When the car arrived at the manor, both Xena and Jordan got out, and the Kinsley family immediately greeted them, "Welcome to the banquet, Lady Summers."Xena nodded in response. "There's no need to be so formal. I heard that Mr. Kinsley Senior has fully recovered from his illness. After all, he did a lot of good deeds for Avesburgh back in the day. It's only right that I come to visit him."As she spoke, she extended her right hand. "This is Jordan Hall, the apprentice of Wesley Cane, who ranks fifth among the top ten master healers."The crowd was somewhat astonished. Anyone who rode with the goddess of war had to be extraordinary."Welcome, Mr. Hall," the crowd greeted.When the group entered the front courtyard, all the guests who had already received the news were visibly excited but didn't dare to approach. They could only watch from afar."My goodness! It's the goddess of war, Xena. I can't believe I'm seeing her in real life. She's so gorgeous." Sasha's face flushed with
Gilbert's sudden call brought Xena to an abrupt halt. She turned to look back, and instinctively, the others followed her lead. A sense of dread tightened in Wendy's chest. The shout from Gilbert felt like a harbinger of trouble. What could unfold now?Felix, however, remained unfazed. With no secrets to hide, he welcomed the opportunity for Gilbert to come to terms with the situation. "Let's go inside and discuss this further," he said.As Felix led Gilbert back into the dwelling, Xena's eyes flickered with disdain. "Master healer? If a small doctor from the countryside could be labeled as such, then this title had lost all its value," she thought as she continued on her path, convinced that Gilbert was another victim of Felix's schemes. "People are truly amusing these days. Master healer—what a joke!" Jordan scoffed, echoing the sentiment that the title had become a mere shadow of its former self. Xena would have apprehended Felix long ago if it weren't for the engageme
Businessmen were still businessmen, after all—they had a lot to consider."Yes, Dr. Zeller," Gilbert answered.As the two left the banquet, only Xena, Jordan, and three members of the Kinsley family remained in the reception room."I don't like to beat around the bush. You should understand the benefits of my visit today! You can also amplify these benefits, which can work in reverse," Xena said harshly.Upon hearing Xena's words, Wendy and the others changed their expressions. They wondered if this was a threat.However, it was undeniably a fact—if Xena wanted to take action against the Kinsleys, she could do so in the blink of an eye."Xena, the Kinsleys have become the wealthiest in Avesburgh. While I can't say they're cunning, they certainly hold their own," Jordan played the role of the peacemaker. Jordan had known Xena for quite some time. He understood how to navigate the situation."You should also understand. After all, Mr. Kinsley Senior was once bedridden and in dan
As Wendy was about to speak, Bernard regained his composure and shouted, "How dare you!" In the next moment, Bernard suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed into Vincent's arms. Wendy was so frightened that she burst into tears and hurried outside. Even Xena's expression changed. Bernard's loyalty was more intense than she had anticipated, to the point of spitting blood over this matter."Joe," she whispered. Jordan nodded in acknowledgment and rushed over to check Bernard's pulse. His assistance helped calm Vincent and Wendy down a bit. "It's nothing serious. It's just a case of stress. A few days of rest will do him good, but during this time, make sure he doesn't face any more pressure." Given the sudden events, if Xena continued to press on the issue, she would no longer deserve the title of goddess of war. She left with Jordan. "Grandpa! I'm so sorry!" Wendy cried like a child. She just didn't want the Kinsleys to be defeated. But it wasn't her inten
Felix's lips curled into a slight smile. It was exactly as he had anticipated. He picked up the bowl he had prepared earlier and placed it by Zane's mouth. Then, he gently patted Zane's back three times with his right hand.On the last pat, Zane surprisingly opened his mouth and expelled something into the bowl. To the astonishment of Gilbert and Jane, Zane laid back down and fell asleep again."All done.""All done?" The couple stared wide-eyed, unable to comprehend the unbelievable turn of events.It wasn't until Felix approached them with the bowl and pointed to its contents that they understood. "This bug is the reason for your son's condition." Felix showed them the bowl.They looked down to see a white, worm-like creature in the bowl, resembling a dead earthworm, completely still. "This creature is extremely rare. It's called a Snowbug. I won't go into the details, but when it encounters a human, it will actively burrow into their body without leaving any wounds. "
"Milady." Belle grabbed Xena's arm, knowing just how terrifying Nocturno was as a wanted criminal. Unlike criminals who acted in the dark, he often appeared in public, yet he remained elusive due to his extraordinary strength. Even now, no one knew what his limits were."I've already called headquarters. Should we wait for their support before proceeding?" Xena patted Belle's arm, fully aware that she meant well. "It might be too late by then. Regardless of Nocturno's intentions to see me, this is undoubtedly the best opportunity to take him down. If we wait for headquarters, Nocturno isn't a fool—he'll have already escaped," Xena said."Don't worry. I'm not that easy to deal with, either," she added.Though she said this, Xena felt uncertain. Every Super S-rank wanted criminal was formidable in their own right.…Meanwhile, Felix had returned to his villa. He didn't intend to turn on the lights. Given the armed guards outside, suddenly illuminating the place would be hi
