"More than 200 lives! And they were children! When you sleep at night, do their restless souls never come to haunt you?" Felix's voice boomed, each word sharp as a blade.Yates staggered back several steps, his face pale as a sheet. His gaze swept across the fallen sect members, none of whom dared meet his eyes. Only the sect leader, overwhelmed with guilt, broke into sobs as he choked out an explanation. "W-We did it to save the sect! Ten years ago, something crippled all of Polaris' businesses. We barely had enough money to keep the sect running for six months. "Without resorting to desperate measures, Polaris would have crumbled. We had no other choice!" Yates closed his eyes tightly as tears streaked down his face, his heart breaking at the revelation. For years, he had focused solely on his martial pursuits, oblivious to the horrors hidden beneath the surface.Titus, Uzziah, and Thaddeus were equally stunned. None of them could have imagined that a prestigious sect like Po
"I have a bad feeling about this!" Uzziah, the strongest among them, immediately sensed the ominous presence spreading through the air. Thaddeus tried to stay composed. He glanced around nervously as the tremors beneath their feet grew stronger. "Uzziah, could it just be an ordinary earthquake?"As he asked, the intensity of the quake increased. Titus narrowed his eyes, scanning their surroundings for any potential threats. "Could Polaris still have some hidden powerhouse alive?" he wondered, his muscles tensing as he prepared for a fight.Suddenly, the training grounds split apart with an earth-shattering boom, sending debris flying. A massive hole appeared in the ground, and from within, a figure leaped out, landing near the barely standing Yates."Well, well," the figure sneered. "After all these years, Polaris has really hit rock bottom. One kid almost wiped out your entire leadership. What a way to honor my brother's legacy!"The newcomer was covered in a gray robe, their
Mira's personality was similar to Averill's, but she was not as shamelessly bold as the latter.Mira smirked and added, "What's wrong? Were you expecting that little tramp, Averill? "Oh, don't act surprised. After she slept with you, she bragged about it in front of all of us! I ended up smacking her until she cried, which made the rest of us feel a little better." While Mira and Felix caught up, Titus, Uzziah, and Thaddeus stood frozen in disbelief. They never expected Felix to have a backup, let alone someone powerful enough to casually block Saylor's terrifying attack with nothing but an umbrella.It seemed that every genius had a hidden ace up their sleeve. Saylor, however, sneered as he watched the interaction. He thought, "Oh, I see now. No wonder this kid wasn't scared. He had someone in the shadows all along."Even though he had not detected Mira earlier, Saylor remained unfazed. His confidence remained unshaken, and he believed she probably just used an advanced conce
When Felix returned to Canraville, Averill had already left. He woke up from a deep, satisfying nap at sunset.Just then, Xena arrived at his house. Felix asked, "Weren't you supposed to stay in Yartford for a few days?" Xena's expression was grim as she explained, "We discovered traces of human trafficking in Canraville. Though we only found about a dozen children at the scene, headquarters takes these cases very seriously and wants a thorough investigation, so I came back immediately." Felix feigned ignorance and responded with anger, "Human traffickers? Those bastards deserve to die."Xena studied Felix's face carefully. "Are you sure you don't know anything about this?""Why would I know anything?" Felix asked, puzzled.Xena leaned forward, noting that Felix's breathing and eyes remained steady. "The bodies showed evidence of acupuncture needles, and we can confirm they were tortured before death."Felix's expression turned wry. "Just because acupuncture needles were in
Axel also adopted an unusually serious demeanor. "I don't know, but I heard Mr. Uzziah has emerged from seclusion."The young man's eyes widened in surprise. "Mr. Uzziah? Wow, Uzziah hasn't shown his face in years!"If he's coming out now and summoning everyone, something big must be happening. Could it be due to the leadership shift in the Eight Great Martial Families?" Axel frowned and shook his head. "I doubt it. Mason is a prodigy, sure, but he's not yet a big enough deal to bring Uzziah out. He still has a long way to go."Despite being just one level below Mason, crossing the first threshold from Ultimate Mortal Realm to Innate Realm was a challenge that had defeated countless so-called geniuses, including Axel himself.Meanwhile, the Crayden elders were also speculating about the situation. "Sir, do you know what's going on?" one of them asked cautiously. At the head of the gathering stood Augustus, the current patriarch of the Crayden family, flanked by several elder
