However, Vicky could see through Frank's motives right then. "Tch. In the end, you just can't push Helen aside."Frank simply flashed an awkward smile, not daring to retort.He had reached a critical moment in his training and became increasingly aware of the importance of retaining his body's essence.If he stayed a virgin, his Five-Peat Archaeus would improve even more rapidly.His abstinence was for the sake of his training. Once he truly reached Ascendant rank and became one of Draconia's strongest individuals—when even Simon Lionheart was helpless against him—he would truly be relieved.As his Five-Peat Archaeus would no longer be affected, there was no reason for him to stay a virgin.But right now, he could sense Draconia's storm and was completely focused on training, refusing to be distracted by anything else.It was also so that he could protect Vicky, Helen, and the rest.Naturally, it was pointless for Frank to say it anyway, so he would just throw some excuse for t
Frank was staying at Turnbull Estate over the next couple days.He taught Kat martial arts whenever he had the time, basically treating her as his apprentice, even teaching her the full version of the Five-Peat Archaeus.It was only by becoming stronger that she would be able to protect herself, or even help Frank protect the others.Kat did not let him down either—the spiritron vein she embodied was really powerful, skyrocketing from a mere initiate to a peak vigor wielder in a day.Being up against the thugs before would be less taxing now—she was even formidable thanks to Frank's training and the Five-Peat Archaeus.Naturally, aside from training, Frank did not forget to take Vicky out for walks, admiring the scenery.Vicky even called Helen just to brag, brazenly describing in vivid detail a blow-by-blow account of the fictional romp she had with Frank last night, that even Frank had to stop himself from lying.Helen was left stammering, "A-Are you just messing with me, Vick
Ultimately, Helen even threw a girly tantrum that left Frank rubbing his temples.Vicky really was Helen's worst enemy, and she was even laughing herself silly for a long while after Frank told her what had happened the next day.She even called Helen just to tease her, though this time Frank did not stay and listen to their subsequent discussion, not interested in getting involved in the ladies' rivalry.-Two days later, a grand banquet was held in one of the ballroom of Turnbull Estate.While Glen Turnbull was present as head of the Turnbull family, even his father George Turnbull made a rare appearance.He was healthily flushed and energetic thanks to Frank's previous treatment and even drank a lot.Almost all Turnbull executives, key members, and branch family leaders were gathered there too.At the main table, Frank and Vicky were sitting on Glen's left, while on his right was a young man with an upright gait, wearing a military uniform.He was around Frank's age, and th
"The main family has already investigated the South Sea Crow, and the truth is out!" Vicky continued, "She had been attacking us for years not because of Frank, but because she was conspiring with the Lionhearts! I remember informing everyone about that, so why are you still speculating pointlessly?"In fact, she had already heard of the speculations before this and knew that the branch families did not trust Frank.That was why they joined in on Rob's questioning of Frank, and Vicky had to state concrete proof to maintain Frank's innocence so that he would not get upset.But even as the ballroom turned silent, Rob asked quietly, "Dear cousin, weren't you originally supposed to marry Titus Lionheart, if I recall correctly?""Yes. What about it?" Vicky replied.She was never close with Rob since he had been away from home for years, but she could still clearly sense that Rob was prejudiced against Frank."Well…"Rob slowly returned to his seat, tapping his fingers on the table
Frowning, Glen snapped, "The Lionhearts will not let it slide if our family was indirectly culpable for Sif's death. But the fact of the matter is that they never showed discontent about the matter, and it's clear that they are guilty.""You're being naive, Dad." Rob snorted, waving him off. "General Lionheart informed me that the Lionhearts simply can't afford any mishaps at the moment, as they are in a critical juncture with Simon Lionheart on the verge of ascension. That is why Titus wasn't punished for masterminding a conspiracy, and they didn't even bother investigating Sif's death. They just can't be bothered."Then, sighing in disappointment, he continued, "And once Simon ascends, I'm sure they would come for us Turnbulls first thing. We have been preoccupied by our infighting because of certain rogues, even losing our greatest allies over a woman, and finding our former allies now our enemies."Rob was not hiding his accusation against Frank and Vicky at all, and the latter
Rob sneered icily even as he watched Frank walk confidently toward his fully-armed soldiers.He had served in the military for years—even if he had met many martial artists whose abilities the average Joe could not hope to reach, he had never met anyone who did not fear guns and bullets until now.That applied even to his commanding officer, General Jan Lionheart, which was why he quickly presumed that martial artists were no different from the average person. They were just better in a fight at best, aside from the tricks they used to deceive the masses.He simply was not aware that starting at Ascendant ranks, martial artists could cast protective pure vigor to repel physical attacks.And guns and bullets were no threat to martial artists with abundant pure vigor—in fact, it was pointless against Ascendant ranks.Even if Frank had yet to reach Ascendant rank now, he could cast a dense protective pure vigor around himself with Five-Peat Archaeus. Forget guns and bullets—even
"Many others are getting caught in the fight too!" The Turnbull sentry then finished."What?!"All the Turnbulls present were frowning at the report, each of them annoyed.If they had known those rogues were so unmanageable, they would not have called for them at all.After all, Rob was here, with hundreds of soldiers all armed to the teeth.With these trained military men, getting rid of the South Sea Crow was as good as done.In contrast, the martial artists were not necessary, and each day they stayed added further problems for the Turnbulls—like they were doing now, fighting among themselves, with many Turnbull servants getting caught in it.What a waste of time and resources.Rob spoke up then, saying, "Dad, those trash would only cause further disharmony in this house, while being totally useless. I'll chase them all away right now, so that the family's reputation won't be tarnished."With that, he rallied his men to head to Ballroom Three, when Frank stood up. "Rob Tu
The martial artists were mingling, playing drinking games, and recounting the old days, while others drunkenly headed to open spaces to spar.Many were cheering them on, and while it was a restless sight, there was no sign of quarrel, let alone destruction of property.If anything, it was within the accepted limit.However, just as they were busy playing around, the doors to the ballroom were kicked open, and a man in an ink-green military coat strode in.The commotion left the hall silent, as everyone turned to look at the military man.However, even before any of the martial artists could ask where he came from, he chuckled coolly and ruthlessly mocked everyone on the spot. "Heh. What a bunch of trash."Bang!Kain Loom the Wild Blade slammed his hand on the table, springing to his feet.He might have conceded to Frank days earlier, but that did not mean that just anyone was allowed to insult him!Shoving away the people in his way, he strode up to the military man, cracking