Xena glanced at Felix with a complex expression. "Please wait in the yard. My people need to search your villa. Don't worry. We won't mess up the place," she said."Okay." Felix nodded.When Belle emerged from the villa with her team, Xena left with just a glance. However, before departing, she said, "Sorry for the trouble." Felix was surprised. It was a miracle that this woman could maintain such a good attitude in front of him.… The child had already been sent to the hospital, and her parents were notified. Xena and Belle then drove toward the Phoenix Legion headquarters. Most of their personnel had been dispatched throughout Avesburgh to search for Nocturno, although they knew the chances of finding him were slim. But one question lingered. Why had Nocturno suddenly abandoned the child and not killed Felix, who was also sleeping in the villa? This was completely out of character for Nocturno. He was known to be brutal, which was why he was classified as a Super S-ran
Felix had already changed into his pajamas and finished washing up. He was now preparing for bed. However, just then, the doorbell rang. He was puzzled. Who could be visiting at this late hour?His expression was strange as he saw Xena on the video monitor."Do you have something else to discuss?" he said.Seeing that Felix was outside but hadn't opened the gate, Xena felt a surge of irritation. However, remembering her inner suspicions, she held back her frustration. "Although it's a bit late and my visit is somewhat inappropriate, is this how you welcome your guests?" she snapped.Felix opened the gate and turned to walk away. "Come in," he said.Xena was even more annoyed by his attitude. After all, she was the first goddess of war in Dragonia—beautiful and talented, the dream woman of countless men. Yet, every time she encountered Felix, it felt as though he had a way of filtering out her extraordinary beauty as if he simply couldn't see it."Get to the point. I'm
A flash of annoyance crossed Alistair's eyes, but he still made the introduction. "Mr. Zeller, this is Mr. Conan Spade from headquarters, a joint investigator. Given the international implications of this case, they're taking it quite seriously." Conan scoffed at these words. "Mister? Really, Alistair? You're getting soft—since when do we address suspects as 'mister'?""How I address people is my business," Alistair shot back. "As long as the investigation is thorough, my manners aren't your concern." Ignoring the exchange, Conan dropped heavily into the chair across from Felix. "The voice recordings and videos from your phone have been authenticated—it's definitely you, Felix. No amount of denial will help unless you can provide an alibi, so you'd better come with us right now."He added with menace, "And if you resist, we're authorized to use lethal force!"Conan's hostility was crystal clear, but Felix chose not to dwell on it. He replied, "I actually do have an alibi, though
Felix's first thought was that they had found out that he killed Mason, but he quickly dismissed it. First, he had been meticulous. Since Mason had come to kill him, he would have surely avoided cameras himself. Secondly, the Jacobs family would learn about his death first. There was no way they would ask the cops for help instead of taking revenge themselves. These two points made it unlikely. So, what was it? "Xena, don't joke around. How could I have murdered someone?" "That's not for you to decide. Did you think I'd call you if this wasn't official? Alistair's coming for you. I hope you'll cooperate, or I'll issue an arrest warrant." The call ended right there, and Felix was left bewildered. He could only go home and wait. An hour later, Alistair found his address. He sat in Felix's living room with two Wolfie troopers. The fact that they had not even given him a heads-up despite their relationship meant this was official business. "Mr. Zeller, I apologize, but we mus
If Felix wanted to have regular interactions with Willow, he first needed a job. Maintaining his usual air of mystery would only create distance.After consideration, he decided that continuing his career as a doctor made the most sense. It was the fastest way to connect with people. After all, everyone would get sick sometimes."There's a traditional medicine clinic for rent just a block away. But you should see it yourself first." Nelly's efficiency was impressive. After all, she was familiar with the industry. "Thanks again. Just call me Felix." "Sure, Felix." Nelly's colleagues had been right when they said she was a reserved woman. She had not been putting on an act when she always maintained professional distance with wealthy clients. Her different approach with Felix stemmed from her intuition. His eyes were always filled with sincerity whenever he looked at her. The clinic was about 800 square feet. Though it was not big, it was sufficient for use. It had thrived un
