Despite Landon's frail appearance, he was adept at handling seasoned businessmen like Warren in the industry. So how could he suddenly seem polite and harmless before Aria? He must be putting on an act!Besides, no brother would ever find his sister's boyfriend pleasing to the eye, especially since Landon had called off his engagement with Aria. While everything else was understandable, his transformation before Aria was unsettling. After all, Landon wasn't like this with others.Sensing Leon's gaze, Landon looked over with an unreadable gaze."I understand that Leon may be unhappy about me. I was in the wrong, after all." Landon took the initiative to speak, his subdued tone seeming somewhat innocent. "Perhaps it's because I refused to play with him when we were younger, or maybe my foolishness to call off my engagement with Aria."With his refined and pale face, he seemed a bit fragile when he batted his long lashes. Nobody would want to trouble such a beautiful person, especia
Aria raised her eyebrows. "The Wagner family? You seem to care quite a lot about our family's banquet.""Well, I could have attended as your family," Landon replied, handing her a cup of coffee. "Get in the car first. I'll explain it to you when we get there."Aria was well taken care of. She settled into the seat, enjoying her coffee.Landon had arranged for two SUVs. Leon and the others were in the second vehicle, leaving the first one for just the two of them.Landon, capable of working anywhere, adjusted Aria's seat before responding to messages from his workgroup.Reclined, Aria yawned lazily, her beauty undiminished.Landon finished sending a text and caught sight of her. His eyes flickered as he fiddled with the rosary bracelet on her wrist. "A jeweler will come later. You can pick out a ring.""A ring? No thanks," Aria rejected without a second thought. "Having it while I perform my acupuncture is a hassle."Landon was exasperated. "Well, you can choose a necklace or so
Aria's eyes flickered at his words, and she recalled the burdens from the sins he carried. He had been kind to her, and she felt the need to repay him somehow. She reached out, gently holding his wrist to read his pulse. Though it appeared as if she was examining him, she was actually working to alleviate some of his burdens. As a practitioner in esoteric arts, she had many ways to help.However, Landon avoided her touch. "Don't misuse your magic."Aria felt that Landon was not easy to fool. He seemed to know everything.Was it because he read a lot of books? Aria propped her chin and got lost in her thoughts.Suddenly, she spoke up, "By the way, the spirits I adopted are afraid of you."Landon chuckled, wrapping her in a coat. "Do I look scary? You should help them build their courage. They could learn from Sam."Only four Perils existed in the world, like Sam. These creatures were embodiments of pure evil, leaving destruction in their wake. Yet, not all of them had been see
Aria was still pondering Nyx's words. What would the Wagner family have for Nyx to follow them involuntarily?She touched the Charm Coin to contact Nyx. She sought answers about what transpired at the Layne residence, how he ended up gravely injured, and his sudden appearance at Edenvale Children's Hospital. Yet silence greeted her queries.Puzzled, Aria glanced at Landon, eyebrows raised. She couldn't fathom why the little ones seemed to cower before him.Landon noticed her gaze and put down his work phone with a slight smile. He retrieved a bottle of water from the car's fridge and handed it to her, asking calmly, "Why the curious look?""Nothing much." Aria yawned lazily. "You go ahead and work. Wake me up when we arrive."The toll of dismantling a formation always left her drowsy, something Tobias had warned her about. She needed rest after such exhausting work, and the comfort of the car quickly lulled her into sleep.Landon watched her delicate features, a peculiar tenderne
Aria's remarkable resilience was the only thing shielding her from the chaos engulfing the Carver family.A selfish, duplicitous father, a cunning sponsee, and a host of scheming aristocratic families circled her like vultures.Landon could barely hold back his anger when he thought of that. He would gladly help Aria finish them off if she wanted to, and he didn't care if he broke the rules.He fiddled with his bracelet. When he looked up again, his demeanor seemed to have changed.Meanwhile, Aria had a dream. The dream was even more bizarre this time. The setting was the "Survival of the Fittest", but Leon's fate had taken a tragic turn. He lay buried beneath the children's hospital, having sacrificed himself to save another. The twin siblings had transformed into Wrathborns, creatures of vengeance.The dream twisted, bringing her to Leon's final visit home, a stormy confrontation."I won't accept it. No one can replace Aria," Leon's voice was thick with defiance. His gaze was
This meant Jeffrey and Leon had died before she returned, all because of these accidents.When Aria woke up, her breathing was erratic, and she had a splitting headache. Despite having endured countless dreams before, this one left her feeling as though a crushing weight bore down on her chest, suffocating her.With missing memories and underlying psychological issues, she'd been indifferent to family relationships.The notion of seeking out her birth parents had always seemed a distant thought, a task for those who cared enough to find her. But now, as the remnants of her dream clung to her mind, a sharp pang struck her heart.Leon looked so lonely, standing alone under the moonless sky. He wanted her to return, but he didn't want her to suffer and get acknowledged alongside a Carver family's sponsee.Leon's online reputation was poor. Yet, he instinctively saved others in danger during the show.Leon questioned Fiona, as he wanted her to support him. However, the outcome left h
