"Michael Ortega and Shadow... they're biological brothers!""I knew it! Their silhouettes are too similar!" Ruth exclaimed. "But I checked his background. His parents passed away several years ago, and his brother, Lucius, supposedly died five years ago in a car accident."It finally dawned on her that Lucius didn't truly die. He had faked his death to deceive them."Lucius faked his death. I wonder how many others are faking their deaths like him…" Ruth voiced her concern.Reflecting on it, Ruth felt fear. Some of the people they investigated and confirmed as dead were exceptional martial artists. Were those individuals really deceased?Ruth felt it necessary to follow this lead, investigate further, and verify certain things. She quickly ended the call with Eric.-Meanwhile, Michael continued to work diligently for the Innova Group.After Sylvia's safe return, he planned to expand to overseas markets and lead the effort personally. The threat of detention by their opponents

Upon reaching Salt City, Matteo and his men remained in a state of fear, still haunted by the harrowing encounter with over a dozen grandmasters.Tiger attempted to alleviate Matteo's panic. "Matteo, I've instructed my men to stay vigilant at checkpoints. Even if the grandmasters show up, we'll detect them first."Tiger's confidence in Salt City stemmed from his prior interactions with Matteo in King City, as well as Matteo's connection with Eric, making him more than willing to assist. Additionally, Tiger foresaw the convenience of helping Matteo upon his return to King City.Simultaneously, the Combat Department in King City took decisive action. Accustomed to large-scale conflicts, their intervention aimed to uncover the orchestrator behind the turmoil. The department quickly captured several grandmasters, some losing their lives in the process.-In the afternoon, Eric received information from the Combat Department revealing the group's quest for the book Scar had unearthed.

"It took you quite a while to wake up," Ruth remarked. "Well, if I were you, I wouldn't be eager to wake up either with such beauty in my arms."From Eric's voice, she gathered that he hadn't gotten up yet.Eric sighed. "Do you know how the antagonists in novels usually meet their end?"Ruth paused momentarily and asked, "How do they meet their end?""They meet their demise from talking too much. Anyway, what's up? Have you reached Salt City?" Eric asked.The previous night, Eric had learned from Pierce that Ruth had arrived in Salt City with a group of grandmasters from the Combat Department."Yes, we're in Salt City now," Ruth replied. "We're gearing up for our operation after a short break. If you're not busy, lend us a hand."It was clear that the Combat Department had acquired some information, as Ruth wouldn't have made such a request otherwise. Given the circumstances, Eric couldn't decline.Dealing with this group of people could bring peace to Salt City.-After brea

"They're the Orlandos," Henry explained. "The head of the family is Paxton Orlando. He has a son, Wince Orlando, a younger brother named Kayden Orlando, and his wife, Madam Orlando. They left Salt City more than 40 years ago, and it seems, with such a grand gesture, they're planning to return."As Henry introduced them, the Orlandos approached.Paxton warmly greeted, "Mr. Williams, welcome, welcome! Your presence adds tremendous value to tonight's banquet!"Henry replied courteously, "Mr. Orlando, that might be an exaggeration."Meanwhile, Irvin and his family arrived. Being among the most prominent families in Salt City, the Orlandos invited them to take their seats.After everyone settled, Paxton smiled and explained, "Originally, I wanted a small gathering, but Wince insisted on a banquet. Since he's my only son, I went along with it."His words clearly conveyed his affection for Wince.Irvin chuckled. "Young people are always like this. My son also enjoys hosting banquets fo

Back at the Rosewood Estate, Eric asked Ruth about the two remaining grandmasters. However, the Combat Department hadn't yet located them.Eric wasn't too concerned. They didn't pose much of a threat to Tiger and the team.The Combat Department's operation wasn't exactly a success, given that two individuals had slipped through the cracks.Nevertheless, Eric had his hands full with the ongoing technological advancements within the Innova Group. While the technical department handled most issues, some tricky problems required his personal attention.After work, he and Sylvia planned to have dinner with Andy to discuss the company's recent developments.With Andy recovering and Michael overseas, only Eric and Sylvia were left as key figures in the Innova Group.Leaving the office, they bumped into Wince, who, having seen Eric at the banquet, approached them with a gentlemanly demeanor."Ms. Williams, may I invite you to dinner to discuss the business plans for Salt City? Would you