Most of all, Frank did not want Helen's family to fall apart.With that in mind, he turned toward Terry. "The Bleeders' leaders and their martial artists have all been wiped out. The same goes for the Wolvens too—I don't have to tell you what you should do from now on, do I?"Terry's jaw dropped so low that his mouth could fit an egg. "The Wolvens too? For real, Mr. Lawrence?""I won't lie to you. I've dealt with them already." Frank nodded. "Take Peter to the hospital, and he'll be working as a security guard. The rest is up to you."Pausing, he then added, "From now on, there shall be no more gangs in Zamri."With that, he turned to leave, while Terry nodded solemnly."Yes, sir!" he exclaimed before turning to one of his men. "Blackie, take Ms. Lane's brother to the hospital. The rest of you, we're taking over the Bleeders!""Yeah!!!"Terry's men had been excited for a while now.They did not expect their new boss to be this frightening, taking down every martial artist of t
Helen's eyes narrowed, clearly skeptical."See for yourself!" she snapped as she opened her laptop, put it in front of Frank, and played an on-scene interview."This is Piers Hershey, reporting live from the scene. I'm with Mr. Terry Cotton, a kind soul who has been helping victims of the Zomber Tower collapse. What do you think about this incident, Mr. Cotton?""Oh, it's a tragedy. We're just passing by, but it's only right to help…"Piers nodded approvingly. "You really are a model citizen of Zamri, Mr. Cotton."Terry's dramatically tearful reaction left Helen furming. "So what have you been up to again, Frank?!""Uh… We were just having tea with Kit Jameson, over a bar grill and stuff—"Lily the secretary entered just then. "Ms. Lane? A board member of Zomber Group is asking to see you."Frank sighed in relief and was ready to bail, only for Helen to catch him, snorting. "Don't think you're getting away. You either confess, or this won't be over!"Seeing Helen's hostile gla
"Urgh…"Helen had calmed down but snorted as Frank was flashing her a cheeky smile. "Yeah, yeah. You did good, getting us another company. But you're the one who just threw it at us without needing to do anything, while any problems would fall back on me! Do you think I can deal with two major companies at the same time?""Well, you know what they say—those who can are always busy. That's my girl for you—she's always amazing." Frank shrugged, confirming that he would be goofing off.Helen rolled her eyes at him, exasperated.-Vicky Turnbull called in the afternoon, teasing, "Did you know that you're on the news? Sliding down a falling building… That's so cool. Still, something's lacking—you should've been holding a babe like Helen in your arms while you did so." "Ahem…" Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Stop teasing me. Why did you call me?""Oh, it's nothing important." Vicky smiled. "I heard you're acquainted with Gene Pearce?""I guess. What, is something up?" Frank raised
The old man then held out a vase covered in oil paper. "If you're interested, I have a jade vase here for just 500 grand—how about it?""A jade vase?" Frank took the jade vase and shook his head after a brief glance, returning it. "It's clearly a modern object. 500 grand? I'd refuse even if it's just five bucks." He snorted and turned to leave.Two porty goons suddenly showed up, cutting off his path."Heh, kid. But you touched the vase, so you have to buy it now. If you don't…" The old man laughed coolly behind Frank, clearly threatening him.It was clearly a con, and Frank knew that they thought he would be an easy mark since he was alone and new to this place."Do I look like I'd be easily bullied?" Frank remained calm, even sneering at the old man. "Get your boys out of my face if you're smart, or I won't play nice anymore.""Oh, feisty!"The old man showed no intention of backing down, however. "But I've seen many kids who talk tough. The question is, are your bones jus
Hugh sneered. "I heard that Vicky's husband is an indomitable spirit who'd even toppled Sif Lionheart's eldest brother. Your reputation is not undeserved, now that I've seen you.""And who are you?" Frank asked impassively."Hugh Turnbull, heir of the Norsedam Turnbulls.""Watch how you speak with Mr. Turnbull!" Hugh's bodyguard snapped at Frank threateningly right after Hugh finished."Norsedam…" Frank murmured, remembering just then.Norsedam and Riverton were just a bridge apart, but Norsedam was far more prosperous than Riverton.And the first time he met Sif Lionheart was at an auction in Norsedam, though he was unaware that a branch family of the Turnbulls was based in Norsedam too.Nodding, Frank asked quietly, "Then to what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Turnbull?""Nothing," Hugh said icily. "I just happened to run into you, but I should remind you that as a son-in-law of the Turnbull family, you should maintain an ounce of dignity instead of getting caught by some street
The store clerk's words reminded Frank of the geezer earlier with the yellowed teeth, and he nodded in agreement.This place was a lawless mess, and he had seen at least three victims getting conned or robbed in broad daylight.If anyone really pulled out a real treasure, they would be eaten alive.Seeing Frank's realization, the store clerk smiled. "It seems that you understand, sir. The waters of Blooming Junction run deep—the real treasures are always stored within the century-old shops instead of being put on display.""Really? And why are you telling me that?" Frank glanced at the store clerk sideways curiously.The man spread his hands and admitted, "I'll be frank, sir. I work at Jade Dragon—it's that shop over there. My job is to keep an eye out for customers with potential wandering around Blooming Junction and bring them over."I can see that you have high standards and carry yourself differently from the rest. That's why I'm recommending our establishment, while I earn
