Glaring at Felix, Wesley scolded, "Quiet, boy! It would be one thing if we hadn't known about this. But now that we do, we absolutely cannot allow such a despicable thing to happen! How is this any different from executing a scientist after they create a groundbreaking invention?" Just as he finished, another voice rang out. "Wow! Bravo!" Two more figures appeared, which made the members of Crimson Sage Sect ogle in shock. These newcomers were true big shots. They were the third and fourth best master healers in Dragonia, Brandon and Seth. It was Brandon who had spoken, and from his tone, he seemed to have been watching for a while. Even Cecil's heart began racing. "Cecil, we once wandered the martial world together as brothers. I wanted to show you some respect and to see if there was still room for redemption. But it seems you and your entire sect are more shameless than I expected," Brandon said.Their arrival made Jaden back several steps away. He knew everything was about
Everyone had left, but the members of Crimson Sage Sect remained rooted to the spot. Felix's final words echoed in their minds like thunder even after a long time. "Mr. Black, could he use these master healers' connections against our sect?" Jaden was the most devastated of all. Felix had not moved a muscle throughout the ordeal, yet Jaden had been forced to release him. It was a thousand times more humiliating than being defeated in combat. Cecil looked at him with disappointment in his eyes. "I've always told you to be vigilant and consider every angle. If you had properly investigated Felix's actual background, would our sect be in such an embarrassing position now?" After this incident, Crimson Sage Sect would definitely be blacklisted by those master healers in Dragonia. Not only that, Cecil had to use up Silas' favor. He had really lost big time. Jaden hung his head low, not daring to speak. He had miscalculated this time. Though his fellow apprentices did not dare say
Without his martial powers to sustain him, Felix suddenly felt exhausted from being up all night. He collapsed into bed as soon as he reached his bedroom and slept until noon. He drove to Yardley Dining for a quick lunch, then immediately began working on cultivating the Dragonspine. On the way, he called Jack, who was relieved to hear he was safe. They arranged to meet for dinner tomorrow. Felix also hoped to use this chance to contact Yvonne. After another four-hour session, Felix emerged from the pit. "Vivian, thank you for putting up with all this over the past month." Vivian felt helpless. "Don't mention it, Felix. It's my duty." She had never met someone of such high status who remained so humble. It made her feel embarrassed. Felix sighed. "My body's so much weaker than before." Whether from cultivating the Dragonspine or something else, Felix found himself hungry again. Not wanting to eat at Yardley again, he found a small pizza place and devoured three pizzas befor
Luis was furious. As a major player in Canraville's underground circles, he had never been so blatantly disrespected by such an unimportant figure. "Listen up, Viper! You're just Pierce's lackeys, and lackeys get abandoned. You better think about what'll happen to you then!" Luis exclaimed.He was livid. Larry had repeatedly emphasized Felix's status to Luis. Their future would be set if they could get in his good graces. Yet here he was, getting publicly humiliated over something so trivial, and right to his face. "Don't worry about me, Mr. Luis. I'm not worth much. When someone offers me good money, I've got to grab my chance, right?" Viper mused, "I'm Pierce's man now, and you're just nothing. So what if I'm just a lackey? You still have to show some respect to my master before doing anything to me." Felix raised his hand, signaling Luis to stay quiet. He looked at Viper. "So, to get my own car back, I need to pay 500 thousand dollars again?" Viper smirked. "You catch on
If Robert had known he would be helping Pierce against Felix, he would not have come for anything. Pierce was dumbfounded. He could not believe Felix could make Robert leave so obediently. Robert came from a prestigious background too. While not as wealthy as his father, he had other significant influence. How was this possible? "Break both his legs. Tell Andrei to come collect him," Felix ordered."Yes!" Luis was deeply impressed. Hearing about something was one thing, but witnessing Felix make Pierce's backup retreat with just a word was truly eye-opening. …At sunset, Andrei listened to the report with furrowed brows in the Hawkins residence. "So, Robert just left? That hot-headed kid is usually so impulsive. Why would he leave like that?" His subordinate shook his head. "Not sure. From what we saw, Robert seemed terrified of Felix. He left without a peep." Andrei fell silent and went deep in thought. His subordinate prompted, "Mr. Hawkins Senior, what about Mr. Pierce?
