Hammond sighed and explained, "Yes, Healers Valley is not as peaceful as you might think. There are three factions within the Valley: the radicals, the moderates, and the conservatives. "The radicals advocate for expanding the Valley's power and influence, creating companies and acquiring pharmaceutical enterprises. They even have connections with some pharmaceutical sects. "The conservatives, on the other hand, believe in maintaining the status quo, focusing on research and alchemy. The moderates, while not as influential, balance the power dynamics within the Valley."Having understood this, Xayne realized that Serena Group's rapid expansion had affected the interests of the radical faction in Folksworth's pharmaceutical market. Additionally, Serena Group's plans to open new branches in other provinces and even overseas markets would undoubtedly disrupt Healers Valley's territory.In other words, this incident was a warning from the radical faction within Healers Valley.Under
In an instant, the ten or so assassins surrounding Cyrus charged at Xayne. Xayne frowned as he looked at the attackers, shaking his head and sighed. Their skills were far too low. The strongest among them was only at the Legend Warrior level. It seemed the Eastin Ace branch had become a cornered beast.Xayne threw his Ravenclaw Dagger, a dazzling silver arc forming in midair. A series of puncturing sounds followed as the dagger swiftly penetrated the chests and abdomens of the assassins, blood splattering everywhere.In an instant, the assassins collapsed into pools of blood, their deaths instantaneous. The sheer speed and efficiency of Xayne's attack left Cyrus and Matthew stunned. They hadn't expected this batch of assassins to be defeated so swiftly.Seeing Xayne approach, Cyrus turned pale with fear. Trembling, he shouted, "What do you want? I am from the Eastin family. If you dare to lay a hand on me, the Eastin family will never let you go."Cyrus was terrified. Though he pr
This was the law of survival.Xayne, coldly observing the bodies on the ground, frowned and called Ritchie, instructing him to arrange for the cleanup.When Ritchie arrived and saw the bodies, he was immediately drenched in cold sweat. These were the head and elder of the Eastin Ace branch from Drakonix. Xayne's actions were ruthless beyond imagination. It was as if he had eradicated the Eastin Ace branch.Meanwhile, in the Drakonix at the Eastin family's main branch, the hall was filled with the elders and core members of the Eastin family. Crawford sat at the top, his face dark and somber.He spoke coldly, "Just now, the Folksworth Military Theater sent another batch of bodies, including Cyrus and Matthew. Everyone here is a high-ranking member of the Eastin family. What should we do about this?"The hall erupted into heated discussions. Some were furious, smashing their teacups and shouting, "How dare a dismissed King of the North act so boldly and kill the Eastin Ace branch me
Meanwhile, within the Healers Valley, the radical faction gathered to discuss the message just received from Hammond of the Drakonian Council.The leader was an elderly man, around fifty-six years old. He wore a cold expression, and he spoke in a chilling tone. "You've all heard it. Xayne had Hammond deliver a message to us. Now, what do you think our response should be?"One of the men stood up immediately. "Third Headmaster, Xayne is no longer the King of the North. He's just a commoner now. We don't need to take his words seriously. All we need to do is follow our plan.""Exactly! Seventh Elder is right. Xayne may have some strength, but we, the Healer's Valley, also have powerful experts," another agreed.However, a dissenting voice emerged. "Third Headmaster, everyone, I believe we should proceed cautiously. Even though Xayne has lost his military position, his reputation remains intact. If we provoke him carelessly, it might not bode well for us. If he comes seeking answers,
"What's going on?" Xayne answered the call with a calm tone."Drakon King, the intelligence department of Dracarium has recently uncovered some important information. I felt it necessary to inform you immediately," Dragos said with a serious tone.Xayne frowned as he questioned, "What intel?"Dragos continued, "First, the recent joint military exercises near the northern border have clear implications of being aimed at Northern Plains. They're acting on orders from a Nine Nation Summit led by Newcroa."Upon hearing this, Xayne's face darkened. "I knew it. This is their way of testing the new leadership in Dragon Nation. What else?""The second piece of intel is about the Big Four. We've been gathering evidence on them as per your instructions, and we’ve found something. The Bullard family is suspected of treason. They’ve been secretly exchanging information with neighboring countries, and they’ve even had covert meetings with the Nine Nation Summit."Immediately, Xayne squinted a