Aria's eyes held a simmering resentment. Whenever she felt this way, it led her thoughts to darker places, like Landon's neck, for instance.It wasn't the first time she'd been tempted to bite it. The black mist surrounding him, coupled with his alluring fortune, was an irresistible combination.She had to admit, though, that the most captivating aspect was his scent, which was intoxicating, and his strikingly handsome face.Landon possessed a noble destiny and many merits yet was weighed down by his karma. This duality made him irresistibly attractive to Aria.She knew her behavior was odd but couldn't resist sinking her teeth into his neck. His scent calmed the effects of the nightmare and cleared her mind.Seeing the change in Landon's usually pale face, Aria smiled. She thought he would look even more striking in a crimson robe instead of his usual black suit and white shirt. That would truly make him stand out.Aria suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity with his image
If the roles had been reversed, Leon would have asserted his brother's rights and pulled Landon out of the car. They weren't even married yet—how could such a thing happen in the car?But it was Aria who now had Landon pinned, her fingers clutching his collar, her gaze sending a clear message to Leon.Leon's mind was a tangled mess of confusion. He needed time to process what he was witnessing.What was Aria doing? Was she forcing herself onto Landon?Landon had a knack for glaring at anyone who encroached upon him. If he didn't consent, Aria couldn't overpower him. So, was it possible that Landon had subtly seduced Aria?Yet, the way Aria looked at him seemed too natural, too unforced. If word got out, people would accuse her of tainting Landon's purity.Leon paced restlessly next to the vehicle. Standing at the steakhouse entrance, Fiona cast a curious glance back at the scene. Why was Leon sighing and wringing his hands over something as simple as asking a couple to exit a v
"I'll ask Boss if she needs a bellboy!"Harry hadn't changed a bit. With his flashy gold chains and oversized watch, he was always quick to jump at any opportunity to make money. If Aria invited him to meet other businessmen, he'd be on board without hesitation.Everyone who did business with Aria shared a common trait—they would get addicted. Every entrepreneur dreamed of growth. The longer they toil in the market, the stronger their desire to expand. It was a universal truth among business leaders.For these dreamers, an investor like Aria was a godsend. She thrived on improvement, making her an ideal partner.Harry, as enthusiastic as ever, bombarded Aria with messages. Aria had planned to visit Ludwiten before, but things kept happening, delaying her trip. Her frequent nightmares and the unresolved tension between her mother and uncles weighed on her mind. Now, with Barron leaving some important items for her in Ludwiten, she had no choice but to go. Sneaking there was neve
"Honestly, you shouldn't let Boss go to Ludwiten. If she insists on going, at least send me along! It's not as if you're unaware of how messy their business circle can be. This isn't Janovin we're talking about!"Harry's voice rang loud and clear as he slammed his palm on the CEO's desk, a bold move no one else at Grand Construction Corp would dare attempt. The employees outside exchanged curious glances, whispering among themselves. What could have dragged Harry back from his vacation in such a state?Harry was worried. "We have plenty of employees. How could you let a lady like her go over there by herself? What if she gets harassed? At least here, our influence can protect her. People would think twice once they know who she is. Stop sipping that coffee and answer me already!"Tavian Montague, the vice-CEO, sighed and powered off his computer. He removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Harry, calm down. Do you really think Aria got this far on luck? Don't let her lo
The eight figures sat together, ostensibly discussing Aria's arrival. In truth, their agenda was far less noble—they were determined to keep the items they had long appropriated, refusing to return what rightfully belonged to others. After holding onto these possessions for so long, they had convinced themselves they were entitled to them.Their plan was to maintain a façade of respect toward the Carver family to avoid public scrutiny. However, they were equally resolute in protecting their own interests. They intended to demonstrate the influence of Ludwiten's business elite on Aria. It would be much better if she could be persuaded to invest billions in their ventures.It was a strategy they'd employed before, notably with Owen, and found it amusing.Yet Percy, despite his youth, was not so easily deceived. His calm demeanor and precise legal arguments left little room for manipulation. The Carver family's resilience, after all, stemmed largely from their grandchildren.Sti