Seeing that Frank was not greeting him anyway, the old man ignored him and forced a smile. "I'm sure everyone here is aware that I, Travis Dali, have recently made a poor judgment, buying a fake jade fox sculpture that cost me over a billion dollars."Pausing, he sighed. "That means I have yet to clear my 600 million dollar debt. And to make up for that, I am now bringing out the treasures in my collection. I hope everyone here would be willing to buy them at generous prices—you have my gratitude already."Hugh was the first to get to his feet, spreading his hands and smiling. "Haha… you're exaggerating, Mr. Dali—everyone knows that you're the dealer with the best eyes in Blooming Junction, and your treasures are most extraordinary. We'll definitely buy what you have at the right price.""Exactly.""Your debt will be cleared with no problem!"The other guests agreed."Alright." Travis' hunched back seemed to straighten as he smiled. "Since everyone is so appreciative, let's cut t
The only guest who never said a word is Frank.However, as everyone else turned toward Frank, Hugh spoke before he could. "Hah! What would some ignorant manwhore know about art? Even if he knows a thing or two, he still wouldn't be able to afford it."Hugh's scoffing drew several chuckles in the room, since 'manwhore' made the insult all too obvious.However, Frank remained calm as he looked at the other guests and asked quietly, "Are you done laughing? If you are, I will share my opinion.""Of course, young sir. You may speak freely." Travis was surprised that Frank did not make a bid, and instead spoke up to share his opinion. Was he going to accuse him of selling a fake?As if on cue, Frank turned toward the painting beside Travis as everyone looked on, nodding as he said, "That painting isn't genuine… Or it's half-genuine, to be precise.""Hahaha!!!" Hugh was laughing first and very loudly.The other guests were chuckling too, while Travis appeared shocked for a moment b
Frank snorted. "Alright, I'm hanging up. I'm getting started over here soon.""Yeah. Good luck," Jouri replied.Hanging up, Frank looked up at the waterfall overhead, and then at Skyler, who was standing beside him. "So? Is it time yet?""Almost… Now!" Skyler's eyes were glowing even as she stared at her watch."Alright."Frank looked up just as the skies abruptly darkened. "Ah, there it is—the eclipse."The sun seemed to disappear, and the world was suddenly shrouded in darknesses.And beside him, a stone door imbued with the power of the spiritron vein also rumbled as it parted."Got it!" Frank rushed inside without another word as soon as he saw it."Hmph. I'm surprised that you could reach this place." A cold, wrathful voice resounded inside even before Frank got a hold of his surroundings.Looking up, Frank found a youth in a black cossack and sporting grey-white hair, standing upon a cliff as he looked down on him.Frank chuckled. "Hehe. Like I said, I've come to kill
Frank narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?'Crane shrugged. "I don't mind giving it to you straight—members of Torrent are actually… Ahem. A part of Torrent himself."Frank paused. "What's that supposed to mean?""You don't get it, do you?" Crane grinned. "Then let me put it to you this way—every member is a clone of Torrent.""A clone?" Frank gasped in realization."Yes," Crane nodded. "That's why I believe that challenging Crane is just suicide. You have no idea how powerful he is—only death awaits you down that path."Frank smirked. "Oh, but I don't think so."Crane rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever—now listen closely. You will find Torrent in the Mystic Trail, but you would only find that place when the sun and moon coincide, and the entrance is beneath the waterfall south of Horton."As he finished, he snorted coldly. "I have no idea if you can actually do it, but I'm hoping you do kill him… Heh. I'm getting tired of being stuck under his control for so long."Then, waving off
Frank abruptly turned, immediately noticing one of the Cranes crouching, ready to spring forward and blindside him."Got you!" He laughed."Hah! You fell for it!"Just as Frank swung a punch to pulverize that Crane, he suddenly burst into pus that splashed at Frank's face."Damn it!" Frank took a step back, surprised that the clone's presence was identical to the real Crane, and a trap on top of that!"Die!"The Cranes around him each whipped out a dagger, all of them stabbing at Frank at the same time."Get off!" Frank bellowed, unleashing a shockwave that sent all the Cranes flying across all directions."Frank! Above you!" Skyler suddenly shrieked."Yes! I'm right here!" A strange laughter sounded above Frank just as he wiped the pus off his face.Crane was suddenly directly above him, launching an aerial kick straight at Frank's head, and Frank had no time to dodge!"Die!" Crane's smile curled into a twisted angle as he saw that too.He was very confident with this kick
