"Um, Darius, didn't we already establish that the manager was the culprit behind all this?" Gordon replied rather sheepishly. "Don't try to fool me! I want to know the truth! Tell me, honestly, if you were the one behind this, or were you even involved in this at all, even just a little?" Darius fixated his steely gaze on Gordon's face, his stare so intense that Gordon could not help shuddering. Darius knew full well that as the director of the department, Gordon was the only one who possessed full authority, and that there was no way a manager could have pulled off such an impressive feat by tampering with all of Elegante Group's products without anyone noticing! Even if he did so, there was no way he would be able to escape Gordon's hawklike eyes! Darius was certain that Gordon was at least involved in this somehow and likely received some advantage out of this! All in all, there was no way that Gordon was not responsible for any of this! "It wasn't me!" Gordon protested
"I'm warning you, Gordon, this is the last straw! This won't be the last you hear from me, should you dare to stir up any more trouble!" Darius scoffed, then turned and stormed out of the room in a huff. "Rats!" Gordon's expression was dark as he watched Darius' retreating figure. A glimmer of malice flashed through his eyes. He could not understand why, despite being his brother-in-law, Darius was so untrusting of him and would rather believe in an outsider over him! Not only that, but he even dared to utilize his authority and demote him as a punishment! Gordon could not help growing even more resentful of Darius at the thought of this. However, unbeknownst to him, Darius already discovered his involvement in this and was just trying to lure him into admitting his mistake. If he did so, he would gladly have given Gordon a second chance! However, not only did Gordon not express any remorse, he even continued to lie and deny the truth! This was what infuriated Darius t
"Well, alright then, if you insist." After some consideration, Leon finally decided to relent. After all, this debacle indeed cost Elegante Group a significant loss, and even almost cost them their reputation! Therefore, it made sense that Darius would want to offer a token of compensation, and he might as well take Darius up on his offer. "Yes, so that's settled then!" Darius let out a small sigh of relief. He understood that Leon's willingness to accept Hughes Group's compensation signified his intention to forgive them, and he could not help feeling relieved at this. With that, the two of them hung up the phone. Hiltons Corporation. After getting his hands on Elegante Group's trade secret, Joel returned immediately to the office and handed the documents over to the employees at the Research and Development Department to start producing imitates of Elegante Group's products. Hiltons Corporation was the largest business in the Southern region's cosmeceutical industr
"Buzz—" The report of the first product soon came out. Mister Shaw could not help frowning when he glanced at the report. "How are the results of the test, Mister Shaw? Is it significantly better than our original products?" Joel quickly asked. "Yes, sir, the new products are indeed better than our own, but," Mister Shaw began. However, before he could even finish his sentence, he was cut off by Joel. "Hahaha— I knew it! Leon Wolf, I can't believe how big of a moron you were to allow people into your company and look at your trade secrets willy-nilly! What an idiot! Now that I've successfully replicated your products, we'll see what you can do about that!" Joel could not hold in his joy any longer and could not help bursting into laughter at this. "Um, Mister Hiltons, although the replicas are indeed a little better than our original products, the difference isn't that much at all," Mister Shaw continued after a moment's hesitation. This came as a shock to Joel; he imme
"What's going on, Mister Shaw? Did you guys somehow leave out an important process or additive?" Joel's expression was dark. Now that the results proved Mister Shaw's initial hypothesis to be right, the only explanation he could think of was that the research and Development team forgot something crucial! There was no other possibility to explain this! "Well. no! That's impossible! We double and triple-checked everything during the the manufacturing process, and I can guarantee that nothing was left out!" Mister Shaw shook his head. On second thought, he recalled something and added, "However, one of the ingredients is purified water, and there's a possibility that this might be the crucial mistake." With that, Mister Shaw brought over the documents, pointed at one of the formulation processes, and began to briefly explain it to Joel. During the formulation of their products, Elegante Group added some purified water into the mixture, which at first glance, did not appear to be
"What should we do now, Mister Hiltons? Although these replicas are a tad superior compared to our original products, the difference isn't that significant at all, and I'm afraid this won't be much use to us," Mister Shaw asked. Since Elegante Group and Hiltons Corporation targeted different audiences, if Hilton Corporations were to mass produce these replicas, they would have to spend a significant amount of money in enhancing and upgrading their production lines! This would no doubt come at a great price and would not pay off well for Hiltons Corporation at all! "Yes, I know that! Let's not talk about this for now. we'll discuss this again when I get my hands on the secret recipe for Elegante Group's purified water! When I finally do so, Elegante Group won't even know what's coming!" Joel declared maliciously. Now that he already got his hands on most of Elegante Group's trade secrets and was only missing the crucial component, he would not be willing to call it quits just l