Tobias once said that Aria was the most gifted person in the Decatorian way. Yet, for all her supposed talent, she couldn't use the Emperor Coins just by casually throwing them on her first attempt. She had to study them before she could wield them effectively.Thankfully, Leon chose the entertainment industry. If he had chosen to be inducted in the Decatorian way, the disciples of Mount Dracotigris would have been disheartened. "Leon, have you ever considered going into another industry?" Aria asked. Leon shook his head, a rebellious smirk on his face. "Aria, look at me. This face was born to be a celebrity. It'd be a crime to waste it."Aria sighed, accustomed to his narcissism. It was hard to argue—Leon's rebellious charm and striking looks had won over both women and men. Yet, his popularity brought challenges of its own."I still have Emperor Coins with me," Aria said, pulling out a beaded bracelet adorned with the coins and securing it around Leon's wrist. "Take it. For yo
Warren's eyes reddened as he gazed at Fergus, the grandson he had once hoped to raise personally. In that moment, he felt his life had been worthwhile. As one grew older, they came to understand a fundamental truth—if their descendants could grasp their thoughts, rather than dismissing the ways of the past as irrelevant, it was something to celebrate. Warren could now pass on everything to his grandchildren, finally feeling worthy within the Carver family.…Meanwhile, Leon furrowed his brows in the second-floor bedroom. "What are they talking about?""It's probably about Ludwiten. They have some business to settle. Why?" Aria had intentionally given Fergus and Warren some time to talk. As for her, she stayed with Leon in his room, playing games and snacking.When she heard his question, she smiled. "Are you interested as well, Leon?""I'm not cut out for business." Leon couldn't sit still and kept pacing back and forth. His silver hair, falling perfectly, made him look like a
That night, Warren stood before the memorial hall and spoke to his ancestors."Aria will be returning to Ludwiten tonight. Things will be different this time. There will be many obstacles ahead of her, but we must return eventually. Aria will finish what I couldn't. Please protect her."The Carver family was forced to shift their business from Ludwiten to Janovin at the time. And back then, they believed they could return at any moment. Yet, over 70 years had passed since then.Both Warren and Stephen were sentimental individuals, always hoping to return to Ludwiten. However, circumstances had shifted over the years. Moreover, the business landscape in Ludwiten had grown increasingly complex, with rising foreign investments. Their commitments in Janovin, especially after Owen married Fiona, kept them from returning.Warren had expected Owen to stay in Ludwiten, as he had promised the Grisham family. But Owen broke that promise.Warren's greatest wish had always been to return to
Although the crow was unsure of its owner's thoughts, it was indeed afraid of the dagger made out of Oracle bones.In fact, it wasn't made of ordinary animal bones. It was from the Oracle, one of the Four Perils. Most importantly, it carried spiritual energy from heaven and earth.Back then, the crow didn't expect the insignificant sect, which was consistently at the bottom of each tournament, to have the purest spiritual energy. Plus, all of their members were not to be underestimated. The crow would have never believed it if it hadn't come to live in the mountains with Landon. After all, Landon was bewitched to become the woman's boy toy. He stayed behind only because he liked the sect's spiritual energy. At that, the crow shifted its body and didn't continue to disturb Landon. Since Landon mentioned he needed the knife sheath, the crow would go and get it. Apart from the curved dagger in the wooden box, there was also a somewhat inconspicuous emerald and a turtle shell-lik
The box included a protective membrane. Carrying bones around would raise questions in modern days. Even Aria worried about inspections. Sometimes, Tobias acted just like those arcane seekers from Mount Dracotigris. When her fingertips touched it, heat surged through her bloodline. The blade felt like it belonged in her hands; even its tassel was exquisitely crafted. But she remembered something when she entered the manifestation and got the Soul-Summoning Plaque. She had been an arcane seeker in her past life, hadn't she? Could an arcane seeker use a blade? She had mostly seen them wielding swords, just like those TV shows with flying swordsmen. Perhaps she had to use a blade because she came from a smaller guild. As Aria traced the bone blade, her initial attraction grew into fascination. Tobias wouldn't leave her just any blade. Since she'd encountered it in the manifestation, it must be connected to her. "Do you like it?" Suddenly, Landon's voice came close. It was low,
Breaking the Eight Trigrams Manifestation required precision instead of force. The path led from the East Gate of Life through the Southwest Gate of Rest, finally striking through the North Gate of Opening. But this was not just about breaking a manifestation. The lock had eight marks—Life, Rest, Harm, Block, Vision, Death, Awakening, and Opening. These were the eight gates within the manifestation. As Aria studied the corresponding numbers, she was suddenly struck with inspiration. Following the sequence, she pressed them. The lock then opened with a click. She raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar combination. "0715, my birthday." Aria casually opened the box. "Typical of Mr. Revelare to choose that date." She knew she was born on Twilight Hallows, a day when parents would urge children home early. Owen had always believed Aria's birth signs were not the best, and he thought this was likely because of this day. People considered it the Day of Spirits. On this day, a