The hitman knew he had lost. This was the first time he tasted the bitterness of failure, and what followed would likely be death.However, he understood that if he failed the mission, returning home meant death as well.So, he had to do everything he could to hold Xayne back and buy his partner some time.Their plan was meticulous, and they believed this mission would be a breeze. Yet, out of nowhere, Xayne appeared, turning the situation on its head.Fortunately, their plan was detailed. Two men were assigned to this operation. One retrieved the research data while the other watched from the shadows.If Xayne had not shown up unexpectedly, the hitman might never have revealed himself, exposing his identity.He had been hiding in the dark, waiting for the right moment.The hitman's original plan was simple. He planned to quickly eliminate Xayne and then join his partner to find the experimental data. They had been observing this underground lab for days, learning every route an
The person's frown deepened as he realized the lab computer was password-protected.Considering the data pertained to Serena Group's groundbreaking cancer drug research, it was expected.Fortunately, the organization had known about this before sending him here, hence they sent a computer expert.Cracking standard passwords was easy for him, and even the most advanced security systems posed little to no effort. The password on this computer had been designed by Xayne's elite security team, which had a complexity that rivaled national security agencies.Even top-tier hackers would need significant effort to breach it.But given the current situation, he did not have enough time.He would have to take the entire computer if he could not crack it.However, that would make him an easy target.Realizing this risk, he decided to forcefully remove the hard drive.Yet, as he bent down to dismantle the machine, he discovered it was locked in a safe that was also password-protected.
That person was Serena, the CEO of Serena Group.Ozark remembered clearly that Serena was in the lab when they began their operation. They had timed their plan to coincide with her presence, just in case.If he could not get the hard drive, he could at least capture Serena. That would still count as completing the mission.After all, Serena Group would not ignore Serena's fate, and she surely knew the password.Ozark recalled seeing Serena's position before the chaos erupted. She should be nearby, probably still in this lab.He had not seen her outside when he slipped in during the confusion.Typically, in a lab emergency, security would prioritize protecting Serena. The guards searching during the chaos must have been looking for someone.The answer was obvious.Furious, Ozark kicked the safe hard, venting his frustration. His eyes coldly scanned the surroundings.The smoke in the lab had mostly cleared, visibility improving to about four or five meters and continuing to get better.S
"The Flame King?"Serena frowned as worry consumed her.The Flame King was supposed to be dead.She didn't know what was going on."Hurry up! Or I'll kill you right now!"Ozark knew that taking Serena hostage was a scare tactic. Kidnapping her would make it too obvious, and he would likely get caught before they even left the lab.Time was pressing. He had to force the password out of her quickly, or the situation could worsen for him.Ozark had no intention of showing mercy. His strong hands clamped around Serena's neck, his teeth gritted in a menacing snarl, "Tell me! If you don't, you’ll die!"Serena struggled to breathe as Ozark's grip tightened around her neck, her pale face turning bright red.His brutal handling made Serena feel the imminent threat of death. She wanted to breathe but couldn't."One last chance. Tell me, or I'll strangle you right now!"Ozark's grip tightened. In the worst-case scenario, he would kill her and then blow up the entire underground lab. Ev
It was not over yet.Xayne's iron fist landed squarely on Ozark's chest.With just one punch, Ozark's chest caved in completely, blood gushing out uncontrollably.Then, the second punch followed.The third punch came right after, collapsing Ozark's chest entirely.Ozark opened his mouth and spewed a mouthful of blood.Xayne showed no mercy, his body covered in blood splatters.After three punches, Ozark's ribs were all shattered, his internal organs pulverized. No divine intervention could save him now.Serena slumped on the ground and gasped for air, her vision blurry. She saw Xayne furiously venting his rage as the lab filled with the stench of blood.Ozark lay in a pool of blood, lifeless, his eyes wide open in death.Xayne walked over to Serena, observing her flushed face. "How are you? Are you okay?"Serena took a deep breath, holding her neck. She looked at Xayne and shook her head. "I'm fine. How is he?""Dead," Xayne replied coldly, glancing at Ozark's body.Serena
"There's smoke everywhere! It must be on fire! You all need to get in there and save people!"The researcher fled in panic, not even glancing back to see what was happening inside the lab. All he saw was billowing smoke, and then everyone started running out. Nobody knew what was going on inside.Hearing about the fire, Dinko broke out in a cold sweat. Usually, he and his buddies just lazed around and collected their paychecks, but the emergency today was a wake-up call.Grabbing the researcher by the collar, Dinko shouted, "Where's the CEO?! Did anyone see the CEO?""I don’t know! Everyone was busy running, the smoke was too thick to see anything! I have no idea where the CEO is!" The researcher replied helplessly, his face pale from shock."Cowards," Dinko muttered. Though he usually slacked off, just earning a paycheck, he was not afraid of a crisis like this. He knew that if something happened to the CEO, he would be the first to get fired. He had finally climbed up to the pos
