive and then Eugene himself.Why would Eugene show up?Fergus was panicking. He had a sinking feeling that the situation had become more complicated than he had expected.He considered his options for a while before deciding that leaving was the best option.Fergus shot to his feet and rushed to the entrance, preparing to make a speedy exit. However, once he reached the door, it swung violently as it was kicked open.Fergus had unfortunately been on the other side of the door as it swung open, and it had slammed right in his face.As such, his nose was broken, and there was a steady stream of blood trickling from it."What the fuck…" Fergus gurgled through the pain. "Who the fuck?"He raised his head to glare at the person who had kicked the door open and locked eyes with Sebastian."Sebastian? Why are you here?" he demanded. "Aren't you supposed to be…" Fergus traile
Sebastian couldn't help frowning as he asked, "Mr. Lorne, you didn't recommend me as league leader just to get your hands on my treasured sword, did you?"Aiden immediately denied it and changed tack. "Mr. Ballard, you've misunderstood. What I meant to ask was whether or not we could borrow it! I wanted to ask if you'd lend this sword to us."He had managed to smooth things over. However, borrowing something didn't mean that one would return it. Sebastian smiled slightly. "Of course. However, it can only be lent to those who will battle in the arena. It also depends on your performance."Phineas couldn't help glancing at Sebastian. How could he agree to such a request?Didn't Sebastian know what they were planning? If Purity left his side, he'd be in serious danger."Oh, Mr. Ballard, you're as generous as I expected. Let me toast to you!" Aiden said, raising his glass and clinking it against Sebastian's. Sebastian just took a small sip.As Aiden put his wine glass down, he ex
Phineas wasn't about to give them a chance to regret it. He shot the deacon a meaningful look at once.The deacon nodded slightly and walked swiftly out of the hall.Aiden and the others wanted to stop him, but they couldn't find a reasonable excuse. When they saw Sebastian beaming at them, they had no choice but to sigh.Once they managed to trick Sebastian into giving them Purity, they would have plenty of time to deal with him. Assassinations weren't uncommon for league leaders. After all, people from the international martial arts community were capable of many things?They would just have to find an excuse to gloss things over. If Sebastian was dead, who would probe further into the matter?"Come! Let's toast the establishment of our league. Here's to a smooth collaboration in the future!" Sebastian said, raising his glass.Ezekiel and the others hadn't expected him to jump right into their trap. Smug grins spread across their faces.They had no idea that while they were
The two deacons hurriedly got up and ordered the staff to clear the rest of the plates before laying out another lavish feast. Once everything was set, everyone sat down again. The two deacons then retreated tactfully. They wouldn't be allowed to sit at a table like that.Everyone present was a sect leader or an influential figure from the Sapientia. Apart from them, there was Sebastian, who was a young but up-and-coming figure of influence.The deacons weren't even worthy of drinking with them. Phineas raised his glass and addressed the room. "As your host for today, I hope that all of you have a good time."After downing a glass of wine, Alaric was the first to stand up. He filled his glass again and raised it toward Sebastian. 'Mr. Ballard, we've had our misunderstandings in the past. I hope that you can understand."Sebastian smiled slightly and replied, "No, no. It's not like there's any deep grudge between us. Let's leave the past in the past."He raised his glass in ret
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