In the lobby, Yuri stood tall and proud, with his spine straight and his hands behind his back. Behind him were a few of the Thompsons' best warriors and an old man dressed in green. This old man was one of the Thompsons' strongest fighters, a member of the Almighty Warriors! Knowing that the Hiltons were one of the most powerful influences in the Southern region, Yuri did not dare to show up at their territory without backup. Therefore, he specially made a detour back home to pick up this Almighty Warrior, which was why he took so long to arrive at Hiltons Corporation's office. All of a sudden, frantic footsteps rang out as Joel, followed by two of his guards, stormed into the lobby and came face-to-face with Yuri. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Mister Thompson?" Joel asked calmly. Although he already knew what Yuri was here for, he did not dare to reveal anything further about his involvement in this. "What do you think? Joel, let's cut to the chase—I'm here on beh
"Thud!" With a deafening slam, Joel was propelled backward from the impact of Yuri's fist and landed on the ground in a crumpled heap. Thankfully, he was already at the Semi Emperor State, and since he managed to dodge Yuri's attack in time, he did not suffer many injuries at all. Despite that, however, he still felt something rise in his chest, and his mouth was tinged with a metallic taste, but he swallowed it back! "Take this!" Yuri let out another grunt as he stepped forward, unleashing another surge of energy straight toward Joel! "Oh no!" An expression of horror crossed Joel's face. He was already weakened from Yuri's initial attack, and as much as he wanted to dodge this second one, he knew there was no way he could pull it off. There was nothing he could do except watch in despair as Yuri's attack surged straight toward him. "Master, we'll help fend him off! Run while you can!" with lightning-quick reflexes, his two guards stepped forward and retaliated, sending p
"Miss Morrison, I would like to thank you for saving my life," Iris said as she approached Renee's bed. She meant to thank Renee for having saved her so narrowly from death during their encounter with one of Brahma's clones, which was why she lingered in Renee's room even after everyone left. "Miss Young, if you would truly like to return the favor, there is something you can do for me," Renee said, biting her lip as though what she was about to say was an excruciatingly difficult decision to make."What is it?" Iris asked, although she felt like she already knew what was the answer. "I would like to join you in being Leon's companions," Renee said with an expectant look. She harbored feelings toward Leon for some time now but refrained from competing against Iris and Cynthia, knowing there was no way she could win. However, she had an epiphany after her narrow escape from death and realized that there was so much more to life than competing with other women over a man. Therefor
"Nothing is impossible! It's high time you accept your fate, you old git! Take this! The Phoenix Sky Fist!" Leon merely scoffed at him. The next moment, he directed one last attack at Wulfric in the form of his most powerful move—the Phoenix Sky Fist, a sage technique belonging to the Heavenly Class!A cloud of pulsating energy charged straight toward Wulfric, without any mercy toward his cries of horror!Its sole intent was to destroy him and put an end to this battle!"No—" Wulfric let out a bloodcurdling scream as he watched, defenseless, as the Phoenix Sky Fist soared toward him. His first instinct was to leap out of harm's way, but Leon was far too powerful for him and anticipated this beforehand. Not to mention the Phoenix Sky Fist was one of the most powerful moves belonging to the Heavenly Class, and there was no possible way he could escape from its wrath.Wulfric's limp body only left a few feet off the ground when the Phoenix Sky Fist crashed into him, rendering his body
"Haha! I've finally attained the Saint State! Now it's time for you to die, you old git!" A glimmer of malice flashed through Leon's eyes. When he fixated his gaze on Wulfric's face, it sent a shudder down Wulfric's entire body, for Leon's eyes were like two pits of deep, dark, sinister hatred. "How cocky of you to say that, you twat! So what if you attained the Saint State? You haven't even got time to harness your powers yet, so you're no match for me! Take this!" Wulfric scoffed, taking no notice of Leon's threats at all. Then, without another moment's hesitation, he sent a powerful surge of energy pummeling Leon's way, intending to destroy Leon while his defenses were low!"He's right. So what if he's attained the Saint State? He can't even control his powers properly," the rest of the Chanters all agreed, and felt rather relieved by this. The glimmer of hope that ignited briefly within Pierre, Zach, and the rest was immediately doused after hearing the Chanters' words. Wulf
