Xena smacked Felix's head playfully. "What feels off? Are you afraid I'm setting you up?" Felix turned around and retaliated without hesitation–smacking his hand on her bottom. A blush instantly rose to Xena's cheeks. She glared at him but did not do anything more. "So springy," Felix thought. Coming back to his senses, he then quickly changed the subject. "Edmund is poisoned." Xena's brows furrowed. "Would it kill him?" "No, but the poison is quite unusual. The contact was too brief for me to determine its exact effects." This explanation put Xena at ease. "What's there to be suspicious about, though? Edmund is an elder of Medic's Haven and a skilled practitioner. Don't traditional medicine practitioners like you often experiment on yourselves?" Then she grabbed Felix's neck. "Try doing those kinds of things to me again and you're dead!" Felix just smiled. Her threats only proved that they had grown closer to each other. After all, women would only get mad at men they ca
Nala's body trembled hard as she spoke. She had spent one of her few ultimate trump cards just to verify Victor's words. It was something that could save her life in a crucial moment, but it was now wasted. This showed how powerful this mysterious person was. Nala could not even meet her in person, and she had to pay such a steep price for an answer. "I was wrong for underestimating you! I can't believe you could contact her at this time." Victor's face turned ashen. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "Uncle Victor!" Asher rushed over and glared at Nala. "It's not her fault. My time has come." Blood now flowed from his nose, ears, and even his eyes. Even Nala's expression changed. What kind of illness could cause such a horrific death? "Felix, it's my fault. It's all my fault!" Both tears and blood poured from his eyes. "Of course, she wouldn't admit it now that you've managed to contact her! It's all my fault. Instead of giving my son hope, I've put him in great da
Malcolm was dead! He was the eldest son of the Crayden family–one of the Eight Great Martial Families. Was he really dead? Besides, Felix announced it as if he had witnessed it himself. Logically, this should have caused massive waves in their circles. Yet, they had not heard a whisper of it till meeting Felix today. George was startled when they reached the entrance. "Who are you waiting for, Dad?" The middle-aged man nearby was George's father, Reginald Zimmerman. After hearing George, he turned and hurried over. "Felix, you're here already!" Reginald exclaimed.Felix nodded. "Yes, Uncle Reginald. Were you here waiting for me?" "Of course! This little rascal didn't even tell me you'd arrived." His sincerity was obvious. George explained, "Dad, I saw you were busy entertaining your friends, so I thought I'd welcome Mr. Zeller myself." Though pleased with his son's relationship with Felix, Reginald knew proper etiquette was important. After all, Felix's support would decid
Their appearance at the front table seemed conspicuous. That was because even the youngest person seated there was in their 40s. Though Felix wanted to invite Madeline and Luke over, they declined. Sometimes, they had to know their place to avoid seeming presumptuous. Just as they sat down, an older woman appeared. "Aunt Victoria!" George stood and bowed respectfully. "The head of the Zimmerman family hasn't officially announced who their heir would be. But George's uncle, Xavier Zimmerman, basically runs things now. His wife, Victoria Morgan, is quite the shrewd operator," Ryan whispered to Felix. Felix stayed quiet. When George asked for his help, he could already guess this involved family politics. "George, is this the guy who caused trouble to the Walsh family from Aleshire, Felix Zeller? I hear you're good friends with him, aren't you?" "Yes, Aunt Victoria." Since they were not allies, Felilx saw no need to be overly polite to her. Besides, the look in Victoria's
"Lady Grey, you should have told us you were coming! I would have greeted you outside!" All eyes turned toward the voice. No one else had made such a grand entrance, so this was clearly someone extraordinary. Oddly enough, the one who had greeted her was not Reginald, who was having his birthday today. It was his brother, Dominic Zimmerman, instead. Many people thought it was strange. "George, what's going on? Your uncle seems like he's trying to steal the spotlight." Hearing Ryan's words, George furrowed his brows too. "I had no idea about this. When did Uncle Dominic get to know people from the Elders' Council? And this woman called Lady Grey must hold quite a position there. Felix looked over. "Have you guys heard of the Elders' Council too?" Now, it was their turn to be surprised. Ryan quickly explained, "The Elders' Council is an organization created by the Eight Great Martial Families. Of course, we know it. Is this your first time hearing about it, Mr. Zeller?" Felix
"The third-generation Grandmaster of Moonshadow Alliance should be here by now. Let me call and check," Felix said.George gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Zeller, don't bother! It's not your fault. No one expected Uncle Dominic to have this ace up his sleeve. Even if Moonshadow Alliance showed up now, it wouldn't help." Seeing Felix's confusion, Ryan whispered an explanation, "Moonshadow Alliance is indeed powerful in Dragonia, and few dare disrespect them as you saw with the Walsh family. "But the Eight Great Martial Families are beyond that league. Moonshadow Alliance could barely challenge one or two of the lowest-ranked families, and that's only with their founder involved. "George's uncle has actually managed to invite Lady Grey of the Elders' Council. She seems influential just from her title. Offending her would mean making enemies of all Eight Great Martial Families. After all, the Council represents them." Could Moonshadow Alliance barely challenge the lowest-ranked familie