Almost immediately after Mason's death, a scarlet thread shot out from his body straight toward Felix. The thread moved so fast that Felix could not react before it vanished. Quickly sitting in a meditation pose, Felix located the thread within himself."Even with my current power, it'll take a month to fully dissolve this Scarlet Thread." Since the thread was not harming him, Felix guessed it had to be some kind of ancestral protection to identify who killed their descendant.Though Felix had instantly suppressed it to its limit, total elimination would take at least a month. This was why he was frustrated. While his suppression had reduced the thread's tracking range greatly, it was not gone. Within a certain distance, it could still instantly identify Felix as Mason's killer. Whoever created this thread was powerful. They were definitely beyond Felix's current ability to fight. But nothing could be done about it now. He would have to take things one step at a time.Seven
Unless? Melissa's eyes lit up eagerly. "Don't keep me hanging! Unless what?" "Unless he's from one of the two most mysterious sects or the Greene family. I can't think of any other possibility." Melissa's expression turned worried as she pondered. "What should I do? Should I heed his calls? And is that mark real?"Her mentor answered without hesitation, "Of course the mark is real! If he wanted you dead, you'd be dead already. You have a chance to connect with a supreme prodigy, and you're thinking of avoiding him?"Has all that phone-stealing messed up your brain? Best case scenario, you could have his child, then—"Melissa hung up. That old man was being ridiculous again. But recalling Felix's appearance, she stroked her chin with a playful smile and said, "Having his child might not be so bad... Oh, my, why am I feeling butterflies?"…Around 1:00 am, Mason had just entered the living room of Villa No. 3 in Heavenly Meadow when he found Felix waiting at the stairs. "You
"I have a few questions I'd like to ask you." After Felix said that, the woman, who had gotten close enough to him, gave him a mischievous grin. "Better keep those questions to yourself. You feel paralyzed now, don't you? Don't worry. I just struck some of your acupoints. It'll wear off in two hours! "Consider it a gentle lesson about following pretty girls." Though her movements had been incredibly fast, Felix had been prepared and had noticed them. Even so, he was amazed by her skill. As she started humming and turning to leave, Felix grabbed her arm. "I really do have some questions for you." Her face instantly changed, staring at her arm in disbelief. "Impossible! My acupoint technique can immobilize even Aetherial Realm masters. How can you move?" She realized something alarming—Felix might be at Oceanus Realm. But how could he possibly have achieved it at his age? "Please forgive my rudeness! Have mercy on me. I have elderly parents and children to support!" She bur
Felix frowned as he glanced at Mason before asking, "What exactly do you want?" "Isn't it obvious? I want you to treat my friend. Rosalyn said you're a traditional medicine practitioner. If you're good enough to work with the Ruby family, you must be skilled. My friend's condition isn't critical, but he's my friend, so we can't wait around." If Mason really could not afford to wait around, why would he be in a mood for pizza here? "I'll give you an answer, then. No. I won't go." Mason smiled cruelly and scoffed. "Do you think I won't touch you in public? Or did you think I'm just bluffing because you're a doctor and have powerful connections? "Well, you're wrong. I'm Mason Jacobs, a prodigy of the Eight Great Martial Families. I can crush you effortlessly in every way, so I suggest you wise up." Getting no response as Felix walked away, Mason cracked his neck. "You're the first to dare ignore me ever since I became famous. After midnight, you won't even get a chance to regr
"Stop!" Just as the men raised their iron bars to attack Felix, a thunderous shout rang out. It was Clement, who had emerged from his villa fully dressed. He looked like he was about to head out. "Damn it! Who the hell dares to interfere?" The young man snarled as he turned around, but his expression instantly changed. "Mr. Parson?" Clement's face darkened as he pointed at the young man. "Huxley Linton, are you itching for trouble again? Why are you attacking people in broad daylight? Has your father stopped disciplining you?" Hearing their conversation, it was clear they knew each other, and Huxley was afraid of Clement. "Come on, Mr. Parson. It was just a joke to scare him. We weren't really going to hurt him! We're leaving right now."After Huxley left with his men, Felix seized the opportunity to become friendlier with Clement. "Thank you, Mr. Parson. Honestly, I'm completely lost here since I've just arrived in Gray City. I don't even know that young man." Clement conside
"Smart girl," Felix thought with a smile. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that." Moving in would require lots of shopping, and taking cabs would be inconvenient. As they drove off together, two men watched from the office entrance with annoyed looks. "Damn it! That villa listing was supposed to be mine. I can't believe someone actually bought it, and now, this flirt gets the commission." His colleague teased, "That's fate for you! This sale's worth more than several of our regular deals combined. Isn't Nelly usually the reserved type? She's always keeping clients at arm's length, but she's making moves now." "Hah! That's all an act! This Felix guy's young and loaded—who wouldn't fantasize about dating him? If she plays her cards right, she could end up a rich man's wife instead of selling houses. But she stole my meat, so she'll pay for it."Smiling, his colleague stayed silent as he knew the real reason behind his bitterness. He had pursued Nelly before and been rejected. "Wait. Y