"Hahaha! This ends here—once and for all!" Wulfric broke out into a manic cackle of laughter upon seeing Pierre's defeat. The defeat of Pierre, Zach, and his two lackeys had no doubt instilled a newfound triumph in him, for the four of them combined were his greatest opponents thus far, and now that he rendered them powerless, there was no longer anyone in his way!Not even Leon, Percival, Alastair, or the rest of their comrades could defeat him! He and the Chanters would go on, unstopped, to dominate the world!One could only imagine his ecstasy at finally fulfilling his dream at long last!"All hail Master Chanter!""All hail Master Chanter!""All hail Master Chanter!" Aiken and the rest of the Chanters erupted into thunderous applause and cheers of sheer elation. "Oh no!""We can't possibly stand a chance!" Percival, Alastair, and the rest on the good side felt their hearts sink at the thought of their impending doom. Although they outnumbered the Chanters by a significant m
Gulp!Taking advantage of the moment, Leon decisively took out a Holy Spirit Pill and swallowed it. Initially, he intended to use an Essential Detox Pill to help Pierre, Zach, and the other two Semi-Saint State fighters counteract the poison. However, with Pierre injured by Wulfric and Zach along with the other two severely wounded and out of combat, even if he cured them, their side was still doomed to defeat.In this desperate situation, he could only take a gamble. He hoped that, with the breakthrough signs he felt in his martial arts bottleneck, the Holy Spirit Pill would help him break through the sage arts barrier or raise his power level to the Great Crossing Phase. This might be their only chance at victory."Mister Wolf, as long as there's life, there's hope. I'll try my best to hold off Wulfric. You must escape now and find a way to avenge us later."Pierre, enduring his injuries and the poison, stood up with a determined look on his face. He knew that their side was alre
"You're courting death!"Wulfric, enraged by Leon's fierce attack and the slaying of Central Boss, had no choice but to halt his assault on Pierre and the other three momentarily. He turned and unleashed a powerful palm strike, its overwhelming force aimed squarely at Leon's Phoenix Sky Fist.Boom!The collision between Leon's Phoenix Sky Fist and Wulfric's attack was explosive. In an instant, Wulfric's strike shattered Leon's Phoenix Sky Fist, and its residual force hurtled toward Leon."Not good!"Leon’s expression changed drastically as he rapidly tried to evade. However, with Wulfric's Saint State power level, evading was futile. No matter where he ran, he was unable to get out of the attack range. The residual force of Wulfric's true energy struck Leon, sending him flying and crashing heavily to the ground.Cough! Cough!As Leon hit the ground, a wave of intense pain surged through his chest, causing him to cough up two mouthfuls of blood. It was clear he suffered significa
Whoosh!Compared to Percival and Alastair's heavy hearts, Leon remained relatively calm. In the past, he killed Poisonwielder and specifically crafted a potent antidote, the Essential Detox Pill, to counteract Reaper's Breath.He happened to have a few dozen of these pills on him. Though Pierre and the others were poisoned by Reaper's Breath, as long as Leon could get the antidote to them in time, they still stood a chance to win.With this in mind, Leon did not waste any time. He stopped fighting with Central Boss, leaped up, and quickly rushed toward Pierre and the others to deliver the antidote."Leon, are you planning to run away? Well, do you think it's going to be that easy?" Central Boss misunderstood Leon's actions, thinking he intended to escape. Given how much he hated Leon, he was not going to let Leon get away so easily.Without a second thought, Central Boss dashed forward, resolutely blocking Leon once again. With Wulfric having reversed the situation and forcing Pie
"Pierre, you have pushed me to this! Since that's the case, don't blame me for what I'm going to do next! You all can go to hell!" Wulfric's expression turned grim when he saw the Chanter fighters in a dire and dangerous situation. He knew he had to end this battle quickly to avoid significant casualties among the Chanter descendants.Thus, he decided not to hold back. He waved his two hands, releasing two clouds of white mist that surged forward, engulfing Pierre, Zach, and the other two. The white mist transformed into a flurry of powder, like a shower of flowers, enveloping the four of them."What's this?""This is bad, it's poison!"Realizing the unusual nature of the white powder, Pierre and Zach were alarmed.Immediately, the four of them held their breath and swiftly retreated, trying to escape the range of the white mist and powder. Unfortunately, it was too late! The white powder and mist seeped everywhere, and being too close to Wulfric, they already inhaled a signific
"How dare a loser like you be so arrogant? I'll teach you to be humble!"Leon sneered contemptuously. Central Boss clashed with him twice before, each time ending with Central Boss being injured and fleeing. Thus, Leon did not take his attack seriously at all.Without hesitation, he pointed a finger and unleashed the Advanced Earth Class sage technique, Earthly Plunder. Sharp and fierce energy condensed at his fingertip, roaring as it met Central Boss's attack head-on!Bang!Leon's Earthly Plunder clashed solidly with Central Boss's Soul-Piercing Claw in a violent collision. However, unlike previous encounters, this time Leon's technique did not break through Central Boss's attack; instead, it was shattered by it!Not only that! The Dragon Pill he recently took did not fully manifest itself yet, so not only did Central Boss's Soul-Piercing Claw shatter Leon's Earthly Plunder but also sent him staggering back.Leon struggled to regain his footing, retreating three or four steps be