Felix whirled around to look. The seat beside him had been empty as it was reserved for the third-generation Grandmaster of Moonshadow Alliance, Christie. Now, someone sat there. He would not have noticed if it had not been for George's dramatic reaction. But this seemed impossible. With Felix's capabilities, he should have noticed someone approaching so close even without actively sensing it. And yet… "Karina?" Felix was dumbfounded. The person suddenly sitting beside him was his fellow apprentice Karina. George and Ryan were too shocked by her sudden appearance to notice how casually he was addressing her, or they would have asked questions. After all, they were martial artists too, and they had not seen her arrive. "What? Are you not happy to see me?" Karina was dressed casually today. She was wearing light blue jeans and a yellow T-shirt with her hair tied up. "Of course I am. I was just quite surprised," Felix said.Upon seeing them chatting with each other, the other t
"She's my godsister," Felix replied.Karina did not even bother to get up. She just nodded to greet them. Victoria immediately seized this opportunity to insult them. "Hah! One person gets invited, and the whole family has to come along and eat! Why are you even bringing your relatives to a birthday party? "What, have you never been to such a fancy event before, Felix? And this godsister of yours is ill-mannered as you. Everyone else is standing while you two stay seated." Dominic was harsher. He even pointed toward the exit. "Both of you, get out! What an embarrassment. George, if you ever bring friends like this to public events again, I will throw you out of the family." Felix's body tensed at these words. Stiffly, he turned to look at Karina. Their eyes met as she asked casually, "Can I kill them?" Felix gulped. This was his worst fear. In normal circumstances, Dominic and Victoria would already be headless. The fact she was asking showed she was really trying to respect
Barry rushed to the Xavier residence at top speed, only to be stopped at the gate. "Please let me in. I'm Barry Lufter. My father's inside!" No matter how humbly he begged, the guards wouldn't budge. Annoyed, they threatened him, "You little punk! We're already being nice by warning you. Here, then. We'll step aside. Try breaking in and see what happens."When the two guards moved away, Barry backed down instead. One step across that gate would mean instant death."Well, well! If it isn't Barry Lufter! I heard you became an Intermediate-grade alchemist at Harmony Clinic. Have you come to show off at our house?"A young man emerged, and Barry quickly greeted him with respect, "Mr. Jace." The newcomer was Jace Xavier. He was from the main family line and was also Nerissa's cousin."Please, Mr. Jace, let me in. There must be some misunderstanding about my father trespassing."Jace looked down at Barry with contempt. "If there's a misunderstanding, are you suggesting we Xaviers
After chatting a while longer and getting Felix's number, Janet left. A few minutes later, Barry appeared. He entered cautiously. "Wow, this is one of Westville's high-end restaurants! A meal here costs at least 500 emeralds. You really know how to pick a place." Felix laughed and said, "Come on! You're an Intermediate-grade alchemist now. Can't you afford this much?" Barry gave a bitter smile. "Felix, I may have succeeded, but my pill-forming rate is low. So, I'm barely hanging on at Harmony Clinic. Do you think all Intermediate grades are doing well?"Those of us with average talent spend most of our time making basic pills just to meet requirements, or we'd be kicked out." Felix understood this well. As an Intermediate-grade alchemist, if he could not deliver the required monthly quota of intermediate pills, he had to make up for it with basic ones. If he failed a few times, he would be expelled from Harmony Clinic.This created a vicious cycle. With low pill-forming rates
Felix froze in surprise. He never expected to run into Janet so soon after arriving in Westville. That's the very same woman who would soon be the center of the upcoming Battle of the Bride. Her lively presence reminded him of their first meeting in the capital, which felt like only yesterday. "Someone get him out of here! He's an eyesore!" Janet instructedColin's followers had been furious at first. But upon recognizing Janet, they fled without a word while carrying Colin away."Fighting isn't allowed in the city," Felix stated. Hearing Felix's words, Janet's smile grew sweeter. "That was self-defense! He struck first, and everyone saw it. So, it's fine." Good grief. Colin was nearly knocked out cold, and she called that self-defense? Janet giggled. "When did you get here? It must have taken you a while to find Westville, right?" With that casual conversation, she had confirmed Felix's identity. "Let's find somewhere more private to talk." They then entered a restau