"Disgusting…" Skyler murmured through her hand.Despite being skinned and scalped, the women were all still alive and singing to the music that was playing despite their anguish."Talk about a terrible fetish."Frank was scowling too—why were all the members of Torrent such sick deviants? It seemed like his plan to wipe them out was absolutely correct!"So, you killed my clone?"The lanky man on the couch slowly turned to level his bloodshot eyes at Frank.His lips were wet with bed as they curled upward into an eerie smile."Clone?" Frank narrowed his eyes."Hehe. It's a sage art."Crane shrugged as he stood up and wiped the blood off his lips. "It's only natural that you don't understand… Still, you deserve praise. If you can kill my clone, that means you're not just slightly stronger than Ghost."Naturally, the man was none other than the real Crane.Still, as Skyler studied him from a corner, even she could notice the strange twitch of his fingers, and his veins were pro
Even as Crane ran, he was looking over his shoulder, his heart pounding. "No… I won't win in a one-on-one!"No, as long as I get back to my real body… we can do this together!" He frowned, having seen how Frank sliced off the pinkies of those hood rats. It hence quickly dawned on him that Frank was not just slightly stronger than Ghost, as Torrent had put it!"Almost there!" He gasped when he saw the signboard of Pegasus Showtown in the distance. "As long as I get there and rendezvous with my real body, that brat will lose—"That was when he turned and saw that a shadow had caught up with impossible speed."What?!" Crane's eyes almost popped out in bewilderment. "What speed is that?! Are you kidding—"Even as he spotted the shadow, the shadow turned into a youth with an impassive visage.His fist outstretched, he was clearly punching toward Crane's forehead!"Argh…"Even as Crane looked on, the youth's punch slowed down by tenfold, but his fist kept closing in.Then, whe
Seeing Skyler sigh, the tattooed thug presumed that his extortion worked.He strode up, grabbing Frank's shoulder. "No one's gonna help you, boy. Pay up, or you're not leaving.""Exactly! You're not getting away!" the crowd of hood rats hollered. "Last chance."Frank's eyes were cold and fixed on Dani, however. "Are you going to intervene? If you do, you can keep that check. If you don't…""Ugh. Fuck off! I don't care!" Dani spat, her expression smug as she folded her arms before her chest. "Who do you think you are to threaten me?!""Exactly! Pay up, and you can leave!""Yeah! Ten grand, at least!""You probably don't know my boss Wyvern, but when he's here, you won't get away with just ten grand!"Even as the crowd closed in, Frank shook his head. "Well, you had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next.""You're giving us a chance?! Hah! Who—argh!"Even before Dani could finish gloating, Frank was suddenly in front of her, grabbing her viciously by the wrist."Arg
"Five grand?! Did you hear that?! He just threw five grand!""Must be a rich kid coming here for a secret rendezvous, out of prying eyes? Those types are the easiest mark!""Fuck! And Dani got one of us… It hurts me more than losing at the races!"Frank could hear the buzz around him but ignored it as he strode past the men flanking him and headed toward the street that stank of blood."Stop!" A big tattooed man grinned sinisterly as he intercepted Frank.As his buddies encircled Frank as well, Frank snorted—it seemed that they took his reaction for a sign of weakness and thought that he could be cowed.The tattooed man rubbed his chin as he leered at Skyler's voluptuous figure, chuckling. "Look, boy. I'm short on cash, so let me take a loan. I'll pay you back some other day, how about that?"His friend laughed. "Exactly! You just gave Dani five grand, and we won't ask for more… just four, how about that?"Skyler scowled in turn and glanced worriedly at Frank beside her—was he
Frank himself had just stepped out of the nightclub when his eyes narrowed."Blood," he murmured, his nostrils twitching."Blood?"Skyler sniffed the air, puzzled. "I can't smell it.""It's from the opposite street… I smell the blood of over a dozen people.""A dozen?!" Skyler did a double take.He could identify the number of people who were killed?! That was just ridiculous!"Come on, let's take a look."Just as Frank led the way toward the source of the stench, a woman suddenly came up, catching Frank off guard and throwing herself into his arms."Hmmm?" He looked down to see that she had thick makeup, average looks, and a rather pudgy belly."Argh! He touched me!" she pointed at Frank and shrieked even before he realized what was happening."What?!" Skyler was staring at the woman too, mystified."Oh, sister! You just didn't see it!"The woman kept hollering, pointing at Frank's face. "Your boyfriend grabbed my ass! Is that how you teach him manners?!""Teach him ma
Wyvern screamed even as he clutched the stump that was his hand, screaming so shrilly one might mistake his voice as inhuman."Oh, just shut up." The lanky man glowered and launched a kick, reducing Wyvern into puddles of blood and pieces of innards, splattering all around the lobby. "Argh!!!" the devilish lady screamed as she watched the carnage unfolded."Another sound, and you'd end up just like him." The lanky man turned and frowned at her impatiently."Hngh…" The devilish lady promptly clasped a hand over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes as she trembled."What the hell?!"Outside, Wyvern's lackeys heard the screams and ran inside, looking for him. "Hey, where's Wyvern?!"However, the lobby was too dimly lit for them to notice the blood and guts scattered around the walls, and they only sensed that terrible stench."Hngh…" The devilish lady was too scared to speak, and tears trickled out of her eyes."Fuck!"One of the lackeys strode up and seized the lanky man