"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
"What?!"It was a sight that left all the other martial artists astonished.After all, Kain Loom the Wild Blade was the best among them, reaching the middle of Ascendant rank and almost peerless.However, he was still no different from a chick to the military man, and the sheer difference left everyone agape. "From now on, you are all under my command… Naturally, those who have something to say about it can come forward."The military man smirked at the martial artists as he breathed out a smoke ring.Obviously, the martial artists present were not spineless, with an elderly man already glowering as he strode out."We're under your command? Who do you think you are?" he demanded."Exactly!" A youth who clearly belonged to a sect joined in. "You're strong, but don't you think you're overreaching, telling everyone to serve you?!"The military man simply smiled at them before whipping out a handgun and shooting the old man between the eyes.The bullet whistled through the air,
Just from that fact, it was unnecessary to guess why the South Sea Crow returned."Oh, by the way…"Jan did not afford Glen time to think, however, flashing a gentle smile as he said, "Mr. Turnbull, I heard you've been exhausted in integrating the Turnbull branch families back to the main family, and your health has been affected."Rob had been telling me that for a while, so I was thinking—why don't you take this opportunity to step down? Let Rob here take over as head of the Turnbull family while you enjoy the easy life of retirement.""How dare you!"Vicky snapped right then, having had enough just as Jan finished, clenching her knuckles. "This is our family matter, and not up to the Lionhearts to meddle! You leave Turnbull Estate right now!""Shut up!"Rob sprang to his feet right then, glaring at Vicky as he bellowed, "Jan is a brother to me! And as the next head of the Turnbull family, he naturally has the right to speak! You, on the other hand, are a woman who behaves so
Frank stood at a corner, his eyes growing cold as he stared at Rob's conceited expression."Frank Lawrence, was it?"Jan Lionheart strode over, folding his arms before his chest as he sneered at Frank. "I heard you've been messing with my family a lot of late.""So?" Frank replied as he strode up, shielding Vicky and the others behind him."Don't get so nervous. I'm not interested in you… for now."Jan grinned as he flicked his ink-green military coat. "But you should strut while the Lord of the Southern Woods is still alive… You will pay your debts when he's gone."Frank's expression stiffened, and he quickly demanded, "Debts? What debts?""Heh—I'm not obliged to tell you," Jan shrugged. "If you know what's good for you now, you will take your girl with you and get out of the Turnbull Estate right now. That way, you'd at least live a little longer."He was not hiding his threat at all, while Frank flashed his teeth in a grin after a brief silence. "Jan Lionheart, was it? Do yo