"Frank Lawrence? Never heard of him.""Who's he? How dare he mess with the Graves family, one of the top four families of Southstream?""Is he crazy? Suicidal, even?""Oh, this is getting really interesting! I have my headline ready for tomorrow now!""We're in for a show!"The peaceful wedding was first interrupted with the crowd's whispers, and eventually, pandemonium ensued.All at once, the crowd was discussing Frank's background, the arranged marriage between the Lanes and the Graves, and what on earth could have led to this wedding interruption."Oh, this plot came to me in a dream…" an heiress suddenly murmured with twinkling eyes. "The princess is marrying a prince, but her one true love comes to their wedding to take her away…""Wake up. This is reality, not a fairy tale—and the bastard is getting himself killed.""Yeah. Let's see how Chaz Graves deals with this.""How else would he deal with this? The brat is dead either way."Helen, however, was completely oblivio
Seeing the security guards sitting among the guests get to their feet, Helen looked so nervous that she could cry. "Why did you come, Frank? You have to leave before the Graves family's guards come for you!""Leave?" Frank smiled. "Then I will bring you along with me.""You're still joking around now?!" Helen could cry as she stamped her feet in frustration."I'm not joking," Frank said, holding her gaze as his expression turned solemn. "I know that Chaz forced you into marrying him, by threatening my life at that."The room was left in an uproar at Frank's words, as Chaz's fabricated persona of a devoted lover crumbled.So Helen was coerced by Chaz into this wedding when she did not want to marry him?!There was not one soul who didn't like gossip, especially the drama and intrigue involving rich and powerful families.Even as the guests were sent abuzz with excitement and listened attentively for more juicy details, Helen shook her head and smiled miserably. "So what if he d
'Helen, there are times when you shouldn't be rational. You're a woman and you should trust your instincts more and be stubborn! Know how to follow your heart when you face a dilemma, or you'd be left with a lifetime of regret like me.'Helen's confused gaze turned sharp as she remembered her grandfather's will.It was thanks to her wit and rationality that Lane Holdings became so successful.However, it was also her wit and rationality that kept her only relieving what she saw, doubting everything Frank said.She used to think about it and regret it but ultimately stayed rational and dispel those regrets.And the same thing was happening, as her rationality kept telling her not to go with Frank, or the consequences would be severe. Her heart kept resisting that, however, because she really wanted to take Frank's hand… to the point she could lose her mind."Haha… Hahaha!!!"She suddenly laughed as everyone looked on, innocently and without a care. "So that's what it was. I've
Helen never broke character as a strong and independent for as long as Frank knew her and would stay stoic even with him.Her raving outburst actually left his heart skipping a beat, and he held her firmly in his arms, his eyes flashing. "Don't worry. I won't let you die here… absolutely not!""Yes!" Helen nodded in his arms—she had decided to trust him, and she would do so to the bitter end!"Do you know what you're doing, Helen?!" Chaz shrieked, his face contorted in fury as he revealed in true nature.His own bride-to-be was spurning him on the altar.No, forget that—what she just did just made him lose face. She could well have cut it off!Exposing him in public and slapping him, then running to another man?! His reputation was being trodden on—how would Southstream rich and important see him now? Or his own family, for that matter?!This was not even an insult. It was a declaration of war, one that would be fought to the bitter end!Chaz would rather die than let those t
"That's enough!"Gina sprang to her feet and yelled at Helen, "Can't you just stop already?! Cindy is your cousin! Are you really so bent on pushing her over the brink?!""Me, pushing her?!" Helen laughed miserably. "I'm your daughter, Mom! Forget running to me after you split up with Dad—you even had to burden me with a dead weight like Cindy! And you know all too well how many terrible things she's done—do you think I'm that stupid?"Then, glaring at Gina, she continued, "Also, I welcomed you with open arms since you and Dad went your separate ways, but I never had a day of peace ever since you came! You complain because you can't live like a trophy wife in Northstream, and blame Grandfather for being strict with you—you even tricked me into divorcing Frank! You made me an enemy of Frank and drove Grandfather to his death!""You and Cindy are certainly satisfied, but what about me?! Have you ever treated me like a daughter?! You're just treating me like leverage against Dad!"Gi
Even someone like Burt had to stop and think because these bodyguards served the Lionhearts.However, Frank simply clasped his palm over Helen's eyes and snapped a single, icy word. "Death!"Burt's face contorted with savagery at Frank's orders, since it meant there was nothing to worry about now.He swung his sword stylishly, releasing a dance of phantoms.Even before the Lionhearts' bodyguards could react, they fell to the floor, bleeding rivers as their limbs were all sent flying and scattering all over."What?! Burt is Birthright rank… Has he improved that far?!"There was no shortage of martial elites among the guests who remained, and some even recognized Burt.However, they were all stunned to see Burt release streaks of his pure vigor!"Birthright rank?!"Even the Graves family's martial elites were faltering when they heard that.Burt's fame for his ferocity was certainly deserved, dismembering five men in a split second and leaving them screaming!It was a scene of
However, Frank merely regarded Neil with disdain. "Ungrateful, traitorous scum. Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?"He had no intention of going after Neil out of respect for Vicky, but he could not be blamed for what happened when Neil came asking for it."You should think about what you're saying, Frank." Neil glowered. "Titus will soon be here, so know your place and get down on your knees. Who knows, Titus might prove understanding and spare your life! Keep being stubborn, and not even I can help at that point.""Hahaha!" Frank could not help laughing at Neil's gloating at that point, shaking his head. "Oh, Neil… you're both Turnbulls, but why is Vicky so smart, while your head is all empty?""Did you just mock me?!" Neil glared at Frank."Brother, take Ms. Lane and go. I can deal with this," Burt said just then.Thanks to Ichor Pill Frank sent him, he healed rapidly and even ascended up to Birthright rank, far eclipsing the man he once was.Chaz turned pale ev
A man in a long coat strode in, the sharpness in his eyes so piercing it could well be actual blades.He had long black hair with a streak of white on his bangs that parted in the middle. Standing tall at 1.9 meters, he was burly and fleshed out where he should, making it obvious that he was a formidable martial artist. "You have to help Mr. Graves! Frank Lawrence is going to kill him!" Wilbur was still crying out anxiously."Cam down." Titus shot Wilbur a look of assurance, while he strode pompously to stand just beneath the stage, smiling faintly at Frank on top. "So, you're Frank Lawrence? I've heard you saying outside that you don't fear me?"His tone was calm, but the dark aura spilling out of his eyes struck Burt so hard he stumbled a few steps backward.Burt paled in shock as he came to a realization. "He completed Birthright! S-So that's the might of Titus Lionheart?!"Even Helen's fingers were clenching on Frank's clothes even as she cowered in his arms.And yet, Frank
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