"I have a bad feeling about this!" Uzziah, the strongest among them, immediately sensed the ominous presence spreading through the air. Thaddeus tried to stay composed. He glanced around nervously as the tremors beneath their feet grew stronger. "Uzziah, could it just be an ordinary earthquake?"As he asked, the intensity of the quake increased. Titus narrowed his eyes, scanning their surroundings for any potential threats. "Could Polaris still have some hidden powerhouse alive?" he wondered, his muscles tensing as he prepared for a fight.Suddenly, the training grounds split apart with an earth-shattering boom, sending debris flying. A massive hole appeared in the ground, and from within, a figure leaped out, landing near the barely standing Yates."Well, well," the figure sneered. "After all these years, Polaris has really hit rock bottom. One kid almost wiped out your entire leadership. What a way to honor my brother's legacy!"The newcomer was covered in a gray robe, their
Mira's personality was similar to Averill's, but she was not as shamelessly bold as the latter.Mira smirked and added, "What's wrong? Were you expecting that little tramp, Averill? "Oh, don't act surprised. After she slept with you, she bragged about it in front of all of us! I ended up smacking her until she cried, which made the rest of us feel a little better." While Mira and Felix caught up, Titus, Uzziah, and Thaddeus stood frozen in disbelief. They never expected Felix to have a backup, let alone someone powerful enough to casually block Saylor's terrifying attack with nothing but an umbrella.It seemed that every genius had a hidden ace up their sleeve. Saylor, however, sneered as he watched the interaction. He thought, "Oh, I see now. No wonder this kid wasn't scared. He had someone in the shadows all along."Even though he had not detected Mira earlier, Saylor remained unfazed. His confidence remained unshaken, and he believed she probably just used an advanced conce
When Felix returned to Canraville, Averill had already left. He woke up from a deep, satisfying nap at sunset.Just then, Xena arrived at his house. Felix asked, "Weren't you supposed to stay in Yartford for a few days?" Xena's expression was grim as she explained, "We discovered traces of human trafficking in Canraville. Though we only found about a dozen children at the scene, headquarters takes these cases very seriously and wants a thorough investigation, so I came back immediately." Felix feigned ignorance and responded with anger, "Human traffickers? Those bastards deserve to die."Xena studied Felix's face carefully. "Are you sure you don't know anything about this?""Why would I know anything?" Felix asked, puzzled.Xena leaned forward, noting that Felix's breathing and eyes remained steady. "The bodies showed evidence of acupuncture needles, and we can confirm they were tortured before death."Felix's expression turned wry. "Just because acupuncture needles were in
Axel also adopted an unusually serious demeanor. "I don't know, but I heard Mr. Uzziah has emerged from seclusion."The young man's eyes widened in surprise. "Mr. Uzziah? Wow, Uzziah hasn't shown his face in years!"If he's coming out now and summoning everyone, something big must be happening. Could it be due to the leadership shift in the Eight Great Martial Families?" Axel frowned and shook his head. "I doubt it. Mason is a prodigy, sure, but he's not yet a big enough deal to bring Uzziah out. He still has a long way to go."Despite being just one level below Mason, crossing the first threshold from Ultimate Mortal Realm to Innate Realm was a challenge that had defeated countless so-called geniuses, including Axel himself.Meanwhile, the Crayden elders were also speculating about the situation. "Sir, do you know what's going on?" one of them asked cautiously. At the head of the gathering stood Augustus, the current patriarch of the Crayden family, flanked by several elder
Augustus was stunned. Meanwhile, Axel wore a strange expression. He couldn't be mistaken. That man was undoubtedly Felix. It hadn't been long since he last saw him, so the memory was deeply etched in his mind."Axel, is this for real? He's way too young! How could someone like him make even Uzziah so wary? Damn! They even said the Craydens wouldn't step in to protect anyone who messes with him?"The young man beside him was visibly shaken. Frankly, most of the people around them felt the same. It would've made sense if Felix had been some ancient figure with decades of cultivation. However, unless Felix had discovered a fountain of eternal youth, he was just a young man."Holy—"Suddenly, Axel slapped himself, startling the young man beside him."Axel, what's wrong?"Axel suddenly broke into a wide grin, practically beaming with joy. "When I was a kid, a fortune teller told me that my 24th year would bring me great fortune. I guess he wasn't wrong!"If not for the need of prop
"Dad, if we keep stalling, there really won't be a way back." Axel suddenly appeared, prompting Augustus to frown. "Get out of my way!" Augustus said.He had only ever acknowledged Malcolm as his son. He had poured the most effort into Malcolm, who was also the most talented. His other children were nothing in his eyes. However, Axel didn't seem offended. "I have some rapport with Felix. I can go with Uzziah and smooth things over, and then you can step in afterward. I think we can still salvage this."Augustus fell silent, staring into Axel's eyes. For the first time, a grave realization dawned on him. "Alright. You'll come with me."…Meanwhile, Felix had just arrived at the small square inside Twilight Gardens of Canraville.Twilight Gardens was one of several botanical gardens in the city. Located on the outskirts, it wasn't as popular as the others. However, there was a steady flow of visitors because it provided free entry to its visitors.However, when Felix arrived, t
