"Eh?"The bodyguard was left staring blankly, as he did not expect to see that Frank was quick enough to catch his punch.Even if he was not actually a member of Cloudnine Sect, he was still a Birthright-ranked martial artist and a bodyguard sent by the Hoxton commissioner.And to be honest, he really thought nothing of martial artists from a remote city like Zamri.It was not just Phoenix either—even he believed that he could emerge victorious in the qualifiers here.As that mindset made him arrogant, the fact that he tried a sneak attack that failed, with his opponent even calmly catching his blow with a single hand, left him feeling a little humiliated.This was not what he imagined would happen!"What, what is something I said that you found inappropriate, so you had to go for a sneak attack?"Even as Frank spoke calmly, the bodyguard could feel his immense grip strength, no different from a heavy-duty vice.And his own fist was being held fast, not budging no matter how h
However, the technique that left all the martial artists in awe disappeared by the next instant.The shockwave from the kick was gone, even before it reached Frank's neck!While everyone was left confused, some of the more keen-eyed martial artists noticed what had happened.The bodyguard did not withdraw. Instead, the kick was nullified…"Argh!"There was a blood-curdling scream as the bodyguard, who had been utterly pompous a second ago, was now kneeling before Frank.His lips were lopsided in agony, and tears were actually rolling down his cheeks from the sheer agony of his hand."Y-You brat…" the bodyguard growled as he glared murderously at Frank."Whoa!"The others soon noticed that Frank was still holding his hand… or what was left of it.After all, it had been a hand a second ago, but now it was nothing more than mush. It turned out that Frank had crushed the bodyguard's knuckle when he tried to kick Frank, causing him to stop in agony."I see…"While the crowd re
"The Martial Alliance's recommendation system?"Frank had not heard of it and was therefore surprised when Phoenix told him about it.She smirked at his reaction—seeing that he did not know that, Frank must at best be the apprentice of a hidden sect and not the heir to some major faction."Ahem… Sir?"And seeing Frank frown in confusion, the old man with a missing front tooth flashed a fawning smile as he approached Frank. Judging from Frank's attitude, he could see that Frank was not an ordinary youth but the apprentice of an important hidden sect. As such, he was keen to suck up to Frank now.Gulping to steady himself, he then explained softly, "See, the Martial Alliance's recommendation is a special seed in the martial tournament. Be it the heirs to a major faction, or famous martial elites listed on Skyrank, they can all advance beyond the qualifiers without participation."In other words, if you have the Martial Alliance's recommendation, you don't have to squeeze in here
One could expect nothing else of Silverbell—she had really covered all corners.Frank had yet to say anything, she had done everything necessary.On the other hand, Phoenix thought Frank was cowed as he stayed silent for a long while.Smirking at him, she then beckoned at her bodyguards to clear a path again, only to be stunned as Frank stopped them once more."Ms. Ardron, you don't have the Martial Alliance's recommendation, do you?" he asked. "In that case, please stop breaking the rules and take a number like everyone else, unless you're able to prove that you have one, you don't have the right to claim that you're superior to the rest of us!""How dare you!"Phoenix was really furious with Frank's interference this time and snapped at her entourage, "Go bring me the branch manager! Let me shoot this brat if I have the Martial Alliance's recommendation!" "Kid!"The old man with a missing front tooth was left flinching, seeing that Frank was messing with Phoenix again. "Why
The Martial Alliance branch manager's words left every martial artist present chuckling under their breaths, some out loud.Still, they promptly clasped their hands on their mouths when they noticed Phoenix's murderous glare and had to endure the pain of stifling laughter.Either way, it was hilarious—Phoenix had looked so confident, even demanding the manager's presence and announcing to everyone she had the Martial Alliance's recommendation.She did not expect not to receive the recommendation or her comeuppance so quickly.Every molecule of her body felt humiliated, and everyone's stares were suddenly sharp blades piercing her fragile ego.She hung her head, wanting nothing more than to hide.And even if many of the martial artists present were afraid to laugh, most of them turned away, clasping their hands over their mouths to stop the awkwardness from spiraling out of control."Who has the recommendation?!"Nonetheless, Phoenix soon snapped, seizing the Martial Alliance br
While it was a strange coincidence, Frank eventually stepped up after some thought, saying, "In that case, I'll give you the Martial Alliance's recommendation, but you'll leave with your entourage."Phoenix was still in a standoff against the Martial Alliance branch manager when she heard Frank.She turned in surprise to find Frank standing beside her, and her surprise soon turned to ridicule. "You? Am I hearing you right?!"Naturally, the other martial artists were in an uproar as they heard Frank too.After all, there were so many flaws to point out in his claims, and everyone was staring at Frank like he was stupid.First of all, the Martial Alliance's recommendation only came from the Martial Alliance, and it was a pass for the strong or the famous.So, giving away such a thing? Who did Frank think he was kidding?Even if that was possible, did that mean that money would allow anyone to pass the local qualifiers? In that case, how was the martial tournament going to be con
"Pfft…"Some of the smarter ones in the crowd could see that Phoenix did not expose Frank's boasting just to mock him for being ignorant.As many of the martial artists were convinced they were in for a new show, they stopped some of their friends who were leaving, all of them watching Frank in amusement."The Martial Alliance's recommendation changing hands? Never heard about that before.""Hahaha… No way that's happening.""I'm surprised that the kid's that down to earth!""Forget changing hands—why would that kid have the Martial Alliance's recommendation?""Exactly. The recommendation is reserved for martial elites. And weren't you listening to the branch manager?""Yeah… The recommendation here in Zamri was given by the chief of the Martial Alliance. The kid's just bragging!""Oh, this is killing me… I'd really like to see the look on the brat's face when he can't keep this up."Most of the ridicule was naturally aimed at Frank, since his offer to give up the Martial All
In all likelihood, this was the Martial Alliance branch manager that Silverbell had told Frank to look for.As to whether Frank had the Martial Alliance's recommendation, the manager would be well aware."Hmm?!"And to no surprise, when the manager heard Frank's name, the nonchalant manager suddenly widened his eyes in disbelief at Frank.The martial artists around them saw the manager's reaction and were silent, with some gulping loudly as well."Does he… really have the recommendation?" one of them even murmured in a corner, murmuring what everyone was wondering.On the other hand, various expressions alternated over the manager's face before he assumed a look of respect. "You're really Mr. Frank Lawrence…?""Eh?!"Seeing the manager making such a face to Frank, everyone including Phoenix were left staring in shock.They had all been leering at him like he was a clown, only for him to receive such respect from the manager… One might even say that the manager was exceedingly