Christopher eagerly opened the gift box. But his smile instantly vanished when he saw what was inside. The box contained no precious gift or token of affection but plain white silk.Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is this the gift you prepared?""What's the matter, Father? Don't you like it?" Gage remained calm and humble."Do you like it?" Christopher's expression grew stern. He exclaimed, "Look what you gave me!" He threw the gift box to the floor, where it cracked open, and the white silk spilled out.The guests in the banquet hall were astounded."What's going on? Why would anyone give the birthday person white cloth?""That's not a white cloth. It's a white silk used for hanging.""White silk? That's strange. Why would anyone give that?""No wonder General Murray was upset. I would be, too. What the hell is Gage thinking?"Whispers and puzzled looks spread through the room. The previously friendly atmosphere grew increasingly tense. "Why did you give this,
A gruesome sound of flesh being cut apart filled the air.Out of nowhere, Gage stabbed Edgar's chest with the knife. Blood oozed from the wound and dripped to the floor."Huh..." Edgar stood frozen, staring in disbelief at the knife lodged in his chest. He never thought his beloved brother would attack him with such ruthlessness.Everyone in the banquet hall was shocked. Who would have thought that Gage, who had been calm and smiling, would attack Edgar? This was no longer a simple drunken fight."You … how could you …" Edgar stammered. He wanted to say more, but the blood gushed from his mouth. Then, his body swayed, and he slumped to the floor."Edgar, don't worry. The blade missed your heart by just an inch. It won't take your life for now. Just lie still and don't make any trouble," Gage said calmly. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his fingers. His demeanor was strangely calm, as if his actions didn't matter. Christopher was furious. "Bastard! How co
The Murray family had a thousand armed forces. It kept order through its formidable presence. "Where are my reinforcements? I need backup, now!" Caden shouted, but there was no response from outside."There's no need to shout. My men have infiltrated the Murray residence. Your soldiers have been defeated," Gage said with a faint smile."That's impossible! You're lying!"Caden's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't imagine the defeat of a thousand well-trained soldiers.Gage calmly explained, "It took five years of preparation to get me here today.""So, you were prepared all along," Caden said. His face darkened as he looked at his surroundings. He continued, "Gage, you're brave and resourceful, but there's one thing you overlooked."Gage asked, "What did I overlook?""Me!" Caden replied. He slowly removed his coat, revealing his muscular physique. He went on, "I've been training for years, and now I'm a semi-grandmaster. Your subordinates won't stand a chance against me
"What?"Everyone gasped at the sight before them. They could not believe their eyes. Caden, who they had expected to dominate the fight, was now coughing up blood after only one exchange of blows."Caden!""Dad!" Lily and Sheila rushed forward to help him.Caden's face contorted in shock and disbelief as he coughed up more blood. His faith in the Soul Devouring Technique had been unshakable. Yet, he could not comprehend his sudden vulnerability. Was he weak, or was his opponent too strong?"You … who the hell are you?" Caden gritted his teeth. He couldn't accept his defeat."I am Grimshade of Eskus." The black-cloaked figure slowly lifted his hood, revealing a foreign face. His cheeks were gaunt, and his eyes were deep-set, giving off an eerie feeling."Grimshade? The grandmaster martial artist from Eskus? Why is he here?""Gage must have sunk a fortune into this. No wonder Caden couldn't keep up.""Oh my! The strength of the Murray family is crumbling. If Caden fall
Grimshade was strong, but compared to Jordan, he fell short. "Jordan? I've heard of him, but I doubt he can help you now," Gage said calmly."Jordan! Please come out!" Caden shouted in the direction of the mountain.After a long silence and no response, he raised his voice again."Caden, there's no need to shout. Jordan is already here," Gage said. He took out a cardboard box and casually tossed it on the ground. The box burst open, and a severed head rolled out. It was a bloody head with white hair, expression frozen in shock and terror."Is that … Jordan?!" Caden gasped. He backed away several steps, and his face contorted in horror.The others reacted similarly, fear and shock written all over their faces. Horror paralyzed their bodies."No, it can't be! Jordan is dead?""Jordan was a grandmaster. How could he end up like this? What happened?""Shit! It's over now. If Jordan is dead, the Murray family is in grave danger!"The members of the Murray family trembled with f
Gage's words weighed heavily on Christopher and made everyone present uneasy. All eyes were focused on Christopher, the most influential person in the Murray family. His decision would decide the fate of the entire family."You insolent bastard!" Christopher thundered, his voice trembling with anger and frustration. He continued, "You attacked your brothers and threatened the family with such disgraceful actions! And now you dare to demand an explanation from me? Are you trying to play the victim?" He had always thought of Gage as his successor. Courageous, clever, and quick-witted—Gage could have led the family to greatness. Sadly, he had lost his way and caused an irreparable rift within the family.Christopher was angry and heartbroken."Father, you must understand that my actions were a response to your own," Gage replied with surprising composure. "Had you not driven my late wife to her tragic end, none of this would have happened.""Her death may be connected to me, but
"Yes, sir!"In response, a group of thugs brandished their weapons and advanced menacingly.The members of the Murray family panicked and quickly huddled together. Soldiers had always protected them in their privileged lives. But now, faced with this dangerous situation, they were completely lost.Suddenly, a series of silver needles darted through the air, freezing the dozen or so thugs in their tracks. Their weapons remained suspended in midair. "Who did this? Who's behind this?" Gage looked around, his face tense. "It was me," Dustin replied calmly. The moment he stood up, he immediately caught everyone's attention.The Murray family was in grave danger. The guests also felt threatened and hesitated to intervene. No one expected anyone to step forward."Who are you?" Gage eyed Dustin suspiciously."I'm a guest of the Murray family," Dustin replied calmly."This matter is none of your business. You better not interfere," Gage warned.Dustin shook his head slightly."I ow
The whole banquet hall fell into silence. All eyes were on Grimshade, who lay on the floor after just one punch from Dustin. Their eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Grimshade, renowned as a grandmaster martial artist from Eskus, was knocked to the ground by a single blow from Dustin. It left everyone baffled. How could it be possible? "Wow, that kid really packs a punch, huh?" "The skinny guy has it in him?""We shouldn't judge people by their looks."After a brief silence, a commotion broke out in the hall. What initially appeared as Dustin seeking trouble now seemed to be him hiding his incredible strength."Could he be … a grandmaster?" Caden wondered aloud, his eyes widened in shock.Moments ago, he had experienced Grimshade's immense power firsthand. One move and Caden was defeated, without a chance to defend himself. Seeing Dustin defeat Grimshade made Caden suspect that Dustin was at least a grandmaster. In the world of martial arts, only a grandmaster could def