Esmond stood with his sword in one hand and the other hand clasped behind his back, His gaze fixed on Iver.Iver's eyes were blood-red, and his body radiated a murderous aura, like a demonic figure emerging from the depths of hell. Even before making a move, Iver's powerful pressure weighed heavily on Esmond, who, without realizing it, was already sweating from his temples."Esmond, what grudge does my Bullard family have with you? You dare kill my fifth brother!" Iver's voice thundered as he struck out with a palm, aiming for Esmond's chest.Esmond raised his sword, channeling his sword to meet the attack.The clash of sword and palm sent a deafening thunder across the arena. Countless air swords gathered but could not break through Iver's protective energy field."Die!" Iver roared, exerting more force with his hand and shattering the invisible barrier before Esmond with a devastating push.Before Esmond could react, a surge of energy slammed into his chest, sending him flying

Xayne could feel the overwhelming difference in strength between himself and Iver. Each time he blocked Iver's sword, it was like his Ravenclaw Dagger was clashing against a mountain. The force reverberating through his body left his arm numb.“Young blood, you’re far too inexperienced to compete with the Bullard family! If Xander were still alive, maybe he’d stand a chance against me! But alas, your Xavier family will never rise again!” Iver mocked, seeing the tremble in Xayne’s hands. He was growing more confident, a twisted grin forming on his face.Years ago, when the Xavier family was destroyed, the Bullard family had been one of the key conspirators. Even though they had successfully eradicated the Xavier family’s influence, they always lived in fear of vengeance. Now, with Xayne about to die by his hands, Iver felt an immense relief, a burden lifted.“Oh? You think you're worthy to face my grandfather? If it weren't for the dirty tricks you all used back then, you’d never hav

"Xayne, come meet your death!" Iver roared, his palm striking with the force of a tempest, perfectly synchronized with the gust of wind that had just swept through the arena.Xayne retreated, narrowly avoiding the windstorm. He dodged Iver's palm strike with a swift turn and countered with a sharp knee aimed at his opponent's chest.Iver's palm clashed with Xayne's knee, causing a burst of energy to explode in the air between them. Though momentarily separated, they quickly resumed their fierce battle. Iver's hands moved like lightning, each strike aimed at Xayne's vital points.Xayne was forced into a relentless cycle of dodging and counter-attacking. In just moments, the two exchanged thousands of blows. Yet, despite his best efforts, Xayne found himself outmatched. Iver was stronger both in power and endurance, a full realm above Xayne in cultivation.In less than ten minutes, Xayne's forehead was slick with sweat, while Iver remained composed and unflustered, his attacks growin

As Xayne coughed up a mouthful of blood, he slipped out of consciousness.Truthfully, he had barely managed to keep himself steady as he walked off the stage just moments before. Xayne could not afford to collapse, much less bleed in front of the crowd.If he did, the Big Four would seize the chance to attack, wiping out not only him but also Serena Group from the entire city.Upon seeing Xayne fall unconscious from his injuries, Jean went pale with fear, momentarily losing all composure."Mr. Xayne... Mr. Xayne! Wake up, please! Mr. Xayne!" Jean desperately shook him, but Xayne did not give the slightest response."My Lor—" Before Esmond could speak, Serena raised her hand, stopping him."Don't panic! Act like nothing happened. Everyone, into the car. Now!"Though her face was pale, Serena knew many eyes were watching their every move.If they caused a scene, it would blow their cover.Finally understanding why Xayne had fought so hard to hold it together earlier, Esmond and

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression flickered.'Landholdings exceeding a thousand acres for Hammond and Warren? True, but that was thirty years ago. From the day they joined the Emperor's Pavilion, both men had handed their ancestral estates over to the state as proof of their integrity.'"Your Majesty... are you all right?" Hilton asked cautiously, noticing a hint of emotion in the Emperor's eyes.The Emperor clenched his teeth. "Outrageous! Assign men to investigate, then report directly to me." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Hilton had barely taken a few steps when he turned back. "And about Xayne...""Investigate him as well, but keep it quiet—undercover only." The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, motioning for Hilton to leave.Once Hilton was gone, the elderly palace attendant at the Emperor's side frowned. "Your Majesty, this man has grand ambitions. Are you really going to tolerate him...?""Tolerate?" A cold glint flashed in the Emperor's gaze. "Fishing requires good