To be honest, Felix was truly taken aback.The Crayden family was one thing, but the fact that Nala could compel the Elders' Council to compromise was rather surprising."Do you know why the Elders' Council wants to kill me?" Felix asked.Nala answered candidly, "I don't know. It doesn't matter."Felix turned to the middle-aged man. "Are you really from the Elders' Council?"The middle-aged man, Noah Reed, grinned, as though Felix were nothing but an ant in his palm. If it weren't for Nala, Felix might have already been a corpse."Do you doubt my identity? Didn't you kill Dexter Grimshaw and Solomon Gill? And that little fireworks display in Azuria was quite unexpected. Do you think you can pull off something similar here in Dragonia?"Noah's knowledge of these events was proof enough of his association with the Elder's Council.Despite his irritation at being ignored, Tatum Crayden, the Crayden family's Third Elder, didn't dare voice his displeasure. It wasn't only because of
Noah had a clear perspective on the situation. Back in Azuria, the Elder's Council had sent two martial artists at the peak of Aetherial Realm to kill Felix. The outcome, though unexpected, ended with both being wiped out by missiles. That outcome alone proved a point: Felix wasn't their match, which was why he had to resort to such desperate measures.Since he was facing someone of Oceanus Realm, could Felix possibly escape alive? There was no way, especially now that Nala had walked away. It left him with no hope of survival. The outcome was set in stone.Just as Tatum was about to make a move, his phone suddenly rang. The ringtone was unique, reserved specifically for calls from the head of the Crayden family. If possible, it had to be answered. This was the rule.In the Crayden family, aside from the First Elder, all other elders were bound by the head of the Crayden family's orders. It was written in their ancestral laws. Otherwise, the head of the family would be nothing mor
"By the way, Rosalyn asked when you'll be coming over." Jeffrey asked."Right now," Felix replied. "My patient comes first. Since I've agreed, there's no reason to delay any further."After all, this concerned the fourth piece of the Dragonspine. He couldn't afford to waste any time.On the surface, it seemed like everything was good to go. However, Felix wasn't so sure if that'd still be the case once he arrived at Ruby Manor. To increase the likelihood of obtaining the Dragonspine, he needed more leverage."Jeffrey, do you have Axel Crayden's contact?""I do."Jeffrey was puzzled. Was there any connection between Axel and the current situation?"Call him and tell him I'll be at Ruby Manor this afternoon. You don't have to tell him anything else.""Alright. I'll take care of that now."After informing Xena, Felix boarded a flight alone. Jeffrey didn't intend to join him. His personal connection with Rosalyn made it awkward for him to go. It would attract unnecessary gossip.
Sitting on the couch was Asher from the Greene family, which explained Felix's harsh words."Whether I die or not has nothing to do with you."Asher stood up, his eyes burning with anger."I don't care. You're the last bloodline left of Uncle Victor. As long as there's even a shred of hope, I won't just watch you throw your life away."Felix made a gesture, signaling Asher to continue, but said nothing."Humph! You have no idea just how terrifying Aiden is. I'll tell you one thing. You must give whatever he wants to him within the set time, or you'll truly die. And it will be a slow, agonizing death."Asher knew Felix well enough to understand that he likely dismissed Aiden's warning, which was why he had come personally to Canraville. He could never repay Victor's kindness, so he should at least try to do it through Felix.Still, Felix remained silent, even opening the door as if to indicate the conversation was over.As Asher stepped toward the door, he paused, leaving one la
Earlier in the day, Felix had sent Xena a message about a newly released comedy movie, suggesting they watch it together in a few days. To his surprise, Xena replied that they could go that very day."Have you solved that case you were working on?" Felix asked.The case involved over a dozen children, and Felix knew how deeply it had affected her. He didn't think she'd be in the mood for a movie otherwise."It's been solved. However, I can't share the details with you.""Solved?" Felix thought to himself, frowning. He had personally dealt with the mastermind behind it, ensuring the case would remain a mystery. How could it possibly have been resolved? Something about this was odd."They've caught someone?" Felix pressed. "Come on. You know I'm not the type to spread things around. Tell me."His curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist probing further, even if it risked annoying her.After a moment of hesitation, Xena finally relented. "Alright. I guess I can tell
