Kyla was dumbfounded as she listened.Noticing Kyla's reaction, the mocking sneer on Elara's face grew even more pronounced."Now you finally understand, don't you? It's all just an illusion! Did you really think the Snow family could rise again? Did you honestly believe you struck gold? Stop dreaming!"With that, she turned on her heel and left.Kyla felt shaken for a moment but quickly regained her composure. She had unwavering faith in Gideon. Even if everything the Hornes had done turned out to be a facade, she believed that Gideon himself was absolutely extraordinary."Let's see who's crying in the end, Elara," Kyla muttered venomously.…Meanwhile, Gideon took the initiative to contact Arnold. "Mr. Seymour, how are you all doing? How's the company?"Arnold chuckled. "Gideon, it's nice to hear from you. Don't worry. We're doing just fine, and so is the company. However, you and Ella…"He let out a sigh before continuing, "Maybe we spoiled Ella too much. Honestly, Gideon, I
Frowning deeply, Elara asked, "Dad, what's going on?""Gideon called me just now…" Arnold recounted everything Gideon had said, then angrily added, "So, tell me. Haven't we been completely duped by that scoundrel Matthew? If it weren't for you two, would I have signed that contract?"Marion and Elara exchanged a look, their anger surging—not at Matthew, but at Gideon.Elara said, "Dad, Gideon is clearly trying to drive a wedge between us and Mattew. How could Mattew possibly deceive us?"Marion scoffed. "You're getting old, Arnie. How could you believe anything that good-for-nothing Gideon says? Do you even realize how many families besides ours have signed contracts with Mattew?"Elara chimed in, "Exactly, and they're all from our circle. The Carter family is on the rise, and Mattew still looks out for his friends. How could someone so loyal and trustworthy possibly be a fraud?"In comparison, Gideon is a nobody. Does he really think the Horne family's little schemes are enough
"Our marriage, of course!" Rachel said, catching Gideon completely off guard.Gideon rolled his eyes. "What kind of nonsense are you talking about now?"Rachel huffed. "Word is, you're divorcing Elara. That makes you practically single, which means we can finally talk about our wedding.""Not interested," Gideon replied flatly."Not interested? Hah! Do you even realize how many men would kill for a chance with me? You're taking your blessings for granted.""I'm afraid I'm not cut out for such blessings. You'd better find someone else," Gideon said, a playful glint in his eyes as he watched Rachel pout in frustration.He continued, "You're still young—why waste time on romance? A woman should prioritize her career. Focus on running Avila Group instead."Rachel sighed inwardly, knowing full well that Gideon's true status was beyond imagination. Even as Goldspire's most accomplished businesswoman, she couldn't hold a candle to him.The conversation shifted as Rachel began briefing
Jacob handed the documents to Matthew and said, "Good luck, son. I'll be waiting for the good news."Matthew, grinning, made his way to Avila Group. He contacted Rebecca and then headed to the CEO's office.When Rebecca saw Matthew, she was dumbfounded, her lips twitching."You like what you see, old woman? Too bad. You're too old for me and not my type. Otherwise, I'd take you to the moon, too!" Matthew thought smugly as he noticed Rebecca couldn't take her eyes off him."Ms. Penn, here are the documents," Matthew said."Thank you," Rebecca replied, suppressing her disgust as she flipped through the papers.Matthew took a seat and asked, "Ms. Penn, isn't Ms. Avila coming over to take a look?""I'll go through this first," Rebecca responded.After briefly reviewing the documents, Rebecca furrowed her brows and said, "Is this really all the Carters can provide?""That's right. It's everything—nothing is left out. Even my company's losses are included. Absolutely nothing hidden,
"Alright. Come back to me once you've handled everything," Rachel said as she stood up to leave.No words could fully capture her disdain for Matthew. If it weren't for the task Gideon had assigned her, she would never have wanted anything to do with him.In stark contrast, Matthew was elated, barely able to contain his excitement. As soon as he left Avila Tower and got into his car, he burst into laughter."My moment of glory is almost here. Who would have thought Rachel Avila would recognize my worth? "One day, I'll definitely make her mine. She may be the head of the Avila family and the chairwoman of the Avila Group, but in the end, she's still just a woman!" Matthew said to himself, brimming with confidence.His priority now was to visit the families and cancel every contract they had signed.That night, after spending the entire day running around, Matthew finally arrived at the Seymour residence to cancel their contract. They were the last family on his list, and he was u
"Of course!" Matthew assured. "Then, Mr. Seymour, why don't you bring your copy of the contract over so we can destroy it now?""Sure thing!"Arnold was more than happy to comply. Destroying both contracts meant the Seymour family business was back in his hands, finally putting his mind at ease."Oh, by the way, Matthew, about the money we invested in you…" Arnold probed tentatively.What had already been swallowed cannot be spat back out.Matthew was prepared for this and explained, "Mr. Seymour, the invested funds have been filed and deposited into the public account. It's genuinely impossible to return them to you."It's not just the Seymour family. Other families' investments are also with me. Please rest assured."Gathering these funds shows my capability to Rachel, demonstrating my value. This way, Rachel will hold me in even higher regard."If each of you were to pull your investments out, it would be like stabbing me in the back. However, if you're absolutely set on tak
