"Ms. Avila, please follow me," Fred said, leading Rachel to Gideon's office without asking questions.Rachel pushed the door open and walked right in, calling out, "Gideon!"Fred's eyes flickered. Rachel's tone and attitude suggested an unusual relationship between her and Gideon. If Gideon had managed to win over Rachel, the Snow family's fortunes were about to change dramatically.The other members of the Snow family were equally intrigued, and someone eagerly asked Fred, "What's the story?""From what I can tell, he and Ms. Avila have a special relationship. This means we'll likely get support from the Avila family. Our revival is within reach, so let's get back to work—and don't worry about the Gross family. They're nothing now!""All hail Mr. Snow!" they cheered. At that moment, Gideon had completely solidified his position as the backbone of the Snow family. Inside the office, Gideon looked surprised and asked, "What brings you here?""If I hadn't shown up, you'd be cri
"At this rate, in a few years, we'll end up like your family—fallen from grace," Rachel said.However, she quickly realized her insensitivity and added, "Gideon, you were once Goldspire's business prodigy. With your talent, I'm sure you can revive the Snow family." "So you want me to take on the Yovarian Guild?" Gideon asked.Rachel gave a bitter laugh. "The Yovarian Guild is a massive organization. I doubt you could handle them, but my grandpa's letter said you could help, so I wanted to try.""What a hassle," Gideon mumbled as he rubbed his temples. While Rachel saw the Yovarian Guild as an unstoppable force, they were small fry to Gideon. He could have world-class powers crush them within an hour, but that was not his way. Natural selection and survival of the fittest were laws of nature that applied to human society, too. Using his power to destroy the Yovarian Guild just because of his connection to Rachel would make him no better than a murderer.Besides, Titus taugh
Rachel and Gideon got into the Maserati, where Wilder was waiting behind the wheel. He asked with a smile, "Where to, Ms. Avila?""Home!" Rachel replied urgently. Wilder froze for a moment, his mind racing. He wondered if Rachel was bringing Gideon home to announce their relationship to the family, and he could not help but think they had progressed too quickly.Before he could overthink it, Rachel added sharply, "Mr. Morrick, step on it! Max from the Yovarian Guild has broken into our estate and threatened to burn it down if I don't show up in 20 minutes.""What?" Wilder's demeanor suddenly turned fierce.Gideon was surprised as he realized this elderly driver was clearly more than he appeared, which explained why he served as Rachel's driver and bodyguard."Hang on, both of you," Wilder warned, slamming the gas pedal.The Maserati sped down the streets, arriving at the Avila estate within 15 minutes. When they arrived, they were greeted by a tense standoff in the courtyard. T
Rachel and the other Avilas were seething with anger as Max lifted his chin arrogantly and questioned, "I'll ask you one more time, Rachel—are you selling Emerald Lake or not?" "Not a chance! Now, get out!" Rachel shouted.Max's expression turned grim. "You ungrateful bitch, you're really pushing it! You're signing that contract today, or things will get ugly."Wilder stepped forward with a cold smile. "You little punk, how dare you act so bold at the Avila estate? Looks like you need to be taught a lesson."For a brief moment, something flickered in Max's eyes—Gideon immediately understood that Max's real target was not Emerald Lake. Obviously, the Avila family would never sell such a crucial property, so Max was deliberately provoking them to get to Wilder. Gideon pieced everything together. Wilder was Rachel's bodyguard and a skilled fighter. If the Yovarian Guild could eliminate him, Rachel would be defenseless. It seemed that the guild was going all in to crush the Avila fa
Max stood dumbfounded. His skilled fighters had been defeated in seconds, thrown through the air like ragdolls, and knocked unconscious in the most humiliating way possible."Who the hell are you?" Max demanded. "The Yovarian Guild knows everyone in the Avila family, but we've never heard of someone like you!"Gideon scoffed. "It doesn't matter who I am, but what does matter is that you leave now and stop harassing the Avila family. Otherwise, I'll make sure to beat you up every time you show up."Max's face turned beet red, overwhelmed with rage. "What did you just say? Do you know who you're talking to—"Before Max could finish his outburst, Gideon's strike sent him flying, knocking out two teeth as he landed with a bloody face."Still think I'm bluffing?" Gideon smirked. Even though Max was burning with rage, he did not dare to lash out, fearing he might not make it out of the estate alive."Fine! Rachel, the Avilas, and you—I'll remember this!" Max retreated with his tail b