Serena sat on the couch, gently touching her neck. Her mind was filled with the image of Xayne covered in blood. She could not help but zone out.When she recalled the scene in the lab, especially the critical moment when Xayne appeared, her eyes sparkled with a sense of happiness.In no time, Xayne returned, holding a small medicine bottle. He held up the red bottle and said, "Stay still."Serena immediately straightened up, obediently sitting like a well-behaved child. Upon closer inspection, her neck was as fair as snow, with bruises starkly visible, some even seeping blood."This medicine will heal the scars and regenerate the skin. It's very effective," Xayne said as he poured some of the liquid into his hand and rubbed his palms together to warm it up. "My wife is so beautiful, it wouldn’t be right for her neck to have scars."Hearing this, Serena looked up at Xayne, her eyes shining brightly."It might sting a bit at first, but then it'll feel cool. Just bear with it," Xay
"I'll go with you." Serena insisted as she stood up. She knew what Xayne was about to do and wanted to see it for herself.Xayne shook his head, looking at Serena with a gentle yet firm gaze. "No, you can't go. Stay here and wait."Xayne knew Serena was smart, and his eyes showed a hint of tenderness as he looked at her. However, this tenderness was coupled with an undeniable resolve. "The scene will be pretty gruesome. You're a woman, and it might leave you with nightmares," he explained.After all, there was one person severely injured and another dead. Xayne intended to use some brutal methods to uncover the mastermind behind the attack. Bringing Serena along would not be appropriate and could complicate his plans."But they came here to kill me," Serena stubbornly insisted. She walked up to Xayne, looking into his eyes with determination. "This is related to me. I have to go!"Xayne frowned, feeling helpless. "All right, but I'm warning you, it's going to be bloody. If you can
Deanana glanced at Xayne as she coyly smiled. "Mr. Xayne, no need to be so reserved with me. After all, I used to be one of your admirers. I always thought you were an extraordinary man."Although it seems I misjudged you, still, you were a part of my girlish dreams. Don't let your current misfortunes bother you too much. People say a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken, and while that's true, I happen to have a kind heart."Her words, though laced with laughter, were razor-sharp. Each one was a jab meant to cut deep.Her meaning was clear: "You might have been a shining star once, but now, you're nothing in my eyes—not even worth a second glance." Helping Xayne get his luggage was just an act, nothing more."Mr. Xayne, do you remember? Just a few years ago, at this very airport, you were returning from... oh yes, the Seven Nations Summit!"You know, I waited at the airport entrance for over four hours that morning just to get your autograph. But sadly, your security team didn'
"Heh, Miss Deanana, you also know that's all in the past. Even if he were still the King of the North, we live in peaceful times now. No one gets special privileges, right?" Dean chimed in smoothly, his tone laced with mockery."Dean! Do you even realize what you're doing?!" Aava could not hold back any longer, her eyes glaring fiercely as she clenched her fists in anger."Of course, I know what I'm doing, and I know neither of you are ordinary people. Thinking about hitting me? Don't forget, there are plenty of reporters over there. If you dare lay a hand on me, I'll make sure Xayne's reputation is ruined," Dean replied smugly.Dean's sneer widened into a wicked grin, the confidence radiating from him undeniable."Manager Dean, how about this? To be honest, I used to admire Mr. Xayne. Why don't you do me a favor and return his belongings? It would be a great gesture," Deanana interjected with a gentle smile.Upon hearing this, Aava bristled with fury. She knew Deanana was up to s
Dean's wild provocations quickly drew a crowd of onlookers.At that moment, a striking young woman stepped forward, removing her sunglasses as she made her way through the throng.The woman was dressed in an elegant black gown, the hemline revealing a pair of flawless, slender legs that caught everyone's attention. Her expression, however, was haughty, as though she looked down on everyone around her.She was Deanana Lovorka, the heiress of the Lovorka family conglomerate. While not exactly a household name, she was considered a minor socialite in the upper circles of Drakonix."Manager Dean, it's been a while!" Deanana greeted casually.As someone who frequently traveled abroad for business, Deanana was a familiar face at the airport and she had crossed paths with Dean on several occasions.But she was not here for a casual chat with Dean. It was far from it.She had come specifically to see Xayne.This was, after all, the legendary King of the North. Just six months ago, he w