"Ella, Mrs. Seymour is right. It's boring driving alone. Come keep me company and chat with me." Matthew gestured for Elara to get in.Marion was overjoyed and quickly nudged Elara."Alright, then." Elara hesitated for a moment before stepping into the car and leaving the neighborhood with Matthew. Thrilled, Marion planted a few kisses on Arnold's face. "Arnie, we're going to make it big!"Arnold frowned and asked, "What are you talking about?""The Carter family is on the rise! With our connection to Matthew, how can they not help us? Besides, with Ella going home with Matthew tonight, she surely won't be coming back.""What?" Arnold's face darkened.Marion scoffed. "What's with that reaction? Don't tell me you're upset about this!"Do you realize how many heiresses from prestigious families will be chasing Matthew in the future? If we don't act quickly to solidify this relationship, we'll end up with nothing.""But Ella and Gideon haven't divorced yet. They're still in the
The villa was decorated in a nightclub style. After all, it was meant to be a place for indulgence, so the ambiance fit perfectly."Ella, take a seat," Matthew said, motioning to a chair. He grabbed a bottle of Louis XIII cognac, poured himself a glass, took a sip, and smacked his lips in satisfaction."I never imagined I'd have such an opportunity. Truly, the heavens are looking out for me."In no more than a month, I'll be establishing my own company. With Avila Group's support, families and corporations from all over will scramble to work with me."I'll make sure to share some clients with the Seymour family. That way, your family's business can quickly grow to the next level.""Matthew, you're so kind!" Elara said happily."Silly girl." He ruffled her hair affectionately, looking at her tenderly. "We've known each other for so many years. Don't you know how I feel about you by now?"Her cheeks flushed red upon hearing this."Ella, trust me. When I make it big, I won't for
The broken blade condensed the force of the blade itself."The great Marshal Snow is using a broken blade? How pathetic! My ghost blade was forged over three years, infused with countless rare materials. It's indestructible," Tristan boasted, laughing."If the man's weak, the weapon doesn't matter."Gideon's casual jab left Tristan speechless, his face flushed with shame."A smart aleck, I see. Die!"Just like that, a black blade arc came down.Gideon stayed calm, swung the broken blade, and a white arc of energy shot upward.The black and white blades clashed and shattered on impact.Tristan's next move followed immediately. "The eighth style of the 13 Ghost Blades! Nether's Pass!"The strike carried a chilling gale. The sound of wailing ghosts and howling spirits echoed.As it neared, Gideon noticed countless skulls swirling in the wind. They were only shadows, but enough to make one's scalp crawl. They were clawing and snarling, like demons escaping from hell."Those are p
"Bitch!" The three men were furious and humiliated.As Nethercult guardians, being injured by a woman was unthinkable!"Nethervoid Hands."They moved together, and an intimidating hand seal came crashing down.Noel was just about to step in when suddenly, Elara stepped forward, facing the incoming attack head-on without a trace of fear. Pure essence energy erupted from her, causing the surface of the sea to freeze."Ice Soul Palm." A cold gleam flashed in Elara's eyes as she slammed her palm forward, clashing with the hand seal in a massive explosion.The three guardians were sent flying.Elara also coughed up blood and was knocked back into the floating palace."Elara!" Jessica panicked and rushed in, helping Elara up."I'm fine." Elara then wiped the blood from her lips and closed the palace gates.Her physique was strong, but her cultivation level wasn't high enough. If it got serious, she couldn't match the three guardians.Still, that brief clash had been her first rea
Gideon and Tristan clashed fists and were blown backward.Gideon's whole body went numb. He thought to himself, "Anyone who's remotely close to the word 'supreme' is no joke."Tristan, meanwhile, was shaken to his core. The moment their fists met, a massive force surged through his arm.If he hadn't reacted in time to deflect the impact, his body would've taken serious damage. Even so, his right arm was almost completely numb now.His long sleeves covered it so no one could see the trembling."No wonder it's called the Solar Titan Physique. It's one of the top-tier physiques. Now I see why.""That was nothing. Watch out, Mr. Neblanc. I'm about to turn it up." Gideon laughed loudly, battle intent soaring.He launched a full-on attack.It was not a secret technique. Instead, it was just pure close-quarters combat.That put Tristan in a tough spot. Just one exchange had already left him at a disadvantage. If they kept going toe-to-toe, there was a real risk he would get injured an
