Their spirits, however, remained undeterred. A profound transformation was taking root within them. Though they might not emulate Venn's instantaneous rise to sagehood, with diligence and time, it wasn't an unattainable dream.In the world of martial arts, not everyone could touch the zenith of sagehood, especially in the military. Unless they were as exceptional as Benjamin or the former captains of the Dragon Guardians, blessed with unparalleled dedication and innate talent.But now, even with just a smidge of the diluted Thousand-Year Mystical Elixir, they were on a transformative journey, a privilege even some from the noble houses might envy.Benjamin's gesture wasn't merely a token of goodwill. He had grander visions: building a formidable battalion loyal only to him, ensuring no power would ever threaten him or use his loved ones as bargaining chips.But these thoughts remained unsaid, unshared. Benjamin believed actions spoke louder. He knew, if he treated his soldiers with re
"Why... why are you behind me?"From the tone, Benjamin deduced that this voice belonged to a young woman.However, he couldn't shake off a nagging suspicion. The woman's figure reminded him of someone who had once surreptitiously observed him and Andrea dining in a coffe.Yet, before he could voice his suspicions, the veiled woman gave him a fleeting glance, evaluating him before saying: "You're Andrea's boyfriend, aren't you? But I've heard you're married?"Caught off guard, Benjamin replied: "I'm not her boyfriend. I'm merely her colleague. And you? Why are you lurking outside rather than meeting your husband and daughter?"If this mysterious woman knew of his identity, Benjamin saw no need for pretenses.However, hearing Benjamin's words, Mrs. Ember was momentarily taken aback.She chuckled: "You might be mistaken. I am not the girl's mother. She lost her mother over two decades ago. I am just an old friend, back in town for some unfinished business."Without waiting for a reply,
For a moment, Benjamin's mind brimmed with a deluge of questions. Just then, Andrea descended from upstairs. Yet what caught Benjamin off-guard wasn't her presence, but her changed attire. From her demeanor, he surmised she'd sneakily ventured into her room to try something secretive.But before Benjamin could voice a response, Mr. Aylmer, stifling a cough, hurriedly covered his mouth.“Ahem…”“Father, are you coughing again?”Witnessing Mr. Aylmer's continuous cough, Andrea's stern countenance shifted to one of pure concern. Without hesitation, she rushed to his side, gently patting his back for comfort.“It’s... it’s nothing, my dear. Perhaps the recent weather fluctuations have aggravated an old ailment of mine." Mr. Aylmer managed to say, though his appearance suggested otherwise.Seeing this, Benjamin interjected with a hushed tone: "Sir, perhaps I could escort you to a hospital for a quick check-up? I know quite a few professionals at a nearby military hospital.”“That’s right,
At Brian's retort, Benjamin momentarily found himself at a loss for words.Yet, amid their conversation, Mrs. Ember's voice surged in alarm: "Elder brother, elder brother! Don't you recognize your own sister?"A guttural roar echoed in response. Following the roar, a cacophony of shattering noises reverberated, soon accompanied by an anguished howl. Benjamin and Brian rushed into the living room, apprehension evident in their strides.The scene inside was chaotic. Mrs. Ember, pale and shaken, stood cornered, while a middle-aged man with a twisted face clutched his bleeding abdomen. A cloud of suspicion overshadowed his gaze towards Mrs. Ember."Why... why did you try to kill me?" he rasped, voice trembling with pain.Mrs. Ember, panic evident in her eyes, cried out: "No! It wasn't me! It's him, he's the one trying to hurt you. I didn't... I truly didn't..."Suddenly, she collapsed onto the ground, discarding a blood-soaked knife and burying her face in her hands, weeping uncontrollabl
After a lingering conversation, Kenneth suddenly divulged the reason behind his madness, and even more intriguing, the presence of a malevolent spirit lurking within his very being.However, as Kenneth unraveled his tale, skepticism grew in Benjamin's eyes. From Kenneth's narration, Benjamin discerned that the dark energy corrupting Kenneth was largely the same evil aura of the Dark Deity that he had once encountered sealed within a stone coffin. This malevolent energy seemed to possess an eerie ability, allowing it to birth its own consciousness. Moreover, through some esoteric mechanism, it could inhabit a martial artist's body, draining their life force.Yet, if this malevolent energy was as formidable as suggested, how had the Dark Deity remained imprisoned in the stone coffin all these years? Moreover, the woman from the past had claimed to be a descendent of the Pink Pink tribe. Was there any truth in her proclamation?The deeper Benjamin pondered, the more muddled his thoughts
However, Olivia's voice then softly reached him: "Benjamin, this is my stepfather. He lives with my mother and they have a daughter together. I was separated from my family and grew up in an orphanage for over a decade. Somehow, he found out my contact recently. But given his gambling habits and tendency to abuse alcohol and physically harm his family, I've distanced myself. He sought me out today, apparently his daughter, my stepsister, is gravely ill and needs funds for hospital care. So..."As if dreading that Benjamin might misconstrue something, Olivia urgently spoke up in her defense. At that moment, comprehension finally dawned on Benjamin's face, and he swiftly raised a hand to stop her."Alright, you needn't explain any further. If you wish to return to see your sister and mother, go ahead. But take care. I've been preoccupied lately and may not be able to accompany you." he cautioned.Hearing Benjamin's tender words, a hint of sweetness washed over Olivia, prompting her to s
As Caroline witnessed Ancel ensnared by the creature, a fierce resolve ignited within her. Swiftly pulling a sharp whip from her side, she faced the towering monster and roared: "Perish!"In Caroline's grip, the whip came alive, like a serpent's head, and with masterful precision, she struck it upon the monster's crown. Boom!Despite the whip's blinding speed, the giant creature could only hastily retract its head, reminiscent of a turtle seeking the safety of its shell. But Caroline had channelled her internal energy into the whip's strike, making its power immense; such that even a massive boulder might have been shattered upon impact. Yet, aside from a slight mark on its carapace, the monster seemed unharmed. Instead, its eyes ignited with fiery rage, and a low growl emanated from its throat. Simultaneously, its serpentine tail, seemingly out of nowhere, swung menacingly towards Caroline.Crash!Forewarned, Caroline narrowly evaded, and the tail's fury was spent on a nearby boulder
A cold smirk tugged at Benjamin's lips. As he had anticipated, the lizard was feigning death, intending to bait him closer for a stealthy strike. Such petty tricks would hardly deceive a seasoned warrior like Benjamin. Even if he hadn't faced such a creature before, Benjamin always held a principle close to his heart: never underestimate an adversary. Always be prepared, vigilant against sudden ambushes. That's why, despite sensing the lizard's weakening aura, he hadn't ventured close.Now, as the lizard's tongue shot towards him, without hesitation, Benjamin unleashed a fierce stream of azure flames from his hand. While this fire didn't morph into a phoenix, its heat was no less intense, causing the surrounding air to sizzle and pop alarmingly.Due to its rapid speed, coupled with the lizard's simultaneous strike, the flames from Benjamin's palm collided directly with its tongue.Hiss!Struck by the fierce flames, the lizard let out a pained shriek. Seizing the moment of distraction,