Not long after they arrived home, there was a knock at the door.Rue went to get it and when she saw who it was, she frowned. “Clara, Simon, why are you here?”The woman was Clara Cowell, Samantha’s cousin.Clara had always been her grandmother’s favorite, but she could not stand how Samantha was doing better than her so she would always try to one-up Samantha.She came up with all sorts of schemes. Once, she even tried to make Samantha marry a disabled man.The worse Samantha’s life was, the happier Clara would be.The man standing beside Clara was her fiance, Simon Black, the eldest of the Black family children.Rue did not want to see them, so she quickly closed the door to stop them from coming in. However, Clara was able to push her way in and frowned. “Why are you so anxious, Rue? I’m here to see Samantha.”Rue was pushed aside.Clara and Simon walked in and looked around.“What business do you have with Sam?” Adrian, who was sitting on the couch, asked when he saw them
A young man drove out of a mansion somewhere in Swllowston after answering Simon’s call.That young man was George Livingston, son of one of the richest men in Swallowston, and had a close relationship with Donald Kushner, the richest man in the city.After Simon got acquainted with George, the Cowells wanted to be associated with George, so they proposed a partnership between their companies. Clara added fuel to the fire and suggested that Samantha would sleep with him.At that moment, George’s luxury car drove into the streets of Swallowston toward Adrian’s place. However, there were sudden bursts of engine noise from all directions.The next moment, military SUVs popped out of nowhere and blocked his car from all sides.“Wh-What’s this?”George’s eyes opened wide when he saw the sudden fleet of cars. Before he could react, his car was surrounded by more than a dozen cars.The cars stopped, and Daniel got out of one of them.George shuddered and said, “General Summers, what b
Night time.When the family was having dinner, Adrian’s phone rang. It was Daniel on the line.“I need to take this.” Adrian got up and went to the garden.Once he picked up, Daniel said, “Sir, the Cowells sent you an invitation for a gathering at their home. I haven’t replied. Will you be attending?”“I don’t have time for that. Reject the invite.” Adrian hung up and went back inside.Samantha said to Adrian, “Go to my family home and meet my grandmother tomorrow. She’s my family.”“All right.” He nodded.“Don’t forget to bring her some gifts. I have some money here.” Rue quickly took out her purse and handed him a hundred dollars.He looked at the money and was touched. It was apparent she had been keeping this money for a while now because it was all crumpled up.Something came to mind and Adrian said, “Mother, how much money do you need for Ada’s tuition? Which university did she get into?”Adaline looked up and started paying attention.Rue said, “Swallowston University
Meanwhile, at the Cowells’.The Cowells used to be an affluent family in Swallowston. But after John passed away, Violet took over the family affairs and caused the family to go from an upstanding family to a low-class one.Violet Barker was an arrogant, self-centered woman who loved to look down on people. Clara and Francis were her favorite grandchildren, but she loathed Samantha.There was a family meeting underway at the Cowell’s. Violet was hosting in the living room.Samantha’s eldest uncle, Nathan Cowell, her second uncle, Hugo Cowell, Hugo’s son, Francis Cowell, and many other family members were in attendance.Clara was there with a swollen face. The reason for the meeting was to discuss Swallow Central.Violet said, “I just got word that Swallow Central will start letting companies bid for a spot in a week. The legate will be there to chair the investment conference. They’ve already sent out invitations. Do any of you have any idea how to get an invite for the family?”
“Wow, your family’s famous!”“You’re so different from that piece of trash.”“Yes, you’re so much better than him.”Everyone started licking Simon’s boots after he said that and compared him to Adrian.When Simon heard this, he became even smugger and smirked at Adrian.Simon said, “The legate will personally be there, so everyone in the upper-class circle is paying a lot of attention to the conference. I heard that Battle Warrior Lucas will be escorting him. Not everyone has the opportunity to get an invitation.”All the Cowells took a sharp intake of breath. The legate and the Battle Warriors were extremely important figures. Getting an invitation would be the biggest achievement for the Cowells.Nathan said, “Simon, do you think your family can get an invitation for our family too?”Everyone agreed upon hearing this.Hugo said, “Yes, Simon. You’re my brother’s son-in-law, and your family is prominent in Swallowston. If your father asked for it, we could probably get an invi
Had Adrian’s call really made the war legate send an invitation to the Cowells?“Thanks to the legate. Thank you, General Summers.”Violet gazed at the invitation. Her tears started falling as she put out her hand to accept it.Daniel nodded and said, “Everyone here is invited. We’ll reserve seats for you. Have a good day.”“Please see General Summers off,” Violet said.Hugo and Nathan escorted Daniel out.Everyone’s eyes were glued to the invitation as if they were in a collective dream.“Grandmother, this is a genuine invitation!” Francis excitedly said.“It is. The legate actually gave us an invitation!”“The gods are smiling on us. We’re on the road to becoming one of the richest families in Swallowston!” Violet looked up and gave her thanks to the Heavens.Samantha looked at Adrian in shock. Had this invitation really come because of his call?However, Simon suddenly said, “Congratulations, Grandmother. Truth be told, before coming over, my father contacted the legate t
That night, Samantha went home straight after finishing work at Bailar.As usual, dinner was ready at home.“Mother, is Adrian back?” Samantha asked once she got home.After leaving the Cowells’, she went to sit in her office and pondered for a long time. She knew that she had gone overboard by leaving Adrian on the streets. He was, after all, her husband.Adrian had said all that to protect her, so when she did not see him home, she grew curious. She was afraid that he would leave again.Rue replied, “He’s making dinner in the kitchen. He made everything here.”Adrian walked out of the kitchen as Rue was saying that.Upon seeing him, Samantha sighed in relief, but she was disappointed because all her husband knew was to cook.“Go wash your hands. It’s time for dinner,” he said to her, but she gave no reply.Everyone sat down and started having dinner, but Adaline suddenly said, “Sam, I heard that Swallow Central is almost ready to be opened to the public and that the legate w
Everyone looked toward Adrian.There was a three-second pause followed by an explosion of laughter.“Haha! Adrian, you trash! You’re such a funny man!” Francis held his stomach as he pointed at Adrian with tears of laughter rolling down his cheeks.All the Cowells laughed uproariously.Simon chastised Adrian, “You said that you were going to get an invitation for the Cowells, but I was the one who ended up getting it. You just love to lie!”Clara added, “You’re so funny. You, the piece of trash, can get Samantha into the investment conference? What a joke!”Adaline closed her eyes because she was speechless. Adrian making an outrageous lie like that would just make everyone laugh at him.Samantha was disappointed again. She felt terrible for leaving Adrian on the streets earlier, but it seemed that he had not learned his lesson.‘Go on. Laugh. I’ll enjoy the look on your faces on that day,’ Adrian thought.The laughter finally stopped, then the Cowells looked at him.Simon sa
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