The suns were burning the sky and boiling the sea.At that moment, the only thing Chaim could think about was how brilliant this was.Two suns hung in the sky, the scorching heat boiling the ocean. The spectacle was nothing short of breathtaking and awe-inspiring.From the floating palace, a tall figure slowly walked out as if the entire world revolved around him, wrapped in radiant light."It's finally done." Gideon clenched his fists, his face full of joy.After two or three days of torment, he pushed through and made it. He had successfully transformed. His battle physique had taken another leap. Now, he could call it Tier 2 Solar Titan Physique."There are nine total transformations—nine tiers. This is only the second. There's still a long road ahead."Gideon wasn't arrogant, but it didn't diminish his confidence. Now, he was sure he could trade blows with a peak Supreme without relying on the Beast Supreme Bone."It's ridiculously hard to break into Supreme Realm."In fact
A few minutes later, an aircraft slowly descended, and several figures disembarked. Among them were four people Noel recognized—Chaim and the others he had stopped before.However, that wasn't the important part.Noel's eyes landed on the man leading the group. It was a middle-aged man in a dark green robe. He whispered, "That should be Nethercult's leader. He's powerful."The energy he radiates is of a Supreme, but my gut tells me he's not fully a Supreme yet. At best, he must be half a step away. There's still something missing."Ronan spoke grimly, "They're here for the netherflame. Gideon's in trouble. But that kid could already go toe-to-toe with a Supreme before. Now, after the transformation, his physique should be even stronger. He shouldn't fear Tristan."On the shore, Chaim was confused. "Mr. Leblanc, why are we here?""Idiot," Tristan snapped. "That freak absorbed the netherflame. He'll be desperate for a safe place to suppress it. He couldn't stay in the aircraft forev
"Damn it!" Atop a mountain peak, Chaim slammed the ground in anger, his face dark with rage, breathing heavily.He had been chasing after the heavenly flame for so long, yet he didn't even catch a glimpse of a shadow."Mr. Ballard, calm down. Don't hurt yourself," the three Nethercult guardians tried to comfort him, though they, too, were seething with frustration.They already had it in the bag, but they blew it."They can't get away. I've already reported to Mr. Leblanc. That guy won't escape from his palm.""If Mr. Leblanc takes action himself, there's no way he'll fail.""Let's heal up first."…Inside the floating palace within Tyrant Sea, Jessica was bored out of her mind.The energy on the third level was incredibly intense. She wanted to check it out but didn't have the strength.Elara, on the other hand, was immersed in her training."Elara, aren't you even a little worried about Marshal Snow?""Why should I? He's tough. He won't die. Besides, we can't help him anyw
When Gideon left Drammore, Ronan and Noel followed. They entered Tyrant Sea, too, but didn't get close to the floating palace.It wasn't until Gideon blasted his way out of the floating palace, using the Doombringer Knuckle to shatter the killing formation, that Ronan recognized who he really was, leaving him completely stunned."Noel, you and Gideon both inherited my Doombringer Knuckle. Maybe this is just fate. You two are destined to clash one day." Ronan sighed."I'm looking forward to it," Noel said calmly, though the fighting spirit in his eyes was unmistakable.Ronan was surprised. "I thought you'd try to intercept Gideon and take the netherflame for yourself. I didn't expect you to help him by stopping the ones that were chasing him. Are you confident you've got this?"You should know that once Gideon fuses with the netherflame, his power will spike. I know a thing or two about the Solar Titan Physique. Every time it absorbs a new heavenly flame, it evolves."Once he has
"Marshal Snow, are you alright?" Jessica asked with concern as they burst out of Tyrant Sea and made it to shore. Gideon didn't look too good at the moment."Let's get moving. We have to find a safe place." Gideon could sense powerful members of Nethercult were already on their tail.The three of them rushed into the aircraft.Just as they lifted off, Chaim and the other four appeared right behind and struck without hesitation. "Nethervoid Hands!"A howling wind filled the sky as a swarm of black handprints and claw marks materialized, echoing with ghostly wails and eerie cries. The sinister energy pressed in from all sides, trying to engulf the aircraft."Solar Fist!"The two words echoed like thunder.Blazing light exploded outward, scorching and brilliant, spreading in every direction. The mass of black handprints and claws instantly disintegrated into nothing.The aircraft tore through the sky and vanished."After them!"Chaim's group leaped onto their own aircraft and to
The netherflame, as if it had a will of its own, seized the moment and flared up again with wild, unruly energy.Brantley screamed in pain.The sudden turn of events left Harmoni completely flustered. She shrieked, "Nethercult, you bunch of scumbags! It's bad enough that you used us as bait, but now, you're intercepting at the last second? You've got a death wish!"She instinctively assumed it was Nethercult pulling a bait-and-switch."Nethercult!" Brantley's eyes were bloodshot with rage.Gideon didn't say a word. He struck again, slashing open Brantley's abdomen.The netherflame burst out immediately.Inside Gideon, his Earthcore Flame trembled, and the core of his Solar Titan Physique pulsed with anticipation. Sure enough, it drew the netherflame in like a magnet. With Gideon guiding it, the netherflame turned into a stream of ghostly green light that surged into his body."No!" Brantley roared.He had paid such a heavy price. Just as he was about to seal the netherflame,