The Shalholm Business Association cocktail party occurred at the Whitehorse Manor, near the outskirts of Shalholm. The scenery was breathtaking, and the estate exuded splendor.As night fell, the Whitehorse Manor’s lights shined through the surroundings. The entrance had various luxury cars like Porsches, Ferraris, Bentleys, and even a Rolls-Royce.The attendees were prominent figures of Shalholm. They encompassed the first- and second-tier families of Shalholm, as well as high-profile CEOs and chairpersons. Eric’s and Serena’s family arrived at the Whitehorse Manor in awe.The cost of building this manor was a staggering hundred and forty million dollars. It lived up to the Shalholm Business Association’s reputation. However, one person was conspicuously absent—Xayne.The reason was simple. Eric forbade him from attending. After all, the event was an excellent opportunity for the Swifts to connect with various influential figures. They could not afford any mishaps Xayne could caus
Whoosh! The group turned to stare at Royce. The latter was taken aback, quickly showing everyone the photo on his phone. "Look, guys. Doesn't that person look a lot like Xayne?!"The Swift family members stared at the somewhat blurry photo. Surprisingly, the person bore some resemblance, even though it was unclear. Nonetheless, the person’s physique and profile struck a chord with the family.Serena was just as stunned and skeptical.‘Can it be Xayne?'She quickly looked over, seeing Chuck and the others escorting the mysterious VIP into the Whitehorse Manor. Eric, Tim, and the others turned to Serena. One asked, “Where's Xayne now?"Serena stuttered, "H-He's probably at home with Coco.""Call him now!" Eric urged. It would be a tremendous surprise if it turned out to be Xayne. ‘Xayne had Chuck and other prominent figures of Shalholm greet him at the door! We’ll strike gold if it is Xayne.’Serena nervously called Xayne. She found it hard to believe and didn’t know what to d
“Mr. Xayne, this way. No one will recognize you with this mask," Chuck said smilingly.Xayne glanced at him and sighed in resignation. "All right, I'll make an exception for you, but it won't happen again.""Of course, sir." Chuck wiped the sweat from his forehead, then stood aside respectfully. Soon after, Shalholm’s prominent figures engaged in lively conversation with Xayne.A moment later, Chuck said, "Mr. Xayne, the evening party is starting."Xayne nodded and rose. He took a white mask from the side, put it on, and then led the group out of the private room.Whitehorse Manor’s hall bustled with guests. The elite families and representatives of top-tier businesses conversed and networked. When the Swifts entered the main hall, many eyes turned to them, some with discomfort."Aren’t those the Swifts? What are they doing here?""I heard Mr. Chuck invited them. It's hard to say if that’s true.""Is that Serena in the back? Didn’t someone tarnish her reputation five years ago?
"How dare you hit me?!" Serena's eyes reddened.Everyone in the main hall focused on them. They were full of mockery as they enjoyed the shocking scene."Isn't that Serena? Did she just get slapped?""I'm not sure, but it looks like Serena tried to hit on someone important.""No way! Isn't Serena married and has a child?!"The crowd was amused as they gave vulgar comments about Serena. The latter teared up with grievance as everyone accused and insulted her. However, the Swifts felt humiliated as they stood among the crowd."Grandpa, I told you we shouldn't have brought Serena. She’s causing trouble again. She tried to hit on Ghazali Corporation’s CEO. It’ll be over for us if she offends Mr. Abel!" Sophia was concerned for her family.Tim echoed, "She’s right, Dad. Serena is disgraceful for trying to cozy up to a wealthy man when so many people are present. She's already married. She's tarnishing our reputation. We should disown someone so disgraceful."Those words alarmed Tony
Scarlett slapped Serena again, then grabbed her hair. "You bitch! Mr. Abel has confirmed your attempts to seduce him. What else do you have to say? Are you planning to tell everyone he’s setting you up? You’re nothing. Why would he want you?”The crowd nodded in agreement."She's right. It's my first time seeing Mr. Abel, yet I know he wouldn't want Serena.""Yeah! Mr. Abel is accomplished and capable. Serena must’ve tried to curry favors with him. I bet she didn’t expect Mr. Abel to be an upright gentleman and refuse her advances.""Heh, disgusting! That woman shouldn't be at this gathering! Kick her out!"The crowd grew fervent, urging Serena to leave. Serena tearfully tried to defend herself amidst the crowd’s ridicule, "I didn't try to seduce him. I'm not that kind of woman. I'm not..."Smack! Suddenly, someone from the crowd threw a cake at Serena’s face."Hit that bitch!""Yeah, she's tarnishing Shalholm's reputation!"Suddenly, countless individuals began pelting Se
The man’s voice echoed through the manor. The crowd couldn't help but glance toward the formidable-looking masked man beside Serena. His intimidating aura caused everyone to gasp.“Who is he, and what’s with the disguise?”“Does he want to avoid people recognizing him?” As the crowd discussed in hushed tones, someone stepped forward to support Serena.Scarlett was furious as she glared at the masked man, shouting, "Who are you?! How dare you interfere with my affairs? Do you even know who I am? I'm Mr. Abel's secretary!"Meanwhile, Abel stood behind the arrogant Scarlett.However, the masked figure, Xayne, scoffed, "You’re from the Ghazali Corporation, huh? That’s pretty impressive. How dare you accuse my guest and resort to violence against her at my event?“You've made me very angry! Now, apologize to this young lady, or face the consequences!"Everyone was shocked as they stared at the masked Xayne, who demanded an apology from Scarlett. After all, she was a rising star in
Xayne slapped Scarlett, sending her face askew.The crowd fell silent, stunned by what they had just witnessed.“Did he just strike her?! That’s like offending Mr. Abel and the Ghazali Corporation!”Scarlett was dumbfounded as she held her swelling and stinging cheek. Her eyes brimmed with fury as she glared at the masked Xayne. In a hysterical fit, she screamed, "You dared to hit me?! Ahhh! I'll kill you!"Scarlett went berserk as she rushed forward, intending to unleash her martial arts skills upon Xayne. However, the latter kicked Scarlett's abdomen with a resounding thud, sending her flying across the room.Once again, everyone gasped in shock. “That man is so strong, and his actions are decisive. Scarlett stood no chance against him!”"Gah, my stomach!" Scarlett writhed on the ground, groaning, "Mr. Abel... he hit me… I'll kill him!"Abel helped Scarlett up from the ground angrily. He glared at the masked Xayne, yelling, "Who are you?! How dare you lay hands on my secreta
The grand hall fell into a prolonged silence as the atmosphere turned tense. The crowd felt a shiver run down their spine.Meanwhile, sweat dripped from Abel’s forehead. However, his pride as the heir to the Ghazali Corporation led him to dismiss Xayne’s warning. The former retorted, “How dare you question me?”Immediately after, the crowd began questioning the masked man’s identity and why he stepped in for Serena.“Is it as Scarlett said? Is he in an affair with Serena?”The onlookers looked curious."Tsk tsk, it seems Serena is no ordinary woman. She must’ve done more than seduce Mr. Abel.""I agree. Otherwise, why would the masked man help her?""Poor Xayne, he probably has no idea his wife is cheating on him."Whispers and murmurs began to fill the hall. Serena hung her head as her tears glistened. After all, she had suffered an injustice and felt helpless. She glanced at the masked man, wondering who he was and why he stood up for her.Xayne shook his head and asked ba
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