"Under pressure, Cormac handed Qyra over to the Yovarian Guild's deputy leader..." Rachel trailed off.Suddenly, an explosive wave of murderous intent filled the room, causing the temperature to plummet instantly.Wilder's hair stood on end as he stared at Gideon in disbelief. The killing energy was terrifying, and he wondered what kind of experiences could have forged such intensity. In Wilder's eyes, Gideon had transformed into a harbinger of death.Rachel was not a martial artist, but even she felt the suffocating pressure. The cold air prickled her skin, and Gideon's murderous glare sent her heart racing."Go on," Gideon uttered through clenched teeth.Rachel steadied herself and carefully continued, "After Qyra was given to the guild, the Snow family got a brief respite. But it didn't last long. Apparently, Qyra made some mistake and was thrown into the guild's prison."That was the final blow the Snow family couldn't withstand. Other families piled on, and eventually, the S
Leopold and Anna were stunned by the declaration. Even though Leopold was a major crime boss in Goldspire, his power was nothing compared to the Yovarian Guild, which was Verdura's top criminal organization.Yet, Leopold quickly calmed himself. After all, what was the Yovarian Guild compared to the King of all Kings? Any single one of the world leaders who bowed to Gideon could destroy the guild, let alone Gideon himself."Mr. Snow, I'll gather my forces immediately," Leopold said. "Tell Nino to get over here immediately," Gideon added coldly. Leopold was momentarily surprised before nodding. "Understood. I'll contact him right away."Once outside the private room, Anna could barely contain her excitement. "Dad, are we really going after the Yovarian Guild tonight? This is incredible!"Leopold chuckled confidently. "With Mr. Snow's influence, the guild doesn't stand a chance. This is also a golden opportunity for our family. Once the Yovarian Guild is destroyed, we'll seize the
"Crossing the Yovarian Guild means certain death. What should I do?" Nino mumbled as he was caught between a rock and a hard place.Time slipped away, and before long, the last rays of sunset finally disappeared. As night fell, leaders and enforcers from both Leopold's and Nino's factions assembled in front of Twilight Bar, standing in tense silence.Leopold warned, "Listen up, Nino. Don't get any bright ideas. Working for Mr. Snow is a privilege, and if you try to pull anything funny, your death won't be pretty."Nino scoffed. "Relax. I'm in too deep now. We're on the same side here, but let's be real. We've got maybe 1,500 people combined. The Yovarian Guild has triple that. How the hell are we supposed to win this?""That's not your concern," Leopold replied with a knowing smirk. "Mr. Snow has his methods."Nino could not help but wonder what kind of power Gideon held over Leopold to command such loyalty.Twilight Bar had been cleared out for the night. Finally, at precisely t
"Hm?" Pacino was taken aback.With a meaningful look, he asked, "Ms. Corthopp, what do you want to learn that for? The Hellrend Severance Technique is a vicious and sinister art. As a member of The Light Council, how could you study something like that?"Orabella smiled. "No technique is inherently good or evil. It all depends on how it's used."Pacino was no fool. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Ms. Corthopp, are you planning to strip Elara's pure-essence core?"She replied, "If the opportunity arises, I will.""For Gideon? Tsk! It seems Gideon holds quite a lot of weight in your heart." A strange smile spread across Pacino's face.Orabella asked again, "Mr. Albe, would you be willing to teach me? Consider it a favor. I'll repay you in the future."Pacino laughed and said, "Ms Corthopp, you hold a prestigious position in The Light Council. Having someone like you owe me a favor, that's a deal well worth making. I'll teach you the Hellrend Severance Technique right now.""I'd ap
They had actually suffered a setback at the hands of some snot-nosed kid. If word got out, people would die laughing."How much farther are you planning to retreat?"At that moment, Gideon stopped in his tracks, took a deep breath to steady himself, and spoke in a detached tone, "Honestly, we're not even enemies. Ivo is dead. Why make an enemy of me for his sake?"Think about the consequences of crossing me. I could just leave Bandit's Hollow, but from that moment on, none of you would ever know peace again."Pacino's face darkened. "Are you threatening me?"Gideon shook his head. "I'm simply stating a fact. Making an enemy of me over a dead man is not a wise move."Besides, I have means of dealing an irreversible blow to you all. Initially, I intended to take you by surprise, but since I've already mentioned it, let me show you. Be careful!"Gideon waved his hand, and immediately, a mist began to spread.In an instant, the hooligans were horrified. They frantically retreated.