Felix's interest was piqued. Truth be told, he didn't know much about his nine fellow apprentices. For instance, Averill had her own assassin organization, and Delilah was none other than the famous singer, Dreamscape."Oh? Really? Then, tell me all about it."Noah opened his mouth as if to speak but suddenly seemed to think better of it. He shook his head vigorously."No, no! I almost walked into a disaster! She's your fellow apprentice, and if you don't know about it, it's probably because she doesn't want you to know. If I blab, and she finds out, I'll be as good as dead," Noah said, fear filling his eyes. "Worse, she won't stop with me—she'll wipe out everyone connected to me. I'm talking everyone. Even the earthworms in my backyard won't escape her blade!"Felix was dumbstruck. Was Eloise really that terrifying?"Fine. If that's the case, I won't force you." He waved dismissively. "I'm just a guy trying to live a normal life. Well, now that I know this, my impression of the
Alfie felt a stinging pain when Nala smacked the back of his head. He froze, utterly dumbfounded."When did I say such nonsense? Do you want me to hit you?" Nala asked.Rubbing the sore spot on his head, Alfie smirked. "It's over," he thought. "Lady Nala is absolutely serious this time."Five minutes later, Noah lay sprawled on the ground, struggling to get up. His body refused to obey, leaving him bruised and battered beyond recognition."Are… Are you really in Aetherial Realm?"He was utterly broken. Since stepping into Oceanus Realm, he had carried immense pride in his abilities. He wouldn't claim invincibility at his rank, but he always had absolute confidence in his strength.Yet, all that confidence had been shattered. If Felix had defeated him with some powerful technique or secret art, he could have accepted it. However, Felix had relied solely on raw physical strength. With no techniques, he had still beaten him to a pulp, leaving him on the verge of death. It was absurd
"Since the Elder's Council sent you here, that must mean that you're no weakling among the Oceanus Realm masters, right?" Felix askedNoah chuckled. "You're sharp. I'm ranked first among all the Oceanus Realm-level masters in the Elder's Council! Are you trying to beg for mercy, kiddo? Sure. I'll make it quick for you."To his surprise, Felix smiled. Stretching his arms casually, he said, "Ever since I reached this level, I haven't had the chance to test just how much my body has transformed. You'll make a fine experiment."Gerald had once explained that the true terror of the Dragons Destroyer technique lay in its ability to transform the body. It would bring his body ever closer to the physical state of an ancient dragon.And what was an ancient dragon? The myths alone said enough. Its body was so fearsome that a mere flick of its tail could shatter mountains, and no weapon or technique could pierce its scales.From the moment Felix absorbed the first piece of a true dragon's sp
Noah had a clear perspective on the situation. Back in Azuria, the Elder's Council had sent two martial artists at the peak of Aetherial Realm to kill Felix. The outcome, though unexpected, ended with both being wiped out by missiles. That outcome alone proved a point: Felix wasn't their match, which was why he had to resort to such desperate measures.Since he was facing someone of Oceanus Realm, could Felix possibly escape alive? There was no way, especially now that Nala had walked away. It left him with no hope of survival. The outcome was set in stone.Just as Tatum was about to make a move, his phone suddenly rang. The ringtone was unique, reserved specifically for calls from the head of the Crayden family. If possible, it had to be answered. This was the rule.In the Crayden family, aside from the First Elder, all other elders were bound by the head of the Crayden family's orders. It was written in their ancestral laws. Otherwise, the head of the family would be nothing mor
To be honest, Felix was truly taken aback.The Crayden family was one thing, but the fact that Nala could compel the Elders' Council to compromise was rather surprising."Do you know why the Elders' Council wants to kill me?" Felix asked.Nala answered candidly, "I don't know. It doesn't matter."Felix turned to the middle-aged man. "Are you really from the Elders' Council?"The middle-aged man, Noah Reed, grinned, as though Felix were nothing but an ant in his palm. If it weren't for Nala, Felix might have already been a corpse."Do you doubt my identity? Didn't you kill Dexter Grimshaw and Solomon Gill? And that little fireworks display in Azuria was quite unexpected. Do you think you can pull off something similar here in Dragonia?"Noah's knowledge of these events was proof enough of his association with the Elder's Council.Despite his irritation at being ignored, Tatum Crayden, the Crayden family's Third Elder, didn't dare voice his displeasure. It wasn't only because of
"Dad, if we keep stalling, there really won't be a way back." Axel suddenly appeared, prompting Augustus to frown. "Get out of my way!" Augustus said.He had only ever acknowledged Malcolm as his son. He had poured the most effort into Malcolm, who was also the most talented. His other children were nothing in his eyes. However, Axel didn't seem offended. "I have some rapport with Felix. I can go with Uzziah and smooth things over, and then you can step in afterward. I think we can still salvage this."Augustus fell silent, staring into Axel's eyes. For the first time, a grave realization dawned on him. "Alright. You'll come with me."…Meanwhile, Felix had just arrived at the small square inside Twilight Gardens of Canraville.Twilight Gardens was one of several botanical gardens in the city. Located on the outskirts, it wasn't as popular as the others. However, there was a steady flow of visitors because it provided free entry to its visitors.However, when Felix arrived, t