"Do you have any idea whose luggage this is?" Aava asked coldly with a sharp and commanding tone.She was on the verge of revealing her special credentials—something she rarely used unless absolutely necessary. Xayne had been her hero, someone she deeply admired. The ridicule from Miodrag moments earlier had already pushed her to the edge, and now even a low-level airport staffer dared to humiliate him."Of course, I knew. Xayne, the King of the North six months ago; now he's just a regular civilian," the staffer replied with icy indifference. The staffer smirked. "Miss, do you think Xayne is still the mighty King of the North? There's no war, the capital isn't under siege, and he's utterly useless now. Take my advice—someone young and beautiful like you should stay far away from trash like Xayne. Get closer to someone like Young Master Dongfang instead. It'll do wonders for your future!"Dean swaggered over, cigarette dangling from his mouth, hands clasped behind his back. His ex
Upon hearing those words, both Xayne and Aava paused in surprise, then frowned in unison.The VIP lounge was clearly still operating as usual. Inside, over twenty people were relaxing—some reading newspapers and sipping coffee. There was no sign of any "closure" or "disinfection."It was obvious that this so-called announcement was deliberately targeting Xayne and Aava."Manager Li, isn't this going a bit too far? That's Xayne—formerly the King of the North. He has special privileges to use the VIP lounge. If this gets reported to higher-ups, we could all be in trouble…," whispered one of the airport staff, cautiously approaching Dean."Higher-ups? Haven't you heard? Young Master Lyuben already gave the order—anyone who sides with Xayne will see their entire family wiped out." Dean sneered, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he lit a cigarette."And even if the higher-ups find out, what can they do?" Dean added mockingly. "I'll admit, six months ago, I wouldn't have dared cross Xayne. B
Miodrag's laughter quickly caught the attention of onlookers in the bustling terminal. But their gazes were fixed not on him but on Xayne.The "King of the North" was a name nearly everyone recognized, yet no one dared approach him. Lyuben's warning had spread far and wide: anyone who got close to Xayne would face annihilation."Miodrag! What gives you the right to mock Mr. Xayne? Just hours ago, he was fighting on the front lines for this country. And you? What have you done besides indulge yourself in luxury?" Aava snapped with a sharp and clear voice."Heh, I pay taxes, don't I? Doesn't spending money generate tax revenue? Without people like me keeping the economy alive, what would Xayne have eaten in the north? Dirt?" Miodrag smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. He sneered and continued, "If not for us rich kids throwing around millions in donations every day, Xayne wouldn't even have warm dirt to eat!""Damn it! The nerve of that guy!""What's so special about the East
"Is it true that Xayne captured the so-called 'Lord of Light' alive?" Lyuben remained calm as he was playing a grand piano in the lounge."Indeed! Word is, the Lord of Light's master, Master Emin, was present as well. However, Xander also made an appearance. My analysis suggests it was Xander who forced Master Emin to retreat, while Xayne crippled the Lord of Light." An older man lowered his head respectfully as he spoke, his voice tinged with urgency."Oh? Defeating the Lord of Light… he must have had a trick up his sleeve. Was it some kind of tactic or setup?" Lyuben asked without betraying a hint of emotion."It's said that Xayne specializes in traps and ambushes. Otherwise, Hiram and his crew wouldn't have met their end in that mansion. Master Dongfang, you mustn't underestimate him!""Hmm?!" Lyuben's eyes shot open suddenly, piercing beams of icy resolve radiating toward the older man.The man immediately lowered his head further, not daring to meet the gaze of the young lead
"Lowes, what are you panicking for?" Zoro's cold gaze locked onto Lowes.Even though Lowes was several generations younger than him, as the head of the Bullard family, he had the status to stand on equal footing with Zoro."I'm not panicking, I just don't want to see more white funeral banners hanging at the Bullard family estate. If Xayne comes back and chooses to settle the score, do you think any of us can handle it? You might not know this, but back when King Quidie rebelled, even Klink didn't dare lay a hand on him," Lowes replied, his voice strained but steady.He paused, taking a long, slow breath to calm himself. "Put it another way, if Xayne comes for us, even KB Kings Circle won't step in to save us. If that doesn't scare you, then I don't know what will!"The air in the room grew colder. Lowes glanced around at the faces of the other family heads, hoping to see reason in their eyes. But then came a sneer.Zoro let out a low, disdainful chuckle. "Even if Xayne didn't die
"Xayne!" Zoro clenched his fists so tightly. If anyone had a grudge against Xayne, the Eastin family's hatred was no less than that of the Bullard family. Not to mention, Flamey had been killed by Xayne not long ago. This blood feud had to be settled.The Big Four weren't some weak, defenseless prey that Xayne could toy with as he pleased. For decades, the Big Four had controlled the heart of the Drakonia's economy. Every senator, governor, and political figure had to show them respect. But since Iver's death, the Big Four had lost their glow. People who once bowed their heads were now looking down on them. The root of all this was because of Xayne.That's why, after Flamey's death, the Eastin family had no choice but to call upon their master, a man who had been living in seclusion for decades. Every bit of information regarding Xayne's trip to Egenda, his plans, his contacts, and even his flight schedule had been deliberately fed to Lord of Light.They made it clear that the momen