Jason's gaze sharpened as the mocking voice's owner emerged from the shadows - a mysterious figure garbed in white, his demeanor radiating haughty contempt for all beneath his regal bearing."And you are?" Jason arched a brow, sensing the undisguised murderous intent directed solely towards him."Wayne Howard - commit that name to your nightmares, for it shall become your eternal tormentor. Truth be told, you have piqued my curiosity. But who could foresee your foolish trespass against those you ought never cross? Pity - your existence cannot be suffered to linger."Yet as his gaze fell upon the fractured jade pendant adorning Jason's neck, the white-robed figure's sneer froze, his countenance shifting as realization blossomed. "How did you come by that artifact?"After such frenzied efforts the previous night, to encounter it here by sheer happenstance - the universe's paths proved indeed inscrutable! An unmistakable match to the photograph, this was no mere coincidence."You refer
Yet who could have foreseen enraging the formidable 'King' himself, that Lawrence would prove a mere subordinate under his dominion?Accursed folly - if only he could strangle the life from Joseph Rogers tenfold over!Within the arena, the combatants' furious roars intermingled with the clamor of clashing bodies and visceral sprays of sweat and blood. Yet Joseph Rogers' evident inferiority drove his desperate offensive as furtive glances scanned the viewing platforms.Where was the signal from the venerable Mr. Howard?Today's spectacle served to bait ulterior players, luring Lawrence's ruinous resurgence that they might crush all adversaries underfoot. Yet Joseph Rogers could never have fathomed the extent of his reverence toward the prostrated Wayne Howard, that same 'Mr. Howard' now beseeching Jason to stay his noble hand and spare his life.To witness such a sight would surely inflict mortal terror.Jason's glacial stare met Wayne Howard's abject pleadings. Under ordinary circums
Without hesitation, he promptly rescinded the image, purging the contact, yet the identity of its beholder lingered an inscrutable mystery."You belong to the Black Lotus Sect as well? Whom did you share that image with?" Jason's piercing stare demanded answers."I...I..." The trespasser trembled, voice quavering in desperation. "If I reveal the truth, would you grant me mercy? Mere avarice and ambition drove my foolish actions - I never intended more than capturing your visage." Initially, his scheme entailed fleeing with the illicit photograph, a boon to deliver unto his brethren. Yet the betraying flash negated such intentions, his hasty transmission leaving him utterly vulnerable despite achieving his inglorious aim.Even monumental prestige could not ransom his survival now - regret curdled his innards, yet the universe remained indifferent to such lamentations. Foolish deeds birth inexorable consequences.At that moment, Kyle emerged at the vanguard, sensing something amiss an
This harrowing prospect prompted Lawrence to whirl towards the viewing platforms in desperation, only to find his frantic gaze met by Jason's impassive countenance. As their eyes locked, a subtle nod proffered reassurance. Tension drained from Lawrence's form as he exhaled - with Mr. Gray's presence, all would be well. It seemed victory had indeed been secured.Joseph Rogers, too, found himself ensnared by Jason's unflinching regard, his pallor shifting corpse-like as unspoken dread congealed within. Though unacquainted, he could deduce Lord Wayne Howard's dire straits - else he would not have remained unmoved amidst such grievous peril. His eyes met Lawrence's once more, flinching at the gleam of murderous intent burning within that frigid sneer. Before retaliatory force could be unleashed, Joseph Rogers' shrill cry pierced the stillness."I concede defeat! No more, I yield!"In the throes of mortal peril, what significance could vanity retain? Joseph Rogers always was a contemp
An undeniable truth - for without Wayne Howard's rash intervention, Joseph Rogers would have inevitably lingered within East District's fastnesses, harrying Lawrence and Jason through endless machinations. Even in defeat, such a denouement would never have unfolded so expediently.But now, lamentations proved futile - the path was sealed. East District's forces, initially outnumbering Steven Martin's subordinates, found their resolve shattered by the cataclysmic outpouring of unified outrage. Who amongst them would dare rally to Joseph Rogers' cause, unless they wished to be torn asunder?With his demise, all compunctions evaporated - they could only fervently distance themselves from his tarnished legacy.As for Lawrence, it was as if that single, brutal act had drained him of all vitality, though vengeance had been exacted. A maelstrom of conflicting emotions churned within - for they had once been brothers-in-arms, comrades forged in the crucible of shared adversity. Alas...Josep
"Oh? Who might that be?" Jason's curiosity piqued, for the individual capable of swaying the Cook family's decision could not be insignificant.With anticipation building, Emily revealed, "This person holds immense prestige, rumored to be a Martial Saint's disciple—a paragon of grace and unparalleled might. Funnily enough, he shares your surname, Gray. Perhaps he's a relative of yours?""Not just me, but scions and heiresses from the Central Area's ten great families will flock to the Emerald City to witness this epic duel. Some households even seek a marital alliance with this Martial Saint's disciple."Of course, she harbored similar aspirations. This was the reason her grandfather had compromised—a Martial Saint's disciple far outshone someone like Edward Reed, leaving him in the dust.Though ignorant of martial arts, Emily yearned to encounter this legendary figure. Her grandfather would undoubtedly approve wholeheartedly. However, she doubted her chances amidst the bevy of beauti
Even Susan herself appeared dumbstruck, her expression one of utter bewilderment, unable to collect her thoughts for a prolonged moment. What situation was this?Jason's lips twitched, his expression quizzical. Never could he have envisioned such an event unfolding. When he had entrusted the sapphire to Mark Phillips, his intent was merely to have it exhibited, forever propagating the emblem of their love.Yet now, observing the turn of events, Mark Phillips had executed his task admirably—perhaps too well. Jason had not foreseen Susan bearing witness to this, let alone under such circumstances. Profound discomfiture gripped him. Would she recognize that sapphire?After all, she had worn it herself, though its journey had been tumultuous. Surely, the impression ran deep.At that moment, the radiant saleswoman, taken aback by their vehement reactions, remarked in astonishment, "I...I mean, this priceless sapphire can only be worn by Susan—she alone among all women possesses that privil
At that moment, Jason stepped forward with a smile. "Why do you both hesitate? The good owner has spoken—go on, try it!"Emily's eyes shone with unbridled excitement, never imagining she would truly have the chance to adorn that gem. Yet, upon touching its lustrous surface, she found herself reluctant to mar its sublime symbolism.She deferred to Susan, but Susan, too, wavered before declining, for no jewel, regardless of beauty, could outshine the treasures bestowed by Jason's own hand.Though this sapphire seemed vaguely familiar, evoking recollections of the one her uncle's family had cruelly deceived her of—the very gem that was subsequently stolen, its whereabouts now unknown—she swiftly dismissed the thought, for it could not possibly be the same stone here before her.Despite the owner's generous offer to claim any jewel, no matter its price, Susan refrained from selecting any for herself. Instead, she chose an emerald bracelet as a gift for Emily.For in Susan's eyes, only the