Silverbell had the air of a goddess unsullied, her skin fair as snow, and she kept her hands primly on her lap as she stared at Maron fixedly."If memory serves, I should be meeting your sect's chief, Mr. Maron. Or perhaps he's dismissive of my disposition as chief of the Martial Alliance, which explains his absence?"Her words were sharp despite her unsullied appearance. Her voice was cool as spring, and it left Maron's face stiffening right then, even as he forced a smile. "That's not true, Lady Silverbell. My father has always secluded himself in his residence for his routine, but he recently got hurt and is recuperating. He also delegated his duties to me—""In that case, I shall come back another day." Silverbell rose to her feet right then, ready to leave.Maron quickly stopped her, flashing an apologetic smile. "Please, Lady Silverbell. It doesn't mean we don't have any champions to represent us just because my father is hurt.""Really?" Silverbell stopped, saying quietly,
"Hahaha…"Maron was laughing as he came over, throwing an arm around Frank's shoulder. "Lady Silverbell, this is my friend, Frank Lawrence.""Frank Lawrence…?! No, that's impossible."Silverbell's cool gaze flickered for a moment, showing confusion and reminisce. However, it only lasted for a moment as she regained her cool composure, and she threw those thoughts away.She had come to East Draconia for Frank Lawrence—Donn Lawrence, to be precise.Donn was the son of Godwin Lawrence, the Lord of the Southern Woods. Silverbell was told that Donn had found success in Riverton, and she had traveled there to meet him… to clear the air and annul the engagement their parents decided for them while they were children.As for the man before her… Even if he had the same name, Frank should not be here in Southdam, let alone get involved with Sage Lake Sect.After all, Sage Lake Sect was a minor cabal in a remote location—the Lord of the Southern Woods' son would never keep such frivolous c
"Whether I can do that tonight depends entirely on you. Hahaha…" Maron laughed heartily as he strode off, leaving Frank standing there, clenching his knuckles as his visage flashed murderously.One way or another, Maron would die tonight!-Soon, Frank followed the Sage Lake Sect apprentices to the enclosed dojo, where he immediately spotted the white-dressed figure drawing her sword.A faint pure vigor wafted among the Sage Lake Sect elders even as they encircled her, resonating harmoniously somehow."A combat ward…?" Frank narrowed his eyes.It was commonly practiced by sect apprentices, requiring resonance in pure vigor and psyche. Moreover, most combat wards would enhance the individuals within while diminishing any disadvantages—pushing them beyond what they were usually capable of."Don't worry, Lady Silverbell!" one of the elders barked. "This Divine Lotus Ward has never been beaten since its conception!""Hmph."Both Frank and Silverbell snorted at the same time—no s
Seeing that Maron actually knew his place, Silverbell nodded impassively. "In that case, your application to the Martial Alliance is now forfeited. Only approach us in Morhen again if one of yours actually reaches Ascendant rank. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."She started to drift away, but Maron stopped her again. "Please wait, Lady Silverbell.""What?" Silverbell's expression cooled, staring pointedly around at the Sage Lake Sect apprentices. "Is there anything else you have to add?""Certainly." Maron strode forward, shaking his head. "Like you said, my sect's right is rightly forfeited. But won't you agree it's a pity when my father just happens to be incapacitated, and the chance that Cloudnine Sect fought for us would only come to waste?""What are you trying to say?" Silverbell growled impatiently."Patience, Lady Silverbell." Maron smiled politely. "Even if current members of my sect have failed, my friend here is willing to join and help us
As Frank looked up to meet Silverbell's eyes, he said quietly, "No, Lady Silverbell. It's our first encounter, just as this is my first time hearing about the Martial Alliance.""The Martial Alliance." Silverbell spaced out for a moment and started explaining for some reason, "The South Sea Four founded the alliance, and only notable sects or factions in Draconia are offered a place…"It was only at the end that she came to her senses, frowning as she wondered why she would explain the Martial Alliance to some punk she did not know.Swish!She whipped her sword, speaking quietly, "Less talking. Since you're representing Sage Lake Sect for their trial, you must be prepared. Show me what you have and whether the Sage Lake Sect is worth the alliance's time!""Go, go, Frankie!" Maron cheered for Frank with fake enthusiasm, waving his phone at Frank at the same time to warn him against pulling anything funny.Frank was not actually going to do it—if he were to be honest, he would like
Elder Huxley walked up to Maron, his tone hesitant. "Master Maron, isn't Frank Lawrence…"Maron shrugged. "He's better than I thought, able to challenge that bitch as an equal.""But what about the chief—""Silence," Maron growled as he shot him an icy look. "He's barely alive, so shut it unless you want all of us dead!""Yes, Master Maron." Elder Huxley sighed heavily."Come on, Elder Huxley." Maron chuckled, seeing his concern. "I know that it's hard on you as an elder of our sect, seeing how things have turned out… but would you rather have Sage Lake Sect stay stuck in measly Southdam for another hundred years?!""Just think about it in another way," he continued with an enigmatic smile. "Bocek Ocean is dead, and my father will soon be too. Who else would know what we did? And once this match is over and I have my way with Silverbell, do you know what's going to happen?"Elder Huxley shook his head. "I'm not sure… and I'm confused. Wouldn't Lady Silverbell punish us?""Punis
As Frank and Silverbell's sword duel intensified, Maron grew more wary of either of them.At the same time, he felt lucky he had never fought Frank directly… or he would end up a corpse already!"Take this—Thousand Mile Burst!"A blur shot down from the above. Too fast for Frank to avoid, he had to raise his sword to parry in the heat of the moment.Clang!The silver beam shattered the sword even as Frank looked on, and it never stopped as it kept pressing toward Frank's face."Oof—" Frank grunted as he stepped backward, and he touched his forehead to feel blood welling out of a shallow scratch."I lost," he said, throwing the hilt on the floor and openly admitting defeat."No, you've won," Silverbell said even as she landed, her fingers twitching around her sword.She leveled a look of mixed emotions at Frank before shaking her head. "It's the rule—anyone in any sect who can last twenty strikes from my blade earns their sect a place in the Martial Alliance. And you've survi
Silverbell's bellow actually gave Maron pause, but he wheeled on Frank again. "It was during the last blow—Frank released some sort of powder out of his sleeve. I thought I was seeing things, but it's real!""I saw it too!" Elder Huxley bellowed and pulled Frank's sleeve, knocking off a pile of Passion Dust from Frank's sleeve."What…" Frank was dumbfounded, as he clearly saw Elder Huxley sprinkle the powder on his sleeve right then.Elder Huxley simply leaned close, growling a threat under his breath, "Don't you dare argue. You know what happens if you do.""F-Frank? Why…?!" Silvebell was wheezing, sweating buckets as her gaze turned unfocused.Frank remained silent—if he maintained his innocence, Maron would retaliate by hurting Helen and the others."See? He's silent because he's caught red-handed!" Maron laughed darkly at Frank and carried Silverbell to the infirmary. "Don't worry—our best healers will cure you soon enough!""So that's what he's up to." Frank's eyes flashed