Augustus was stunned. Meanwhile, Axel wore a strange expression. He couldn't be mistaken. That man was undoubtedly Felix. It hadn't been long since he last saw him, so the memory was deeply etched in his mind."Axel, is this for real? He's way too young! How could someone like him make even Uzziah so wary? Damn! They even said the Craydens wouldn't step in to protect anyone who messes with him?"The young man beside him was visibly shaken. Frankly, most of the people around them felt the same. It would've made sense if Felix had been some ancient figure with decades of cultivation. However, unless Felix had discovered a fountain of eternal youth, he was just a young man."Holy—"Suddenly, Axel slapped himself, startling the young man beside him."Axel, what's wrong?"Axel suddenly broke into a wide grin, practically beaming with joy. "When I was a kid, a fortune teller told me that my 24th year would bring me great fortune. I guess he wasn't wrong!"If not for the need of prop
"Dad, if we keep stalling, there really won't be a way back." Axel suddenly appeared, prompting Augustus to frown. "Get out of my way!" Augustus said.He had only ever acknowledged Malcolm as his son. He had poured the most effort into Malcolm, who was also the most talented. His other children were nothing in his eyes. However, Axel didn't seem offended. "I have some rapport with Felix. I can go with Uzziah and smooth things over, and then you can step in afterward. I think we can still salvage this."Augustus fell silent, staring into Axel's eyes. For the first time, a grave realization dawned on him. "Alright. You'll come with me."…Meanwhile, Felix had just arrived at the small square inside Twilight Gardens of Canraville.Twilight Gardens was one of several botanical gardens in the city. Located on the outskirts, it wasn't as popular as the others. However, there was a steady flow of visitors because it provided free entry to its visitors.However, when Felix arrived, t
To be honest, Felix was truly taken aback.The Crayden family was one thing, but the fact that Nala could compel the Elders' Council to compromise was rather surprising."Do you know why the Elders' Council wants to kill me?" Felix asked.Nala answered candidly, "I don't know. It doesn't matter."Felix turned to the middle-aged man. "Are you really from the Elders' Council?"The middle-aged man, Noah Reed, grinned, as though Felix were nothing but an ant in his palm. If it weren't for Nala, Felix might have already been a corpse."Do you doubt my identity? Didn't you kill Dexter Grimshaw and Solomon Gill? And that little fireworks display in Azuria was quite unexpected. Do you think you can pull off something similar here in Dragonia?"Noah's knowledge of these events was proof enough of his association with the Elder's Council.Despite his irritation at being ignored, Tatum Crayden, the Crayden family's Third Elder, didn't dare voice his displeasure. It wasn't only because of
Conan did not want to stay a second longer in this place. After all, this was the legendary Chief Commander, someone even Lionel respected. He had really shot himself in the foot this time, wishing he had shown better judgment.After they left, Felix breathed a sigh of relief, finally understanding why the forensics results were compromised. It seemed John had timed his report precisely for this reason."Thank you, Mira," Felix said sincerely.Averill immediately protested with a mischievous grin. "What about me? Don't forget you did nothing but lie in bed last time. You should thank me for my hard work too."Felix felt his face burning with embarrassment—only Averill would make such suggestive comments in front of Mira."How did you two end up coming together?" he asked, trying to change the subject.Mira's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I was too lazy to track you down, so I had Averill do the legwork." She turned to Averill and added, "Don't you have a flight to catch?"Ave
Conan whirled around to find another stunningly beautiful woman, and he widened his eyes. He could not help but think, "Damn! What kind of luck does Felix have to have such gorgeous seniors?""Of course! What, are you planning to interfere too?" he challenged, trying to maintain his authority.Felix stood up, surprised to see that Averill's mentioned senior was none other than Mira, who had gracefully entered the room carrying a distinctive purple umbrella—the kind of accessory that demanded attention whether you wanted to give it or not."Well, well, headquarters has really gone downhill if this is the caliber of agents they're producing these days," Mira remarked with a cold smile.Conan's face reddened with rage at the insult to headquarters, but his anger suddenly froze as he took a closer look at Mira's face. He stumbled backward several steps. "Y-You're..."Ignoring Conan, Mira pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Listen here, Hugh. Just because you're retired doesn't
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