Xayne thought for a moment before pushing open the old wooden door, which creaked loudly as it moved.A wave of the pungent scent of herbal medicine greeted him.The shop was not large, but it was packed with various medicinal herbs. Inside, a young man was busy tallying accounts while weighing herbs on a small scale. Without lifting his head, the young man spoke flatly, "In the back," still focused on his work.Xayne glanced to the side and noticed a gray cloth curtain hanging over an entryway.After a brief hesitation, he pulled the curtain aside. As soon as he stepped through, the pleasant aroma of herbs filled the air, followed by the jingling of a bell.Suddenly, a small, delicate figure crashed right into his chest with a thud, accompanied by a soft yelp of pain."Who are you? Why are you blocking my way?!"Xayne was startled as he looked down to see a girl. She was not more than seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in a white dress. Gold anklets and bracelets with t
There was something off about the tea as expected.But Xayne did not want to call her out directly.The moment the young girl saw him drink the tea she had brewed, she put her hands on her hips, pointed at him, and laughed wickedly. "Hahaha! You're out of luck! After drinking my tea, you'll be stuck on the toilet for three days!"The old man beside her froze, then barked, "Octavia! How dare you! You can't treat guests like this! Apologize to Mr. Xayne at once!"Octavia pouted as she shook her ponytails in defiance. "No way! Grandpa, he bumped into me first! I only gave him a little laxative—it could've been worse! If it were anyone else, I would've slipped them some real poison!"Hmph! Apologize to me! If you make me happy, I'll give you the antidote," she said, glaring at Xayne with smug satisfaction.Xayne put the cup down and smirked without a word.He stood up, moved swiftly, and grabbed her by the arm. Before Octavia could react, Xayne had already retrieved a packet of powd
Upon hearing the Light Order, the old man's hand trembled slightly. He frowned, placed the cup down, and glanced at Octavia, who was standing nearby, observing Xayne."Octavia, step out for a moment," he said. "Mr. Xayne and I need to discuss something."Octavia pouted in frustration and muttered an unhappy "Okay." She then turned around and left the room immediately.Once she left the old man finally spoke. "Mr. Xayne, how did you come to know about the Light Order?"Xayne replied, "I have my own sources."The old man nodded, then continued, "Since that's the case, I won't hide anything from you. The Light Order is the group your grandfather is currently a part of. It’s an organization that operates beyond normal society, rarely showing itself to the outside world. Even the most powerful underground intelligence network in Westfordia has no trace of information on the Light Order."Xayne nodded. "That's what I suspected. That's why I've come to you, to understand exactly what th
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
"In the end, his ambitions were never realized. When he attempted to merge all five Dragon's Hearts, he died. After his death, the Dragon's Hearts vanished without a trace. That's why the Light Order has always kept a close eye on Drakonia, especially on the methods Commander Zedd used to track down those Dragon's Hearts," Joe explained.Hearing this, Xayne was utterly stunned. He had never imagined that over a century ago, Commander Zedd had possessed five Dragon's Hearts. That would have been a time when Drakon Destiny was on the rise. However, because of the failed fusion, Commander Zedd lost not only his life but also Drakon Destiny's, which declined, leading to the humiliations and defeats that followed over the next century."So you're saying the Dragon's Hearts are tied to the fate of a nation?" Xayne asked, his shock evident."Absolutely. Based on our research, there's no doubt about it. The fate of Drakonia is linked to the Dragon's Hearts. Every time someone successfully f
In the VIP lounge of the airport, Xayne and Aava were waiting for their flight. Not long after, a tall, broad-shouldered young man strode in. He scanned the room briefly before his eyes locked onto Xayne and Aava. Without hesitation, he walked straight toward them. "Mr. Xayne, I'm sorry for the wait. I was sent here by Yves."The young man sized up Xayne, his eyes flashing with surprise when he saw that Xayne was completely unharmed. Word had spread about Xayne's clash with Lord of Light, a confrontation that even drew out a Radiant Commander figure, Emin. Yet here Xayne was, perfectly fine. It was hard not to be impressed.As Yves's right-hand man, Joe Zhird knew better than to underestimate someone like Xayne. His respect was evident in his tone and demeanor. With his status as the top lieutenant of Black Ice Platform, even the heads of prominent families would approach him with courtesy. But right now, it was Joe who was showing deference to Xayne, and this caught Aava by surprise