Theodore was even more shocked than Felix. He could immediately recognize from their uniforms that everyone in the warehouse belonged to Earthern Hall. "Interesting. Seems like Andrei sent quite a remarkable person," Felix said, his voice snapping Theodore out of his shock.Theodore took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Indeed, you're not an ordinary guy. You're even able to command members of Dragon Alliance." Since Theodore recognized them, things might turn out easier than expected. "In that case, tell me why Andrei's causing me trouble. Make it quick." Theodore shook his head. "I don't know the details. My only task is to take Pierce back." Felix smiled. "Since you know they're all members of Earthern Hall, do you actually think you can take Pierce?" Theodore continued forward with a calm expression. "I planned to kill you too at first. Now I'm just taking Pierce. Also, these people are no match for me." Felix frowned. This man did not seem to be bluffing. "Well,
"What's this Sacred Martial Order thing?" Felix asked.Theodore's expression turned strange. Was Felix really that extraordinary? How could he not know about the Sacred Martial Order? "Felix, the Sacred Martial Order comes from Martial Alliance! Only families or sects who are part of the Martial Alliance Council can possess one." Felix frowned. He had only heard of Martial Alliance once, and it was during Jaden's phone call. "What exactly is Martial Alliance?" "Martial Alliance is an organization recognized by the state. It's jointly established by top martial arts sects and ancient martial families to govern all practitioners in Dragonia. Going against Martial Alliance would mean opposing every martial artist in Dragonia," Vivian explained.That was quite the authority. To say such an organization was filled with martial arts masters would be no exaggeration. Felix had more questions but knew this was not the time. He turned to Theodore instead. "Call Andrei. I have one ques
Yvonne was getting married? Felix was stunned to hear this news. This was completely unexpected and seemed impossible. "Are you sure?" Clearly, George was just as confused. "You had no idea? If that's the case, I think I know what's happening now, Felix! You and Yvonne got together without Lady Nala's permission, right?" Felix's expression darkened. For a moment, he did not know what to say. "Forget I mentioned it." From what George knew about Nala, he knew who controlled Yvonne's fate. Being married off was nothing; it would not even be surprising if she lost her life. "When is she getting married? To whom?" Felix asked.After hesitating, George replied, "She'll be married in about 20 days to a young heir of the Walsh family from Aleshire. They control most of Dragonia's shipping business. Whatever Lady Nala's planning, it must involve significant interests or she wouldn't marry off Yvonne. "Everyone knows Yvonne's practically her personal assistant and is almost like her
"Mr. Hoffman?" Felix muttered. No wonder Delilah had shown up in person."Why didn't Mr. Hoffman just call me?" he asked.Delilah shrugged, raising both hands. "Because it's not convenient. If you make one choice, I can report back and be done with it, saving everyone the time."Felix nodded, finally curious about this big choice. Then, Delilah asked, "Zara, the one with Twinshade Body, came to see you, didn't she?"That caught Felix off guard. "How do you know about that?"Delilah rolled her eyes with a little smirk. If one of her fans saw her like this, they would probably faint from the shock.She explained, "It's not like I'm psychic. Mr. Hoffman told me. Ever since you left Martial City and came back, he's had Ophelia keeping an eye on Zara the whole time, so of course he knows."Ophelia? That explained why he had not seen her around since coming back. "So, what's the choice Mr. Hoffman wants me to make? Is it really about Zara?"Delilah nodded firmly. "Exactly. Mr. Hoff
Donna said, "Felix, Specter's the kind of guy who'll stop at nothing. I'll hold back and observe for now, but if you really prove you've got what it takes, I'll act like I never even saw that woman."…Later, Zara was resting her chin in both palms with a sweet, innocent smile on her face. She hummed, "Mhm!"Felix let out a groan and rubbed his face. "Don't just say 'mhm'! Did you even understand what I just told you?"After piecing together everything Donna had said, Felix laid it all out for Zara. Since Specter could strike at any time and Zara still did not know what Malevolent Phantoms even were, he figured she needed to hear it all."Of course I understood. Relax, honey. I'm not stupid," Zara replied casually. Since she got it, Felix finally let himself relax, too. A weight lifted off his chest, and for the first time in a while, he really looked at Zara's flawless face. He thought, "Yeah—there's no way I can hold back anymore."He said, "Let's take care of something… imp
Felix finally snapped out of it. Just moments ago, Donna had looked so grim, claiming something big was about to happen. Yet now, after her whole speech, it was all about the benefits of Zara being a Hollow Soul.Donna said, "Hollow Soul has a unique trait. If consumed, it can greatly boost your chances of success.""Consumed?" That one word made Felix's face darken instantly. "Success in what exactly?"Donna had tried to be vague, but there was no way Felix did not get the implication. To put it bluntly, she was talking about eating Zara's soul."Whether you're stuck at a plateau in your cultivation, your soul is mutating, or you're trying to master powerful soul-based techniques—offensive or defensive—if it's soul-related, Hollow Soul can drastically increase your chances of success."Felix's expression shifted as something came rushing back to him. Billy had once told him that when the Mystical Explosive Orb absorbed enough soul essence to reach capacity, it could be used to re