"Well, how could I not take a gamble after a pitch like that?" Shepherd said.Soon after, Shepherd sent Felix a private message about finding the Skeletal Demon. He was so cautious that he would not even let Deborah hear it. "Now you know. It's up to you whenever you want to tell Dickson about this." "Thank you, Mr. Ghost." Deborah did not think much of it. After spending over a month with Felix, she knew he was an upright person. If he said he wanted to repay Dickson's kindness, he meant it. She would not mention anything to Dickson since this was Felix's decision. In Martial City, every car leaving town carried two gas cans in the trunk. Fuel was only available within city limits, and running out on long trips would be disastrous.Especially with gas-guzzlers like the Brabus. By the time they reached Westville the next day, they had already stopped twice to refuel. Westville had its own Harmony Clinic branch, where they were staying. Felix made his request as soon as th
"Mr. Ghost, do you know about the Skeletal Demon?" Felix asked suddenly during the drive, remembering how he had asked Deborah before without learning much. Shepherd laughed and said, "Why are you asking about that one?" "A friend mentioned him once and said he was ruthless and terrifying. It just made me curious." Shepherd glanced at Deborah with an odd expression. "Your mentor really does focus solely on alchemy, doesn't she? The Skeletal Demon has been Harmony Clinic's target for years. Obviously, you haven't heard much from Madam Goddard, have you?" he teased.Deborah frowned. "Teaching him alchemy is enough. Should I keep up with every bit of gossip? Out with it, you old man! You're getting more insufferable with age." Shepherd chuckled before continuing, "The Skeletal Demon is at the late stage of Transcendent Realm. His combat ability is mediocre at best—he'd lose to any serious fighter at his level. But his cultivation technique is strange."He's terrifyingly good at
An elderly man with flowing white hair rolled down the driver's window and looked at Felix. "Get in the car already, will you?"Felix replied respectfully, "One moment, Mr. Ghost." When he turned back around, the fat man had collapsed to the ground in fear. "Apologize to her!" Instantly, the man scrambled up and started kneeling before Laura, apologizing as if his life depended on it."If I ever catch you disrespecting Laura again, you know what'll happen," Felix warned. Laura's vision blurred with tears, feeling that warm sensation of being protected once again. Only after the Brabus SUV left did the fat man dare to stand, his legs still shaking. "Dear God, I just had a brush with death! Damn, I've only been away from North City for a few months!"Who the hell is that guy? How'd he get a ride in Mr. Ghost's car?" That vehicle was recognized throughout not just North City but all of Martial City as Shepherd Ghost's ride. He was an undisputed master of the Transcendent Re
Felix never imagined he would one day be so close to Cordelia or even meet her. Truthfully, he was not mentally prepared for this. From that video, it was clear the royal family despised him. If discovered, they would likely try every means to eliminate him. No wonder Nala had said that if he revealed his identity, he would need to stay by the Empress' side—otherwise, he'd be in danger. "What's wrong?" As an experienced elder, Deborah immediately noticed Felix's unease. "Nothing's wrong. Please go ahead, Madam Goddard. I'm focusing on alchemy right now and would rather avoid any contact with the royal family." Hearing this, Deborah did not question further. Felix had only recently arrived in Martial City and already faced trouble from both Jared and the Maximus family. Who knew whether dealing with the royal family would be a bad thing? "Very well. We'll discuss this another time." Sitting in his chair, Felix felt bitter. Learning that his parents had abandoned him to save
Westville? Felix thought about what Barry had mentioned. The Xavier family's Battle for the Bride was happening in a few days."Are you going to Westville for the Xavier family's tournament, Madam Goddard?"Deborah's expression turned strange. "So, you do have romantic interests! Here I thought your mind was filled with nothing but martial arts and alchemy. I didn't think you'd know about the tournament. You're not going to try your luck, are you?"Felix rubbed his head, slightly embarrassed. "Stop teasing me." Deborah laughed. "Janet Xavier isn't quite good enough for you, though her sister Nerissa is remarkable. Too bad she's already engaged, or I might have played the matchmaker." Taking advantage of the opening, Felix quickly asked, "Really? Do you think highly of Nerissa as well, Madam Goddard?"Deborah nodded. "Of course! That woman has strong principles and excellent character. Among the Top Ten Menaces, she's one of the few who meet my standards. Whoever that mysterious
At the Maximus residence in Bedford, the usual liveliness had given way to a heavy atmosphere. Even the housekeepers worked in silence with their heads down instead of chattering cheerfully. This change, of course, stemmed from the loss of their three elders. Such news couldn't be hidden. "Dean Maximus!" A voice shattered the silence, echoing throughout the vast residence for all to hear. Soon, several people rushed to the front courtyard, including Jonah and Herbert. They were the ones who had ambushed Dickson and Felix earlier."Mr. Whitwell, this is unexpected. Forgive us for not greeting you sooner."Indeed, it was Ezra who had called out. Though he stood alone without exuding any energy, his presence made both elders uncomfortable. Such was the terrifying nature of someone who had achieved the mastery of Transcendent Realm.Another elder appeared in a flash, smiling at Ezra. He asked, "Ezra, what brings you to our place?"Ezra snorted coldly. "Spare me the pretense, Dean