"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
"Boy...friend? Him?" Bobby Nelson faltered before erupting into derisive, mocking laughter. "Kelly, even if you refuse my courtship, surely you could find someone better than this...this pauper to impersonate your beau?""I had expected you to introduce someone of substance, but this? He's not even as handsome as I, nor as wealthy! A mere vagrant, unworthy of comparison!"Bobby Nelson dismissed Jason entirely, failing to perceive any threat—merely a hired hand, a student earning meager wages through menial labor.Hearing such words, Jason could only shake his head in wry amusement. Yet, he observed that Bobby Nelson seemed a respectable suitor—his credentials appeared favorable. Perhaps, if successful, this girl would cease her vexations."Friend, in pursuing a lady's affections, one must comprehend her preferences and aversions," Jason remarked with a genial smile. "Identify her vulnerabilities, exploit her weaknesses—not through this ceaseless, unwanted pursuit, which only breeds re
"You think to strike me? I could lend him tenfold courage, and still he would not dare lay a hand upon me! This is richly amusing, Kelly—where did you unearth this freak?"Bobby Nelson's laughter intensified, clutching his aching belly as mirth overwhelmed him.Witnessing his escalating arrogance, Kelly Harris's complexion turned ashen, her rage rendering her speechless. She could not fathom Mr. Gray's inexplicable statements.In her eyes, Jason hardly seemed the epitome of foolishness, yet she equally doubted Thomas Rodriguez's willingness to take orders from an outsider.Yet, at that moment, the stately Thomas Rodriguez appeared, his manner flustered as he hastened forth—summoned, no doubt, by security upon the young master's arrival in Emerald City. "Master Bobby, I apologize for my tardiness. Your accommodations have been prepared. Is there aught else you require?" Thomas Rodriguez's obsequious demeanor betrayed his trepidation, lest he incur his lord's displeasure.To outsiders,
"Why do you hesitate?" Jason's smooth baritone cut through the tension. "I meant every word. One kick landed true—now, let the beating commence!""Mr. Gray, have you taken leave of your senses?" Kelly cried out in alarm. "Bobby may be insufferable, but to strike the Nelson heir carries grave consequences! Let me handle this, lest you incur the wrath of that formidable family."She had meant only to rid herself of Bobby's unwanted attentions, not provoke a conflict that could imperil even the esteemed Dr. Gray. The Nelsons brooked no insult to their towering legacy.Yet before her protests could take form, Rodriguez's eyes seemed to blaze crimson as he launched another vicious kick into Bobby's midsection. The heir crumpled with a pained groan, only for the onslaught to escalate into a blind, furious beating."Madman, how dare you...agh, spare my face, you wretch!" Bobby shrieked amidst the flurry of blows raining down upon him. "You are all dead, do you hear? Dead men for laying hands
Yet Jason culled the chaff from his flock with a ruthless pragmatism. Organizations like the fabled Heavenly Net and Eye stood as shining exemplars of the deserving few admitted to bask in his radiant orbit."I...I await your command, great King." Theodore's reply came tight with resolve. No matter the task, he would expend every last resource of the Nelson legacy to succeed. "A simple errand," Jason replied with indolent ease. "You are aware of the Martial Arts Master who has issued a challenge to be held in Emerald City after the next full moon?""A...a Martial Arts Master?" Horror dawned stark across Theodore's features as realization took hold. "Surely you cannot mean Albert, the supposed disciple of the Martial Saint himself?"Jason's inscrutable gaze fell upon the man, spreading a pall of dread. Theodore swiftly backpedaled. "F-Forgive me, great King! Even were I to be flayed alive, your secrets would never pass these lips, I swear it!" "You...you wish me to eliminate this Alb
"The Emerald City before me is now an enigma, its depths unfathomable!"Sean and Kyle, too, remained silent, for none could have foreseen such a rapid descent into turmoil within the span of half a day. Had it not been for Mr. Lawrence's keen instincts, Mr. Martin might have perished.Jason's countenance darkened. "So dire?""Initially, Joseph Rogers's downfall secured our dominion over the underground arena," Lawrence began. "But as we prepared to quell the remaining East District resistance, we found others had preempted us, seizing the fruits of our victory and wresting control of the East District."He glanced towards Steven Martin before continuing, "Naturally, we could not abide such insult. Having vanquished Joseph Rogers at great cost, we would not permit others to usurp the East District's territory. Yet we were repelled by one called Lotus Thirteen.""A formidable, enigmatic adversary who now holds the East District in an iron grip. We could not gain a foothold—I suspect he