At that moment, Violet was sitting in the living room, chairing a family meeting.When the Cowells learned that Adrian was not the legate and heard his offer to repay what Samantha previously loaned, they were all smiles.Clara said, “Adrian is just a useless man who’s really good at lying. He’s going to pay back seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars? Where’s he going to get the money from?”“Exactly. Is he going to go around begging for it, or is he going to sell Samantha?” Francis chuckled.Violet, not wanting to add to the ridicule, simply said, “As long as he keeps his word. If he doesn’t, I won’t let this go.”Clara smirked. “Grandmother, are you going to believe that piece of trash? If he can get the money, pigs will fly.”“Exactly. If Adrian procures the money, I’ll kneel to him. I’m waiting for him to prove me wrong.” Francis smirked too.The other Cowells agreed. To them, Adrian producing seven hundred and fifty thousand was far more impossible than him sprouting win
“Samantha, where did you get this money from?” Violet was nervous.The Cowell Group was only worth about a million dollars in market value. She had never seen that much money since Samantha’s grandfather passed away.Samantha replied, “You don’t need to know that, Grandmother. Count it. After that, we’re clear of debt.”“Hugo, count it,” Violet ordered.Hugo quickly walked over and asked a few people to join him. They all looked as if they had lost their mind as they grabbed a bunch of notes and started counting. When done, the amount came to exactly seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.Everyone sucked in a breath through their teeth.“Mother, it’s exactly seven hundred and fifty thousand. No more, no less,” Hugo reported.“What?” Violet was nervous.Adrian spoke up, “Someone said they were going to get on their knees, and now is the time. Otherwise, your grandmother will die.”Francis’ legs shook because he never imagined that Adrian would be able to get his hands on so
Adrian nodded and got into the car with Samantha.He was about to head to Bailar with her, but then Rue called and said something. Samantha nodded and said, “Okay, Mother. I’ll have Adrian head over.”“What’s going on, Sam?” Adrian asked after hearing what she said.After she hung up, she replied, “Ada is meeting up with her friends, but Mother is worried. She’s asking you to keep an eye on her and ensure Ada doesn’t get drunk. Hurry.”She patted his shoulder.Adaline was going to attend university soon, so it was normal for her to attend gatherings.Rue called because she was worried that some creeps would get Adaline drunk and proceed with their heinous plans. She was worried about Adaline, so she called Samantha and asked Adrian to watch her.“Why would I go to her gathering? Mother shouldn’t worry.” Adrian did not overthink it because he felt normal to meet up with friends.“It’s not as simple as that,” Samantha said, “There are men with loose morals in this city, and since
“I can’t be bothered with you.” Adaline stamped her foot in anger.Meanwhile, some voices were heard. “Hmm? Ada, isn’t this your deadbeat brother? Isn’t he the guy who disguised as legate in the city yesterday?”“Yikes, it really is him. What brings him here?”“Ada, why did you let your brother tag along?”A few women said to Adaline in succession after walking out of the cosmetics shop next to her.In these people’s opinion, it was absolutely embarrassing for Adrian to disguise himself as the legate because he was still a deadbeat no matter how hard he tried to pass off as legate.Adaline’s expression turned extremely unpleasant. These were her friends and they were all heiresses of influential families in Southrive.She was utterly humiliated by Adrian’s presence.Adaline said, “I didn’t allow him to tag along. He’s the one who insisted on coming with me.”The women burst out laughing.Meanwhile, a woman named Stella York made her way to Adrian and said, “That’s so shameles
“Come here and squeeze in with me!”Noticing that there was no space left in the car, Adaline squeezed herself inward.“The car is overloaded, Ada. He won’t fit,” said Stella.“She’s right. It’s packed in here. Let’s not bring along the deadbeat, shall we?” said one of the women.Adaline pursed her lips. In truth, she felt upset to hear her friends criticizing Adrian in this manner. However, she could not chastise them because her status was inferior to theirs.The driver, Kevan, said to Adrian, “You aren’t going to fit. Sorry, but we have to leave you behind.”“It’s fine, I’ll walk. Which hotel are you going to?” said Adrian.“Hahaha!” Kevan and the others burst out laughing. “Sure, you can walk then. I’d like to see which is faster—your legs or my car! See you at Swallowston Hotel!”Kevan started the engine.Adaline suddenly tossed fifteen dollars from the window just as the car sped off. “Get yourself a cab and go home! Don’t come! They’re going to make you the laughing sto
Stella and the other women covered their mouths as they laughed, feeling extremely envious of Adaline. However, it was apparent that Stella organized today’s event so she could introduce Harry to Adaline.Because Harry had taken an interest in Adaline, Kevan and Stella decided to set them up.Next, the group introduced themselves while exchanging pleasantries with Harry.It did not take long before the dishes were served. Everyone began tucking in. They began drinking and toasting each other across the table. Some were continuously toasting Harry in an attempt to curry favor with him.After the group had been drinking for a while, Harry held up his glass to Adaline and said, “Ada, we’re destined to meet each other. I fell for you deeply at first glance. Come. Here’s a toast from me to you.”“Whoa, you’re so graceful, Harry. Ada, you’ve struck gold this time!” said a woman in envy.“Ada is good-looking, and Harry is even more so. You guys will make a great-looking couple!”Stella
Adaline tilted back her head in preparation to drink.Suddenly, Adrian snatched the glass from her and said, “Don’t drink if you don’t want to. No one here can force you to drink without your consent.”Adaline was instantly panic-stricken as Adrian poured the contents of the glass onto the floor.The people at the scene were astounded. They had not expected Adaline’s deadbeat brother to pour away Harry’s drink.On the other side of the table, Harry was clearly infuriated upon witnessing this scene. He pointed at Adrian and asked Kevan, “Kev, who’s this?”Kevan scoffed. “He’s Ada’s elder brother and also Samantha Cowell’s husband. He’s the guy who pretended to be a big shot in the city yesterday.”“Hey, deadbeat. That was really bold of you. How dare you pour away Harry’s drink!”“F*ck you! Bow down and apologize to Harry right now! Otherwise, you won’t be spared!” Stella knew that Kevan and Harry were good friends so she angrily reprimanded Adrian on behalf of Harry.Adaline al
Adaline was at a loss and did not know what to do.She anxiously said, “My brother doesn’t know his place, Harry. Please don’t lower yourself to his level. Here, I’ll agree to be your girlfriend!”Harry's ego blew up upon hearing Adaline’s offer. The more fearful she was, the more it signified that Adrian was a deadbeat. He decided to show due respect to Adaline after she had expressed hers.Harry waved dismissively. “That won’t do. I won’t consider anyone’s feelings in this matter. Not even yours, Ada. I insist on teaching him a lesson today.”Harry stood up and walked toward Adrian.“Great, I agree. Before anything else, let’s give this peasant a good beating,” Stella cheered.The group chimed in, “We support you, Harry!”Harry smiled. He was the star of today. Everyone’s focus was on him. He would be humiliated if he allowed this peasant to disrespect him.“Please, Harry!” Adaline tried to stand in Harry’s way to stop him from hitting Adrian.“Come here, Ada!” Stella pulled
The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han
Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b
At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv
The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed
Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev
The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A