Donna added one more thing, her tone grave, "All of S-tier Malevolent Phantoms build our defenses entirely with soul energy. You've clashed with Specter twice now—you should know this already. "So, if your wife ever charged straight at one of us, those terrifying, nearly impenetrable defenses we rely on would shatter like cheap glass in front of her. Hollow Soul breaks right through."That was when it all finally clicked for Felix. Hollow Soul was not just rare—it was a natural-born nemesis to any soul cultivator. Anyone with even a hint of alternative strength could put up a fight, but for beings like Malevolent Phantoms, who relied purely on soul energy, the only real option was to run.Moreover, Zara was not just some non-combatant with a powerful trait. She was the real deal—peak of Grandmaster Realm. With that in mind, Specter's retreat made perfect sense.He asked, "She can't sense the Hollow Soul trait herself, right?"Donna nodded. "Yeah. Unless someone actually explains
Felix urged, "What do you mean by that? Can you not talk in riddles right now?"He was practically squirming with anticipation. It was the first time he had ever seen Donna—an S-tier Malevolent Phantom—so hesitant to speak."Can I say this in front of her?" Donna asked, glancing toward Zara.Felix nodded without hesitation. If it were anyone else, maybe he would have kept them out of the conversation, but Zara was not like other people. Right now, the only thing that seemed to stir her emotions was Felix—absolutely nothing else.Seeing his response, Donna finally spoke up, "Hollow Soul can completely ignore all soul-based attacks, including soul-bound weapons.""What?" Felix stood frozen. He honestly was not sure he had heard her right. The possibility of something being immune to all soul-based attacks sounded ridiculous. And then, a memory flashed—Specter had tried to obliterate his soul, and the attack had clearly been launched. However, the moment Zara showed up, it all ju
Donna said, "Alright. I agree to your terms. And don't worry—when Malevolent Phantoms give our word, we mean it. Specter showing up like that was a complete surprise to me, too. I never imagined he'd go that far off the rails."Seeing that Felix had finally cooled down, Donna spoke again, "Take out the Mystical Explosive Orb. The imprint Specter placed on it has a time limit. If you wait too long, it'll fade."Felix thought that made sense. If anyone could just take someone else's Mystical Explosive Orb and casually absorb their soul essence, the entire system would have collapsed a long time ago. With that in mind, he pulled out the orb and gripped it in his right hand. Donna leaned forward and tapped Specter's orb against it. In an instant, a surge of soul energy shot straight into Felix's soul. The rush was just as satisfying as killing a Malevolent Phantom directly, and the amount was no joke."I'll be heading out now," Donna said, turning to leave.Felix called after her, "W
At the edge of Zuera, near the city border, Felix met with Donna. For now, he kept Zara in the car and did not ask her to step out.Felix teased, "I'm guessing S-tier Malevolent Phantoms like you are too proud to ever say 'sorry' to someone like me, huh?"Donna nodded. "This time, it was my mistake. I didn't expect Specter to be bold enough to pull something like that."To say Felix was not angry would have been a lie—he had nearly lost his life because of this. Of course, he had every right to be furious.He argued, "A mistake? Do you even realize that your so-called 'mistake' almost got my soul erased from existence? Then again, judging by how Specter behaved, "It's clear he wasn't interested in the Mystical Explosive Orb, which means you didn't lose a damn thing. You can just move on and pick your next partner like nothing happened."Donna knew she was in the wrong and did not try to reason.Felix continued, "I just don't get it! Zuera's S-tier Phantoms wouldn't let you in,
Terrence's eyes were surprisingly clear as he gave Felix a faint smile. He said, "I'm a dead man anyway, so why worry about all that? Even if I hadn't told you, I doubt you would've fallen for the trick. I could tell from the way you fought—you're too sharp for that."He looked at Felix, his gaze distant with a hint of nostalgia. He added, "Felix, I believe you're one of the few who'll truly shake the world in the days to come. Let me go in peace. If you can, cremate me. I've never liked the idea of rotting underground."Felix pressed a finger to Terrence's forehead, and the latter closed his eyes.Felix still did not dare use soul search on any of Eight Guardians—mainly because of the Ancient Sage. Just thinking back to Bonnie was proof enough that the Ancient Sage's expertise in soul techniques ran deep. There was no saying what kind of protections or traps were in place, and one misstep could backfire in ways Felix could not afford. Besides, the Guardians were not going around
Felix finally felt relaxed once they arrived in Zuera. For now, it looked like Specter was not coming back—at least not anytime soon. Still, he needed to check with Donna to know for sure.He said, "Zara, give me a minute."Right now, the priority was getting some answers out of Terrence. That mattered more than anything else. Otherwise, Felix would have already killed him instead of dragging him back here.In the hotel suite, Terrence lay half-dead on the bed, barely conscious. Yet, when Felix walked in, he actually smiled.He said calmly, "Getting killed by someone like you? Honestly, I've got no regrets. Ask whatever you want. I'll tell you what I can. But if it's something I'm not supposed to reveal, not even a soul search will get it out of me."Felix did not doubt that at all. After all, Eight Guardians served directly under the Ancient Sage—a figure whose power and methods were far beyond anything Felix could predict or afford to mess with. Especially since that exact figur