"No!" Mea screamed hysterically.The broken blade was pulled out. Ivo's corpse collapsed to the ground like a pile of rotten flesh, making Mea dizzy, her vision going black."You're not dead! How is that possible?" Pacino was in disbelief.His aged eyes flashed with sharp light as he scrutinized Gideon, realizing that not only was Gideon alive, but his energy was still as powerful as ever, too.It was as if the past half hour inside that eerie mist hadn't affected him in the slightest.How could this be?Gideon sneered. "What? Disappointed? That mist is indeed strange, but unfortunately, it has no effect on me.""Impossible!" "Nothing is impossible. There's a lot you don't know." Gideon was full of mockery, but his face quickly turned cold. "Now, I'll give you a chance. Hand over Elara, and we can go our separate ways peacefully. Otherwise… suffer the consequences!"Pacino sneered. "Gideon, so what if you're still alive? Do you really think you can escape?""Pacino, kill him
"This eerie mist, once it invades the body, brings unspeakable disaster and doom. Some die sudden and violent deaths, while some melt into puddles of pus. Some wither away entirely."The variety of deaths is truly horrifying. If Gideon has been in that mist for half an hour, he will have already reached his limits. He's doomed," Pacino explained.Orabella said, "If the mist is so powerful, and you can control it, doesn't that make you unbeatable?""No, no, no." Pacino shook his head and explained, "We can't control the mist. But we can control that stone gate, sealing Bandit's Hollow. And once the gate is sealed, or rather, once it falls shut, the mist naturally emerges."Orabella suddenly understood.So, as long as the stone gate was opened, the mist would disappear.Pacino said, "Ms. Corthopp, are you thinking of opening the gate to dispel the mist and save Gideon? Don't even think about it."She retorted, "Aren't you after Gideon's Solar Titan Body? That's a rare treasure. If
Ivo used the last of his strength to unleash an attack, successfully blocking Orabella. In doing so, he also shattered Gideon and Orabella's final chance at negotiation."Gideon, you're as good as dead. You destroyed Moblathos. How could I not take revenge? Killing you won't be enough."Once you fall, I'll head to Goldspire and butcher every last man in the Snow family, hacking them to pieces while they're still alive. As for the women, they'll all become my cultivation furnaces, used and discarded until they die."As for Umbra… That wretched woman dared to side with you? Unforgivable! Once I obtain Elara's pure-essence core and ascend to the next level of power, I'll crush Umbra beneath my feet and make her my obedient slave!"Ivo's face twisted with malice, his sinister laughter never ceasing.Gideon had already made up his mind. Ivo had to die.Orabella retreated to Gideon's side, her expression grave. "This is bad. Escaping Bandit's Hollow won't be easy."Seeing that Gideon
Pacino's eyes darkened. He actually discarded his serpent-headed staff and engaged Gideon in hand-to-hand combat.What shocked Gideon was that Pacino's strength was terrifying. Every punch was devastatingly heavy.Most crucially, Pacino's combat skills were extraordinarily refined. Out of ten punches, he could land eight on Gideon, whereas Gideon could only land two or three in return.The difference was clear."Heh! Kid, how does it feel? You might have raw power, but you don't know how to use it. Your fighting technique is pathetic. And you think you're fit to brawl with me? What a joke!"The moment those words fell, Gideon took a heavy blow. Pain shot through his entire body, and he crashed straight into the ground.The other hooligans unleashed a flurry of deadly attacks, bombarding the massive crater."Gideon!" Orabella cried out.Just then, a brilliant light shot skyward, slicing through the hooligans' attacks.Gideon burst out of the crater, looking battered. He panted
"Go!" After throwing that punch, Gideon decisively chose to retreat. Orabella also pulled Elara along with her.Ivo lunged forward in pursuit. "Do you think you can escape? Did you even ask for my permission?""Why the hell would I ask you? Get lost!" Gideon raised his hand and slapped Ivo midair, sending him flying.Orabella struck with Ex Cathera.However, it wasn't aimed at Ivo. He was nothing more than a minor obstacle. The real target was the seven hooligans chasing them down."This…""Woman, you're from The Light Council!"Orabella remained silent.The seven hooligans scowled. If The Light Council was getting involved, things were about to get troublesome."Even The Light Council has no right to act recklessly in Bandit's Hollow.""The Pope himself came here once, and he even treated us with respect. You, a mere little Episcorprie, think you can pull this off?""Hold them back!"At that moment, the seven hooligans finally unleashed their full strength.They moved lik
Blood splattered across the sky.Gideon struck again, aiming to obliterate Ivo. The sight sent Ivo into a panic, scaring him out of his wits."Stop!" Mea shouted in fury.The Hellrend Severance Technique was broken. The villains knew full well that Gideon was a ruthless force to be reckoned with. At this point, there was no way to seize the pure-essence core anymore. They had to deal with Gideon first.On the sacrificial altar, the pure-essence had also stopped its rampage and fallen into a state of calm. The condensed pure-essence energy transformed into a massive shield, wrapping itself around Elara.In the dense jungle, Orabella let out a long breath."That Ivo guy is such a waste of space. He couldn't even take a single hit. If only he had held on a little longer, the seven hooligans' Hellrend Severance Technique would have successfully stripped Elara of her pure-essence core!"Orabella felt a deep sense of regret. She was well-versed in the ways of the world. Gideon might n
"Hellrend Severance Technique… Damn, these hooligans have some seriously bizarre methods. If I could even learn a little, it would be enough to last a lifetime. But…"A trace of resentment flashed deep in Ivo's eyes. "These old bastards won't teach me a thing! It's utterly infuriating."Ivo felt disgusted, especially with Mea. To win their support, he had forced himself to roll in the sheets with her, nearly scarring himself for life.Regardless, once he became a ninth-tier peak transcendent, crushing these old farts and taking their ultimate techniques will be effortless.Ivo plotted in silence.What he didn't know was that, in the distant woods, two figures were secretly watching—Orabella and Gideon. With such a huge commotion in Bandit's Hollow, it was impossible for them not to notice and rush over."We can't wait any longer. We need to act!" Gideon was anxious.He had arrived just in time to witness this scene, but he had no idea it was the Hellrend Severance Technique. All